Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 8

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

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property. In 1887, the Jackson brothers pur- chased 320 acres in Milford hundred, on which they erected buildings and planted peach orchards containing 10,000 trees. They also planted 15 acres in pears and ap- ples, and 10 or 15 acres in small fruits. In 1876, after remaining on the Gildersleeve farm for sixteen years, Mr. G. D. Jackson bought a farm of 1023 acres in East Dover hundred, situated on Silver Lake, one mile from Dover. He has recently rented the Richardson farm, to which he removed Jan- ary 1, 1808; he, however, manages both farms. Mr. Jackson now owns a large amount of real estate. His good judgment in buy- ing and his liberal management of property have made his investments uniformly success- ful. He owns ninety-seven building lots on Long Island, N. Y., and four building lots between New York and Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Jackson also deals in live stock, buying and selling western cattle. He is, however, not merely a dealer in stock, but pays particu- lar attention to raising fine animals, especially mules and horses. He has had on his farm a half mile track on which he drove his horses, training them for driving, as well as racing. Mr. Jackson has always preferred the free country life and the cares and pleasures of husbandry; he is industrious, painstaking and progressive, and his labors have been amply rewarded. An assiduous and intelli- gent student, he has acquired a thorough knowledge of fruit raising in all its depart- ments. Mr. Jackson is not only a successful business man, but a Christian gentleman, honest, upright, and sincerely esteemed by his fellow citizens, who have shown their confi- dence in him at the polls. He is a stanch Democrat, and in 1890 was elected to the state legislature. He is interested in all that con- cerns the welfare of the community. Mr. Jackson is a member of the I. O. R. M.

Gilder D. Jackson was married January 19, 1875, to Sophia Spencer. Their children are: I. MeElroy R., prepared for college at West Chester State Normal School, and grad- uated in June, 1897, from the Dental Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, Phil- adelphia, Pa., where he is now taking a post- graduate course; II. Elizabeth, died in in- fancy; III. Lottie M .; IV. Margaret D .; V. Charles F .; VI. Mabel; VII. Gilder; VIII. Harry R. Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Jackson are members of the M. E. church at Dover, Del.

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ROBERT II. WILSON, P. O. Dover, Del., son of Robert and Mary A. (Powell) Wilson, was born in West Dover hundred, De- cember 16, 1853.

His grandfather, Peter Wilson, was born, Ived, and died on the Eastern Shore of Mary- Jand. The children of Peter and Aun Wilson were: I. Robert; II. Edward; HLI. Peter. Robert Wilson was born at the homestead on the Eastern Shore. He was educated in the schools of his district, and learned practical farming under his father's careful supervi- sion. In early manhood he removed to Dela- ware and settled in West Dover hundred, Kent county. Robert Wilson was married in West Dover hundred, to Mary A. Powell. Shortly after his marriage, he removed to East Dover hundred and bought a part of the Dickinson tract. Mr. Wilson made this his home, im- proving and cultivating it until the time of his death. He was a successful farmer, and a good citizen, respected by his friends and neigh- lors. Robert Wilson died at his home in Kent county, Del., in 1887; his wife also died at the homestead. Their children are: I. Annie E., deceased; II. Lena; III. Mary F., deceas- ed; IV. Robert II .; V. John P.

Their eller son, Robert H. Wilson, grew up on the homestead, remaining at home and working with his father until he attained his majority. He attended the public schools of the district, and afterwards spent three years under Professor Reynolds, at Wilmington, completing his education at the age of twenty- one. During the last two years of his school course, Mr. Wilson was also teaching. This overwork told upon his constitution; but be- ing ambitious and cager to begin the prepara- tion for his chosen profession, he was unwill- ing to pause in the course which he had mark- cd out for himesIf, and immediately began to read law under David B. Smithers, at Dover. At the end of one year his health failed, and be was obliged to relinquish his studies. Hop- ing that pure air and exercise would restore his overtaxed constitution, Mr. Wilson re- turned to his country home; for some time he assisted his father on the farm, and in 1870 went with him to the Dickinson farm, in East Dover hundred. Mr. Wilson is an active member of the Democratic party, and in 1897 was elected to represent his district in the state legislature. Hle is an intelligent farmer, re- spected and esteemed in the community. He

is now editor of The Call, published at Smyrna, Del.

