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 28
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George A. Pope was born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sep- tember 23, 1830, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Julian Stuart Jones, Fortieth and Oak streets, Baltimore, Feb- ruary 4, 1918. He attended Hallowell's School, in Alexan- dria, Virginia, until fifteen years of age, then became a clerk with Thompson & Oudesluys, and continued in mercantile life until 1858, when he became interested in the refining of cop- per and other metals, a business with which he was connected in varied form and manner until his retirement in 1896. He was the senior partner of Pope & Cole until the dissolution of that firm, and then was manager and head of the Canton Copper Works, also of its successor, the Baltimore Copper Smelting and Refining Company. He was a pioneer in the MD .- 46
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business and won both reputation and fortune through his long connection therewith. For several years he was a director of the Savings Bank of Baltimore and of the Maryland Casualty Company.
His literary tastes were cultivated and given free rein, his interest increasing with his years. He was first a director and later, for a great many years, president of the Mercantile Library Association, and made that association a real benefit to the public, not only as a library, but as an educational cen- tre through his medium of entertaining and instructive courses of lectures. After the close of the war he was active in pro- viding school advantage for the newly-made freedmen, and accomplished a great deal of good in their behalf. He was a birthright member of the Society of Friends, connected with the Baltimore Meeting, Park avenue and Laurens street. He was a member of the Maryland Club and of the Maryland Historical Society. His greatest interest was displayed toward the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, an institution with which he was connected from 1882 until his death. He served five years as a member of the board of trustees, 1882-1887, and as president of the board, 1887-1918.
Mr. Pope married (first), in 1857, Hannah L. Betts, of Philadelphia, who died in 1868, leaving a daughter, Eba, now a resident of Baltimore. He married (second), in 1871, Zayde A. Hopkins, who died in 1891, leaving two daughters: Mrs. Charles Sydney Winder, and Mrs. Julian S. Jones, both resi- . dents of Baltimore, and a son: George A. (2) Pope, an enlisted member of Battery D, 110th Regiment, United States Field Artillery, who was in training for foreign service at Camp McClellan, Alabama. For a quarter of a century the family has spent their summers at their cottage, "Ninigret," at Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Mr. Pope being deeply in- terested in the success and development of that beautiful sea- side resort.
Captain John Baker
CAPTAIN JOHN BAKER
EVENTY years, the full Biblical period of life allotted man, was vouchsafed Captain John Baker, and although born in another land than this, he was brought here so early in life that he knew no divided interest. Nearly one-half of his life was devoted to the service of the city of Baltimore, Mary- land, as a policeman, during which period he served in every capacity from patrolman to captain, only retiring from his force upon reaching the legal limit of age. Even after sever- ing his connection with the Department of Public Safety, he continued in police and detective work privately, being em- ployed by the Baltimore Trust Company. He was one of the best known, vigorous and efficient members of the force, counted his friends as legion, among them some of the most influential and prominent men of his city. He was the soul of fidelity to duty, moral, upright and honorable in his private life, cheerful and courteous even under the most trying cir- cumstances. His charity knew no bounds, he gave freely according to his means and was ever ready with a hand to the unfortunate who sought his aid. He was active in church work, a true Christian in the fullest sense of the word.
Captain John Baker was born in Germany, February 27, 1846, died in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, January 2, 1916. He was brought by his parents to Baltimore in 1852, and acquired his education in the public schools of the city which was ever his American home. After completing his studies he was variously employed, learning both the cigar making and baking trades. He was twenty-one years of age when, on May 22, 1867, he was appointed patrolman by the Baltimore Board of Police Commissioners and assigned to duty in the Western Police District. He early displayed a devotion to duty which marked him for promotion, which came to him
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through merit alone, September 24, 1875, when he was awarded a sergeantcy on the force. In that rank he served until October 31, 1882, when he was promoted lieutenant. He fully justified the expectations of the appointing powers in both the positions, and on July 17, 1884, he was raised to the grade of captain. All these years he had been retained in the Western District, but two years after his appointment to a captaincy he was transferred to the Southwestern District, go- ing to his new post, October 14, 1886, there remaining ten years. On September 5, 1896, he was transferred to the North- western District, there serving until his retirement on half pay, September 12, 1902, after a service of thirty-five years. After his retirement he was connected with several enterprises, then entered the service of the Baltimore Trust Company as pri- vate detective, so continuing until his death.
