Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 81

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1482

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Theeldest of this family, James Megilligan, was born and educated in Mill Creek hundred. Ilis life was spent in the cultivation of the soil, in which he was very successful. After

his marriage, James Megilligan removed to Brandywine hundred, New Castle county, and rented the DuPont farm, on which he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Whig. James Megilligan was married, in Mill Creek hundred, to Hannah, daughter of Richard Buckingham, a member of one of the old families of that hundred. Their children are: I. Mary E. (Mrs. Oliver Smedley), of Chester county, Pa .; HI. William, farming in Alaska, served during the Civil War in the First Delaware Battery; III. Jane, died in youth; IV. Annie; V. James Elwood; VI. Samuel, died in early manhood; VII. Sarah (Mrs. Colin MeNichols). Mr. Megilligan and his family were members of the M. E. church .. He died at his home, June 1, 1875; his widow died in January, 1876. Mrs. Megilligan was a Friend, but connected herself with the M. E. church; she and her husband are buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine cemetery.

James E. Megilligan attended the public schools of Brandywine hundred, and com- pleted his scholastic course at Clarkson Taylor's Friends' school. He remained at home, assisting his father, and after his father's death, began farming for himself on the DuPont place. Here he opened a dairy, which soon acquired an enviable reputation. In 1897, Mr. Megilligan removed to the Per- kins farm of 75 acres. The products of his farm and dairy find a ready market at the best prices; he is also interested in raising fine cattle, in which department he is particularly successful. He is a stanch Republican, and an active worker for the success of the party. Mr. Megilligan is a genial gentleman well- known and popular in the community. In 1884 he was elected road commissioner, and served for one term; for four years he was a member of the Republican county committee. He was at one time a candidate for sheriff of New Castle county. Mr. Megilligan was a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., and the Patrons of Husbandry, and now belongs to DuPont Lodge, No. 29, A. F. and A. M., of Henry Clay.

James Elwood Megilligan was married, in 1876, in Brandywine hundred, to Clara, daughter of Alfred Murphy, and grand- daughter of William Murphy. Their chil- dren are: T. Caroline; II. Edward; TIT. Her- bert, died in youth. Mr. Megilligan's family are members of the M. E. church.

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

WILLIAM J. HOFMANN, New Castle, New Castle county, Del., son of Charles and Caroline (Steede) Hofmann, was born in Phil- adelphia, Pa., September 28, 1871. Charles Hofmann, father of William J. Ilofmann, was a hotel keeper of Germany. He was married to Caroline Steede, who was also a German,

William J. Hofmann is the able and intelli- · gent editor of the New Castle News. He is a Republican, interested not only in the polit- ical but in the general affairs of the country, and is secretary of the city Board of Health. Mr. Hofmann is a member of the Masonic Order.

COL. J. HENRY ROGERS, New Castle, Del., son of James and Maria ( Booth) Rogers, was born in New Castle, May 1, 1817.

His great-grandfather, James Rogers, a na- tive of England, emigrated to America in 1665, with his family, and settled in Accomac county, Virginia, where he spent the re- mainder of his life upon his plantation. This family were among the earliest settlers of Vir- ginia, and many of them were active in the colonial army in the revolutionary struggle. James Rogers was a member of the Church of England. His son, Daniel Rogers, grandfa- ther of Col. Rogers, was born in Accomac county, and there spent his boyhood. When a young man, he removed to Milford, Del., and devoted his attention to farming. Daniel Rogers represented his district in the Senate of Delaware, of which he was elected speaker. In 1797, he was elected to succeed Governor G. Bedford as governor of the State, and filled that office for two years. Daniel Rogers was twice married; his first wife was Esther -; their children were: I. James, born May 12, 1780, died September 15, 1868; II. Thomas W., born March 16, 1782, died January 18, 1865; III. Betsey, born Septem- ber 2, 1784, died October 8, 1791; IV. Mol- ton C., born March 11, 1786, died September 27, 1863; he was Secretary of State under Governor Shulze of Pennsylvania; on April 15, 1826, was commissioned a justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; after the adoption of the new constitution, he was re- commissioned by Governor Porter and re- mained on the bench until 1851; V. Daniel M., born May 16, 1789, died October 21, 1826. Mrs. Esther Rogers died May 22, 1789.

