USA > Maryland > Kent County > History of Kent County, Maryland, 1630-1916 > Part 6
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN KENT.
Dr. W. S. Maxwell says: "The Georgetown and Old Brick (near E. B. Pennington's, Sr.) Presby- terian Churches were built in Colonial days. As Upper Kent was a part of Cecil County at that time the records are no doubt at Elkton. Those churches owned a lot in Chestertown, afterward used as a burying ground by colored people. It was on the road leading out to the Dr. Anderson prop- erty. The Old Brick was used by the Methodist Protestants some time previous to 1860, when Rev. William Megee became pastor and they had a good congregation for a number of years. The church was torn down and material used in erecting the present Presbyterian church in Kennedyville, which was dedicated in 1875. Georgetown Church was built in 1872.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Fifteen years after the Christmas conference, in 1784, the Methodists of Kent, who had increased wonderfully in numbers and influence, especially in Chestertown and the region round about, resolved to construct a house of worship in Chestertown. In endeavoring to secure a grant of land on the public square in a day before this stone of Methodism, which the builders rejected, had become the head of the corner, great opposition was manifested by the established church against the project. It was only by calling up the bill in a night session, when many of its opposers were absent, that its passage was
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secured. The enemies of the new church endeavored to avenge themselves when in a majority on a com- mittee to apportion the ground. The smallest al- lotment possible was made on the western part of the public square, where was erected the first Metho- dist Church in Chestertown. The building stands yet, opposite the Voshell House, owned by Harry Thomas, son of Dr. Samuel W. Thomas, and occu- pied by the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co., fraternal orders, John D. Urie, Esq., and Dr. Hughes.
Within these historic walls the voice of the great apostle of Methodism, the tireless Asbury, first Bishop of the Church, had been heard, as well as scores of the illustrious fathers of the church. Chestertown then became the center of the great Kent Circuit, and many noted events in the church's history occurred here. But amid all the church grew in numbers and power. A parsonage was built and a strong organization formed. In 1868 the church in Chestertown felt that its welfare would be en- hanced by being made a station, and it was set off from the old Kent Circuit, of which it was the head. The interest of the circuit in the parsonage was bought for $2,000, and all arrangements in the separation were amicable and satisfactory to all concerned.
About 1870 the need of a new church edifice was realized and preparations for building made. The late Thomas W. Eliason, Sr., who had been a pillar of the church for years, was chairman of the build ing committee.
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Miss T. Bradshaw, a faithful member of the church, bequeathed a legacy of $8,000 toward the construction of the church, which was the nucleus of the building fund. 'Squire John N. Usilton, a prominent Methodist, since deceased, contributed the present beautiful site, and the present church edifice was soon completed, at a cost of about $20,000. It was dedicated to the worship of Al- mighty God, free of debt, in 1877, and in 1878 the Wilmington Conference convened in the new edifice. A few years ago a pipe organ was erected and dedi- cated at a cost of about $2,000.
The present pastor is T. F. Beauchamp, having been sent here at the conference of 1916, succeeding Dr. L. E. Barrett, who served as pastor seven years. The M. E. parsonage was deeded to Benjamin Price, Edw. Ringgold, Thomas Stevens, Thomas Baker, A. M. Merritt, Nathaniel Wiley and William Hayne, trustees, by James Mansfield, on March 9, 1844, and included the whole lot through to Cross street. In November, 1868, this parsonage was deeded to the church for $2,000.
This building was torn down in the spring of 1916, and at this writing a new brick structure is under contract-Walter T. Pippin, contractor and builder. It will cost about $5,000.
The Board of Stewards are: Joel R. Clements, W. B. Copper, I. R. Leaverton, J. C. Davis, J. T. An- thony, M. A. Toulson, M. E. Newsome, C. H. Jeffer- son, W. C. Peregoy, Thomas S. Bordley, Charles S. Hill, J. B. McIntyre, Prof. Mark Creasy, George R. Rouse. Trustees: T. W. Eliason, Prest., James
2
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Brice, H. H. Klinefelter, M. A. Toulson, John C. Davis, H. E. Perkins, Prof. J. L. Smyth.
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Father Villager was the first Catholic priest to visit Chestertown. He would write notices and the members would meet him at Mr. Thomas P. Dixon's, near town. As the congregation grew a larger place of meeting became necessary, and Miss Josie Re- Due's schoolroom was utilized. For about twenty- five years Father Villager served the people, being succeeded by Father Henche, who made occasional visits. Then in 1871 came Father Bradford, who bought the present church property from Miss Lizzie Voss, for $2,800. The old brick house was torn away and the present church edifice erected, costing $9,000. Mr. Samuel L. Usilton's property was pur- chased for a parsonage at a cost of $1.600, and today a fine rectory, costing $5,000, is the home of Father Urner, the present pastor. This is one of the finest church properties on the Shore.