Captain Baker was a deacon of the Christian Temple, the Grand Army Club, the Royal Arcanum and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Thus in usefulness his life was passed and the record of efficiency and honor shown by the books of the Police Department is not cleaner nor more honorable than that of his private life. Captain Baker mar- ried Mrs. Martha E. Close, who survives him.
ALEXANDER FRIDGE MURDOCH
A LEXANDER FRIDGE MURDOCH was a son of
Alexander Murdoch, who was born in Scotland, later came to this country, locating in Baltimore, Maryland, to go in business with his uncle, Alexander Fridge, already estab- lished in the wholesale dry goods business. Fridge & Mur- doch gave way to Alexander Murdoch & Company, the firm consisting of Alexander Murdoch, Alexander F. Murdoch and Charles McCoy. The business of the house was commission wholesale dry goods, and both father and son held prominent place among Baltimore commercial houses.
Alexander Fridge Murdoch was born in Baltimore, Maryland, July 4, 1833, and died at his apartments in The Anneslie, Baltimore, January 31, 1917. He was educated at Mr. McNally's, a large, private school at that time, after which he began business life with his father, Alexander Mur- doch, advancing from assistant to a partnership in the firm, Alexander Murdoch & Company. After the death of his father the firm was dissolved, but Alexander F. Murdoch continued the business under his own name at No. 17 West Baltimore street until his health failed, in the spring of 1916, when he retired from active pursuits, being then the oldest merchant in the city active in the wholesale dry goods trade. He was a director of the Bank of Baltimore for a number of years, and was identified with many charitable movements. He was one of the charter members, and until his death treasurer of the Baltimore Free Summer Excursion Society, formed in 1875, which owed its inception to his efforts. The Boys' Home also appealed to him and for a number of years he was a member of its board of directors. He was a loyal and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, and of St. Andrew's Society, an organization of which his father was for many years president.
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In 1858 Mr. Murdoch married Florence Davies, daugh- ter of Colonel Jacob G. Davies, of Baltimore, who died April 1, 1888. He is survived by three children : Davies Murdoch, Susan Turnbull Murdoch, and Mary Davies, who married Edward T. Norris; and three grandchildren : Louise McKim Murdoch, daughter of Davies, and Alexander Murdoch and Edward Taylor Norris, sons of Mary Davies and Edward T. Norris.
HERBERT DALTON THOMPSON
T HE career of Herbert Dalton Thompson was one which every young man may regard with profit, and its lesson should stimulate and encourage them. He rose from the ranks to a high position of trust with the Pennsylvania Railroad, and during his thirty-three years' connection with that road never took a backward step, but steadily progressed, until he reached the responsible position of treasurer. To begin at the bottom and to reach so commanding a position that the flags of a great railroad system flew at half mast in respect to his memory, until after his funeral, was the achievement of his life, and when men of his craft mention the name of Herbert Dalton Thompson it is with the respect gladly rendered to one regarded as among the best informed railroad men of the country. Although a resident of Baltimore from youthful manhood, Mr. Thompson was not a "native son," but was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was the second son of John W. and Louise Exum Thompson, and came from a family of railroad men, his father and grandfather both having been pioneer railroad builders of the South. His father was for many years treasurer of the Wilmington and Welden, Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta roads, after- wards merged into the Atlantic Coast Line; and it was in his office that Mr. Thompson received his early business training.
Herbert Dalton Thompson was born December 24, 1860, while the dark storm clouds were gathering which were so soon to burst and pour their dread storm of woe over the entire country and lay waste his own city and State. But, blissfully unconscious of the bitter struggle being waged, he grew to boyhood, and then to manhood, acquiring a good edu- cation and choosing the profession of an accountant. His
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preparatory education was acquired at Jewett's, a school justly famous in that section and one which has the proud record of having educated some of the most successful and distinguished men of the South. Later he was graduated from Burgess and Catletts Military Academy.
