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 II > Part 25
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Mendes Cohen was a grandson of Israel Cohen, who came from Bavaria in 1787, following his brother Jacob I. Cohen, who came to Pennsylvania in 1773, settling first in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, shortly afterward moving to Charles- ton, South Carolina, serving in the Revolutionary War from that State. Later he moved to Richmond, Virginia, where
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he was joined in 1787 by his brother, Israel Cohen, grand- father of Mendes Cohen. The family remained in Rich- mond until 1808, when the sons of Israel Cohen located in Baltimore. These sons were members of Captain Nicholson's Company of Fencibles, and rendered service during the second war with Great Britain, aiding in the defense of Fort Henry. Jacob I., one of the sons, was a member of the Baltimore City Council, and was the founder of the banking house, Jacob I. Cohen & Brothers. David I. Cohen, father of Mendes Cohen, was associated with his brothers and others in the projection and organization of the old Philadelphia, Wil- mington & Baltimore Railroad.
Mendes Cohen was born in Baltimore, May 4, 1831, died in his native city, August 13, 1915, son of David I. Cohen, who was fifth of the six sons of Israel Cohen, who came to Richmond, Virginia, in 1787, to Baltimore in 1808. David I. and Harriet Cohen had several children, two of them, Bertha and Jacob I. Cohen, survive their brother Mendes. After a long course of study in private schools, Mendes Cohen, in 1847, began the study of civil engineering in the locomotive works of Ross Winans, in Baltimore, there continuing until 1851, becoming proficient as an engineer. The course he pur- sued was practical as well as theoretical, and when he left the Winans works, in 1851, it was to enter the engineering corps of the B. & H. Railroad, so continuing until 1855. He then became assistant superintendent of the Hudson River Rail- road, serving in that capacity until 1861. At the outbreak of war between the States, in 1861, Mr. Cohen was placed in charge of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad through the influ- ence of General George B. McClellan, who was acquainted with his engineering and executive quality. From his ap- pointment in 1861 until 1863 he was president and superin- tendent of the Ohio & Mississippi, then until 1868 was in
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special service with the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. In 1868 he was appointed assistant to the president of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, also holding the office of comptroller. Three years were passed in that responsible position, when he resigned to accept the presidency of the Pittsburgh & Connellsville Railroad, serving from 1872 until 1875. He then retired from active professional work, although in 1885 he accepted appointment at the hands of President Cleveland as a member of the board to examine and report on a route for the Chesapeake and Delaware canal. He was also chairman of the Baltimore Sewage Commission from 1893 to 1901, and he was often called upon to serve on boards in charge of public improvements. In 1892 he was elected presi- dent of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and in pro- fessional reputation had few equals.
The last thirty years of his life, 1885 to 1915, were largely devoted to work in connection with the Maryland Historical Society, serving as corresponding secretary from 1884 until 1904, and as president from 1904 until 1913, only then laying aside executive burdens, not surrendering active interest until his last illness, his last year of life being one of incessant work, notwithstanding his weight of years. There are per- manent monuments erected during his long term of service, and of these two only will be named, the Society records, how- ever, teeming with the results of his public-spirited and deep interest. Perhaps the grandest monument to his memory, and one of greatest of historic importance, was the gathering and presentation to the Society of the letters and papers of Charles Carroll, "of Carrollton," the famous signer of the Declara- tion. These papers, numbering nearly eight hundred, he found partly in his own family, and by extensive purchases from other sources completed. But they were hopelessly mixed and to himself he assigned the task of sorting and clas-
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sifying them. That work completed, they were presented to the Society, a most valuable gift.
In the early part of 1915 Mr. Cohen and others were instrumental in returning to the State of Maryland a replica of the Great Seal of Maryland, which was found in the hands of a second-hand dealer in Edinburgh, Scotland. A great deal of diplomacy and tact was necessary to obtain this valuable relic, but it was finally accomplished, and when the present seal is no longer available for use the replica can be used in actual service. It was but a few months prior to his death that the replica was finally deposited with the State.