CHRIST METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
The first movement toward the organization of the M. P. Church in Chestertown was inaugurated July 13, 1827, at which John Constable presided and James Harris acted as secretary. In 1829 this or- ganization of sixteen persons erected its first church here, under the pastorate of Dr. John S. Reese. This old whitewashed brick church was built off the main street, in a quiet location. In 1859, during Dr.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Daniel W. Bates' ministry, the old white building was torn down and a new one erected of a more modern character. The building was dedicated on January 30, 1859. Rev. Dr. John J. Murray preached the morning sermon and a big revival followed. In 1878, during the pastorate of Rev. S. A. Hoblitzell, the building was thoroughly repaired, and, with a small frame chapel adjoining (now Hicks' black- smith shop), first built on Queen street and then re- moved to Cross street, the church was well equipped.
In 1887 a lot on High street was bought for $3,150, and a meeting held to raise money for a new church. Rev. W. R. Graham was pastor. A building com- mittee, composed of the following gentlemen, was appointed : J. K. Aldridge, J. W. Chapman, J. W. Lambert, W. B. Usilton, T. R. Hubbard, W. J. Van- nort, T. W. Russell, S. F. Smith, J. Harry Simpers and William Archibald, Jr. The result of this com- mittee's work is before the world, the total cost of the improvement being $28,517.55. Milton Baker was the contractor and builder, and for years has been sexton of the church, caring for it like a mother would her child. The bell was given by the "Little Folks," and cost $350. The big pipe organ was given by the "Young People's Association," and cost $2,500. The twelve windows in the audience room are beautiful memorials of jeweled cathedral glass. These windows are in memory of M. Amanda Chap- man, Marceline A. Chapman, Emeline E. Frazier, Ann Rebecca Wickes, Elizabeth Walker, Milicent Arthur, Katie Plummer, Daniel Collins, John T. Dodd, Capt. Richard Baker, John Constable, Wil- liam Vannort, C. D. Vannort, David Arthur, Wil-
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
liam Bacchus. The central front window is a me- morial to the late Senator George Vickers; another, "Our Dead"; another in honor of Superintendent William B. Usilton, and one in the pulpit for the pastor, Dr. W. R. Graham. Rev. J. M. Gill was pastor here in 1896, succeeded by Dr. D. L. Green-
IE OLD PUBLIC SCHOOL AND M. P. CHURCH, NOW ENTERPRISE OFFICE, CROSS STREET, CHESTERTOWN.
field in 1901; then came Dr. F. T. Little in 1907, and Dr. Graham returned in 1913, followed by the present pastor, Rev. J. L. Ward. An elegant par- sonage was erected on the site of the old house, corner of Queen street and Maple avenue, in 1896, by W. S. and A. M. Culp, at a cost of $3,800. The stewards of the church are: Lewin S. Fowler, J. W. Lambert, C. S. Smith, Charles L. Dodd, J. W. Chap- man, W. W. Hubbard, James W. Crouch, William A. Wheatley, J. D. Bacchus, Fred G. Usilton, A. M. Culp, Robert Huey, Charles N. Satterfield, William
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
A. Burke, J. F. Wheatley, William B. Usilton, Jr., Walter U. Lusby, Ralph Barnett, J. W. Russell, Wil- liam Vansant, T. D. Bowers, C. C. Jones.
The M. P. Conference met here in 1838, 1857, 1871, and in April, 1890, presided over by Isaac Webster, William Collier, D. E. Reese and W. M. Strayer, re- spectively. An interesting fact in connection with the large Sunday School of this church is the super- intendency of the late William B. Usilton, who served for more than forty years. His son, Fred G., was elected to succeed him in 1910.
COLORED METHODIST CHURCHES.
The pride shown by the colored people in having worthy places in Kent in which to worship is strik- ingly presented in Chestertown. Janes M. E. Church, located on Cross street, built in 1915, cost over $12,000, while the A. M. E. Church, built on College street, cost about $10,000. Both are of brick and well equipped. These buildings replaced frame structures erected in the early fifties.
FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL IN CHESTERTOWN.
A female Sunday School was organized in 1816, with twenty-seven scholars. It was the first Sun- day School in the town, its church connection not being ascertained.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
CHAPTER XII.
Schools, Public and Private-Founding of Washing- ton College.
