USA > Maryland > Genealogical and memorial encyclopedia of the state of Maryland, a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Volume I > Part 23
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first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church consecrated in the United States. His daughter, Priscilla Chew, born July 25, 1809, died July 6, 1881 ; married, October 11, 1839, Rev. Henry Williams, born January 25, 1812, died April 8, 1852. Rev. Henry Williams was son of Philip and Elizabeth Wil- liams, of South Carolina.
Henry Williams, son of Rev. Henry and Priscilla (Chew) Williams, was born at the rectory of All Saints Church, Upper Calvert county, Maryland, October 9, 1840, died in Baltimore, Maryland, March 20, 1916. The rectory was his boyhood home and until thirteen years of age he studied in private schools near by and under private tutors who came to the rectory for his instruction. In 1854 he was sent to Baltimore for better educational advantage, entering the Toppings' private school, whence he was graduated. Dur- ing the years he was a student in Baltimore he was a guest at the home of his uncle, Dr. Samuel Chew. After gradua- tion he returned home and pursued a course of law study, and in 1860 finished his preparation under the direction of Charles J. M. Gwinn, one of the ablest lawyers of Baltimore. In 1861 he was admitted to the Maryland bar and began practice at Prince Frederick, Calvert county, Maryland, in association with James T. Briscoe. He soon afterward located in Balti- more, his residence until death. In addition to his law prac- tice, Mr. Williams became active and prominent in business and public life. For thirty years he was executive head of the Weems line of steamers running from Baltimore to Chesa- peake bay and Virginia points. The Weems line, which was founded in 1817, was sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany and later Mr. Williams was interested in the Baltimore & Carolina Steamship Company, founded at an earlier period ยท by the sons. During the latter years of his life his chief busi- ness connections were as a member of the board of directors of
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the National Bank of Commerce, the Colonial Trust Company and the Central Savings Bank. The only director of the National Bank of Commerce whose term of service on the board exceeded that of Henry Williams was Eugene Levering, whose service yet continues.
From the beginning of his residence in Baltimore, Mr. Williams was genuinely interested in the city government and one of the loyal, devoted citizens who could be relied on to support measures intended to benefit the public while ad vancing city interests. He was a Democrat in politics, and in 1864 was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates by a practically unanimous vote of the district, but one vote be- ing recorded against him and that in all probability his own. In 1866 he took active part in the legislation which followed the Civil War, and in 1872 and 1874 was state senator. In 1895 he was the candidate of his party for mayor, but in that year the entire city ticket went down in defeat. In 1897 he was again a candidate, but failed of an election. In 1901 he was elected president of the Second Branch of City Council and largely through his personal work and interest, the Fuller bid for the city holdings of Western Maryland Railway stock was accepted. In 1903 he was appointed collector of taxes by Mayor McLane, serving the city in that capacity for four years, winning the approbation of the officials and business men of the city and the esteem of the employees of the tax department, who, on his retirement, expressed that esteem by presenting him with a silver platter and carving set.
In 1907 his name was before the Democratic State Con- vention for the Gubernatorial nomination, and up to the very day the convention met he had been virtually accepted as the most available man for the honor and was the choice of a ma- jority of the delegates who assembled in the hall prepared to cast their ballots for him. But over night the powers that rule
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selected another and the nomination went to Austin L. Croth- ers, of Cecil county, who was elected.
True to the tenets of the faith of his fathers, he was all his life a devoted churchman, serving the Episcopal church by faith and works. He was a vestryman of St. Peter's Church, president of the Churchman Club for thirty years. Tall in stature, of dignified yet kindly democratic bearing and nature, he was one of the most distinguished men in appear- ance, and his deeds and his character were in proportion with the physical man. He was vice-president of the Southern Maryland Society.
Mr. Williams married, June 11, 1868, Georgeanna Weems. Their children are Mason L. W .; Henry, Jr .; George Weems; John H. C .; Elizabeth Chew, and Matilda Weems Williams. Absolutely devoted to his family, Mr. Williams saw his sons grow to prominence as business and professional men, and rejoiced that in them his name and virtues were perpetuated. Mrs. Williams continues her resi- dence at the family mansion, "Woodcliffe," on Thirty-ninth street, near University parkway, Baltimore.