Robert II. Wilson was married in 1882, to Mary E., daughter of Joshua B. and Mary E. (Loffand) Wharton, who was born in East Dover hundred, August 11, 1859. Their chil- dren are: I. Frank D .; II. Robert HI .; III. Joshua W .; IV. Lena Collins; V. Jolm. Mr. Wilson and his family are members of the M. E. church, in which he holds the office of steward and trustee.

CHARLES HENRY PARADEE, P. O. Dover, Del., son of Edward Thomas and Caro- line ( Pierce) Paradee, was born near Florence, South Murderkill hundred, Kent county, Del., January 4, 1838.

Ilis grandfather, Stephen Paradee, son of Stephen and Annie (Lawber) Paradee, was a farmer of Duck Creek hundred, Kent county, Del. Mr. Stephen Paradee died at his home in Kent county, and is buried at Bethel church. The children of Stephen, 2, and Ann (Cramer) Paradec are: I. John, died at Lebanon, Del .; II. Annie, died in South Murderkill hundred; III. Edward T.

Edward Thomas Paradee was born in South Murderkill hundred in 1818. When he was eleven years old his father died, and he was obliged to earn his living. The boy had al- ways loved the sea, and as soon as he was old enough, followed his inclination, and shipped before the mast. For many years he served in different positions on vessels plying between Barker's Landing, Del., and Philadelphia, Pa. Ilis quickness of eye and hand, and his intel- ligence soon made him not only a good sailor, but a thoroughly efficient seaman; and at twenty he was made captain of the schooner North Star. Mr. Paradee was afterwards captain of several other vessels; and for a time commanded the sloop Henry Barrett; his last vessel was the schooner James L. Hererin. In 1858 Mr. Paradee abandoned the sea and turned his attention to cultivating the land. For some years he rented a farm in South Mur- derkill hundred, but finally removed to East Dover hundred. Mr. Paradee was at first a Whig but afterwards identified himself with the Democratie party. Kind and gentle in manner, honorable and upright in business, and temperate in all his habits, he was loved and respected by his friends and neighbors. Mr. Paradee was a dutiful son and a kind hus-

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band and father. While at sea he contributed liberally to the support of his widowed mother, afterwards providing for her until her death, which occurred in 1860.

For many years before his death he was surely afflicted and was utterly unable to work, but his son, Edward G., returned to him all the care he had given to his own mother. Ed- ward T. Paradee was married to Caroline, daughter of Jacob Pierce, of South Murder- kill hundred. Their children are: I. Mary Ann (Mrs. James F. Taylor), of East Dover hundred; II. Edward G .; III. Sarah Emily, died aged thirty-nine; IV. Charles II .; V. Caroline, died in infancy; VI. George A., of Wilmington, Del. Mr. Paradee died at the home of his son, Edward G. Paradee, on the old Dickinson farm, in September, 1896; his wife died in 1872.

Charles Henry Paradee was five years old when his parents removed to the John B. Con- nor farm, in South Murderkill hundred, near Florence. Until he was eight, he attended the public schools of Magnolia, Del .; but in 1860 his parents removed to East Dover hundred, and his education was completed in the schools of that district. Charles Paradee being the son of a poor man, he and his brother were obliged to work hard, and to contribute to the support of the family. Limited opportunities, however, instead of proving an obstacle, served rather as an incentive. He attended school whenever he was able, sometimes only right or nine weeks in each winter, but these seasons were highly prized and well improved, and at the age of twenty-two he had acquired a fair education, and the habit of thoughtful self-reliance. Mr. Paradce remained at home working with his father until he was twenty- four, when he began farming on his own ac- count on the Morris C. Conwell property, in Fast Dover hundred. Seven years afterwards, January 1, 1884, he removed to his present home, the William G. Postles farm. Mr. Paradee is a successful farmer, and an intelli- gent, progressive citizen, esteemed and re- speeted in the community. He is actively in- terested in all that concerns the welfare of his district, but remembering his own carly strug- gles, he is most anxious to provide for it better educational facilities. Charles Parade was reared amid the associations of the Whig par- ty, but he cast his first vote for Samuel J. Til- den, and has always been active in the ranks