Mr. Cohen's long life, which carried him into the ranks of octogenarians, gave him extended opportunity for wide and varied usefulness, his business life rivaling in value the scholarly work of his later years. The two periods round out and fill the measure of a perfect life. His published work on "City Sewers," written while a member of the Baltimore Sew- age Commission, is highly regarded as an authority by sani- tary engineers throughout the world. As secretary and presi- dent of the Historical Society he opened up new fields of activity and imparted to its meetings and its programs a dig- nity and a value not hitherto attained. In his citizenship he met the highest ideals and best standards of usefulness, and in his private life was a pattern of liberal benevolence. He served as a trustee of Peabody Institute, and as a member of the Municipal Art Commission, and while no persuasion could induce him to enter political life, he was ever ready to serve in such capacities as have been noted. That he deserved well of his city, and that he added additional lustre to her citizen- ship, is most abundantly proved by the foregoing record of his unselfish public-spirited life.
Mr. Cohen married, in 1865, Justina Nathan, of New York City, who survived him without children.
W. FRANK TUCKER
DURING his years, seventy-one, Mr. Tucker won reputa-
tion as a lawyer of learning and ability, and as one of the most ardent advocates of the legal prohibition of the liquor traffic. When a too close application to the duties of his profession brought about an undesirable physical condi- tion, he withdrew, and for about ten years was free to devote his time to any form of recreation or enjoyment he chose. He spent a great deal of that time working for the cause of pro- hibition, a cause by no means as popular then as now. Mr. Tucker, during his long career as a lawyer, had seen so much of the effect of liquor upon the lives and fortunes of men, that he had formed a very strong opinion on the wisdom of its manufacture and sale, opinions which he was never ad- verse to expressing. During the campaign which Joseph Levering made for the presidency of the United States as the candidate of the Prohibition party, Mr. Tucker accom- panied him on a speaking tour through the Northern States, and made many telling speeches in behalf of the prohibition principle, and its standard bearer. In 1895 he allowed his name to be used as a candidate for Attorney General of Mary- land, not with the slightest expectation of election, but that he might show his devotion and interest to the cause he espoused.
W. Frank Tucker was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, in 1845, son of William and Rebecca (Laughlin) Tucker. He died at his home, No. 1601 John street, Balti- more, Maryland, January 3, 1916. He attended Miller's School in his native county, and, after exhausting the ad- vantages of that school, began the study of law in the office of Judge Revell, at Annapolis, Maryland. He continued under Judge Revell's preceptorship until admitted to the
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Maryland bar, then began practice in Annapolis, there re- maining several years. He then located in Baltimore, where he successfully practiced his profession until about 1906, when he retired to a well-earned rest, passing ten years of his evening of life in contentment and ease. He is buried in the church- yard of All Hallow's Parish, Anne Arundel county, Maryland.
Mr. Tucker married Helen Dulany, who survives him, both for many years members of the North Avenue Baptist Church, Baltimore. Their children are: -, married W. G. Robertson; Claude E., of Philadelphia; Benjamin O. H .; Philip W., and Alice S. Tucker.
JOHN FREDERICK LANGHAMMER
AS president of the Appeal Tax Court, and as United States
Marshal, Judge Langhammer was best known in his native city, Baltimore, although, until 1900, he was actively engaged as a partner in the firm, E. Langhammer & Sons, wholesale grocers and ship chandlers. His public service was long and varied, and highly valuable, beginning as a member of the Board of Education, in 1888, when thirty-two years of age, and continuing as a member of the First Branch of the City Council, president of the Appeal Tax Court, United States Marshal, chief clerk of the License Board, until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years, five months and two days. His career was one of honor, and to his devotion and public spirit in the cause of education, and to the preservation of law and order, Baltimore owes a debt of gratitude. He will long be remembered for the successful war he waged against those pirates of the Chesapeake bay, known as the "Shang- haiers," a war that was begun immediately upon his appoint- ment to the office of United States Marshal, in 1902, by his personal friend, President Roosevelt. Kidnapping, and even murder, were not infrequent acts of these men, and to their extermination Marshal Langhammer bent his unrelenting ef- forts. He personally cruised the oyster bed bay district in an armed vessel, and won his fight. In the first year of his administration over three hundred cases of "Shanghaing" were reported to his office, while in the last year of his term of eight years there were only two. This was, perhaps, his greatest service to his city and State, but much credit is due him for the part he took in breaking up and securing the con- viction of eight of a band of desperate Baltimore criminals, known as "yeggmen," long a menace to life and property. Although a stern officer of the law, and uncompromising in
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his pursuit of criminals, he was a man of kindliest impulse, ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, or trying to break away from evil associates and habits. He was charit- able to a fault, and it was his greatest pleasure to aid deserving young men to obtain a start in the world. He was the son of Ernest Langhammer, founder of the firm, E. Langhammer & Sons, one of Baltimore's substantial merchants.