Strauss theston
JAMES PRESTON
SI IXTY-SIX were the years of the life of James Preston of Baltimore, Maryland, and of these, forty-two were spent in association with the dry goods firm, John A. Homer & Company, of which he was a member until his retirement four years prior to his death in 1917. He began at the bot- tom of the ladder and through sheer ability won his way to the top. He was one of the oldest members of the Merchants and Manufacturers Association, was one of the oldest directors of the National Western Bank, and in all his long and useful life there was no duty refused or left unperformed. He met every demand of good citizenship but had no taste or desire for public position, and never held a political office. He was of Pennsylvania birth, but a descendant of the Preston family, one of the oldest in Maryland, springing from Thomas Pres- ton, born in 1650, died in 1710. Prestons were identified with Harford county, Maryland, from its earliest settlement, but James Preston's father, also James Preston, located in Penn- sylvania, at Seven Valley, where he died March 30, 1852, aged forty-one years. James Preston, Sr., was a son of John and Rebecca Preston, and was married May 25, 1847, in old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, by Rev. Dr. Wyatt, to E. Adelaide Jenkins, born November 22, 1821, died June 25, 1908, daughter of Robert Jenkins, owner of Locust Vale Farm, Baltimore, Maryland, and his wife Jane Dart. Robert Jenkins and Jane Dart were married May 30, 1820. He died April 28, 1879, and his wife, Jane, September 7, 1864.
James Preston, son of James and E. Adelaide (Jenkins) Preston, was born at Seven Valley, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1851, died at his home, No. 2210 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, Maryland, November 10, 1917. He came to Baltimore in early youth, and after completing his studies in the public
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schools and in City College, Baltimore, he entered the employ of John A. Homer & Company, dry goods and notions. He evidenced unusual aptitude for business, was rapidly ad- vanced, and soon admitted to a partnership. He continued a member of the firm until 1913, then attempted to withdraw, but his partners persuaded him to reconsider. Six months later, however, he announced his positive withdrawal, and for the remaining four years of his life he lived practically retired from business cares, although he was interested in real estate operations and other investment activities. He was a man of excellent business, sound in judgment, progressive in method, upright in all his dealings, careful always to wrong no man by word or deed.
Early in Mr. Preston's business career he became a mem- ber of the Merchants and Manufacturers Association of Bal- timore, and was ever one of the most active workers and useful members of the Association, only surrendering his position as chairman of the Publicity Committee, and member of the Executive Board a few weeks prior to his passing away. He was very earnest in his association work and took great pride in its accomplishments. He was president of the Merchants Hotel Company, from the time of its organization, and there was no member of the board of directors of the Western Na- tional Bank of Baltimore, who was his senior in point of years of service. He was also a member of the Baltimore Credit Men's Association for more than twenty years, a charter mem- ber of the Fidelity and Deposit Company, which he also aided to organize, and was a member of the Atlantic Deeper Water- ways Association.
A meeting of the Merchants and Manufacturers Associa- tion was called the day of Mr. Preston's death at which the following resolutions were passed :
. It is with feelings of regret that the Executive Committee of the
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Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association meets today to honor the mem- ory of their long-time associate and former treasurer, James Preston. Mr. Preston appreciating the value of the Association in advancing the business interests of our city became an important factor in its activities, serving for years as treasurer, member of the Executive Board and chairman of one of our most important committees, which positions he held at the time of his death. There was no duty required of him to which he did not respond promptly, always giving much of his time and energy to the accomplishment of good results. He was an active and public spirited citizen. Sorrowfully we bid him farewell, but his memory will linger a long time with us.
After the great fire the Merchants Hotel Company was formed, which built the New Howard Hotel, and of this com- pany he was president. He was a member of Kedron Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Baltimore Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Beauseant Commandery, Knights Templar; and in Scottish Rite Masonry held the degrees of Baltimore Con- sistory. He was also a Noble of Boumi Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In religious faith he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, affiliated with the Madison avenue congregation. His funeral was attended by members of the various organizations with which he was identified, and after the religious services had been conducted by Rev. R. J. Wyckoff, pastor of Madison Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, the beautiful burial service of the Knights Templar ritual was rendered by the Templars of Beauseant Comman- dery. The honorary pall-bearers were : Mayor Preston, Charles E. Falconer, William C. Rouse, Charles E. Rieman, Captain Samuel D. Buck, Jacob Epstein, James M. Easter, Frederick H. Gottlieb, Franklin P. Cator, Samuel E. Rein- hard, Judge Walter I. Dawkins and Frank N. Hoen. The burial was in Druid Ridge cemetery.
