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 6
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Mr. Bowdoin married, in April, 1878, Katherine Gor- don, daughter of James E. Price, a highly esteemed citizen of Wilmington, Delaware. Children : Marion Gordon, mar- ried Dr. J. H. Mason Knox, of Baltimore; Katherine Gordon, married Dr. John Staige Davis, of Baltimore; and William Graham, Jr., a lawyer by profession. Mr. Bowdoin died in Baltimore, on November 12, 1904.
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COLONEL JOHN T. MORRIS
A MAN of great versatility, Colonel John T. Morris divided his talents between two great professions, law and journalism, practicing at the Baltimore bar, and rising in journalism to the city editor's desk on the Baltimore "Sun." The honors of both professions came to him, and in addition to these civic and political honors were his also. His military title was gained as a member of the staff of Governor Jackson, and during the Golden Jubilee of Pope Leo XIII, Colonel Morris was appointed to convey, as a gift to His Holiness, a volume containing a copy of the Constitution of the United States in exquisitely bound form. The foregoing but indi- cates the versatility of the genius of Colonel Morris and does not at all indicate his popularity in the city in which his years, fifty-seven, were spent, years of ceaseless activity and useful- ness.
Colonel John T. Morris was born in Baltimore, Mary- land, June 20, 1859, and died at his home in Catonsville, Maryland, August 3, '1917, following an illness of nearly a year. He prepared for college at the various institutions con- ducted by the Catholic Order of Christian Brothers, and later entered Manhattan College, New York City, receiving from that institution the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at graduation. He then returned to Baltimore and entered the employ of the Baltimore "Sun," his first service being as reporter. His worth was soon recognized, and he was pro- moted to the position of news editor and was later transfer- red to the city editor's desk, occupying that important position until the year 1900. During his connection with the "Sun" he was adjudged to be in contempt of court through his re- fusal to divulge to the Grand Jury the source of the informa- on which a study of the presentation of Sheriff Fledderman,
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of attempted bribery, was based. Colonel Morris held that as a newspaper man he could not be compelled to give his source of information, and was punished for his refusal by a week's imprisonment. He was upheld by the late George M. Abell, then the managing director of the "Sun" and by the public generally. His courageous conduct furnished an ex- ample which has been followed by newspaper reporters throughout the country in their refusal to divulge sources of information. Colonel Morris reported the Sullivan-Kilrain prize fight in Louisiana, which took place nearly thirty years ago, and he also reported some of the greatest events of his day during his years as active reporter, and it is a well-known fact that no reporter was ever on better terms with the police department than Colonel Morris. It was during his news- paper career that he made the journey to Rome, Italy, as President Cleveland's personal representative to present to Pope Leo XIII the gift of a magnificent volume containing a copy of the Constitution of the United States, the occasion being the fiftieth anniversary of the Holy Father's ordination as a priest. He wrote letters to the "Sun" describing the cele- bration, and letters analyzing political and economic condi- tions as then existing in Europe, these being both instruc- tive and interesting.
In February, 1900, after his retirement from journalism, he was appointed a member of the Board of Police Commis- sioners of the City of Baltimore, the appointment being made by Governor John W. Smith. Colonel Morris, while per- forming the duties of his office, read law, a long cherished desire, completed a course in the law department of the Uni- versity of Maryland, was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1903, and in that year was admitted to the Baltimore bar. After his retirement as police commis- sioner, Colonel Morris began the practice of law with his
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son, John T. Morris, Jr., this connection continuing until the death of the son, August 23, 1916, they meeting with well- merited success. Upon his admission to the bar, Colonel Morris was presented with a handsome leather library couch by the United Irish League of Baltimore, of which he was formerly president. The couch bore a suitably inscribed silver plate. This action was taken pursuant to a resolution adopted by the league expressing the pride which its members felt upon the admission of Colonel Morris to the bar. The presentation was made through James T. O'Neill, chairman.
