History of Baltimore, Maryland, from its founding as a town to the current year, 1729-1898, including its early settlement and development; a description of its historic and interesting localities; political, military, civil, and religious statistcs; biographies of representative citizens, etc., etc, Part 122

Author: Shepherd, Henry Elliott, 1844-1929, ed. 4n
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Uniontown? Pa.] S.B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1344

USA > Maryland > Baltimore County > Baltimore City > History of Baltimore, Maryland, from its founding as a town to the current year, 1729-1898, including its early settlement and development; a description of its historic and interesting localities; political, military, civil, and religious statistcs; biographies of representative citizens, etc., etc > Part 122

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Mr. Chism was married in this city, De- cember 7, 1880, to Miss Mary E. Crowl, daughter of Edward W. and Josephine (Greble) Crowl; both her parents were born in Maryland, their families being among the early settlers of the State. Mr. and Mrs. Chism have one son, Harry Thornley Chism. He and his family are Protestants and in politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Chism's success in life has been due to his own exertions, as starting a poor boy and rising to the important position he now holds, demonstrates what a boy can do if he applies himself as he should do and as Mr. Chism has done, and it affords us pleasure to hold him up as an example to the youth of this city. He is courteous and gentlemanly in his bearing, easily ap- proached by all. Among steamboat men he is considered one of the best ticket and freight agents in the city and as a man of the most sterling integrity and honor. He is most popular in the business community and has a legion of friends. He and his family live at Walbrook.

EDSON MARION SCHRYVER .- This gen- tleman was born in Circleville, Pickaway county, O. His father was Jacob Howard Schryver, who was born October 21, 1820, at Red Hook, Dutchess county, N. Y., and his mother was Elizabeth Rose, born May

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HISTORY OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

30, 1822, in Pickaway county, O .; his an- cestors on both sides were Hollanders. His great-grandfather, John I. Schryver, and his wife Catherine, emigrated to this coun- try from Holland about the year 1790 and settled in New York State; his mother's family also came from Holland and settled in Ohio early in the last century.

Mr. Schryver's father lived in New York State until he was about twenty years of age, when he moved to Ohio, settling in Pick- away county, where he engaged in mercan- tile business and farming and became one of the leading citizens of that county and a large land owner. About 1865 he was elected clerk of Pickaway county and moved his family from his farm to Circleville, where he remained while he held the office, two terms. He afterwards moved to Mt. Ster- ling, where he now resides.

His father was married twice; by his first wife he had six children, and by his second, three. Three of those by the first marriage are living, and are Mr. Schryver, the sub- ject of this sketch; James Milton Schryver, general passenger agent of the B. & O. R. R., of this city, and M. W. Schryver, a mer- chant of Mt. Sterling, O.

His rudimentary education was obtained in the public schools of his native county. In 1861 he entered the Miami University at Oxford, O. The war breaking out, he en- listed in the 114th Ohio Regiment (Volun- teers) Infantry and was ordered directly to the front, going to Memphis, Sherman's army, which was organizing for an attack on Vicksburg; however, before going to Vicksburg, his regiment went with General Sherman's command up the Yazoo river and began its operations in the Walnut Hills, where he saw his first battle, the

troops being constantly engaged in a series of skirmishes and fights until the 26th of December, 1862, when the Union troops re- treated, and re-embarking on the Yazoo river sailed to its junction with the Missis- sippi. There they went to the White river into Arkansas and up the Arkansas river to Arkansas Post, a military station not far from Little Rock, where they met the Con- federates 8,000 strong under the command of General Churchill and after a severe bat- tle of forty-eight hours captured the post. Almost immediately after this victory the Northern soldiers were attacked by the fe- vers which prevailed about Arkansas Post and made it practically uninhabitable. Mr. Schryver was stricken with the disease but with indomitable determination fought it and avoided being sent to the army hospital, which at that time, owing to insufficient at- tendance, was even more fatal than the field. On his recovery, his command and those who survived the White river command, were hurried to Vicksburg, the cry being still "On to Vicksburg."

It was about this time that General Grant took command of this army and Mr. Schry- ver passed through, under Grant, all the stirring events attending the attack and memorable siege and surrender of Vicks- burg to General Grant by General Pember- ton. Several times during his career as a soldier he won promotion by his gallantry and was complimented by his officers for it; but probably owing to his political faith, he being a strong Union Democrat, the Gov- ernment neglected him; finally in June, 1865, his merits were so conspicuous that the Secretary of War commissioned him first lieutenant, and assigned him to the post of assistant commissary of musters (muster

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officer). While serving in this capacity he mustered out of the service 6,000 men. He held this position until 1866, when he re- ceived his discharge from the service.