of Democracy. He has served in various of- fices in the hundred; and in 1892, was elected to the Levy Court of Kent county for a term of four years. In the February term of 1895, Mr. Paradee became president of the court.

Charles Henry Paradee was married ou his twenty-fourth birthday, January 4, 1877, to Annie Augusta, daughter of Garrett and Lu- cinda (Tidd) Dewitt, a native of the state of New York. Their only child, Garrett D., was born February 9, 1880. Mrs. Paradee died October 9, 1885. On January 12, 1887, Mr. Paradee was married to Annie E., daughter of William and Harriet Elizabeth (Williams) Dawes, a native of East Dover hundred. Mr. Paradce is a member of St. Jones M. E. church, in which he has been a trustee for eighteen years, Sunday-school superintendent for eight years, and a-sistant class leader for right or ten years.

EDWARD G. PARADEE, P. O. Dover, Del., son of Edward Thomas and Caroline ( Pierce) Paradee, was born in South Murder- kill hundred, Kent county, Del., March 21, 1847.

Edward G. Paradee's education was com- menced in the public schools of Magnolia, Del. When he was thirteen, his parents removed to East Dover hundred, and from that time he attended the St. Jones school, situated in that district. He was the eldest son, a stout capa- ble boy, and a large share of the farm work naturally fell to his lot. His attendance at school was therefore very irregular, as he could only go when there was no work to be done. He remained at home, working with and for his father until he was twenty-four, when he began farming on his own account, on the property then known as the Dickinson, now called the Logan farm. Mr. Paradee still cultivates this place, and resides in the old house, which has an interesting history. It was built in colonial times, and in it Governor Dickinson concealed himself and escaped the wrath of his Tory enemies. Here also he con- vened the state legislature, and here it held its sessions for some time. Mr. Paradee is a sule- cessful farmer, whose ability, industry and honesty, have won the confidence of his neigh- bors. In 1886, Mr. Parader purchased the Merriam tract, consisting of 150 acres, situ- ated in Jones' Neck. To his great satisfaction, it has been proved that this tract of land had

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been owned by his ancestors, generations be- fore. Mr. Paradee is an active member of the Democratic party.

Edward G. Paradee was married, December 17, 1879, to Susan S., daughter of William and Harriet Elizabeth (Williams) Dawes. Their children are: I. William Comegys, born in East Dover hundred, July 9, 1883; Il. Albanas Charles Logan, born March 27, 1590, died September 4, 1890; III. Harriet Dawes, born July 8, 1893. Mrs. Paradee was born in Little Creek hundred, Kent county, Del., November 18, 1854. She is an intelli- gent, well-educated lady; and for eight years before her marriage was a successful teacher in Kent county.

JOIIN BRINKLEY WHARTON, P. O. Dover, Del., son of Joshua and Mary E. (Lof- land) Wharton, was born in Duck Creek hun- dred, Kent county, Del., February 26, 1849.

His paternal grandparents had six chil- dren: I. Charles M., married first to Unity Bostwick, and afterwards to Annie Granger, a teacher in the public schools of Philadel- phia, Pa., died in Philadelphia, where his widow now resides; II. Eliza, married Joseph Milloway, both died in East Dover hundred; III. Harriet, widow of Isaac Harrington, of Dover, Del .; IV. Samuel, resides in Dover; V. Bolitha, married Eliza Palmer, of Phila- delphia, Pa .; VI. Joshua.

