Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 87

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 87

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MAJOR WILLIAM ROTHWELL, for- merly of the "Levels," near Middletown, was born on the old Rothwell homestead, June S, 1873.

Thomas Rothwell came with his wife, Alice, from England, and settled near St. Georges, New Castle county, early in the eighteenth century. He afterwards pur- chased several thousand acres of land, com- prising nearly the whole of what is now known as the "Levels." He was very wealthy and universally respected. Thomas Rothwell died in 1752 and was carried to his grave by his four sons, Thomas, Jared, Henry and John, as he had desired in his will. His wife died in 1742. They had cleved children; Thomas, 2, the eldest, born November 15, 1706, married Lydia Peterson, and had ten children. Wil-

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liam Rothwell, father of Major William Roth- well, was born in 1747 and spent his life on his farm on "The Levels." He died in May, 1791, aged forty-four years. His wife, Ama Moody, was born November 22, 1752. They had eight children of whom Major William Rothwell was the third son and fifth child. William Rothwell's fine natural endowments were supplemented by a good common school education and a wide course of reading. ITe was one of the best informed as well as one of the most intelligent men of the community. He was a major in the state militia, and was both prominent and popular. He spent his life on his farms on the "Levels," and over the line in Maryland; about ten in number, containing about two thousand acres. All were kept under good cultivation, and de- voted mainly to grain, and to sheep rais- ing, in which he was very successful. Major Rothwell was a strong friend of Hon. John M. Clayton, and an ardent supporter of the prin- ciples of the Whig party, but never accepted official position. He attended the Presby- terian church, to which he contributed, and of which he was for many years a trustee, and also one of the building committee at the time of the erection of the "Forest church" in Middletown.

On September 25, 1816, at the age of thirty-three, William Rothwell was married to Ann K. Emory. Their children are: I. Gideon Emory, a farmer near Smyrna Land- ing, married Catherine Collins, had nine chil- dren; II. Ann Elizabeth, married David J. Murphy, farmer, of Newark; III. Mary, mar- ried James B. Crawford, farmer of Clayton, had four children, died in 1855; IV. William, went to California in 1849, and died soon af- ter. Mrs. Ann K. Rothwell died in Febru- ary, 1826, and was buried on her father's farm on Thoroughfare Neck. On the 29th of November, 1827, Major Rothwell married Lydia Rebecca, daughter of Jesse Pryce, a neighboring farmer. Mrs. Rothwell was a niece of the Rev. William Pryce, for many years rector of Old Swedes' church in Wil- mington. Of their twelve children eight grew to maturity: I. Robert Richard Rey- nolds, of Wilmington; II. John Moody; IH. James Pryce, of Sa. Georges; IV. Martha Christiana, widow of William Reynolds, of

Wilmington; V. Thomas Highland, farmer of "The Levels," married Irene Beaston; VI. Winfield Washington; VII. Lydia Frances, married George Derrickson, living on Bohe- mia Manor; VIII. William Reynolds. Major Rothwell was a man of sterling character, widely influential and greatly respected. He had reached the age of seventy-two years, and his death, which occurred July 20, 1855, was felt to be a greater loss to the community.

JOSHUA BISPHAM FENNIMORE, miller, was born in Philadelphia, June 2, 1803.

David Fennimore, father of Joshua B. Fen- nimore, was born at old Derrick's Ferry, Bur- lington county, New Jersey. He learned the carpentry trade, but during the greated part of his life was a hotel keeper. His first hotel was on Delaware avenue, between Market and Front streets, Philadelphia. In 1804 he went to Lumberton, N. J., afterwards to Bordentown, and finally to Crosswicks, where he died in 1810, at the age of thirty- five years. David Fennimore was married to Ruth, daughter of Joshua Bispham, also of Burlington county, N. J., and had four chil- dren: I. William, died in 1827; II. Joshua B .; III. Joseph, died in November, 1881, aged seventy-seven; IV. Margaret Bispham, married Benjamin Ridgeway. After the death of David Fennimore, his widow mar- ried Joseph English, and had one child; she died in 1847. Joseph Fennimore, great- grandfather of Joshua B. Fennimore, emi- grated, it is said, from Wales, probably about the year 1700, and settled at Derricks Ferry, of which he was the proprietor. The prop- erty descended to his son, also named Joseph Fennimore. His Children were, Joseph; Abraham, a farmer; Sarah, married Timothy Bishop; Isaac, farmer; Samuel, brick-mason; David; Richard, carpenter; and Daniel, died in carly manhood. Joseph, Isaac, David and Sarah had families. Abraham had no chil- dren, the others died single. The members of this family were remarkably handy and energetic, large healthy and long-lived, some of them reaching far beyond the three-score years and ten.