At the termination of his service in the army, he returned to Circleville, bearing with him the honors that came to a gallant soldier who had on all occasions done his duty faithfully to his country.

On his return to Circleville, Mr. Schry- ver became the confidential clerk of Morris Steeley & Co., then an important milling and distilling firm of that city. He was soon advanced to a partnership and in 1872 was sent to take charge of the interests of his house in this city, where he established a branch of their business, which under his master hand soon became nearly as import- ant as the home house. The latter, how- ever, soon afterwards became involved in financial trouble and in 1873 failed in busi- ness; this did not affect the branch in this city, but Mr. Schryver wound up its affairs here without loss to anyone.

In a short time afterwards he went into the grain and general produce business with Mr. Henry Wagner, under the firm name of Wagner & Schryver: this firm continued until 1876, when Mr. Wagner died. April I, 1876, Mr. Schryver joined his business interests with those of Mr. J. G. Harryman, under the firm name of Harryman & Schry- ver; this co-partnership continued its op- erations until 1882, when Mr. Schryver se- lected his book-keeper, Mr. M. B. Scholl, as a business associate, doing almost en- tirely a grain business under the firm name of Schryver & Scholl, their offices being in the Chamber of Commerce Building.

Mr. Schryver has been a member of the Corn and Flour Exchange since 1872; be-

came a director in 1879 and served on the board for nine years; he was then elected a member of the Executive Committee and served two years. He was then elected sec- ond vice-president and served two years in that office, being subsequently advanced to first vice-president, serving two years in this office, and in 1885, when the president re- signed, he succeeded him as president, and in 1886 he was elected at the head of the regular ticket president of the Board, filling all these positions with distinguished ability and fidelity. In 1887 he was elected Police Commissioner and was made president of the Board immediately after entering upon his duties, which office he held until 1897. He is still a member of the Board.

In 1895 he gave up his grain business in order to devote more time to the duties of his office. He was soon made president of the Mutual Protective Building and Loan Association of Baltimore, which occupies all his spare time from his duties as commis- sioner. He is also Supreme Regent Royal Arcanum. Mr. Schryver has been for a number of years a member of and since '95 one of the vice-presidents of the Board of Managers of the Charity Organization So- ciety, of Baltimore. He is one of the di- rectors of the Royal Arcanum Club Build- ing Company.

Mr. Schryver was married at Circleville, O., April 9, 1868, to Miss Louisa Burns. Her father was George Burns, born in Ire- land, and settled in Ohio. Her mother was born in Ohio. Mr. Schryver was born in Circleville.

Mr. Schryver had eight children, six of whom are living: Georgie Marshall, wife of Mr. Charles Howard Parrish, manufac- turer, of Baltimore; Walter Crim, Edith

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HISTORY OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

May, Fanny Grace, Marion Edson and Maud Louise Schryver. The family are at- tendants of the M. E. Church and reside at 641 N. Calhoun street, Baltimore.

CAPT. SAMUEL TODD HAMILTON Was born at Beaver, Beaver county, Pa., March 10, 1844. His father was George Washing- ton Hamilton, and his mother Eliza Jane Todd; his father was born in 1819 and his mother in 1817; both were Americans, their families being among the early settlers of Pennsylvania and prominent people of their day. His father was an engine builder near Pittsburg, Pa. Both his parents are dead; his mother died February, 1885, his father two months later. His father had six chil- dren, four of whom are living-Captain Hamilton, the subject of this sketch; George Washington Hamilton, engine builder, Beaver, Pa .; William Hamilton, clerk, Char- tiers, Allegheny county, Pa., and John Hamilton, Beaver Falls, Beaver county, Pa.