Joshua Wharton was born in 1830, on the Conwell, or Postles farm in St. Jones' Neck, Kent county, Del. His youth was spent on his father's farm, where his work permitted him to attend school only during the short winter session. But he was intelligent, and his fondness for reading and study induced him to employ his evenings and his few leis- ure moments in acquiring useful informa- tion. After his marriage, he began farming on his own account on rented land. After spending one year in Duck Creek hundred, and several years on a farm near Magnolia, in North Murderkill hundred, he removed to East Dover hundred and purchased the Lof- land farm and one adjoining it, called the Holcomb property. Mr. Wharton was ener- getic, and, pursuing scientific methods, great- ly improved the quality of the land. He was active in the Republican party. Joshua Wharton was married to Mary E. Loffand. Their children are: T. John B .; II. Elizabeth

(Mrs. Robert Wilson); III. Emma L .; IV. James L., a merchant of Millington, Md. Mr. Wharton died suddenly of heart disease, while resting under a tree near his home in St. Jones' Neck. He was at one time a mem- ber of the M. E. church, to which he was al- ways a liberal contributor. His widow resides with Robert II. Wilson, in East Dover hun- dred.

John Brinkley Wharton attended the pub- lie schools of St. Jones' Neck, and completed his education at Smyrna Academy. He was a bright, active boy, fond of play, but also fond of work; spending his vacation on the farm, and always ready to do his full share. In 1869, Mr. Wharton rented the Fox Hall farm, near Dover, Del., and afterwards re- moved to his present home, the Budd farm, in East Dover hundred. Mr. Wharton is a stanch Republican, and was elected a commis- sioner of the Levy Court for a term of four years. His affable manner makes him popu- lar in the community, and his fellow-citizens have shown their confidence in his integrity and ability by electing him to various in- portant positions in the county. Mr. Whar- ton is especially interested in the improve- ment of the educational facilities of the dis- triet. Hle is one of the directors of the Co- megys Free Library; he was also secretary of the State Fair Association.

John Brinkley Wharton was married, De- cember 16, 1869, to Bennetta, daughter of Benjamin and Keturah (Swiggert) Townsend. Their children are: I. Joshua Burton, a farmer of East Dover hundred, married Lena Hickey; II. Keturah L., educated in the pub- lie schools and at the Conference Academy; III. John B., Jr .; IV. Mary V. Mr. Whar- ton and his family attend the M. E. church.

JAMES F. TAYLOR, P. O. Little Creek, Kent county, Del., son of Stephen R. and Mary (Stewart) Taylor, was born on the old Saxton Laws' property in Kent county, Del., September 3, 1847.

Ilis grandfather, Stephen D. Taylor, was born in Little Creek Neck. He was a black- smith, and spent his life in his native dis- triet. Stephen D. Taylor was married to Eunice Satterfield. Their children are: I. Sarah, married John Buckson, both died at Leipsic, Del .: IT. Rebecca (Mrs. James Slaughter), deccased: TH. Mary ( Mrs. James

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Rutledge); IV. Stephen R .; V. Nathaniel S., deceased; VI. Annie (Mrs. Timothy Slaughter), deceased. Mr. Stephen Taylor died in Kent county, aged seventy years.

Stephen R. Taylor, eldest son of Stephen D. Taylor, was born on a farm in St. Jones' Neck, Kent county, Del., in 1821. Ilis parents removed to a farm in Little Creek Neck, where he received his education in the public schools, and learned practical farming with his father. After his mar- riage, Mr. Taylor cultivated rented land on St. Jones' Neck, and afterwards removed to what is known as the toll-gate farm. He was an old line Whig. Stephen R. Taylor was married to Mary Stewart, of Kent coun- ty, Del. Their children are: I. James F .; II. Stephen D., born in 1849, died in April, 1896; III. Nathaniel S., farmer, born in March, 1851. Mr. Stephen Taylor died at the toll-gate farm in June, 1851; his widow died in 1881, aged fifty-four.