Colonel Morris married, October 30, 1884, Virginia C. Maguire, who died April 17, 1916. They were the parents of two children : John T., Jr., born August 18, 1885, a mem- ber of the Baltimore bar, associated with his father in the practice of law, died August 23, 1916; and Virginia C., born November 1, 1889, a resident of Baltimore.
While Colonel Morris had been in poor health for a year, the final breakdown was caused by the death of his wife in April, 1916, followed a few months later by that his son. When the death of Colonel Morris was announced only the Superior Court was in session; the motion that the court ad- journ out of respect to his memory was made by Eugene J. Cronin and seconded by Chapin A. Ferguson, and the motion was granted by Judge Dobler in suitable words of regret and respect. The funeral services were held at St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church. The church was filled with friends from various circles, principally political and professional, among them being a number of Chinese merchants whom he had served as counsel in their legal difficulties and as their friend. The Christian Brothers, under whom he studied, were largely represented, as were Eccleston Council, Catholic Benevolent Legion, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, institutions of which he had long been a member. The pallbearers were
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friends of the Baltimore bar. A high mass of requiem was celebrated, and at the conclusion of the last, absolution was pronounced by the Rt. Rev. Owen B. Corrigan, Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore. His remains were interred in Bonnie Brae Cemetery.
NICHOLAS RUFUS GILL
PROMINENT among those in the city of Baltimore who rose to eminence at the bar was Nicholas Rufus Gill, who was a man of marked capacity and decided character, and of the most undoubted integrity. He was modest and un- assuming in his deportment, and retiring in his habits, with no disposition to put himself forward, but in whatever posi- tion he was placed he was emphatic and decided. He went further than the mere requirements of the ethical code. He was always anxious, not merely to act honorably to a profes- sional brother, but also to serve him, if he could, by advanc- ing his interests, and increasing his claims to public estima- tion and confidence. In the language of the lamented Lane, "He was so constituted, that it was impossible for him to be guilty of dishonorable rivalry towards his fellow practition- ers." He scorned the tricks of the profession and those who practiced them. To the junior members of the faculty, he was particularly kind and generous. They were at once made to feel that he was one in whom they could place their confi- dence.
Nicholas Rufus Gill was born in Western Run Valley, Baltimore county, Maryland, March 12, 1838. He received his early education in Lamb's School and Milton Academy. When twenty-one years of age he entered the law offices of the late David Stewart and read law for one year, after which he matriculated at Harvard, graduating from the law depart- ment of that institution in the class of 1859. Immediately after his graduation he returned to Baltimore and opened an office for the general practice of his profession. His skill and ability were soon recognized and he enjoyed a lucrative patronage, practicing alone until such time as his sons were able to assist him, when he formed the firm of N. Rufus Gill
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& Sons. His connection with the firm of which he was the founder had been of late years as adviser to his sons, owing to the fact of impaired hearing, which affliction had greatly in- terfered with his law practice. Mr. Gill was not a politician, although a consistent Democrat. He was a member of the first branch of the city council three terms and twice served in the capacity of president of that body. At the expiration of his last term his fellow councilmen passed resolutions recog- nizing his faithful services. He declined to allow his name to be used for any other elective office. His last public position was as president of the water board, about 1890. Thus it will be seen that his life has been an active one, being widely extended, and will be felt and recognized for many years to come, although he has passed from the scene of his earthly labors.
Mr. Gill, who was injured October 27, 1905, in a driving accident on St. Paul Street Bridge, died October 30, 1905, at the sanitarium of Dr. Miller, whither he was taken immedi- ately after the accident. He and his daughter, Miss Agnes Gill, were thrown from a buggy, the accident being due to a high-spirited horse. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. John G. Murray, rector of St. Michael's and All Angels Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Rev. William H. Falkner, rector of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church. Fifty members of Crusade Commandery, Knights Templar, attended the services, their members acting as active pall- bearers. At the grave in the family lot at Greenmount Ceme- tery the Masonic rites were observed.