The second wife of Daniel Rogers was Nancy --. They were married January 5, 1790; their children were: I. John, born November 12, 1790, died January 13, 1833; 1I. Samuel, born December 26, 1792, died October 21, 1794; III. Clement, born May 25, 1795; IV. Hannah, born 1797, died September 8, 1857, wife of James Booth, chief justice of the State of Delaware; V. William, born November 4, 1799; VI. Mary, born March 2, 1802, died February 28, 1885; VII. Henry, born January 18, 1804.

Mr. Rogers died February 2, 1806, and was buried at Milford, Delaware.

Ilis son, James Rogers, was born at South Milford, Sussex county, Delaware, May 12, 1780; in the same place he passed his boy- hood and received his elementary education. At the age of seventeen he entered Princeton College, New Jersey, and after a two years' course, was graduated in 1799. ITe then be- gan the study of law in the office of Nicholas Ridgely, Esq., of Dover; but after the ap- pointment of that gentleman to the chancel- lorship, in 1801, he removed to New Castle, and finished his preliminary studies in the office of Nicholas Van Dyke, Esq. Mr. Rog -. ers was admitted to the bar, May 18, 1803, and practiced until 1815, when he was ap- pointed attorney-general of Delaware by Gov- ernor Rodney, under whom he held the office for five years. He was re-appointed by Gov- ernor Jacob Stout in 1820; in 1825 by Gov- ernor Samuel Paynter, and in 1835 by Gov- ernor Caleb P. Bennett, thus holding the of- fice of attorney-general for twenty-five years. James Rogers practiced law for more than thirty-seven years; his judgment was highly respected, and his opinions on legal questions were constantly sought. In 1840, he retired to private life, and spent the rest of his life on his farm, Booth Hurst, in New Castle hun- dred. James Rogers was married at New Castle, April 16, 1807, to Maria, daughter of Hon. James and Ann (Clay) Booth, both na- tives of Delaware. Mrs. Rogers was born at New Castle, February 27, 1786. Their chil- dren are: I. James, born February 19, 1808, died in infancy; II. William H., born June 30, 1810, a graduate of Yale College, prac- ticed law at New Castle and Wilmington, was Deputy Attorney-General of the State and United States District Attorney, died in Washington, D. C., in 1860; III. James, 2,

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STATE OF DELAWARE

born June 1, 1812, served in the United States Revenue Department, spent the latter part of his life on his farm, is deceased; IV. E. Eugene, born February 21, 1814, resides on the homestead of Booth Hurst, New Cas- tle hundred; V. Edward, born May 25, 1816, died in childhood; VI. J. Henry; VII. Ju- lian, M. D., born April 26, 1819, is deceased; VIII. Robert Clay, born June 2, 1821, served during the Mexican war in the United States Navy, is United States Commissioner at Sitka, Alaska; IX. Eliza Jacobs, born February 8, 1823, died August 17, 1848, was the wife of Lieut. Jos. Nicholson Barney, of the United States Navy; X. Daniel, born January 29, 1825, is a lawyer of San Francisco, Cal .; XI. Maria Booth, born May 14, 1827, died in in- fancy; XII. infant, born May 2, 1831, died in infancy; XIII. Anna, born May, 1833, died in infancy. Mr. Rogers was widely known and held in high esteem; he was noted for physical as well as intellectual activity. An accomplished equestrian, he could ride a horse as well at the age of eighty-eight as any man of twenty-five. He was a Democrat of the Jefferson and Jackson type. Ilis death occurred in 1869, and was deeply regretted by the citizens of New Castle. Mrs. James Rogers died on the farm, March 12, 1870, and was buried at New Castle. They were both members of the Episcopal Church.

J. Henry Rogers was educated in the sub- scription schools of New Castle and at Newark College. In 1835, he began the study of civil engineering on the B. & M. R. R. at Andover, Mass., and was engaged in that profession un- til 1850. From that date until 1856, he re- sided at Booth Hurst, and since that time has made his home in New Castle, leading a re- tired life. ITis polities are Democratic, but his opinions on current questions are formed independent of partisan influence. Mr. Rog- ers is a useful and patriotic citizen, always en- deavoring to further the interests of the town. He was one of the promoters of the New Cas- tle wool factory and mills, and is interested not only in increasing the material wealth of the town, but in enhancing its beauty and salubrity. To his efforts are largely due the fine parks and public squares with which New Castle is embellished. He takes a warm in- terest in the history of his native State, and has in his possession many relics of Washing- ton, Penn, and other celebrated men. Mr.

Rogers inherits much of his father's athletic force and activity. Although an octogenar- ian, he may boast of being still one of the fin- est skaters in Delaware, and can manage a bi- cycle as skilfully as any young man of one- fourth his years. lle holds a commission as colonel of the State militia.