James F. Taylor was not yet four years old when his father died, but he received a father's care from his uncle, Nathaniel S. Taylor, who took him to his own home. He grew up on his uncle's farm, assisting in its work in summer, and attending the district school during the winter terms. After his unele's death, which occurred in 1873, Mr. Taylor began farming on Jones' Neck, and in 1894 bought his present home, a farm of 46 acres of arable land situated in East Dover Inindred. Mr. Taylor is a successful farmer, and is highly esteemed in the county.

Jamies F. Taylor was married January 8, 1878, to Mary Ann Paradee. They have one child, Carrie P., born May 7, 1879. Mr. Taylor and his wife are members of the M. E. church, in which he is a trustee. Mrs. Taylor's grandparents, Stephen and Anu (Cramer) Paradee, spent most of their lives. on their farm on St. Jones' Neck.

REV. WILLIAM F. TALBOT, P. O. Do- ver, Del., son of Joseph Coster and Caroline (Jump) Talbot, was born at Will-borough, Caroline county, Md., April 30, 1530.

tract of land embracing the whole of what is now Cecil county, Md. Talbot county, Md., received its name from one of the members of the family, who surveyed it. William F. Talbot is a lincal descendant of Joseph Talbot, a brother of Lord John Talbot, of England. Joseph Talbot and two of his brothers, all natives of England, crossed the Irish sea to settle in Ireland, but soon after- wards emigrated to America. One of the brothers settled in the west, one in Virginia, and Joseph in Maryland; from him the Maryland branch of the family is descended.

Nathaniel Talbot, grandfather of William Talbot, was born in Talbot county, where he owned and cultivated a farm. He was also a preacher of the Methodist church. Na- thaniel Talbot had four children: I. Joseph Coster; II. Arthur, married Miss Dixon, of Kent county, Md., died in Baltimore, Md .; III. William, aide-de-camp of the governor of the state, best known as Colonel William Talbot, married and died in Kentucky; IV. Mary Ann (Mrs. Dyatt), died in Caroline county, Md. Nathaniel Talbot died at his home near Boonsboro, Md., in 1840, after a long and useful life. His eldest son, Joseph Coster Talbot, was born in Talbot county, Md., in 1791. When his parents removed to Caroline county, Md., Mr. Talbot accon- panied them, and opened a general store at Hillsborough. During the war of 1812 he was drafted, but before he was called into action the war was ended. For a short time Mr. Talbot cultivated a farm which his wife had inherited from her father. In 1855 he retired from active farm life, and removed to Centerville, Md. Joseph C. Talhet was an active politician. He was in early life a Whig, and afterwards supported the Know Nothing party. Joseph Coster Talbot was married in Caroline county, to Caroline Jump, of Talbot county. Their children are: I. Thomas E., married Mrs. Emory, a widow, died in An Arundel county, Md .; IT. Mary J. (Mrs. Robert Reamey), of Baltimore; III. Edmund, died in youth; IV. William F .; V. Charles M., married Miss Hoopes, of Balti-

now resides; VI. John, married a lady of Richmond. Va. Mrs. Caroline Talbot died at her home in Caroline county. Mr. Talbot's second wife was Miss Keats, of Queen Anne county, Ma., who was a cousin of Judge

The Talbot family, whose name was origin- , more, died in Baltimore, where his widow ally spelled Talbott, is one of the oldest and best-known families in Maryland. Among the earliest settlers in the state was a repre- tentative of this family, who had received from the King of England the grit of a

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Russel, of Caroline county. Mrs. (Keats) Talbot died, and Mr. Talbot married a lady who only lived a short time after. His fourth wife, who was Miss Carter, survived him sev- eral years. Mr. Joseph (. Talbot was a mem- ber of the M. E. church. He died at his home in Centerville, Md., in 1858.