PHILEMON HALLAM TUCK
THE Tuck family is one which has held a prominent posi-
tion in the highest circles of Maryland for a long period, and the subject of this narrative, Philemon Hallam Tuck, inherited in full the measure the charms of intellect, nobility and courtliness which have characterized his ancestors. He was a direct descendant of several of the most distinguished families of the State, among them being the Brookes, Chews, Bowies and Spriggs. Personally he made a name for himself in the legal profession, and especially in real estate matters his business acumen and foresight were of the greatest benefit to his many clients. His paternal line is as follows :
William Tuck, an honored resident of Annapolis, Mary- land, possessed a widespread reputation as one of the most progressive men of his day. His active and conscientious public spirit identified him with the majority of the public and social enterprises of importance in his community, and he was honored with positions of trust and responsibility. From his earliest years his literary ability was recognized as being of a high order and the most accomplished men of the day were his intimate associates.
William Hallam, son of William Tuck, was born in Annapolis, Maryland, November 20, 1808, and died there March 17, 1884. The Legislature adjourned in respect to his memory, and preceded by the sergeant-at-arms bearing the mace, attended the funeral in a body, which was an unprece- dented honor. His education was acquired under the most favorable auspices, and he received in 1827 the degree of Master of Arts from St. John's College. The consistency and uprightness which characterized his performance of all duties which fell to his share naturally attracted the attention of those high in office, and although Mr. Tuck rarely
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sought public office, it was repeatedly tendered him, and he accepted these trusts, deeming it for the best interests of the people that he should do so. For many years he was a mem- ber of the Court of Appeals, and subsequently Governor Brad- ford appointed him Judge of the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel and Calvert counties. At the time of his death he was president of the Board of County Commissioners, having been appointed to this office by Governor Hamilton. As a member of the House of Delegates of Maryland, he served a number of terms, and during one term was speaker of the House. He also served as a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1851, and later as a Senator. In financial mat- ters he was also in the foremost rank, having held office as president of the First National Bank of Annapolis, the Citi- zens' Bank of Annapolis and the Traders' National Bank of Baltimore; was a director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, representing the State of Maryland stock in that corporation. He was a member of the board of governors and visitors of St. John's College, being succeeded in this office by his son, Philemon H. Judge Tuck married Margaret Sprigg Bowie Chew, born January 3, 1818, died March 12, 1885.
Philemon Hallam, son of William Hallam and Margaret Sprigg Bowie (Chew) Tuck, was born in Prince George county, Maryland, July 22, 1852. Endowed by nature with a mentality of unusual caliber, his scholastic course from the outset was one of honor. His elementary education was ob- tained in private schools and by the invitation of Governor Bradford he shared the instruction of the Governor's sons in the Government House in Annapolis, and he then attended the preparatory school connected with St. John's College. He matriculated at St. John's College, from which he graduated with high honors, obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Arts, then from the post-graduate course with the degree of Master
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of Arts. Becoming a student at the Law School of the Uni- versity of Maryland he was graduated from this institution with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Engaging in the practice of law in Baltimore in 1875, he achieved success, his power of concentration making this an assured fact. He was, however, a man of action, rather than of words, and his untiring energy and undoubted busi- ness talents decided him to attempt another field of industry.
He accordingly gave considerable attention to real estate matters, in connection with his legal practice, and undoubt- edly had more experience and accomplished as good results in this branch as any other lawyer in Maryland. His broad, comprehensive grasp of all questions arising in his practice gave him an unquestionable ability to cope with large matters. He never cared to hold public office, but as a private citizen had done his full share in upholding the principles of civic cleanliness and progress, by casting his vote for those who were best able to further these ends. He was a member of the Reform League, and had served for many years as a member of the executive committee of the Civil Service Reform Asso- ciation. He was one of the board of visitors and governors of St. John's College and vice-provost of the board of regents of the University of Maryland. His professional affiliations were with the State Bar Association and the Baltimore City Bar Association. He was an honored member of numerous social organizations, among them being: Sons of the Colonial Wars, Churchman's Club of Maryland, Sons of the Revolu- tion, Society of Colonial Lords of Manors in America, Bachelors' Cotillon and the following clubs: University, Baltimore Country. He was a vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church of Baltimore, and was appointed by Bishop John G. Murray, chairman of the committee whose duty was to seat the invited guests on the occasion of Cardinal Gibbons' Jubilee
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when possibly twenty thousand persons were in the audience, and many of the chief dignitaries of the nation on the stage. He was a liberal giver to all charitable objects. He was especially interested in assisting young men of ambition and ability, and was quick to notice unusual qualities of mind or heart in any one.