He located in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1882, there secur- ing a clerical position with the Northern Central Railway Company, then, as now, a part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system. He was advanced as his ability was made manifest, and in each position he but demonstrated that he was capable of mastering deeper problems and carrying greater responsi- bilities. He was finally promoted to the post of assistant treas- urer of the Northern Central Railway Company, and at the time of his death was filling that position. In addition, he was assistant treasurer of the Union Railway Company, of Baltimore city, assistant treasurer of the Elmira and Lake Ontario Railroad Company, and treasurer of the Central Ele- vator Company. During his thirty-three years' connection with the Pennsylvania Railroad he won not only official posi- tion but high reputation among railroad men for his wide knowledge of railroad problems of management, not only those of his own financial department but of operating and managerial questions which required expert handling. His acquaintance among railroad men was very large, and when his death was made known, Gamble Latrobe, superintendent of the Baltimore division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, or- dered that all flags of the road be displayed at half mast. This order was endorsed by higher officials, and all flags of the road in Baltimore and Philadelphia were so displayed until after the funeral. He died in Baltimore, December 29, 1915, and is buried in Leake Cemetery, Rockingham, Richmond county, North Carolina.
Mr. Thompson married Cecelia Covington, daughter of
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Edwin Poythress and Louise (Coleman) Covington, who sur- vives him. Their children are: Nora Louise, who married Robert Peel Dicks, of New York; Herbert Dalton Thompson. Jr., who married Marguerite LeCron; Marguerite Vertner, wife of Warren A. Stewart, of Baltimore, and Edwin Coving- ton Thompson, student in the Episcopal High School of Alex- andria, Virginia.
GEORGE BUNNECKE
WITH ITH George Bunnecke passed from life one of the best- known and highly-esteemed German citizens of Balti- more, a man whose worth and charity was known all over the city, one whose fatherly ways and gentle hand, that was wont to give so willingly and liberally, is greatly missed.
George Bunnecke was born near Quakenbruck, in the former Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, August 28, 1839, died at his home in the city of Baltimore, March 19, 1916. He was well educated in his native land, and there learned his trade, coming to the United States in 1864, a young man of twenty-five. He located in Baltimore, Maryland, and for several years was engaged in the building trade, and in 1871 established in the contracting and building business under his own name, but later admitted his sons, operating under the firm name George Bunnecke & Sons. He continued in busi- ness until his death, but as years added their weight the heavier burdens were transferred to the stalwart shoulders of his sons, Henry G. and Julius G. Bunnecke, who were ever anxious to relieve their honored father of every burdensome duty. The firm transacted a very large business and in addition to the many fine private houses which were erected by Mr. Bunnecke, or under his supervision, he built Zion parish house, Odd Fel- lows Hall, the German Bank building, the Nurses' Home of the Hebrew Hospital, Levering Hall, several buildings at the Insane Asylum, at Bay View, many warehouses in our city, among them the five-story warehouse of A. Spear, on Eutaw street, "The Bourse," on Water street, the "German Cor- respondent" building, and several of the large buildings be- longing to the Crown Cork & Seal Company. He was also a director of the German Fire Insurance Company and, besides, had many minor interests in Baltimore. His reputation as an
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honorable and capable contractor was very high and his name was a guarantee of honest, faithful performance of every con- tract he undertook, even though it may have turned out to be an unprofitable one.
In social life Mr. Bunnecke was well known and popular, and in philanthrophy his interest was unbounded. He was for many years a director of the German Orphan Asylum; presi- dent of the Unkel Braesig Verein ; member of the Architects' Exchange; the German Historical Society; the Germania Mannerchor; the Technical Association; the Orphan Asylum Association ; charter member and vice-president of the Ger- man Aged People's Home; director and vice-president of the German Society of Maryland; director of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Permanent Building and Loan Association. At a meeting of the last named organization the following resolutions were inscribed on their minutes as tribute to the memory of the dead associate :
In memory of George Bunnecke who departed this life, March 19, 1916, in his seventy-sixth year.