John Frederick Langhammer was born in Baltimore, Maryland, November 17, 1856, died in the city of his birth, April 19, 1916. He was educated in the public schools, Knights private school, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College, an honor graduate of the last named institution. Thoroughly prepared in theory, he began actual business life in his father's mercantile house, later became a member of the firm, E. Langhammer & Sons, wholesale grocers and ship chandlers. The firm was a prosperous one, the large number of vessels entering the port of Baltimore, and the local bay trade, forming a continuous outlet for immense quantities of goods. In addition, they had a contract for supplying the United States light houses and tenders for eighteen years, and owned a fleet of vessels sailing under their own house flag. In 1900 the father, and founder, wishing to retire, the business was sold.
John F. Langhammer from early life took a deep interest in public affairs, and in 1888, two years prior to his retire- ment from business, was elected a member of the Board of Education, serving four years. He later was a trustee and director of St. Mary's Industrial School, and there never was a time when he was not an ardent supporter of education's cause. In 1882 he yielded to a popular demand and became the candidate of the Republican party for First Branch of the. City Council. His ward was normally Democratic by five hundred majority, but Mr. Langhammer's personal popularity
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reversed that majority, and he was elected by one hundred and eighty-six votes over his Democratic opponent. In 1893 he was re-elected by an increased majority, and was appointed by President Hooper, chairman of the important Committee on Ways and Means. When President Hooper was elected Mayor of Baltimore, he appointed his friend, Mr. Langham- mer, member of the Appeal Tax Court, and when Mayor Hooper was succeeded by Mayor Maister he retained Judge Langhammer upon the bench. He was chosen president of the court, and served until 1902, one of the most popular offi- cials of the city government, all men acclaiming him fair and just in his rulings and decisions. While in council he was counted among the men of the First Branch whose sole ambi- tion was to so legislate that the city at large would be bene- fited. He was mainly responsible for the act which resulted in raising the United States flag over every school house in the city, a practice now so well established that the wonder is that there should ever have been any opposition.
Judge Langhammer continued upon the bench of the Appeal Tax Court four years, 1898-1902, then resigned, hav- ing been appointed United States Marshal by President Roosevelt, his personal friend. He took the oath of office, July 17, 1902, and served continuously for eight years, com- piling a record of activity in the stamping out of crime against Federal law that stands unequalled. The "Shanghaiers" of the Chesapeake learned to fear him, and that they no longer infest the bay, and menace the life and property of the peace- ful oystermen and fishermen, is due to the fearless, untiring efforts of Marshal Langhammer, who personally led his men against them. He took an active part in connection with the police department of the city in breaking up the gang of "yeggmen" who had eluded capture so long, eight of the gang being landed in prison for terms varying from five to fifteen
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years. The fortune telling case against the notorious Dr. White was handled by him, the doctor receiving a prison sen- tence of three years. The Marshal also fought the "white slaver," with noteworthy success, and all criminals found in him an unrelenting foe did their crimes come within his authority. In 1912 he succeeded Colonel Washington Bowie as chief clerk of the Baltimore Board of Excise Commission, which office he held until his death. He was one of the most genial and social of men, and his friends were legion. He was a member of the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows and of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, taking an active in- terest in all. He was an ardent Republican, strong in his sup- port of party principles, but not blindly partisan, numbering his political supporters and warm personal friends in both parties.
Judge Langhammer married, and is survived by his widow, Emma Virginia; two sons, Karl and John F .; two daughters, Ernestine and Ethel. The family residence is at No. 3502 Fairview avenue, Walbrook, Baltimore, Maryland.