Mr. Tuck married (first) Grace G., daughter of Wil- liam Devries, founder of the firm of William Devries & Company, in its day one of the leading dry goods houses of the South. Mr. Tuck married (second) Dorcas V., daughter of Philip Jamieson, a prominent merchant of Toronto, who was considered one of the most astute business men of the city. Mr. Tuck traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe, Egypt and other parts of Africa, but he considered it his duty, as well as his pleasure, to study his own country above all others. He inherited the patriotism, cour- age and courtly bearing which distinguished his ancestors, and his fine presence and youthful glance and ardor made him in all respects worthy of the traditions of his well-known family. His death occurred August 5, 1917.
JORDAN STABLER
JORDAN STABLER, who was a leader in the commercial circles of Baltimore and head of the firm of Jordan Stabler Company, one of the largest grocery houses in the South, was descended on both sides from colonial Quaker families of English origin.
The earliest notice found of the Stabler family in the London records dates back to the time of King Edward I, about 1274. In the history of York, England, we find the marriage of George and Ann Stabler in 1680; one son is mentioned as Ishmael Stabler, Gentleman.
Edward, the son of Ishmael, was lord mayor of York from 1774 to 1779. At the time of his death in 1786 he was one of the aldermen of that corporation. A record published on that date reads :
Edward Stabler, who served the office of Lord Mayor, 1774 to 1779. A gentleman who discharged the duties of public and private life with the Inost conscientious integrity, and in whom were happily blended all the amiable virtues that could dignify human nature and constitute the character of a truly good man. His loss will be long and severely felt and deplored.
Another Edward Stabler, born in Yorkshire in 1732, a close relative of the lord mayor, emigrated to America in 1753; married Mary Robinson, of Chester, Pennsylvania; settled in Petersburg, Virginia, and was a prominent shipping and importing merchant during the Revolution. An inter- esting story of courage and devotion to principles was given us by Rev. Moncure D. Conway, formerly of Virginia, who mentions Edward Stabler, of Petersburg, Virginia, the great- grandfather of Jordan Stabler, in his "Memoirs of the Long Island Historical Society." Mr. Conway's story is as fol- lows :
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During the French and Indian War, about 1756, Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia issued an order that all Quakers who were drafted for the army, and refused to take up arms, or pay ten pounds sterling for a substitute, should be put in jail and lashed every day until they complied. Edward Stabler of Petersburg, Virginia, then twenty-four years of age, realizing the injustice of this order, because it was against the principles of members of the Society of Friends to aid or abet in war, volunteered to make the trip on horseback, through the forests and over the mountains (infested with savage Indians) to Fort Duquesne, two hundred and fifty miles, to obtain a letter from his friend General Washington requesting Governor Dinwiddie to rescind that order.
General Washington gave him the desired letter to the Governor and after another two hundred and fifty miles' ride back to Virginia he secured the release of the "Quakers" from jail. The stone horseblock, dated 1756 and weighing over a ton, from which he mounted to take this long and perilous journey, is now used by one of his descendants at Harewood, Sandy Spring, Montgomery county, Maryland.
Dr. William Stabler, son of Edward Stabler, of Peters- burg, Virginia, married Deborah Pleasants, of Goochland county, Virginia, and settled in Leesburg, Virginia. In 1793 they moved to Harewood, Sandy Spring, Montgomery county, Maryland, where the doctor continued to practice medicine until his death from hemorrhages in 1806. His wife, Deborah (Pleasants) Stabler, was a recommended minister of the Society of Friends, well known and beloved by a large circle of friends throughout Maryland and Virginia. During the War of 1812, her son Edward, the father of Jordan Stabler, was a clerk in the drug house of his uncle, Edward Stabler, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was drafted for service in the militia. Refusing to serve, he was arrested and placed in jail. His mother, who had been a schoolmate and friend of Dolly Madison, learning of her son's arrest wrote to the lady of the White House :
DEAR DOLLY: My son Edward has been arrested and lodged in jail
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in Alexandria because he refused to take up arms. I want thee to tell James to have him released at once.