By unanimous vote of the officers and Board of Directors of the Mer- chants' and Manufacturers' Permanent Building and Loan Association it was resolved, upon the twentieth day of March, 1916, to set aside this page of its minutes as a tribute to the memory of one whose fidelity, untiring interest and openhanded, unvarying assistance had contributed in unmeasur- able degree to the successful activities of this Association.
George Bunnecke, himself a man of domestic tastes, was unfailing in his belief that the fireside is the foundation stone of the nation and he was ever ready to lend material aid to those who sought to begin maturer re- sponsibilities by the establishment of a home.
By further unanimous vote of the officers and Board of Directors of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Permanent Building and Loan Association, it was resolved that a copy of this minute be sent to the family of George Bunnecke.
George Bunnecke was one of the oldest members of Zion
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Church, was for sixteen years, during the most critical period, president of the Church Board, and upon his resignation was made its first honorary president. He had also been a director of Old Zion School. In Masonry he was a member of Germania Lodge, No. 160, Free and Accepted Masons; Adoniram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Monumental City Commandery, Knights Templar, and in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite held the thirty-second degree. In all the fore- going orders he took a deep interest and in his life exemplified their best tenets and most exalted principles. He was a good man, big-hearted and sympathetic, generous in all things, and left to his children an honored name.
Mr. Bunnecke married, August 28, 1865, Miss Anna M. J. Cordes, born August 21, 1839, died May 3, 1911, pre- ceding her husband to the grave. Six children survive their parents : Henry G. and Julius G., of George Bunnecke & Sons, their father's successors in business and for many years his partners ; George, Jr .; William G .; Theodore G., and an only daughter, Bernhardina, married, March 2, 1918, John Thomas Spicknall, resides at the old home, No. 104 Patterson Park avenue, Baltimore.
WILLIAM LEROY RUSSELL
IN 1877 William Leroy Russell, a young Southerner, aged
twenty years, came to Baltimore and for forty years was a resident, thirty of those years having been spent in the service of the Western Maryland Railroad Company, as agent at Westminster, Fulton and Arlington. His home was in West Arlington for many years, and there he was best known. His life was one of earnest effort, his responsibilities beginning at the age of thirteen years, when the death of his father left him the support of his mother and younger brother. That trust was held sacred and was only relinquished when, in 1888, his mother passed beyond his loving care. He ranked high in public and private regard, continuing in active business until two years prior to his death, holding the office of police magis- trate until the last. He was a descendant of the English Rus- sell family, the founder coming to America at an early date. His father, Samuel Owens Russell, was an Alabama cotton dealer operating in both that State and Mississippi. He served the cause of the Confederacy in uniform, and spent his last years in Mississippi, where he died in 1870. Samuel Owens Russell married Eleanor Otten, and by her had the following children: Allen, died in childhood; William Le- roy, subject of this sketch ; Charles, a railroad man, who lived in Mississippi; Jennie, who married William D. Martin, and made her home in Mississippi; Ellen, wife of A. B. Chase, of Alabama ; Delphia Anne, who married J. A. Wimbish, and resided at Moselle, Mississippi. All of these are deceased excepting Mrs. William D. Martin.
William Leroy Russell was born in Mobile, Alabama, October 11, 1857, and in the schools of Waynesboro, Missis- sippi, he obtained his education. At the age of thirteen he lost his father, and at the age of fifteen was given a position
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by his brother-in-law, a merchant of Jackson, Tennessee. There he remained four years, resigning his position as man- ager of a department, and coming to Baltimore in 1877. The first three years he was in the employ of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, in 1880 beginning a term of service with the Western Maryland Railroad Company, which terminated thirty years later, in 1910. He was at first carried as an "extra," but in a very short time he was appointed agent at Westminster, was transferred nine months later to Fulton sta- tion, and later to Arlington, where he continued agent until control of the road passed to other hands. During his thirty years with the Western Maryland he compiled a record of faithfulness barely, if ever, equalled, never being absent from his post a single day when it was his duty to have been there. Not only was he faithful, but efficient, his whole energy being always given to the duty in hand and every effort put forth to perform it well.