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After the death of his father, Joshua B. Fennimore lived with his uncle, Abraham Fennimore, about four miles from Camden, Gloucester county, N. J. He attended the public schools and worked on the farm, and after his unele's death, in 1821, spent one year at the academy in Burlington, which at that time afforded superior advantages. From his twentieth year Mr. Fennimore worked on a farm by the month. In 1826 he began the livery business on his own account at Cam- den, but the following year he purchased a farm and returned to an agricultural life. On March 25, 1847, he sold his farm in New Jer- sey and bought a large one near Odessa. He brought with him to Delaware three thousand peach trees, and in time had two hundred and fifty acres of his farm covered with this fruit. Mr. Fennimore was one of the first to engage in peach culture below Delaware City, and was very successful. His farm was like a garden, so highly was it cultivated. He also bought another farm of one thousand acres, and covered one hundred and fifty acres of this with peaches. In 1866 he purchased property in Middletown, on which he resided for ten years, doing much to improve the place. Ile also bought eighty acres adjoining the village, which he divided into building lots, and to forward the work, kept a lumber yard, and organized a Building and Loan As- sociation. The impetus thus given to build- ing and improvement is still felt in Middle- town. Energeticand capable, success, general- ly atended his efforts. In 1876 he purchased the Willow Grove grist mill. Joshua Bisp- ham Fennimore was married in 1825 to Sarah M., daughter of Edward Collins, of Glouces- ter, now Camden county, N. J. Their chil- dren are: I. Caroline, married John A. Rey- nolds, retired merchant, of Middletown; II. Abraham; III. Edward C .; IV. William, died in infancy; V. Rebecca A., married Ed- ward C. Collins, of Camden, N. J., died in December, 1880; VI. Joshua B., Jr., married first to Lydia Crowley, who died January 10, 1865, leaving one child, Julia B., and after- wards to Anna Venable, by whom he had one child, Ida J. Hle died in February, 1868; VII. Sarah E. M., married Charles T. Strat- ton, died in November, 1881, leaving three children, Sarah F., Joshua Fennimore, and Margaret Rebecca; VIII. Margaret Ridge-

way, married Gideon E. Heukill, of Middle- town, died May 29, 1874, leaving one child, Jesse M. Ileukill; IX. Samuel Fennimore Mrs. Fennimore died May 27, 1876. The family were originally Friends, and those in New Jersey still adhere to that faith, but Mr. Fennimore and his family attend the Prot- estant Episcopal church. It is recorded in the history of the Fennimores that none of them ever accepted office though often urged to do so. They have always been thrifty and pros- perous, quietly and faithfully pursuing their business life and attaining means, years and honors.

SAMUEL DEWEES ROE, farmer, son of William and Elizabeth (Dewees) Roe, was born at Roseville, Kent county, September 1, 1833.

William Roe was born in Caroline county, Md., and came to Kent county, Del., in child- hood, with his father, who was a farmer in comfortable circumstances. Mr. William Roe was a manufacturer of agricultural im- plements, but afterwards purchased extensive tracts of land in Kent county, and became a practical farmer. He was a leading member of the Methodist church, a gentleman greatly respected for his intelligence, strength of character, and upright life. He died in May, 1856, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, leav- ing a large landed and personal estate. Wil- liam Roe was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Dewees. Of their ten children, six grew to maturity: I. Sallie A., widow of Jo- seph George, of Philadelphia; II. Elizabeth, married Stephen Postles, of Camden, Dela- ware, died in 1848; 11I. Rachel D., married the Rev. William E. England; IV. Mary (Mrs. Wm. M. Satterfield), of Felton, Del .; V. Amor J., married Henry Harrington, died in 1865, leaving three children; V. Sam- uel D.

Samuel Roe attended the public schools until he was fourteen, when he was sent to the academy at Frederica, and after studying there for several terms, and spending one term at the academy at Newark, in the fall of 1852, entered the middle class of Delaware College, graduating as Bachelor of Philosopy in the class of 1854. After teaching one year, he was engaged in settling his father's estate,

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and in 1858, went to St. Louis, Mo., where for a time he engaged in business as a mer- chant. Mr. Roe afterwards resided in the central part of Missouri till 1860, when he returned to Delaware and settled on the farm which he inherited from his father. This farm contains 334 acres of good land mostly devoted to grain, and under a high state of cultivation. In 1866 Mr. Roe in company with P. L. Bonewill rented his farm, and en- gaged in the manufacture of agricultural im- plements. Not satisfied with the success of this venture, he resumed farming. Formerly Mr. Roe was a Whig, but afterwards identi- fied himself with the Democratic party. In 1864 he was elected a member of the Levy Court of Kent county, which office he filled acceptably for four years. In 1878 he was appointed tax collector for South Murder- kill hundred, serving for two years. Samuel Dewees Roe was married in 1861 to Kate, daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Moore) Harrington. They had one child, Imogene. Mrs. Roe died July 27, 1869. In 1872 he was married to Zella M., daughter of Dr. S. P. Briggs, of Millville, N. J. They also had one child, William Stanton.