Thy respected friend, DEBORAH.
It is needless to say, through Dolly's influence, the request was granted.
Edward, son of Dr. William and Deborah (Pleasants) Stabler, was born September 26, 1794; married Ann R., daughter of Bernard Gilpin, Sr., of Mount Airy, Sandy Spring, Montgomery county, Maryland. Mr. Stabler died September 3, 1883, on the old Harewood estate, where he was born, passing away, by a singular coincidence, in the same room in which he had first seen the light eighty-nine years before. The Harewood estate was part of the original "Charlie Forest" grant from Lord Baltimore, and is one of the three farms in Montgomery county which up to the present time, have never passed out of the families of their original owners.
Jordan, son of Edward and Ann R. (Gilpin) Stabler, was born January 16, 1840, on the Harewood estate. He received his preparatory education at the neighboring country schools, afterward attending Springdale Academy, Loudoun county, Virginia. He acquired, meanwhile, so thorough a knowledge of agriculture, that he was able, as a fifteen-year- old boy, to manage the farm for two winters, during which time his father was absent in Washington, assisting Obed Hussey to secure an extension to his patent for the first suc- cessful mowing and reaping machine ever built, called the Hussey Mowing and Reaping Machine.
Mr. Stabler's inclinations, however, were for a commer- cial rather than an agricultural career, and in 1857, after completing his course of study, he came in the autumn to Baltimore, where he secured a position as clerk in the old
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grocery house of G. H. Reese & Brothers. The natural apti- tude for his new- duties which he immediately displayed proved that in his choice of a lifework he had been guided by a true instinct, that he possessed the qualifications of the genuine business man. To such good use did he put his capabilities and so faithfully did he discharge the obligations devolving upon him, that in July, 1862, he went into the grocery business on his own account, opening a store on Lom- bard street which he conducted until 1866, when he sold out and recommenced business in a store on Madison avenue, which had been built expressly for him. In 1875 he bought out the firm of Charles Reese & Company, whose place of business adjoined his own, and into this he moved, retaining the old building for storage purposes. In 1892 he purchased a third building. His trade extended throughout the country, and he also sold large orders to the United States government. He imported extensively, dealing in none but the finest goods, both foreign and domestic. A stock company was formed in 1900, by taking in four clerks whom he had trained from the beginning and another who had been with him for some years, Mr. Stabler selling them stock in the business. He was presi- dent of the company from its organization until his death. In 1906, he however, relinquished the detail work, but still gave his attention to the important branches of the business. He was a man of strong will, inflexible purpose and sound judg- ment, quick to see an emergency and equally quick in devising a plan to meet it, and these characteristics were the founda- tion of his successful career.
Mr. Stabler's thorough business qualifications and his well-known executive ability were in demand on boards of directors of different organizations, and his public spirit led him to accept many such trusts. He was a director in the Commonwealth Bank, and for thirty years he was the presi- dent of the Grocers' Exchange. He was vice-president of the
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E. Stabler, Jr., Coal Company and was interested in several large building propositions. For many years he was a director in the Crown Cork and Seal Company. He was a member of the Board of Trade and the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association. His devotion to his friends and his strict busi- ness probity were well known to every merchant of Baltimore and met with a rich return of personal regard and some meas- ure of financial success. A vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures, his opinions were recognized as sound and his views as broad, his ideas therefore carried weight among those with whom he discussed public problems. In the national elections he voted the Republican ticket and in local elections supported the best man. He was active in the Good Government Club when that organization was in its prime, and was ever ready to lend his aid to any project for the welfare and improvement of his native city. He was a member of Emanuel Protestant Episcopal Church.
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