In Philadelphia, Pa., on July 17, 1850, J.

- Henry Rogers was married to Mary G., daughter of Edward Ingraham, a well-known resident of that city, where Mrs. Rogers was born. The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Rogers are: I. Edward Ingraham; 11. Caroline Barney; III. Pauline Henry; all residing at home. Mrs. Rogers died in New Castle in 1892. Mr. Rogers is a member of the Episcopal Church, and for many years held the office of vestryman.

IIon. James Booth, Sr., maternal grand- father of Mr. Rogers, was born at New Castle, Del., February 6, 1753. He was Chief Jus- tice of the Court of Common Pleas from 1799 to 1828. Although not a member of the bar, he had great aptitude for the law, and sound judgment. He was also a close student and a man of careful observation and reten- tive memory, so that his judicial duties, throughout the whole of his long service on the bench, were performed most creditably and acceptably. He was a Federalist. Judge Booth occupied a position of influence, both in public and in private life. He spent the greater portion of his life in public service. Prior to his appointment as Chief Justice, in which position he succeeded Hon. Richard Bassett, January 28, 1799, he had been sec- retary of the Delaware constitutional conven- tions of 1776 and 1792, a naval officer in 1777, marshal in 1778, and secretary of state in 1778-79, under Governors Rodney, Dickin- son, Clayton, and Bedford; and presidential elector in 1808. Judge Booth died at New Castle, February 3, 1828, and was succeeded on the bench by Hon. Thomas Clayton.

His son, Hon. James Booth, Jr., was born at New Castle, November 21, 1789. He was graduated from Princeton College, studied law at Litchfield, Conn., and was admitted in 1812 to the bar of Delaware. Having prac- tired with distinction and success for nearly thirty years, on March 12, 1841, he succeeded to the office of Chief Justice, his predecessor, Hon. Richard H. Bayard, having resigned. Ilis judicial duties were discharged with such

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ability, integrity and urbanity as to secure for him both public respect and enduring personal regard. Judge Booth married the sister of Ilon. James Rogers, Attorney-General of Del- aware. He died March 29, 1855, and was suc- ceeded in his office by Hon. Samuel M. Har- rington, who afterwards beame chancellor.

. JAMES GRAY KNOWLES, New Castle, Del., son of George G. and Martha C. Knowles, was born in Delaware county, Pa., near the town of Darby, August 3, 1837. IIe received his early education at home, and at the age of nineteen began to learn the business of cotton manufacturing, in the establishment of Abram Blakeley, at Chester, Pa. From Js59 until 1863, he was in business for him- self in that place, engaged in the spinning of cotton yarn. In the latter year, James G. Shaw having just completed his mill, in New Castle, the two gentlemen formed a partner- ship for the manufacture of cotton yarn, un- der the firm name of Shaw & Knowles. Add- ing machinery for wool-spinning, they con- tinued the business thus enlarged until 1871, when, their partnership being dissolved, Mr. Knowles devoted his attention exclusively to the manufacture of woolen goods, at first leasing a part of the factory hitherto used by the firm. Two years later, he erected mills, having four sets of woolen machinery. Twice have these buildings been destroyed by fire, in 1878 and in 1884; but both times they were immediately rebuilt, the second time with ad- ditions and improvements. A further addi- tion was made in 1886, when four new sets of machinery were put in, and the number of looms increased to two hundred, making Mr. Knowles' factory one of the largest and most thoroughly equipped in the State.

Its operations are carried on in four build- ings, a main building of two stories, measuring 300 by 48 feet; another two-story structure, whose dimensions are 80 by 30 feet, a drying and finishing building of one story, 120 by 34 feet, and a picking room, also a one-story structure, 83 by 34 feet. Two engines are in constant use which have together 160 horse- power. The mill has an electric light plant and an automatic fire apparatus, and is well supplied with fire-escapes and other precau- tionary appliances, as well as with all the most approved facilities for turning out a product of superior quality, in quantities adequate to

all demands. This product consists of medium grade "cotton worsteds," for the men's cloth- ing trade, which are turned out at the rate of over seven thousand yards daily, and disposed of to manufacturers in all parts of the country, through Mr. Knowles' New York office.