After leaving railroad employ Mr. Russell established a real estate and fire insurance business, which he conducted until 1915. He was then appointed police magistrate by Gov- ernor Harrington, and during his two remaining years of life he gave himself entirely to the duties of that office. West Arlington was his home for many years and he contributed largely to the development of that suburban town. He was a Democrat on national issues, but in local affairs very inde- pendent, choosing his candidate regardless of party. He was a member of Washington Camp. No. 69, Patriotic Order Sons of America; charter member, and for more than twenty years treasurer of Arlington Council, Junior Order of American Mechanics; The Order of Railway Telegraphers; and from May 22, 1891, postmaster at Arlington station. He was con- nected with the Arlington branch of the Commercial Bank of Maryland; with the Arlington Improvement Association,
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and was a charter member and vice-president of the Arlington Building and Loan Association.
Mr. Russell married, in 1877, Annie Martin Granniss, who survives him, with four daughters: Lottie Louise Gran- niss, married William Biggs; Emma May, married William E. Churm; Eleanor Leroy, married T. Walter Bell; Anna Doline, married Edwin R. Greasley. The family home was No. 4101 Groveland avenue, West Arlington, Baltimore, Maryland, and there Mr. Russell died, July 8, 1917, aged sixty years.
The funeral of Mr. Russell was conducted at his home by the Rev. Dr. E. H. Lamar, pastor of McKendree Metho- dist Episcopal Church, Washington, D. C., assisted by the Rev. G. Pitt Beers, pastor of Liberty Heights Baptist Church. The pallbearers were members of the organizations to which he belonged, delegations from those bodies also attending, and later resolutions of respect and condolence were passed and sent to Mrs. Russell. Burial was in Druid Ridge Cemetery.
OLIVER L. RHODES
FOR forty years Mr. Rhodes was a resident of Baltimore, prominent in business life, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and a citizen of sterling worth: A man of attractive personality, lovable in character, loyal in his friendships and upright in all things, he had many friends, these including bishops and other dignitaries of the church. Rev. Sam P. Jones was his close friend, and it was due to the efforts of Mr. Rhodes that that great Southern Evangelist was able to hold his first meeting in Baltimore. A man of quiet, domestic taste, he was best appreciated by those who knew him intimately, and to that inner circle was revealed those noble traits of character which marked him as the true Christian gentleman.
Oliver L. Rhodes was born at Bridgewater, in the Shen- andoah Valley, Virginia, in 1850, died at his home at Forest Park, Baltimore, Maryland, May 27, 1915. When a mere boy he entered the Confederate service, serving the last two years in the cavalry under Colonel Mosby. He was but fifteen when the war closed, and from military he returned to school life. After completing his studies he remained in Virginia until 1875, then located in the city of Baltimore, ever after- ward his home. For eighteen years he was engaged in business as a wholesale dealer in hats, but later he became interested in other business activities of importance.
He was a staunch Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, was for two years chief engrossing clerk of the Maryland Legisla- ture during Governor Crothers' administration, and at the time of his death was assessor to the Appeal Tax Court, a position he had held four years, and to which he had just been re-appointed by Mayor Preston. While he had ever been an active party worker, he never sought office for him-
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self, the above being the only public positions he ever accepted.
He was a prominent figure in Baltimore Methodism, de- voted to the interests of his church, serving for twenty-five years on the official board of Emmanuel Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was very proud of his church, attended many of the annual conferences, and delighted in the friend- ships he held among the clergy, many of whom he entertained most enjoyably at his hospitable home. Said one writer who had been entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes in "princely style": "An atmosphere of culture and refinement threw about the home an indescribable charm. There a guest for weeks the memories of that stay still linger with us as an evening benediction."
Mr. Rhodes married, in 1882, Mary Cochran, a resident of Baltimore, who survives him, with one son, E. Oliver Rhodes.
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JAROSLAV J. ROKOS
A RESIDENT of Baltimore from 1899, Mr. Rokos was the most prominent of men and most successful merchant of Northeast Baltimore, known to all his twenty thousand countrymen in the city as the "King of Bohemia." He took a deep interest in public community affairs, and in all move- ments that tended to better civic conditions. He was a public- spirited, progressive citizen, allied with the progressive sec- tion of the Democratic party, and labored ardently for Presi- dent Wilson's election.
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