Mr. Preston married, in 1874, Emma L. Meakin, daugh- ter of Samuel and Mary Irene (Whitely) Meakin, who sur- vives him with one son, James Oscar Preston, born December 23, 1879.
ROLAND BRIDENDALL HARVEY
ROLAND B. HARVEY was born in Baltimore county,
Maryland, October 12, 1870, son of William Pinkney and Virginia (Jordan) Harvey. He was educated in private schools in the United States until he was sent abroad for study and travel. Over three years were spent in Switzerland, France and Germany with tutors, special attention being given to languages. After his return home he entered Johns Hop- kins University, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Arts, class of 1895; University of Maryland, Bachelor of Laws, 1896. He was admitted to the Baltimore bar in 1896, and to the bar of New York in 1897. He practiced law in the office of Elihu Root during the years 1897-99, then returned to Balti- more, and was made assistant State's attorney, an office he held three years, 1904-07. He made a strong record for effi- ciency and was urged to continue in politics, but declined further honors, and resigned the office in 1907, and in 1909 after passing the examinations, he entered the diplomatic service. During this career he was considered one of the best qualified men in that service, and his efforts attracted much favorable comment.
Mr. Harvey's first appointment was in July, 1909, when he was appointed to Roumania, and consul-general to the Balkan States, to act as charge d'affairs on arrival in Rou- mania. This he did for several months, later being made charge d'affairs to Bulgaria. The special pleasure he found in his two years' work in the Balkans was the meeting of prominent diplomats sent by European countries to guard their Balkan interests. Although a staunch American and firm believer in his own country, Mr. Harvey had a keen and unprejudiced interest in the world at large. His unusual knowledge of the history of nations and their rulers aided
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him in coming very near to those he met, and added greatly to the pleasure and benefits of his career. After more than two years in the Balkan States, he received in February, 1912, his appointment as Secretary of Legation to Peru. It was expected his knowledge of international law would be valu- able in the law cases of long standing in that country. On his arrival at Callao, May 13, 1912, he was, however, greeted with the cable order from the Department of State, "Proceed to Chili without delay. In charge on arrival," and on May 13, 1912, he arrived at his post, for the second time "charge" on arrival. His stay in Chili, from May 13, 1912, to February 25, 1914, was full of varied events of unusual interest. Among the most noted while Mr. Harvey was in charge, were the great receptions tendered to former President Roosevelt on his tour of South America, and the visit of Hon. Robert Bacon, representing the Carnegie Peace Commission. The opportunity also to visit Peru long enough to make the ascent of that world wonder of switch-back engineering, the Auroya railroad, the work of an American engineer; and later the tour of Chili down its coast to the Straits of Magellan ; on to Punta Arenas, the most southern city in the world; on through the Straits to the Falkland Islands, that rocky bit of the British Empire, and then up the east coast of South America to Buenos Aires, crossing the great range of the snow-capped Andes back to Chili.
When his appointment to Berlin as Second Secretary of Embassy came it was received with mixed feelings, his com- ment being: "Germany is a history-making country"-and he loved work. With keen interest in the new duties before him, he sailed for Liverpool, February 26, 1914. Going via Liverpool he arrived in Berlin, March 29, 1914, a post full of interest, but almost from arrival Mr. Harvey thought clouds of war were hanging low. How soon the storm would break
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he realized when, at Kiel to see the great regatta, and expect- ing to be present at the reception given by Prince Henry, news came of the murder of the Archduke Ferdinand. At once all gaiety stopped, the Kaiser left Kiel, as did all the German notables. Excitement ran high until the evening of July 28, when word was received that war had been declared. Imme- diately the work of the United States Embassy increased ten- fold, the thousands of Americans making a mad rush to get out of Germany. Mr. Harvey had entire charge of the pass- ports, and his strength and sympathy were taxed to the limit. Not in good health, the strain proved too much and he was obliged to seek rest for a short time at Hamburg, Bavaria.