CHIARLES TATMAN POLK, youngest son of Tatman Polk, was born in New Castle county, Del., November 18, 1818.

Charles Tatman Polk was a child when his father removed to Odessa. On leaving school he assisted his father in business and in the care of his valuable farms. About the year 1837, he began business with his uncle, who owned a store in Delaware City, but after re- maining with him for several years, returned home to superintend his father's farms. Mr. Polk inherited a large share of this landed property on the death of his father, in 1852, and in the same year he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Eliza White, daughter of George White, a wealthy farmer near Mil- ford. He was an enthusiast in agriculture, making of the pursuit a study and an art, and devoting to it the resources of his fine mind and energetic nature. As new and improved methods appeared, he was one of the first to appreciate, to understand and whenever prac- tieable to us them. His judgment was rarely at

fault, and as he posessed great enterprise and ability, his success in any undertaking seemed assured from its commencement. Strictly honorable and conscientious in all his deal- ings, he enjoyed the full esteem and confi- dence of all with whom he came in contact. Throughout the state he was known and hon- ored as a prominent and useful citizen. The name of Polk, so wide-spread in the United States, suffered no dishonor from this repre- sentative of the family. Mr. Polk was a di- rector in the Bank at Odessa, of which he was one of the incorporators. In early life he was an old line Whig, and was several times elected to a seat in the state legislature. Dur- ing the War of the Rebellion Mr. Polk was a strong Union man and afterwards became a member of the Republican party. For many years he was a trustee of Drawyers Presby- terian church, of which he was a devoted and useful member. Their children are: Cyrus, born in Odessa, June 15, 1853; II. George White, born September 23, 1854; III. Charles T., born March 27, 1856; IV. William, born November 19, 1857. Exemplary in all the relations of life, the character of Mr. Polk never appeared to greater advantage than in the home circle. He died in the triumphs of the Christian faith on Saturday, March 21, 1863.

WILLIAM CHARLES PERKINS, M. D., son of Dr. John D. and Eliza (Bradshaw) Perkins, was born in Smyrna, Delaware, May 24, 1826.

Charles William Perkins received his pri- mary education at the public schools and the academy in Smyrna, and was prepared for col- lege at the grammar school attached to Dick- inson College, Carlisle, Pa., then in charge of the Rev. Levi Scott, D. D., afterwards Bishop of the M. E. church. In October, 1841, he entered Dickinson College, and after studying there for two years, commenced reading medi- cine in his father's office, in Smyrna. He ma- frieulated at the Jefferson Medical College, November 1, 1844, graduating with the class of 1847, and commenced the practice of his profession in Smyrna. In 1850, Dr. Perkins removed to Sassafras, Kent county, Md., where he remained for seventeen years. He Was very successful as a physician, and at the

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same time superintended the cultivation of his large farm. In December, 1867, Dr. Per- kins removed to West Philadelphia, becoming one of the leading physicians and surgeons of that part of the city. During his residence there the few scattered houses grew into a compact city, extending more than a mile west of his house. In 1877 he purchased a fine property, No. 58 North Thirty-eighth street. Desiring to hold a diploma from the time-honored institution from which his father had graduated Dr. Perkins, in 1869, also graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania. He devoted himself most assiduous- ly to his calling, never turning aside for the allurements of politael honors, or the promise of wealth in other paths. The skill to which he attained, and his devotion to, and conscien- tious discharge of his duties were soon recog- mized and appreciated, and gained him a large practice. Many cases of special interest to the profession have come under his treatment; the history of a number of these he published in the leading medical journals of the coun- try. In 1876, his health being much im- paired by long and close application to his professional duties, he spent four months in Europe, traveling through England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland and Italy. Dr. Perkins always considered men and mea- sures, rather than party lines. In February, 1878, he was elected by the Democrats as school director for the twenty-fourth ward.

Charles W. Perkins, M. D., was married, November 5, 1850, to Susan 1., daughter of J. Vesey and Ann (Knowland) Price, of Ce- cil county, Md.