STEPHEN E. PARDEE
FOR OR seventy-seven years Stephen E. Pardee was known among men, his home for all but the six closing years of his life having been at Sudlersville, a village of Queen Anne county, Maryland, on the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Wash- ington Railroad. He was a man of prominence in the village, a leader in church and Sunday school work, and, until his removal six years prior to his death, was intimately con- nected with all phases of the public life of the village. He was a son of Professor Eli S. Pardee, one of the early prin- cipals of Washington College, a non-sectarian educational in- stitution of Maryland, located at Chestertown, founded in 1782. During the War of 1812, Professor Pardee led a com- pany of the college students in an attack on the British at the battle of Caulks Field, near Chestertown. Stephen E. Pardee was born in Sudlersville, Kent county, Maryland, in 1841, and died at the home of his son, S. Colquitt Pardee, in Lin- thicum Heights, near Baltimore, Maryland, March 1, 1918. After completing his education, he made his entrance into the business life of the village, and until his retirement and removal to Linthicum Heights, in 1911, he was a useful and honored resident of the village of Sudlersville. For half a century Mr. Pardee was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and one of the strong pillars of support. The Sudlersville Sunday School was an object of his especial interest, and in addition to being one of its foun- ders and organizers, he was for a score of years its superin- tendent, and much longer a member of its teaching corps. He was a man of honorable, upright life, true to every obligation of life, public or private. From boyhood he took an interest in all matters of public concern, and until his death, at the age of seventy-seven, he kept in close touch with all current events.
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Stephen E. Pardee married Margaret Elliot, who died in 1915, daughter of John and Julianna (Sudler) Elliot, of Sudlersville, Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Pardee are buried in the family plot in Sudlersville Cemetery. Four sons and a daughter survive their parents: Charles H. Pardee, of Balti- more, connected with the United States Sub-Treasury, in that city; S. Colquitt Pardee, a member of the Baltimore bar; John Elliot Pardee, formerly a journalist, owning and edit- ing the "Easton Ledger," Easton, Talbot county, Maryland, but now a street paving contractor, of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania; Earnest B. Pardee, a brick manufacturer, of Wat- sontown, Pennsylvania. The only daughter, Mrs. Anna S. Wade, resides in Collingswood, Camden county, New Jersey.
RICHARD H. JOHNS
A MAN of kindly heart and lovable nature, Mr. Johns passed his years, sixty-eight, among the friends and ac- quaintances of a lifetime, and in their love, respect and con- fidence continued until his latest breath. At the time of his passing he was president of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the city of Baltimore, and in a general order issued to the department the board said: "In the death of Mr. Johns, the Fire Department of Baltimore has lost a most loyal, efficient and painstaking official, whose whole thought was for the wel- fare of the department generally." Mr. Johns was a son of Richard H. Johns, of Baltimore, a famed boat builder of former years.
Richard H. (2) Johns was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1848, and died suddenly, being stricken at his home, No. 1303 North Central avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, Novem- ber 6, 1916. He exhausted the advantages of the public schools of the city, and after finishing the high school course, began the study of law under the direction of William Sheppard Bryan. He was admitted to the bar, practiced his profes- sion for many years, and was an honor to his profession. He was an active worker in the Democratic party from youthful manhood and, during the administration of Governor Car- roll, served as magistrate at the Old Central Police Station. When Mr. Preston was first elected Mayor of Baltimore he appointed Mr. Johns president of the Board of Fire Commis- sioners, and, in 1914, reappointed him to the same position. He gave himself whole-heartedly to the duties of his office, labored diligently, and fully proved by loyal service the depth of his devotion. He earned the respect of his associates and contemporaries, and no man stood higher in public esteem.