The prosperity of this industry is mainly due to Mr. Knowles' watchful attention to all departments of the business, and his diligence in planning and carrying out such measures as secure the most satisfactory results practica- ble. It is gratifying to add that he is noted also for his kind and liberal treatment of the hundreds of employees required by his exten- sive operations; a course which has caused the affairs of the factory to move along for many years with very little friction. Mr. Knowles is not only a business man, but a man of cul- ture, a lover of art and literature, and of do- mestic and social pleasures.

James Gray Knowles was married in 1864, to Ella M., daughter of Rev. William Urie, a well-known minister of the M. E. church. Their children are: I. Martha; II. George.

JOSEPH E. VANTINE, New Castle, Delaware, son of William and Sarah (John- son) Vantine, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 29, 1835.

The Vantine family had its origin in Hol- land. William Vantine was born in Philadel- phia in 1810, and received his education in that city in both the English and German languages. From his youth he was engaged in boating on the Pennsylvania Canal. Dur- ing the war of the Rebellion, the family did faithful and abundant service in the Union cause. Although he had completed his fifth decade, William Vantine enlisted, and served three years in the United States army, giving also three sons to the service. He had in earlier life supported the Whig party; he died a stanch adherent to Republican principles. Mr. Vantine was a member of the I. O. O. F. in Philadelphia. His death occurred in 1879. His wife, Sarah Johnson, to whom he was mar- ried in Philadelphia, was of English descent. Their children are: I. Joseph E .; II. Mary (Mrs. John Robinson), of Philadelphia, de- ceased; III. Samuel, served in the war of the Rebellion, resides in Ohio; IV. Jane (Mrs. Samuel Saunders), of Philadelphia, deceased; V. William, veteran of the late war, resides at the Soldiers' Home, Hampton Roads, Va .;

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STATE OF DELAWARE

VI. Sarah (Mrs. Andrew Glover), Philadel- phia, deceased; VII. George W., of New Cas- tle, Del. Mrs. Vantine died in Philadelphia; she and the family were members of the M. E. Church.

After obtaining an education in the public schools of Philadelphia, Joseph E. Vantine spent some time with his uncle, on an oyster boat. 'At the age of sixteen, he entered the shops of William Merrick, in order to learn the business of blacksmithing. Seven years later, his apprenticeship being ended, he as- sumed the position of fireman on the U. S. ship Minnesota, and spent three years in Chinese waters. During the war of the Re- bellion, the vessel was ordered home. Mr. Vantine then enlisted, and served throughout the war as first-class fireman on board the U. S. war ship Richmond. He was one of those whose service, being not only of the hand, but also of the willing and ingenious mind, was more than doubly valuable. He originated the plan of arming war vessels by suspending chain cables about their most vulnerable parts, which was used with such telling effect by Admiral Farragut upon his victorious fle .t. Mr. Vantinereceived a medal for drawing the fires from under the boilers on the boat after a shell had struck it in the battle of Mobile Bay, in token of the gratitude of the U. S. government. After receiving his discharge at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, September 10, 1864, Mr. Vantine became engineer in the iron works of Morris, Tasker & Co., Philadelphia, and resided in that city until the company transferred him to the plant at New Castle, in 1873. He held his position there until 1895, when a paralytic stroke disabled him for work, and he has ever since been confined to his house. Mr. Vantine has always been a warm supporter of the Republican party, but has never sought office. Ile is a member of the Farragut Veterans' Association, and Marshal of the Honor Legion, both of Phila- delphia. He is Past Commander of Post No. 5, G. A. R., of New Castle, and was for one year department commander. He is a mem- ber of St. John's Commandery and Chapter, F. & A. M., and of the Blue Lodge, Wilming- ton; also of the I. O. O. F., of the same city.

Joseph E. Vantine was married in Philadel- phia in 1855, to Catherine Lyman, a native of that city. Their children were: I. William; IT. Julia; both reside in Philadelphia, where Mrs.

(Lyman) Vantine died. He was again mar- ried, March 15, 1878, to Susan A., daughter of Henry and Mary (Willis) Jordan, born near Newport, Del. Mr. Jordan was a farmer, andservedin a Delaware regiment during the war of the Rebellion. He was a member of the M. E. church; he died in Delaware. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Vantine are: I. Mary R., a graduate of the New Castle High school, and a teacher of that town; II. Robert II., at home; III. Sarah S. Ethel A., Henrietta and Henry died in infancy. Mr. Vantine, with his family, is a member of the Baptist church, which he formerly served as clerk. His services to the State and Church, as well as his personal qualities, have won for him general respect and esteem.