The Hon. James Alfred Pearce, former Judge of the Court of Appeals, has always felt a warm in-
GRAMMAR SCHOOL, CHESTERTOWN.
terest in the cause of education. After leaving Princeton he was a tutor at Washington College, and for more than thirty years secretary of its Board of Visitors, and now President, succeeding Hon. Jos. A. Wickes. For twelve years, from 1879 to 1890, he
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
was a member of the School Board for Kent County, serving with Sewell Hepburn the elder, and Cor- nelius J. Scott, and later with Richard W. Jones. In "looking back" at the School History of Kent, and more especially of Chestertown, he says: "If any records were kept by the authorities in the early days of Kent County, none have been pre- served, and the only available source of information is personal recollection and tradition. My own earliest distinct recollection of the Primary School, as it was then called in Chestertown, dates back to about 1852. It was kept in an old two-story brick dwelling standing on the site of Davis & Satterfield's present establishment. It was dilapidated and for- lorn beyond description, both in itself and its im- mediate surroundings. The teacher, for there was but one, was Squire James Graves, a former sea cap- tain, whose qualifications, though limited, I am sure were all that his salary could justly demand. I was never a pupil there, but tradition says his discipline was strict and severe, and this was a period when it was commonly held that the rod was the most efficient means of lifting the veil of ignorance, by which was meant the learning to read, write and cipher, with a little geography. There was no pre- tense of systematic grading and little attempt at classification. The schools in each county were gov- erned by local laws. In Kent County there were five trustees elected for each school district by the white male taxables of the district, and these trus- tees directed the methods of instruction, employed and discharged the teachers.
I
CHESTERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL-1915.
-
EDESVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
"I am informed by one of the older citizens of the town that he was a pupil under three teachers in this school before Captain Graves, viz., William S. Greenwood, Simon Wickes and Jacob Brown, all of which taught in the house which stood where the house now occupied by Clifton L. Jarrell stands, but my own recollection begins with Captain Graves. After a number of years he was followed by Charles T. Ireland. Next came James M. Vickers, and after him in succession, as principals with one or more assistants, Professors Hanna, Montgomery, J. W. Russell, McBeth, McQuay, Long, William M. Slay, Vickers again, Peterson, McNeil, Fallowfield, Ebaugh, Topping, Smyth and Creasy.
"The old system I have mentioned continued until the Act of 1865, creating a uniform system of edu- cation throughout the State, out of which has come the present law, under which great advances were made in methods of instruction, in numbers and qualifications of teachers, and in buildings and equipment. But some of the teachers in the old schoolhouse were men of sterling qualities, from which some of our best citizens received their only schooling. Indeed, it should be remembered that some of the most distinguished instructors of the country were teachers in these early schools, notably Professor Simon Newcomb, of Harvard University, the great mathematician and astronomer, who, in 1853 and 1854, was the teacher of the primary school at Massey, in this county.
"About 1867 Jesse K. Hines and I, with another whose name now escapes me, were the district trus- tees, and under our direction the long one-story
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
brick building containing three rooms was erected by John T. Dodd on the site of the old house; a great improvement on the latter, but wholly inade- quate both in plan and accommodations. A few years later a large two-story frame addition was
ROCK HALL HIGH SCHOOL-1915.
made to the north end of the brick building, and later still, the Methodist Protestant Church, now the home of the Enterprise, was bought and added to the ill assorted group of buildings.
"In 1901 the elegant Grammar School was erected by A. M. Culp on the Vickers-Hurtt lot on High street, at a cost of $15,000. The Commission com- prised Wilbur Eliason, J. W. Lambert, William B. Usilton, J. K. Aldridge and M. A. Toulson.
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"In 1915 the new High School was erected on Washington Avenue at a cost of $3,700 for lot and $16,800 for building. A. M. Culp was the contractor and builder. The building committee was Messrs. Curtis E. Crane, Thomas G. Wroth, Eben F. Perkins, Professor J. L. Smyth and Charles S. Smith.
HOME OF HON. W. W. BECK, FORMERLY USED AS A SCHOOL.
"The history of the school since the Act of 1865, and especially from the time of Thomas B. Long, has been a steady progress upward. It is a far cry from the meagre, shabby quarters in which James Graves and his little flock toiled and struggled with each other more than sixty years ago, to the ample and well-equipped institutions."
The present Superintendent is Professor Jefferson L. Smyth. Professor Mark Creasy is the Principal of the High School, with these assistants: Misses
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Nettie Gooding, Mamie Carroll, Barbara Willis, Susie Roberts; Miss Nellie Waters, Principal Com- mercial Department; Miss Annie Copper, Domestic Science; Professor Owen C. Blades, Manual Train- ing. Miss Fannie Stuart is Principal of the Gram- mar School, with these assistants: Misses Barbara Anthony, Edith Harley, Rose Duyer, Emma H. Davis, Louisa Urie and Ida Smith.