Returning to Berlin with renewed strength and energy, Mr. Harvey went once more into the rush of his post, the absence of Counselor Grew on a short leave, causing him to assume much additional labor. While Mr. Grew was absent in the United States, the following order was received from the State department in Washington: "Harvey transferred Buenos Aires in charge indefinitely." The promotion to the most important post in South America and to be "charge" on arrival was so exactly to his liking and so suited to his capabili- ties that Mr. Harvey was delighted. He hoped to spend only two weeks in the United States, but his health demanded a longer leave, and two months were granted. At its end he realized he was not in condition to be "charge indefinitely" of so important an embassy, and decided to spend one year de- voted to his health, expecting by so doing he would be fit for any post. His hopes seemed to be realized until July, 1917, when he had a bad fall and sustained a fracture of the hip. The long operation made necessary, with his already depleted condition, made his recovery almost impossible, and on No- vember 14, 1917, his life passed away, one so full of promise and high ambitions, a mind clear and full of interest in his
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country to the very last. His approachable manner, lovable disposition, and high sense of duty gained for him the affec- tions as well as the esteem of all with whom he came in con- tact. In his official capacity he was ever ready to lend a help- ing hand to those of his countrymen who found themselves in difficulties in foreign lands, often going beyond the official requirements to do so. Many there are to-day of these who will have a lasting sense of obligation to the kind-hearted young diplomat, who smoothed things out for them, setting aside in his capable way the difficulties that beset them when the great war broke out, and helped them to reach the frontier, and neutral lands, in ease, comfort and security. But this was his way, and he took no credit to himself for the thousands of acts of kindness and courtesy that characterized both his official and social life.
DAVID MARION NEWBOLD
A T the age of seventy-three, prominent in the business and financial life of two cities, David Marion Newbold closed a long and honorable career, his business life covering a period of half a century. He was a direct descendant of that Thomas Newbold who came to this country, from Derbyshire, Eng- land, prior to 1665, and settled in Somerset, Maryland. This is abundantly proven by the following record in the Annapolis Records (Rent Rolls of Somerset County, Maryland, Book 1-61) : August 26, 1665, "Acquintico" surveyed by George Watson, on the north side of Pocomoke River, then in pos- session of Mr. Thomas Newbold, to Samuel Wilson, February 2, 1667; October 20, 1665, three hundred acres surveyed by Jenkins Price for Thomas Newbold of Pocomoke. The rec- ords also show that he received in 1678 a grant of land of four hundred and fifty acres for transporting Adriana, his wife, two children, Murphy and Sarah Newbold, and five servants. Rent Rolls and Deed Books of Somerset county show several large tracts of land taken up by Thomas Newbold; "Acquin- tico" surveyed August 26, 1665, for George Watson on north of Pocomoke River in possession of Thomas Newbold; 1678, "Friendship" and "Content," on north side of Pocomoke River; 1684, "Bashan" surveyed for Thomas Newbold of Pocomoke River. Deed Book B. L. (folio 404) Princess Anne county : November 8, 1696, Thomas Newbold and Jane, his wife (second wife) sell two tracts of land "London's Ad- venture" and "Blackridge" to Samuel Handy.
Thomas Newbold was evidently a man of substance. The fact that he was financially able to transport a considerable retinue of "servants" and had very large land holdings show this. He was also a gentleman with rank of esquire, and bore arms as is shown by a "gold seal ring" he left in his will to his
2.M. nowfood
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son Thomas. He took a very prominent part in the affairs of Somerset county, both civil and military, from 1678 to 1713. He was a "Member of the Councill," 1684-89; commissioned "Lieutenant of Horse," Colonial Militia, Somerset county, 1689; one of the "Gentlemen Justices for Tryall of Cases," 1679; "Thomas Newbold, Justice," 1694-97 and "Vestryman of Coventry Parish."
Thomas Newbold married twice. His first wife was Adriana; his second wife, Jane. Children by first wife: Murphy ; Thomas, married a Joyce; Sarah, married Thomas Hearne; William, died about 1720. Children by second wife : Francis, see forward; John, married (first) Rachel, (second) Naomi. Thomas Newbold died in 1713.
His will, probated in 1713, is as follows :
"I, Thomas Newbold, Gentleman, weak and infirm of body but sound in mind. To eldest son, Thomas, 2500 acres of land; 'Acquintico,' 'Friendship' and 'Gift.' Second son, William, 2500 acres of 'Acquintico.' To Thomas, gold seal ring, waistcoat, East India Chest, feather bed, hay horse, with pistols and holsters and one gun. To son, William, silver Tobacco box, bed and household furniture and one gun and a bay mare. To daughter, Sarah, wife of Thomas Hearne, three hundred acres of 'Bashan.' To youngest son, Francis, 500 acres of Tract called 'Bashan.' Wife, Jane, Executrix.
THOMAS NEWBOLD.
June 5th, 1713."
As Murphy Newbold is not mentioned in his father's will, it is supposed that he died young.