Captain Hamilton was educated at Beaver Academy, Beaver, Pa., and at Beaver Col- lege at the same place; he stood well in his classes and would have graduated with dis- tinction, but the Civil War was raging in the country, and like the youth of that day both North and South, Captain Hamilton was imbued with patriotism and could not be prevailed upon to remain at college and graduate, but insisted on entering the army and left college in June, 1862, when only eighteen years old; enlisted in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and in three months (September, 1862) received his baptism in war in the terrible and hotly contested battle of Antietam, between Gen. R. E. Lee's and Gen. Geo. B. McClelland's armies. The following October he was sent

with his regiment to Nashville, Tenn., and engaged in the Stone River Campaign, end- ing with the battle of Stone river and the occupation of Murfreesboro in December, 1862; he was also in the campaign and bat- tles of the Army of the Cumberland, includ- ing the battles of Chickamauga, around Chattanooga, September and November, 1863, and battle of Nashville in December, 1864; was with General Stoneman in his raid through East Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ala- bama from March to May, 1865; in fact, Captain Hamilton saw hard service, and was in most of its important battles, always proving himself faithful to duty and a brave and gallant soldier to the end of the war, and was mustered out of the volunteer ser- vice in June, 1865, and on account of his splendid record, in June, 1867, was ap- pointed second lieutenant in the regular United States Army, and assigned to the Second United States Cavalry, where he served through different actions, campaigns and expeditions against the Indians in Kan- sas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Dakota, Idaho and Washington, until July, 1892, when on account of disa- bility incurred in the line of duty he was re- tired from active service, with the rank of captain, which rank no man in the service of his country merited more than Captain Hamilton. In his services on the fron- tier, as in the Civil War, he was noted for faithful discharge of duty, bravery and gallantry; and had it not been for his dis- ability he would no doubt have risen to still higher distinction in the army.

After his retirement from the army he took up his residence in our city, and though coming here a stranger, it was not long be-

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HISTORY OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

fore he made many friends, and October 7, 1897, when the police commissioners of this city selected a marshal of police, Captain Hamilton was appointed to this high and important position, and since he has been in office, from the efficiency with which he per- forms its duties, it has been demonstrated that the commission made no mistake in ap- pointing him.

Captain Hamilton is a Protestant and a Republican, and is a member of the Wash- ington Commandery, Loyal Legion of the United States.

Captain Hamilton is over six feet in height, straight as an arrow, soldierly in bearing, and looks every inch a soldier; in his manners he is pleasant and affable, and is of kindly disposition, and though a strict disciplinarian is very popular with the men under him. He resides at No. 7 East Frank- lin street, Baltimore.

WILLIAM HUNT, deceased, was born at Alexandria, Va., in 1818. His parents were New Englanders. His father removed to Virginia when he was in his minority. His son, William, the subject of this sketch, came to Baltimore when only a boy, where he served his time as apprentice to a ship carpenter. Subsequently, and at the age of twenty-four, he went into partnership with William Wagner as ship builder under the firm name of Hunt & Wagner on South Ann street, but finally removed to Canton to ac- commodate their large increase in business. He carried on this profitable business dur- ing the succeeding years until 1854, when he sold out his ship-building business upon the advice of his physician and engaged in the coasting trade. He owned several tug

boats and schooners for bay traffic, was a man of large influence in his circle and was- respected by all who knew him. In social life he held offices of honor and trust. Though weak in body he was a man of energy and endurance. He built up for him- self a beautiful home with all the modern comforts and luxuries, which his wife en- joys in her declining years.

He was married to Miss Susannah, daughter of Patrick Dickey, a native of Bel- fast, Ireland, who came to this country about 1817. He was a manufacturer of woolen goods, etc., and was located on West Saratoga street. . He was an extensive dealer in his day. He died February 18, 1872.

THOMAS E. MASSON is a native of Balti- more, and was born in 1827. He was a son of Abraham Masson, also a native of Balti- more, but of French parentage. Abraham was a sail maker by trade in the early period of his life, a business which he carried on with success. His son, Thomas E., how- ever, chose another profession-that of builder, a business which he extended and carried on successfully until 1867, when he engaged in the real estate business. This he conducted with equal success.

Mr. Masson was an enthusiast on re- ligion. What he did, he did it with his might. He was deeply devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a worthy and influential member for twenty-five years, and one of its principal supporters.

He was married to Miss Mary Cecil, daughter of Edward Cecil, a farmer of Caro- line county, Md. There were born to them

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five children, four of whom are living, one son being a prosperous business man of Baltimore.

