Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 28

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1500

USA > Delaware > Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II > Part 28

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John Willey, 3, was educated in the public schools of his native hundred. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm, until he attained his majority, when he began farming for himself, renting 100 acres in Northwest Fork hundred. At the end of one year Mr. Willey removed to Nanticoke hun- dred, Sussex county, but six years later he re- turned to Northwest Fork hundred, and bought the Richard W. Cannon place, a farm of 185 acres, which he cultivated for seven years. At the end of this time, Mr. Willey sold his live stock and purchased the Cannon flouring mill, where he built up a large and profitable business. In 1885 he bought his present home, the Satterfield prop- erty, a farm of 121 acres, and devoted himself exclusively to farming and fruit raising. He has made many improvements, and has built a barn and a handsome dwelling. Every thing about the place is in good taste, and not only comfortable, but beautiful. He began life without money, and by diligence and good judgment has obtained a home and a moderate income. Mr. Willey is a Democrat, is highly

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esteemed in the county, and has served as clerk of the board of school commissioners. For twenty years he has been a member of the I. O. O. F., of Seaford; he also belongs to the Conclave of the 1. O. II., of Bridgeville, Del., and to the A. O. U. W., of Seaford, Del.

John Willey was married in 1866, in Nanti- coke hundred, Sussex county, Del., to Mary Priscilla, daughter of Ezekiel Jones, a farmer of Nanticoke hundred, where his daughter, Mrs. Willey, was born. Their chiklren are: I. Herman, died aged twenty-three; II. Sarah (Mrs. William Newton), of Northwest Fork hundred; III. Orin, grocer, Bridgeville, Del .; IV. Clara (Mrs. Pashur Hudson), of Broad Creek hundred, Sussex county, Del. Mrs. Willey was a benevolent Christian woman; she died in 1876, and is interred in the old family burying ground in Nanticoke hundred. Mr. Willey's second wife was Sarah, daughter of the Hon. William Alexander Jacobs. Their children are: I. Ira; II. Belle; III. John; IV. Alice; V. Joseph; VI. Arinthia. Mr. Willey and his family are members of the M. E. church.

Mrs. Willey's father, the Hon. William Alexander Jacobs, son of Thomas Jacobs, was born in Northwest Fork hundred, Sussex conli- ty, Del., February 15, 1821. He was edu- cated in the public schools of the hundred, and devoted himself to farming and to raising fruit and cattle. Mr. Jacobs was a successful business man, and owned a valuable farm in Sussex county. He was a Democrat, promi- nent in local political circles, and served for one term in the state legislature. William A. Jacobs was married, November 30, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Ric- ards) Cannon. Of their ten children five died in youth, those surviving are: I. Sarah (Mrs. John Willey); II. Caroline (Mrs. Howard Corey); III. Elizabeth (Mrs. Harry Myers), of Bridgeville, Del .; IV. George C., Millsbor- ough, Del .; V. Alexander, removed to the west. Mr. Jacobs died on his farm, in North- west Fork hundred, December 12, 1887. IIe was a member of the M. E. church, and is buried in Bridgeville cemetery, Bridgeville, Del.

JOSEPH R. RICARDS, deceased, for- merly of Sussex county, Del., son of Charley and Sarah ( White) Ricards, was born in

Northwest Fork hundred, Sussex county, Del., January 3, 1823.