William Fletcher Talbot's childhood was spent on his father's fam in Caroline coun- ty, Md., where he attended the public schools. In 1844 his parents removed to Baltimore, Md., and William completed his education in the public schools of that city, graduating at fifteen. From early boyhood, he was very partial to reading and study, and at length decided to study theology, but being unable to continue his studies, he obtained a position in a wholesale china and queensware house in Baltimore. Some time afterwards, his parents returned to the country; but William, who was receiving a salary of four or five hun- dred dollars a year, decided to remain in Bal- timore. The salary, however, was not the only reason for Mr. Talbot's decision; the city offered some other advantages which he found very attractive. He was a member of several literary clubs, and had access to li- braries with their stores of knowledge. Dur- ing his residence in the city, he made rapid progress, reading, writing and debating. In 1854, Mr. Talbot left Baltimore, having se- cured a position as book-keeper with William F. Parrott, at Centreville, Md., with whom he remained until 1856.

During all this time, Mr. Talbot never re- linqui-hed his desire, but eagerly embraced every opportunity for study, concentrating his attention especially upon theological sub- jeets. After spending one year in the Dover circuit under the presiding elder, in the spring of 1857, Mr. Talbot joined the Philadelphia Conference: and was connected with that body until by its division he was made a member of the Wilmington Conference. Mr. Talbot preached on various circuits; in 1856 on the Dover cirenit; in 1857, Smyrna cir- enit; in 1858, on the circuit of Salisbury, Md .; and in 1859, at Snow Hill, Md. In 1560, he was appointed to his first regular charge, consisting of the congregations at Georgetown and Milton, Del. The Rev. Wil- liam Talbot afterwards ministered to various congregations. He was stationed at Frank- ford, Del., in 1861: at Frankford, Md., in

1863; at Federalsburg, Md., in 1865; at Quantico, Md., in 1567; at AAnnamesic, Md., in 1869; at Onancock, Va., in 1872; at Harrington, Del., in 1874; at Camden, Del., in 1877; at Princess Anne, Md., in 1879; and at Delaware City, in 1880. While he was stationed at Delaware City, Mr. Talbot's health failed, and he rented a farm near Kingston, Somerset county, hoping that the healthful employment and mental rest would restore strength to his enfeebled constitution. Mr. Talbot did not, however, entirely re- linquish clerical work but preached on the Kingston circuit for two years. He intended to remain in the country for six months; but the change proved so beneficial that he pur- chased the property and spent five years there. In 1885 he removed to a farm in Kent coun- ty, Del., belonging to his wife, on which he has erected a comfortable dwelling, besides making various other improvements. The Rev. Mr. Talbot is genial in manner, kind- hearted and benevolent, a fluent speaker, and an earnest and efficient worker. He was par- ticularly successful in building up congrega- tions and societies. When organizing a con- gregation at Crisfield, he was without means to procure a suitable building; but nothing daunted, he took possession of an abandoned hotel, and himself fitted it with a pulpit and seats. Ilere he held his services, and thus formed the nucleus of the present flourishing congregation. In 1883, Mr. Talbot retired from active service in the ministry, but occa- sionally preaches for the congregations in the neighborhood. Mr. Talbot is interested in local affairs; he is politically independent, Int frequently votes the Republican ticket.

William F. Talbot was married July 3, 1860, to Laura Virginia, daughter of Pleas- anton and Abigail (Siekler) Han, who was born in Little Creek hundred, Kent county, Del., June 16, 1835. Their children are: I. Margaret, born at Frankford, Del., died in Quantico, Md., aged two years; II. Annie P., born near Milton, Del., died at Quantico, Md., aged one year; III. Henry R., born in 1865, at Federalsburg, Md., died in 1869, at Vienna, Md .; IV. Annie Laura, born at Annamesie, Md., died at Harrington, Del., in 1875, aged five: V. Elizabeth Pleasanton (Mrs. George Roleige), West Dover hundred. has children, i. David T., ii. Engenie, iii. George Wilson. Mrs. Talbot is intelligent

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 8

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