MR. JAMES BATES. deceased, was born at Marietta, Pa., in 1816. He was the son of John Bates, of Vermont, and a prominent business man of his State. He left his na- tive town in Vermont and removed to Bos- ton. Mass., where he was as well known as in his native town, because of his qualifica- tions. He removed to Baltimore in 1820, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick. His sons, who inherited their father's push and energy, turned their attention to the moulding and casting of iron. James learned his trade under the care of John Barker, an experienced moulder and worker in iron. James Bates carried on his busi- ness with tact and integrity during his life. He was a man in whom the public reposed perfect confidence. He was at one time vice-president of the Marine Bank of Balti- more, besides being director of various in- stitutions in the city.

His sons have succeeded him in his busi- ness at the old stand, corner of President and Pratt streets, under the firm name of James Bates' Sons, and they are extensively engaged in building elevators.

James Bates married Miss Frances R. Atkinson, daughter of Joshua Atkinson, of Maryland, by whom he had seven children.

HENRY J. FARBER .- This gentleman (de- ceased) was born in Bavaria, Germany. He was reared and educated partly in Bavaria and partly in Baltimore. He studied in the University of Hof until he reached his fif- teenth year, when he came to America, where he completed his education under

private tutors. In early life his intention was to enter the ministry, but after he made this his adopted country, the land of civil and religious liberty, his home, he aban- doned the idea and turned his attention to material things. He entered mercantile business in connection with Stellman, Him- rich & Co., who were wholesale importers of general merchandise. He remained an honorable and trusted member of the firm until, twenty years later, he dissolved his re- lations therewith, the business having be- come too burdensome.

He soon, however, became dissatisfied with a retired life and entered the wholesale commission business, in which he was en- gaged until his death.

Mr. Farber married Miss Annie E., daughter of Frederick and Anna Stalford, of Baltimore. Mr. and Mrs. Stalford are natives of Germany, but became useful and respected citizens of this country. Mr. Stalford carried on an extensive trade in the wholesale hide, oil and leather business.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Farber six children, all of whom are living. Ed- ward J. is a prosperous attorney, of Balti- more; Fred M. is a wholesale commission merchant, of New York; Henry J., Jr., wholesale commission merchant, of Balti- more; William C. is associated with Harry Farber, a wholesale commission merchant (dry goods) at 37 Hopkins Place; Gustav A. is a member of the firm of Price, Heald & Co .; Anninea married Marshall, the son of the late Moro Phillips, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Farber resides at 1012 N. Charles street in the winter months, going to her summer residence at Catonsville during the heated term as has been her custom for the past thirty-eight years.

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S. G. BURROUGH was born in Philadel- phia, Pa., 1839. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Burrough, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New Jersey.

Jacob Burrough was a prosperous busi- ness man of Philadelphia, Pa., extensively engaged in contracting and building. In 1845 he removed to Baltimore, where he en- gaged in the wholesale lime trade and lo- cated at what was known as "The City Block." He owned his kilns and manufac- tured his own lime at Texas, Baltimore county, Md. He continued in that business, which he carried on successfully until his death in 1881. He was a member of the So- ciety of Friends, and in politics was an old time Whig. He was a man respected and honored by all who came in touch with him, and left to his son who succeeds him an un- sullied name and an established trade.

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Philadelphia and Baltimore. He completed his studies at Newton University, Baltimore. He came to this city in 1845, but returned to his native city in 1854, where he engaged in the hardware trade. In 1862 at the call of his country he entered the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. In 1863 he returned to Baltimore, where he en- gaged in the drug business. In 1866 he be- came interested in the lumber trade, which he followed up to 1881, when he succceeded his father at the time of the latter's death. He has like his father ingratiated himself into the regard and confidence of the public; is honest to a fault, and carries out the prin- ciples that he learned in youth from his parents.

EDWARD L. COULSON .- This gentleman is a native of Baltimore, and was born in

1841. He is a son of James Coulson, a glue manufacturer, whose place of business was situated on Jenkins' Lane, Baltimore. James began business in this city in early life, and as the city developed so did his trade, for by integrity and tact he grew in favor and esteem. His industrious and eventful life closed in 1866, at which time his son, Edward L., succeeded him in his business.

Edward L. was reared in Baltimore, where he was born, and educated at Union Academy in this city. In early life he en- tered the drug business, at which he suc- ceeded in a material way, but on the death of his father in 1866, he abandoned it and took his father's place in the manufacture of glue.

Mr. Coulson is of a retiring nature, so- ciable in his intercourse with his fellows, and successful as a business man.