In the records of his family are inscribed the names of some of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of Sussex county, Del. When this part of the country was still a wilderness, two brothers, William and Charles Ricards, emigrated from England, obtained a grant of a traet of land, part of the crown lands of Great Britain, situated in what is now Northwest Fork hundred, Sussex coun- ty, Del. Here the brothers spent their lives in clearing and improving their property; they died and were buried on the land which they had converted into fertile farins, a rich inheritance for their numerous descendants. Joseph Ricards, grandfather of Joseph R. Ricards, who traces his descent to one of these brothers, was born in Northwest Fork hun- dred, and spent his whole life in his native hundred, cultivating and improving his patri- mony. He was married three times and died leaving several children. He was buried on the old homestead, Linden Hall, where Mrs. M. A. E. Ricards now lives. His son, Charles Ricards, father of Joseph R. Ricards, was born on the Ricards homestead in Northwest Fork hundred. Ile was a farmer's boy, and like his father and grandfather spent his life in caring for the land which he inherited. As a successful husbandman, he greatly increased the value of his property, besides assisting ma- terially in the development of the county. He was active in the ranks of the Democracy. Charles Ricards was married to Sarah White; their children are: I. Joseph R .; II. Mary Ann, died in youth; III. John R .; IV. Eliza- beth, died in youth; V. a child, who died in infancy. Mr. Ricards and his wife were mem- bers of the M. E. church. Both died on the homestead and are interred in the family burial ground at Linden HIall.

Joseph R. Ricards received his education in the public schools of his native hundred. In his youth, Mr. Ricards was a sailor, but after making several voyages to foreign lands, he abandoned the sea at twenty-one years of age, purchased 450 acres of land in Northwest Fork hundred, and turned his attention to farming and fruit raising. He was a pro- gressive and scientific agriculturist, and, made many improvements which increased the for- tility of the land. He who built a comforts ble dwelling, a barn and outbuilding . Mr.

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Ricards was a Democrat, prominent in local political circles and was for two terms a com- missioner of the Levy Court, serving accepta- bly both the county and his party. He was a man of decided character, honest, upright and honorable in all his dealings; and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the I. O. R. M.

On April 12, 1848, in Northwest Fork hun- dred, Sussex county, Del., Joseph R. Ricards was married to Mary Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Jacobs. Their children are: I. Sarah Elizabeth ( Mrs. Levin Hitch ); II. John, died in youth; III. Mary A., an active worker in the M. E. church; IV. Lizzie Belle; V. William Joseph; VI. Catherine L., died in youth; VII. Virginia Lee, died in youth; VIII. Corinne Flint; IX. Thomas Jacobs; X. Ida (Mrs. Frank B. Wilcox), of Bridgeton, N. J .; XI. Frederick Reed, graduated at Dela- ware College in 1892. Mr. Rieards found his chief pleasure in his home and family. Mrs. Ricards is a good wife and mother, her pleas- ant manner and generous kindness make her a general favorite. All of their children are intelligent and well-educated, and their ac- complishments are among the many attrac- tions of this pleasant, hospitable home. Mr. Ricards, his wife and family are members of the M. E. church. He died at his home in Sussex county, March 16, 1887, and is in- terred in the family burial ground at Linden HIall.

The ancestors of the Jacobs family were among the first settlers of that section of Northwest Fork hundred known as Horsey's Cross Roads. In early colonial times, Kendall Jacobs removed from Virginia to Delaware, and took up a tract of land in what is now known as Horsey's Cross Roads, Sussex coun- ty. The land was a wilderness, untouched by the settler's ax, and it was the life work of Mr. Jacobs to make it a fertile farm. In this he was eminently successful. Kendall Jacobs had two children: I. Curtis; II. William, de- ceased, his widow married Dr. Derrickson, of Laurel, Del. Mr. Jacobs died on the home- stead and was interred in the family burial ground on the farm.

Curtis Jacobs, grandfather of Mrs. Joseph R. Ricards, was born in Northwest Fork hun- dred, Sussex county, Del., February 22, 1752. TIe received a limited education and devoted his life to agriculture in his native hundred,