REV. FATHER EDWARD L. BRADY, New Castle, Del., was born in Philadelphia, September 21, 1852, eldest son of Edward G. and Annie C. (Crumely) Brady. Edward G. Brady, who was a shoemaker, was a native of Philadelphia, died in Wilmington, as did his wife also. Their youngest son, Hubert, is also a priest, and resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. The family is of Irish descent.

Father Brady received his early education in the public schools of Philadelphia and Wil- mington. He then studied several terms in St. Mary's College, Wilmington, and prepared himself for the priesthood at St. Charles' Col- lege, Howard county, Md. He next devoted himself to the study of philosophy at the University of Louvain, and upon the comple- tion of his course, entered the American Col- lege at Rome, and was there ordained to the priesthood in 1878. After spending several months in Europe, Father Brady returned to Wilmington, and was placed in charge of the parish of St. Peter and St. Paul, Easton, Md., by Bishop Becker. He passed four years in ministering to the spiritual wants of the peo- ple of that parish and of several missions con- nected with it, and was then transferred to Chestertown, Kent county, Del., where he was parish priest of the church of the Sacred Heart for two years. In 1884, he came to New Castle, and has been for the past thirteen years the faithful and beloved pastor of St. Pe- ter's church. He is regarded with much re- speet by the citizens of New Castle in general.

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tion by the well-known missionary, Father l'atrick Kenney, in 1804, and he continued to be its principal priest until 1828. The first church edifice, a small frame building, was completed about 1810, and was in use until the present house of worship was erected; the latter was begun in 1870, under the pastorate of Father John Daily, finished after his death, which took place in 1874, and dedicated May 27, 1876, the present cardinal of Baltimore officiating. The property, including the pas- toral residence adjoining, is valued at about thirty-five thousand dollars. Forty years ago, the territory included in the parish of Father Cobbin, then resident priest at New Castle, included the whole peninsula. The parish limits have been gradually restricted until, at the present time, it comprises only the New Castle congregation of St. Peter's. One hun- dred and fifty families are in communion with this church. It has several societies con- neeted with it, of which St. Peter's Beneficial Society, organized in 1867, is one of the most important. The A. O. HI. division No. 3, is one of the most important organizations of the Church. It numbers nearly one hundred members, and it is noted for the social and charitable care of its members. The St. Peter's T. A. B. Society is also in a flourishing condition and includes within its membership the most prominent young men of the congre- gation.

WILLIAM J. HUNTER, New Castle, Del., son of William and Eliza (Cooper) Hun- ter, was born at St. George's, Del., February 14, 1852. William Hunter, who was of Ger- man and Scotch parentage, was born in Pensa- cola, Fla., in 1821. His parents removing to Chesapeake City, Md., he received a common school education in that place, and afterwards found employment on the Chesapeake Canal as raftsman. He spent a number of years in this occupation, after which he became fire- man on the Frenchtown Railroad, for Engi- neer Jumper Taylor. Some years later, he Was promoted to the position of engineer, and had the honor of bringing the first passenger train over the Delaware railroad. He contin- ued in railroad employ until a stroke of engi- neer's paralysis rendered him an invalid. Mr. Hunter was a Republican. He was an active member of the M. E. Church, a class leader, Sunday-school teacher and superintendent,

and took an interest in every department of church work. Ilis habits were temperate and his conduct exemplary. William Hunter was married in 1841, at Chesapeake City, to Eliza Cooper, born in Manchester, England, daugh- ter of William Cooper, a silk hat maker and tailor of Philadelphia. The children of Mr. and Mrs. William IIunter are: I. Elizabeth, widow of George Bratton, Philadelphia; II. Joseph, traveling agent of the Baldwin Loco- motive Company, Philadelphia; III. William J .; IV. George Andrew, railroad engineer, of Chester City; V. Samuel II., salesman, Wil- mington; VI. Frank, painter, of Chester, Pa .; VII. Joanna (Mrs. Harry Dawson), Philadel- phia; VIII. Isabella ( Mrs. Lewis Bates), Phil- adelphia; IX. Albert, contractor and painter, Philadelphia; X. Virginia (Mrs. William Hoffman), Philadelphia; XI. Eliza, died young; XII. and XIII, Adolphus B. and Ed- mund S., twins, both died in infancy. Wil- liam Hunter died in 1893, at the home of one of his sons in Philadelphia, and was buried in the cemetery of the M. E. Church of New Castle. His wife still resides in Philadelphia, a venerable matron, much beloved and re- spected.

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 81

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa. Number of Pages: 1482

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1482