Mr. Johns was a member of Holy Innocents Protestant
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Episcopal Church for many years, and deeply interested in all good works. He married Bessie Leach, who survives him, with two daughters: Lily, married Register, and has one child ; Rosella, a resident of Baltimore. The city officials paid their fallen associate every honor, and his funeral was largely attended. Officers of the Fire Department: Deputy Chief Engineer L. H. Burkhart and District Engineers Michael A. Lind, Frederick Branan, E. Louis Shipley, John Kahl, and James T. Dunn, were pallbearers, while the honor- ary pallbearers were: Mayor Preston, the department heads at the City Hall, Fire Commissioners Albert Diggs and Sid- ney T. Manning, John J. Mahon, Marshal of Police Carter, Mayor's Secretary, Robert E. Lee, P. W. Wilkinson, secre- tary of the Fire Board, Judge Walter I. Dawkins, Dr. J. J. Valentini, Dr. George M. Steck, James B. Yeakie, Joseph Popplein, A. S. Goldsborough, George May, Calvin W. Hen- drick, John F. O'Meara, president of the First Branch, City Council; John Hubert, president of the Second Branch; Gen- eral Laurason Riggs, president of the Police Board; Daniel J. Loden; Chief Engineer August Emrich, of the Fire De- partment, and former City Collector Jacob W. Hook. His burial took place in Greenmount Cemetery.
ROBERT J. NOONAN
POSSESSING those sterling attributes of character which
marked him as "a man among men," Mr. Noonan was one of the most widely known jewelers, and business men, of the city of Baltimore, Maryland, but, moving quietly and unostentatiously among his fellow men, attracted less attention than many of lesser worth to the community. His years, sixty- three, were all spent in his native city, Baltimore, with the exception of those between 1864-1867, his parents moving to New York City when he was eleven years of age. In 1867 he returned to Baltimore, and began his connection with the business which brought him wealth and wide acquaintance. He was of a quiet nature, and kindly, friendly spirit, in per- sonality, charming, and his deeds of charity, quietly per- formed, will never be known. He was both esteemed and beloved by a wide circle of friends, while his good deeds en- deared him to many who only knew him as their generous friend in time of need.
Robert J. Noonan was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1853, died in the city of his birth, March 10, 1916. He was educated at Calvert Hall College, which he attended until 1868, when circumstances arose which compelled him to begin active control of his own fortunes. He entered the employ of Hidges Brothers, jewelers, with whom he remained until 1877, becoming an expert jeweler. In 1877, he established his own store in Baltimore, and, in course of time, became head of a very large wholesale and retail jewelry business. He gained high reputation for honorable dealing, and was known as the "Society" jeweler, the best of Baltimore society becom- ing his patrons. He also became very well acquainted with the theatrical folk, who carried his fame to every part of the United States, and gave him abundant trade. His wholesale
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department was equally well patronized, the combined depart- ments swelling the volume of trade to large proportions. He invested largely in Baltimore real estate, was an expert in valuation of property, and the adviser of many in their real estate investments. He continued in business until the close of life, and passed to the "great beyond," leaving a precious memory.
Mr. Noonan was a devout Catholic, and a generous sup- porter of its many charities. In his will, he generously pro- vided that his estate, after it shall have passed from the stew- ardship of his loved sister, Elizabeth Noonan, who is left sole executrix, without bond, shall revert to six institutions, in which he was deeply interested in life. Specific requests are named, which are eventually to go to the Sisters of Mercy, to be used for Mercy Hospital; the Little Sisters of the Poor; the St. Vincent de Paul Society; St. Joseph's German Hos- pital; St. Agnes Hospital; the Sisters of Bon Secours.
WILLIAM BEALL HUNT
TO the outside world, William Beall Hunt, of Baltimore, was merely the able, efficient man of affairs, so retiring and modest was he concerning his many talents which indeed were unusual in a business man. But to his friends he was a man of great personal charm, a poet, artist, lover of music, birds and flowers, and devoted to children. At the home on Longwood road, Roland Park, which he shared with a brother and three sisters, to whom he was devotion itself, bird houses, feeding boxes, and drinking pans; beautiful flower beds, trees, and shrubs, plainly gave evidence of the tastes of the inmates of that home. After he moved his residence in the country, and after his old home church, St. Peter's, had been sold, he became interested in the Sunday schools of the Episcopal churches-the Transfiguration and St. Mary's, near his home. It was his frequent practice to appear at the classes with a flower for each of the children composing them. He taught them much from the Book of Nature, and made them familiar with a great many habits and songs of the birds. After he passed on a friend thus wrote of him:
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