where he became a successful farmer and land owner. Ile was a Democrat, interested in public affairs. Curtis Jacobs was married, February 19, 1775, in Northwest Fork hun- dred, to Mary Cannon. Their children are: I. Hays, born May 18, 1776; IL. Esther, born March 29, 1778, married, August 11, 1800, to Risdon Smith; III. Nancy, born Decem- ber 26, 1779, married, December 23, 1802, to II. J. Wingate; IV. Sarah, born September 24, 1781, married, October 3, 1802, to Na- thaniel Ross; V. William, born January S, 1784; VI. Minas, born September 26, 1786; VII. Thomas, born February 9, 1789; VIII. Stansbury, born July 17, 1791; IX. Sina, born July 27, 1793, married to Dr. Carey; X. Lunana, born August 13, 1795; XI. Eliza- beth, born December 23, 1797, married to Captain Wright. Mrs. Mary Jacobs died, and was buried on the homestead. Mr. Ja- cobs was married, February 22, 1803, to Elizabeth Cannon. Their children are: I. Mary, born December 2, 1803, married Dr. Phelps; II. Margaret, born January 3, 1805; III. Susanna, born August 11, 1806. Mrs. Elizabeth Jacobs died, and on February 22, 1814, Mr. Jacobs was married to his third wife, Nancy Hellen. Their children are: I. Curtis, was a large land owner in Maryland; II. Rhoda Ann, married Dr. Flint, who died in California. Mr. Jacobs was a member of the M. E. church. Hle died May 6, 1831, and is buried on the farm.

The Hon. Thomas Jacobs, son of Curtis and Mary (Cannon) Jacobs, father of Mrs. Joseph R. Ricards, was born in Northwest Fork hundred, February 9, 1789. He was educated in the public schools of his native hundred, and became one of the most success- ful farmers of Sussex county. He owned 300 acres of land at Horsey's X Roads, near Bridgeville, Del., where he spent his life, devoting himself to general farmiing and stock raising. IIe also made many improve- ments on his property. Mr. Jacobs was a Democrat, a disciple of Thomas Jefferson, prominent in political cireles, and represented his constituency so acceptably both in the senate and in the legislature, that he was of- fered the nomination for governor, which honor Mr. Jacobs modestly declined. Thomas Jacobs was married to Eliza, daughter of Loxley and Nancy ( Richards) Ricards. old settlers of Sussex county. Mr4.

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Jacobs was born near Bridgeville, Del., February 15, 1800. Their children are: I. Loxley, born August 23, 1819; II. William Alexander, born February 15, 1821; III. Na- thaniel Ross, born August 18, 1822; IV. George II,, born in April, 1824; V. Sanballat, born October 28, 1825, died in the army of occupation, at Lerma, Mexico, May 23, 1848, peace to the soldier's ashes; VI. Charles, born in May, 1827; VII. Mary Ann Eliza- beth, widow of Joseph R. Ricards, born De- cember 28, 1828; VIII. Henry Clay, born January 16, 1832; IX. Edward R., born Au- gust 31, 1834; X. Sarah Catharine, widow of Joseph Noble, born October 6, 1836; XI. Belle Jane (Mrs. Lawrence Smith), deceased, born March 5, 1839; XII. Thomas Hart Ben- ton, born December 11, 1841. Mrs. Jacobs died March 3, 1845, and is buried on the homestead. Mr. Jacobs' second wife was Elizabeth Williams. They have one child, Frank B., born July 10, 1853. Mr. Jacobs was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, in which he was an efficient worker. Ile was a senior warden, and was for many years a vestryman. He died at his home in Sussex county, October 21, 1875, and is in- terred in the family burial ground. . His widow resides near Seaford, Del.

John R. Ricards, younger brother of Jo- seph R. Ricards, married in 1856, Margaret 1. Cannon, only daughter of Charles and Rachel (White) Ricards; settled on a farm near Bridgeville, Del., which he improved very much, as he also did several adjacent farms, which he bought. John R. Rieards died January 9, 1890, aged sixty-two years. His children are: I. Charles C .; II. Minnie; III. Clinton; IV. Abe; V. Lillian; VI. Rob- ert; VII. Elwood; VIII. Delaware; IX. Mar- garet. Hlis widow resides on the farm near Bridgeville; she is a most exemplary woman, loved and respected by all who know her.

ALBERT TURPIN MOORE, P. O. Bridgeville, Sussex county, Del., son of the Rev. Thomas A. and Elizabeth C. (Maloney) Moore, was born in 1870, in Northwest Fork hundred, Sussex county, Del.