He married Miss Sarah, daughter of Henry Curtain. Mr. Curtain is also a native of this city and was one of its leading busi- ness men in his calling. He was born on Pitt now Fayette street, and for over fifty years lived on the Harford Road, Baltimore county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Coulson were born two lovely daughters. The family is of English ancestry on both sides.

THOMAS MEREDITH JENKINS, deceased, was a native of the city of Baltimore, and was born in 1855. He was the son of Aus- tin and Margaret Jenkins, who were also Baltimoreans, and members of a large and influential family, well known and promi- nent in Baltimore society. Austin Jenkins was largely engaged in the hardware busi- ness, and was a member of the well known

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firm of Edward Jenkins & Son. This pros- perous firm is still in existence and has the full confidence of the public, as well as their patronage.

Austin Jenkins is now senior partner in the firm. Thomas Meredith Jenkins was reared in Baltimore and educated at George- town College, from which he graduated with honors. After his graduation he en- tered the firm with his father, where he re- mained a useful member until his death in 1890, at the age of thirty-five years.

He married Miss Sarah Leigh, the ac- complished daughter of Stephen and Fanny (Land) Bonsal, natives of Norfolk, Va. The Bonsals have been residents of Baltimore for about twenty-five years, very prominent in society and also in business circles. Mr. Stephen Bonsal was an extensive importer of coffee, and by his largeness of heart, his strict integrity and his unsurpassed business qualities, had built for himself a prosperous and growing trade. His office was located at 63 Exchange Place.

REV. THOMAS J. KENNY was born No- vember 26, 1865, and is a native of Balti- more City. He is the son of John and the late Mary Kenny, respectable and honored citizens of Baltimore.

There is no more pleasing exercise of the mind than to contemplate the life of a man who has given himself up, body and soul, to doing good to others, and whose aim in life is to make the world better, life purer, heaven nearer and to be the visible media- tor betwen God and man. On such a holy mission has the subject of our sketch, the Rev. Thomas J. Kenny, entered. He was reared in the city of Baltimore. When his preparatory studies were completed, he en-

tered the St. Charles College in Howard county, Md., in September, 1879. He pur- sued his course of studies with zeal and faith- fulness and on June 23, 1885, graduated with honor to himself and his instructors. He next entered St. Mary's Seminary, where he laboriously and faithfully pursued his studies in theology and philosophy. From that institution he also graduated with merited credit. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral in Balti- more, by his Eminence Cardinal Gibbons. On December 21, 1890, he was appointed temporarily to the pastorate of St. Mary's Church, Marlboro, Prince George's county, Md. On April 10, 1891, he was appointed to his church, St. Mary's Star of the Sea, where he is assistant under Rev. John T. Whelan. He was formerly assistant to the late Rev. Peter McCoy, who founded the church. The membership of this congre- gation numbers 4,000, while the Sunday- school counts 700.

Rev. Thomas J. Kenny is a scholarly gentleman of a sweet and winning disposi- tion, fit to grace any pulpit.

JOHN W. BOWEN is a resident of Randalls- town, Baltimore county, Md., where he was born April 16, 1854. He is the son of Graf- ton and Mary Bowen, both of whom are na- tives of Baltimore county. Grafton Bowen was an extensive farmer, but has retired. He was a strictly moral and upright man in all his intercourse with his neighbors. As a farmer he was not surpassed. In all the various branches of agriculture he was up to date and even ahead of the times.

His son, John W., the subject of this sketch, was born at Dover, Md., and edu- cated in the public schools of Baltimore

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county. Brought up as a farmer, he took a pride in it and like his honored father has been eminently successful. He has con- fined himself principally to dairying. He has a beautiful herd of fine Alderney grades, thirty in number. He controls a large farm and is a thorough going business man. He is a man of large influence and unlimited acquaintance. In 1895 he was nominated for sheriff of his native county on the Pro- hibition ticket with Mr. Levering, and polled twenty votes ahead of his ticket. This shows his popularity and political position.

In 1887 Mr. Bowen rented a stall in Rich- mond Market, where he is a large dealer in cream, the product of his own dairy. His patronage is large and includes the best peo- ple of that section of the city. Mr. Bowen is courteous in his manner, social in dispo- sition and honest and upright in his deal- ings with all.

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Author: Shepherd, Henry Elliott, 1844-1929, ed. 4n Publication date: 1898 Publisher: [Uniontown? Pa.] S.B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1344

Author: Shepherd, Henry Elliott, 1844-1929, ed. 4n
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Uniontown? Pa.] S.B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1344