Francis Newbold, son of Thomas Newbold, of Poco- moke River, Somerset county, Province of Maryland, and his second wife, Jane, was born about 1698. He in' erited MD .- 21
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with his brother, John, a large tract of land called "Bashan," or "Bushan," which was surveyed for Thomas Newbold in 1684 by George Layfield in Somerset county, Maryland, but by removal of boundary line became situated in Sussex county, Delaware. Francis Newbold died in 1777.
Francis Newbold and his wife Sarah had issue: Francis, Jr., see forward; Thomas; John, married Rachel Newbold, his cousin.
Francis Newbold, Jr., son of Francis and Sarah New- bold, married, about 1775, Sarah Owens, daughter of David Owens. The Owens were among the early settlers of Somerset county, Maryland, and were closely associated with the Colonial history of the Province. Thomas Owens, one of the progenitors of the family, took up land prior to 1673. His son, William Owens, married Mary -, and was promi- nent in the affairs of Somerset county, being a member of the "Providence Councill," and a Provincial Commissioner in 1675. He received grants of land from the Lord Proprietary, called "Owen's Venture," and "Morgan's Venture." By his wife, Anna, he had four children : William, John, Robert and Somerville. His son, William Owens, who died in 1743, had issue by his wife, Sarah: William, David, Robert, Samuel and four daughters. His second son, David Owens, inherited from him "Morgan's Venture," in 1775, and was the father of Sarah Owens, who married Francis Newbold, Jr. Francis Newbold, Jr., died in 1776, leaving one son, David.
David Newbold, son of Francis, Jr., and Sarah (Owens) Newbold, was born in 1776, in Sussex county, Delaware, and died in 1852. He removed in 1803 to Missouri, and, in 1810, married Sophia Robinson, born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1787. Children: Theophilus, David Owens, John, Wesley, Newton, James Francis, see forward.
James Francis Newbold, son of David and Sophia
-
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(Robinson) Newbold, was born, October 16, 1816, in Scott county, Kentucky, and died June 3, 1902, in Baltimore. Be- ing possessed of an adventurous spirit in his younger days he joined that celebrated band, known as the "Forty-Niners," and twice made the long and tedious journey, so full of danger at that time, to California. His first trip, in 1849, was across the plains; again in 1851 he went back to the gold fields by the way of Panama, being one of the first to go by that route. In a short time he amassed a considerable competence and re- turned East, settling in Baltimore, where he continued to reside until his death. There he founded, in 1852, the well known wholesale glass concern of Newbold & Sons, the other partners being David M. Newbold and James Francis New- bold, Jr. This business had a long and successful career of more than fifty years, and only terminated with the death of his son, James Francis Newbold, Jr., February, 1902, when the firm closed its doors permanently.
In politics James Francis Newbold was a Democrat. He took considerable interest in local politics, serving several terms in both branches of the City Council. He was a good Christian and a devout member of the Bethany Independent Methodist Church of which he was one of the founders.
James Francis Newbold married, March 18, 1841, Mary Elizabeth Bowen, born 1823, died March 10, 1849, daughter of Richard and Maria (McGregor) Bowen, of Harford county, Maryland. Children: Elizabeth Ann; James Fran- cis; David Marion, subject of this sketch.
David Marion Newbold, of the sixth American gen- eration, son of James Francis and Mary Elizabeth (Bowen) Newbold, was born in Boonesville, Missouri, June 4, 1843, died in the city of Baltimore, at his home in Eutaw Place, April 22, 1917. After his years of educational preparation had ended, he entered business life in Baltimore, becoming a
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member of the firm of Newbold & Sons, a famed business house, dealing in wholesale glassware and crockery. He con- tinued an integral part of that firm until its dissolution, after a successful career covering half a century, and henceforth David Newbold confined his activity to real estate and public utilities. His connection with real estate resulted in his be- coming known as one of the largest operators of the city, a man whose vision was broad, and judgment sound. With the development of the city and the increasing need of better transportation system, city and inter-city, Mr. Newbold be- came interested in that great problem which confronts all cities ; took an active part in the building of the electric lines between Baltimore and Washington; acquired large traction interests in Washington; was president of the City and Subur- ban and of the Eckington and Belt Line street railway com- panies of that city; also a member of the Elkins-Widener Syndicate of Philadelphia, whose operations extended to many cities. He was for a time largely interested in the American Street Lighting Company, of which his sons, Eugene Saun- ders Newbold, of Philadelphia, is president, and David M. Newbold, Jr., vice-president and general counsel.
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