The Rev. Thomas Asbury Moore, a well- known theologian and preacher of the Metho- dist Protestant church, was born near Laurel, Del., in September, 1824. His parents, Luther and Nancy ( Dashich) Moore, had five

children: I. Turpin; II. Julia A., married to the Rev. Levin A. Collins; III. Thomas As- bury; IV. George II., of Greensborough, Md .; V. Margaret ( Mrs. Richard Comegys), of Greensborongh. By descent Mr. Moore was Scotch and French. He was an ambitions lad, and from boyhood decided upon fitting him- self for the gospel ministry. After a short course in the public schools of the district, he obtained a position as clerk in a store at Laurel, Del. Every leisure moment was spent in study, and so faithfully did he work, that at eighteen he had prepared himself to teach, and secured a school in his native county. For some years Mr. Moore taught in Sussex county. In his zeal for this profession, he had not forgotten his heart's desire; during the years of teaching, he was studying theol- ogy, and, without the aid of college training, was slowly preparing himself for the sacred office. His heroie struggles brought their due reward, and Thomas A. Moore was ordained to the ministry by the Maryland Conference of the M. P. church, and was assigned to the Laurel circuit. The Rev. Thomas A. Moore was a close student, an able theologian, an impresssive speaker, and an efficient worker. He had just entered upon his chosen life-work when, at the end of one year, his health failed, and he was obliged to resign his charge. He removed to a farm of 400 acres, owned by his father-in-law, Tilghman Maloney, situated in Northwest Fork hundred, where he spent the remainder of his life. Although he was un- able to serve a regular charge, Mr. Moore did not abandon his profession, but continued to preach as often as the state of his health would permit, traveling over that whole section of country, and holding service frequently in Milton, Seaford, and other places. He was an enthusiastic advocate of temperance, and spared neither time nor labor to advance the cause. He was a Democrat, a good citizen who desired to promote the real welfare of the community. His friendly manner and beney- olence won the love and esteem of the com- munity, where he was very popular in social as well as religious circles.

The Rev. Thomas A. Moore was married at Seaford, Del., in 1848, to Louise, dangh- ter of Tilghman and Pinkston (Jackson) Ma- loney, a native of Northwest Fork hundred. Their children are: I. Luther, died in youth; II. William, deceased; III. Mary, died in

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youth; IV. Thomas, died in youth. Mrs. Louise Moore died January 28, 1864, and is buried in the M. P. cemetery, at Seaford, Del. In 1870 Mr. Moore was married in Philadel- phia, Pa., to his sister-in-law, Elizabeth C. Maloney. They had one son, Albert T. The Rev. Thomas A. Moore died at his home in Sussex county, Del., in 1881; he is buried in the M. P. cemetery, at Seaford, Del.

AAfter attending the public schools of North- west Fork hundred, and the Belmont gram- mar school in Philadelphia, Pa., Albert T. Moore completed his scholastic course at Westminster College, Westminster, Md. Since his graduation he has managed the homestead. Ile is very successful in farming and fruit raising. Mr. Moore is a Republican, and is highly esteemed in the hundred.

Albert T. Moore was married, February 20, 1895, to Lillian, daughter of John R. and Margaret (Cannon) Ricards, who was born near Bridgeville, Del. Mr. Moore and his wife are members of the M. E. church.

William Maloney, blacksmith, grandfather of Mrs. Thomas A. Moore, was a native of Ireland, and a member of the Society of Friends. About 1780 he emigrated to Amer- ica and settled in Sussex county, Del .. where he purchased 1,600 acres of land in North- west Fork hundred. He was the first black- smith in that part of the county, and his forge was never idle. Mr. Maloney also made many improvements on his farm where he spent the remainder of his life, and where he died and was buried. One of his eight children was Tilghman Maloney, father of Mrs. Moore, who for a short time was a pupil in the old log schoolhouse. But the teachers were in- efficient and the school far from home, and it was by diligent study in private that Mr. Ma- loney prepared himself to teach. After do- voting several years to his profession, he turned his attention to farming, renting his father's farm in Northwest Fork hundred. Tilghman Maloney was married to Pinkston, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Jackson. Their children are: I. William, deceased; II. Louise, dercased, married the Rev. Thomas .1. Moore: IIT. Peter, deceased; IV. Mary (Mrs. Hicks D. Hooper): V. Elizabeth, widow of the Rov. Thomas A. Moore. Mr. Maloney was a member of the Society of Friends; he died at the early age of thirty-six, and is buried on the homestead. ITis widow was married in Au-