MORRIS LISTON, whose name is com- memorated in Liston High Woods and Lis- ton's Point, a well known land mark on the western shore of the Delaware Bay, came to America from England. In the early part of the last century, he and his brother, John Liston, came to Delaware, and each pur- chased from the Indians, 1200 acres of land. John's land was situated in Thorough- fare Neck. The brothers were both members of the Society of Friends, and are supposed to have been buried on the high ground known as the Old Burial Ground near the residence of Robert Derrickson.

Morris Liston had four sons; Morris, Thomas, Eben and Abraham. Abraham set- tled on what is known as Eleazer David's farm and died leaving six sons who sold the estate, and removed to Preston county, Va. From them the Listons of Virginia are de- scended. In Delaware the name has become extinct. Eben Liston's children were: I. Wil- ham, grandfather of Robert Derrickson; II. Mrs. -, married Mr. Townsend, grand- father of Samuel Townsend.

William Liston's children are: I. William; II. Thomas; III. Ann; IV. Sarah (Mrs. Ro- bert Derrickson), had eight children. The house was built by the emigrant Morris Lis- ton in 1725. It is of brick, and the mortar used was made from shell lime. The house of Eben Liston, was built in 1739, a two-story brick house, with a hip roof. These houses, and indeed the entire locality, is of historic interest.

GENERAL JESSE GREEN, eldest son of Thomas Dudley and Mary (Simms) Green, was born in Maryland, June 12, 1776.

General Green was a lienal descendant of the first Lord Baltimore, whose daughter, Helen Calvert, married Thomas Green. Their son, Thomas Green, great-great-grandfather of Jesse Green, came with his uncle, Leonard Calvert, to Maryland where he married Wini- fred, daughter of Cecil Calvert, second Lord Baltimore. Thomas Green, 2, who was Lieu- tenant-Governor of Maryland in 1647, had three sons. One of his sons, Leonard, had a son, Thomas. Thomas Green, 3, grandfather of Jesse Green, is spoken of in colonial his- tory as a great and good man. Thomas Green, 3, died leaving a son, Thomas Dudley Green, who was married to Mary Sinns. The es- tate of this family lay in Charles and St. Mary's counties, Md., where large tracts of land had been granted them by patents from Lord Baltimore. Here they lived and pre- served the religion and the virtues of their illustrious ancestors.

In June, 1790, General Jesse Green re- moved from the District of Columbia to Sus- sex county, Delaware; where he married Sarah Buchanan, widow of Buch- aman. This lady lived but a short time. In 1797 Gen. Green married Elizabeth Gunby,

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a granddaughter of Col. Gunby of Revolution- ary fame, who was described by her contem- poraries as "a beauty, an heiress and a belle." Of their twelve children five lived to maturity: 1. Mrs. Henry Long, of Oakland, C'al .; II. Col. George W. Green, of Baltimore, Md .; III. Mrs. Charles Ross, of Baltimore; IV. Mrs. Joseph Ford, also of Baltimore; V. Mrs. Benjamin Burton, of Georgetown, Del. During the war of 1812, General Green was in active service and was present with his troops at the bombardment of Lewes. Ile filled many offices of public trust and was for thirty sessions a member of the Dela- ware Legislature. Faithful to the pre- cepts of his ancestors, General Green was a devoted Catholic, and during his long and useful life, never neglected his religious duties. He died at Concord, in August, 1834, and is interred there in the family burial ground. General Green was of a retiring and studious disposition, and spent much of his time with his books, his library being the finest in Sussex county. He owned a large number of slaves to whom he was a kind master; he was also a friend to the poor, and it was his delight to assist young men of talent whose means would not afford them the benefits of scholastic training. Among those thus generously aided by him were many whose history has adorned the an- nals of Delaware.

IION. GEORGE PURNELL FISHER, ex-United States Judge of the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia, only child of Thomas and Nancy (Owens) Fisher, was born in Milford, Del., October 13. 1817. Ilis father, General Thomas Fisher, was mar- ried to Nancy, daughter of Robert and Sally Owens of Sussex county. Mrs. Fisher who was a woman of great vigor of mind, was one of the early Methodists of the State.

After attending the schools of the country from an early age, George P. Fisher was sent to St. Mary's College, Baltimore, Mdl., but at the end of one year, he went to Dickinson · college, Carlisle, Pa., then under the direction of that distinguished and eloquent minister, the Rev. John P. Durbin, D. D. Entering the Sophomore class, he graduated in regular course in July, 1838.