gust, 1835, to Dr. William Morgan, a local preacher of the M. P. church, residing at Sea- ford, Del. They had one child, Almira Pinks- ton (Mrs. Ellis Pennington), deceased. Mrs. Morgan was a consistent member of the M. P. church, kind-hearted and generous, a friend to all in need. She died at Seaford, Del., March 5, 1856, and is buried in the come- tery of the M. P. church.

JOIIN T. JACOBS, P. O. Bridgeville, Sussex county, Del., son of Hon. Loxley R. and Sina (Richards) Jacobs, was born near Bridgeville, Del., December 18, 1846.

(For account of the Jacobs family, see sketch of Joseph Ricards, in this work. The name has long been established in Sussex county, and is held in high consideration.) Loxley R. Jacobs was born August 23, 1819, on the old homestead of the family, in North- west Fork hundred, near Bridgeville; his father was Hon. Thomas Jacobs, a public man of note in Sussex county. He received a com- mon school education, but became a man of information much beyond his apparent oppor- tunities, through his talent for close and accu- rate observation, and his devotion to study. Having made due preparation, he taught schools in the county for several years, but afterwards turned his attention to farming, and settled upon a tract of 600 acres which be- longed to his father, and was situated near Bridgeville. There he passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. His im- provements upon the place were extensive and judicious, consisting of a convenient and elegant dwelling, a barn, and various facili- ties for carrying on farm business. He was very successful, both as a cultivator and as a stock raiser. Mr. Jacob's public services were various and important. He served as state treasurer; represented his district for a term in the state legislature; was a member of the Levy Court of Sussex county; was appointed register of wills by the late Governor Ponder, and served in that office for seven years with great credit and efficiency. He was popular, having many friends throughout the state, and was influential as an intelligent and active member of the Democratic party. Loxley R. Jacobs was married in Northwest Fork hun- dred to Sina, daughter of John and Ann (C'arey) Richards. Their children are: I. John T .: IT. Sauballat, now of Texas; III.

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Eugene, of Virginia; IV. Robert C., died in middle age; V. Annie R. (Mrs. William Moore), of Bridgeville, widow. Mrs. Sina Jacobs died in 1860, and was interred in the Bridgeville cemetery; she was a faithful member of the M. E. church. Loxley R. Jacobs was again married, to Elizabeth, daughter of David Hopkins; of this marriage there was one child, Oliver, who is in the drug business in New York City. Hon. Lox- ley R. Jacobs died in 1882, and was buried in the Bridgeville cemetery. He was a mem- ber of the P. E. church.

Having been educated in the district schools of his native hundred, John T. Jacobs devoted his attention to farming. ITis entire life has been passed upon the homestead, of which he obtained possession after the death of his father; the share of the estate which he occu- pies consisting of the dwelling and 78 acres, which he employs in raising fruit and garden produce. His land is well managed and pro- ductive. Like his father, he supports the Democratic party, and has been chosen by his fellow-citizens and by the state executive for publie services. He was elected to the state legislature in 1892, and during his term was a member of important committees, and chair- man of the Committee on Punishment and Crime; in 1883, he was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Stockley, and served with decision and impartiality for his full term of seven years. For twelve years he was school commissioner. Mr. Jacobs is widely known, and held in respect. He is a member of Conclave No. 35, I. O. H., of Bridgeville.

Hon. John T. Jacobs was married, April 17, 1872, near C'ecilton, Md., to Ella, daugh- ter of Jolm V. and Mary (Hessey) Price, a native of Cecil county, Md. Their children are: I. Olive, edneated in Sussex county, and for several years taught school in the county; II. Price Clark, at Smyrna, Del. ; HII. Mary. Mr. Jacobs and his family are mem- bers of the Episcopal church.

WILLIAM T. SUDLER, M. D., Bridge- ville, Sussex county, Del., son of Dr. John R. and Sara A. (Layton) Sudler, was born in Bridgeville, October 25, 1840.

For several generations, the Sudler family has been established in Sussex county, and has ranked among the most respected and influen- tial citizens. Many of its representatives have

been professional men. Joseph Sudler, M. D., grandfather of Dr. William T., was born in the county, and passed his entire life in Milford. He was one of the first physicians in that section, and stood high in the regar 1- of his large circle of patients and friends, both for his skill and for his kindly manner. Hle was an adherent of the Whig party. Dr. Jo- seph Sudler was twice married. The children of his first marriage were: I. Jolm R .: II. Emory, a farmer; both are now deceased. Those of the second marriage were: I. Jo- soph, M. D .; II. Julia (Mrs. - --- Eakins):

III. Elizabeth (Mrs. - Martindale). The elder Dr. Joseph Sudler died and was buried at Milford. He was a member of the Episcopal church.

John R. Sudler, M. D., oldest son of Dr. Jo- seph Sudler, was born in Milford in 1800, and was educated in the district schools of that section. He read medicine with his father, and after being graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylva- nia, practiced for a short time at Milford. From that town he removed to Bridgeville, where for fifty years he watched over the health of many families in the town and the surrounding country. His practice extended over a wide area, and he was held in such es- teem as few besides the trusted medical ad- viser are privileged to enjoy. Dr. Sudler owned a large farm near Bridgeville, on which he made many improvements; this land was devoted to general farming and fruit culture; the doctor was a pioneer in raising peaches and strawberries. Originally a Whig. Dr. Sudler afterwards became a Republican, and added work for his party's interests to his other activities. He served one term in the state legislature.

Dr. John R. Sudler was first married to Mary Ann Tarrison, a native of Sussex coun- ty; their children were: I. James, who died young; II. Joseph, also died in early life; III. a child that died in infancy. Mrs. Mary 1. Sudler died, and was buried in the old ceme- tery at Bridgeville. The second wife of Dr. J. R. Sudler was Sara A., daughter of Tilgh- man Layton, of Nanticoke hundred. Their children are: I. John E., of Norristown, Pa .; IT. Dr. William T .; III. Sara B., died ummarried: IN. Mary, wife of Charles F. Richards, Esq., a lawyer of Georgetown, Del. : V. Horace, farmer on the homestead, married

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Minnie Ricards; VI. Joseph, died in infancy; VII. Joseph, 2, died at seventeen years of age; VIII. Elizabeth, died young; IX. a child that died in infancy. Dr. John R. Sudler died on his farm in 1874, and was interred in the burial ground of the M. E. church at Bridge- ville. Mrs. Sara A. Sudler still resides on the homestead; she is a devout member of the M. E. church, kind in word and in deed, and has many affectionate and admiring friends.

The second son of Dr. J. R. and Sara A. (Layton) Sudler, Dr. William T. Sndler, was educated in the public schools of Bridgeville, read medicine under his father's preceptor- ship, entered Jefferson Medical College in 1861, and was graduated with honors in the spring of 1864. Returning to Bridgeville, he practiced with his father for four years, and has been actively engaged ever since in the duties of his profession, having succeeded his father. He conducts a large and valuable practice, embracing a radius of twenty miles, and well maintains the professional reputa- tion which is the tradition of the family. During all his career as a physician, he has been a resident of Bridgeville, and is well known there and in all its surrounding coun- try. His benevolent and affable manner in- spire general confidence. Dr. W. T. Sudler, like his father, has his hobbies, useful and in- teresting, outside of the walks of his chosen profession. His farm of 140 acres in Nanti- coke hundred is principally devoted to fruit culture, and he is also a lover of fine horses, and takes pride in their possession. Dr. Sud- ler is a Republican, but not an active politi- cian. Ile is a member of the Delaware State Medical Society.

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 28

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa. Number of Pages: 1500

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1500