Having decided on his profession, Mr. Fisher entered the law office of Hon. John M. Clayton, at Dover, whose wife was a distant relative. Pursuing his legal studies he was admitted to the bar of the Superior Court of the State, in April, 1841, and began the prac- tice of law in Dover. His success was re- markable, and his practice very large for so young a man. Upon his election President Taylor, gave to Hon. J. M. Clayton the port- folio of Secretary of State, and Judge Fisher was unexpectedly invited to a position in the State Department of the United States. Ile was appointed by President Taylor to advocate certain claims of the citizens of the United States against the Brazilian Goverment, and fulfilled the commission in such a manner as to elicit the warm commendation of Hon. Elisha Whittlesey then First Comptroller of the Treasury. After the completion of this service, in 1852, Mr. Fisher returned to Dover and resumed the practice of his profession.

In March, 1855, he was appointed by Gov. Causey, Attorney General of the State of Delaware, a position which he filled for five years with marked ability. In 1860, much against his personal preferences Mr. Fisher was nominated for Congress by the Union Party. Although the Democrats had a large majority in the State he succeeded in calling out more than the usual strength of his party in his support. In 1862 he was nominated by the Republican party to a seat in the House of Representatives, and, as he claims, was elected, but was kept out of his seat by fradu- lent returns. His competitor did not live to serve his constituents. At the close of the short session of Congress, March, 1863, with- out his knowledge or solicitation George R. Fisher was appointed by President Lincoln, Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. After serving in this position with ability until 1870 he resigned his seat on the bench to accept the appoint- ment of United States District Attorney for the District of Columbia, tendered him by President U. S. Grant. This office he contin- ued to fill until the autumn of 1875, when he resigned and returned to his native State. A large part of Judge Fisher's life being spent in publie office and his political convic- tions being decided and outspoken, it is not strange that his political enemies displayed

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great bitterness towards him. After the death of the old Whig party he was not on the popu- lar side in political circles. He is, however, a devoted friend, helpful to all regardless of their political creed.

At the breaking out of the war of the Re- bellion, Judge Fisher was conspicuous for his patriotism. Hle was anxious that his State should send her full quota to the field, and was made Colonel of the First Delaware Cavalry, gave his time, and means to recruiting and organizing it, and retained his command until President Lincoln appointed him to a posi- tion on the bench, of the District of Columbia. The soldiers of Delaware and other States found him an unfailing adviser, and friend.

In 1840, Judge Fisher was married to Eliza A., daughter of Hon. and Rev. T. P. McCol- ley of Milford, Del.

ROBERT W. REYNOLDS, son of Thomas Reynolds, formerly of Kent county, Delaware, was born on the old homestead, "Golden Ridge," December 5, 1803.

About the close of the seventeenth century, John Reynolds, an English immigrant, settled in Delaware where he died in 1729. His son, Daniel Reynolds, great-grandfather of Robert W. Reynolds, was married to Grace, daughter of Michael Lowber. Their son Michael Rey- nolds, grandfather of Robert W. Reynolds spent his life on the family estate in Kent county, Del.

Mr. Reynolds' maternal grandfather, Michael Lowber, was the son of Peter Low- Her, a native of Amsterdam, Holland, who emigrated to America where he had large es- tates. Michael died in 1698, leaving the greater part of his estate to his grandson Michael Reynolds.

Robert W. Reynolds received a limited edu- cation in the county schools. His natural taste inclined him to surveying, but insur- mountable difficulties seemed to lio in his way. He did not possess even the requisite preliminary knowledge, and an instructor could not be obtained. He reached manhood with the desire of his heart still unsatisfied, and determined to succeed; he obtained the necessary books, gave himself up to study for six weeks, and at the end of that time he de-

clared himself to be prepared to take the field as a practical surveyor, which he did with marked success. He remained through life enthusiastically devoted to his profession, in which he met with marked success. Mr. Reynolds possesed unusual ability, and was the acknowledged adviser of the community in which he lived. At the carly age of thirty he was appointed by Governor Caleb P. Ben- nett, November 15, 1833, sheriff of Kent county; and was afterwards elected to the same office by the Democratic party, of which he was a life long member. On March 15, 1853, he was appointed by Governor William II. Ross, Register of Wills in and for Kent county, a position he filled with great credit. The promptness and ability displayed in the sheriff's office together with his well known high character, made Mr. Reynolds an eligible candidate for further honors. In 1862, when the State convention met to nominate a can- didate for Governor, upon counting the votes it was found that Samuel Jefferson of New Castle county had received seventy-six, and Robert W. Reynolds of Kent county sixty- seven; the convention consisting of one hun- dred and fifty members. From early man- hood Mr. Reynolds was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. II, Part 87

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