Large, modern, well equipped buildings were erected in 1915 at Betterton, Millington, Kennedy- ville and Rock Hall. The building committees were: Betterton-Jefferson L. Smyth, Arthur H. Brice, Howard F. Owens, W. Clarence Crew and Harry Willis. Millington-J. L. Smyth, John P. Ahern. Joseph Mallalieu, Charles M. Hurtt, R. E. Fedde- man. Kennedyville-J. L. Smyth, William S. Hur- lock, Harry J. Hill, Edgar R. Pennington, and John Medders. Rock Hall-C. Frank Wheatley, Marion T. Miller, J. L. Smyth, James A. Casey and T. B. Durding.
Provision was made in 1916 for building a new school at Galena; committee-Dr. E. A. Scott, Samuel G. Caldwell, Ervin L. Dempsey, John Quinn and J. L. Smith. Also one at Fairlee; committee-William G. Smyth, T. H. Morris Bram- ble, Dr. Frank Smith, Harry C. Willis, J. L. Smyth. A colored school in Chestertown was also provided for.
In 1853 the residence now occupied by Ex-Senator William; W. Beck on Water street was occupied by Mr. Bassford as a seminary. This school gave yearly concerts in the courthouse, and some of the prominent families of the town attended this school.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
In the house now occupied by J. Waters Russell, Miss Mollie Usilton conducted a private school.
The house formerly occupied by the "Brick House Club," on Princess street, was for many years used as a private school house, and was taught by Miss Lottie Spencer, now Dr. S. C. Roberts' widow.
Miss Josie ReDue for many years conducted one of the largest private schools in town, both for music and other studies, next to the custom house on Water street.
FOUNDING OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE.
Washington College, the oldest in the State, was established by Act of Legislature in 1782, as part of the proposed University of Maryland. George Washington, then in camp at Newburg, consented that his name should be given to the infant institu- tion, contributed to its endowment, and visited it in 1784. (The amount contributed by Washington was $233.33.) On this occasion the students played the tradegy of Gustavus Vasa, in which reference was made to him as the Gustavus of America. He placed at this time his name on the records of the Board of Visitors and Governors, of which he was a member.
The college was based on a flourishing academy, with one hundred and forty scholars, under the Rev. Dr. Smith and his assistants, into which the Free School of Chestertown, established as far back as 1783, had previously been merged. The in- fant college was organized with all its functions immediately on the receipt of its charter in 1782.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
It held its first commencement with six graduates in May, 1783, when addresses were delivered in Latin and French.
The original extensive structure, 160 feet in length, whose corner stone was laid by Governor
WASHINGTON COLLEGE, CHESTERTOWN, MD.
Paca in 1783, was burned to the ground in 1827. The exercises of the college were continued in Ches- tertown until 1844, when the central building of the present group was erected upon the old site. The corner stone was laid by Hon. E. F. Chambers. No degrees were conferred from 1827 to 1849, as the institution was at a low ebb, the appropriation from the State having been at times withdrawn, or reduced to an inconsiderable amount. It was only
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
by the persistent efforts of the Board of Visitors and Governors that its existence was maintained.
In 1854 two brick buildings were erected, one on each side of the main structure. The college steadily increased in numbers from 1844 until the breaking out of the Civil War.
In 1890 two residences were built for the prin- cipal and vice-principal.
In 1892 through the liberality of the citizens of Chestertown, a gymnasium was erected on the col- lege grounds.
In 1896 the Legislature authorized the establish- ment of a Normal Department for ladies, and gave $5,000 towards its erection. A lot was purchased of Mr. John Bell and a commodious building occu- pied by lady students, but at the request of the Visi- tors and Governors, the Legislature of 1910 repealed the appropriation for scholarships in the Normal Department and appropriated a like amount for scholarships for male students in the college. By this Act the college reverted to its original position, as a place for a "liberal education in the arts and sciences."
William Smith Hall, so named for the first presi- dent of the college, was erected in 1906 at a cost of $71,000. This building was used as an admini- stration building. It was an imposing and hand- some structure, but it was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, January 16, 1916. A new building is being erected on the site of this burned structure to take its place. A $50,000 gymnasium was com- pleted in 1912. A tract of about five acres of land on College avenue opposite the campus was bought
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
and fitted up as an athletic ground in 1906 and is now known as Washington field. The James White property on the western corner of the campus was purchased in 1915 from Fred. G. Usilton for $3,200 and is now a part of the campus. No more beauti- ful or healthful situation for a college can be found. At all times it has clung to high ideals of scholar- ship and of character, yielding to the State and the Nation a rich return in the training of young men for good citizenship. The present faculty com- prises James William Cain, President; James Roy Micou, Vice-President; Edward J. Clarke, Secre- tary ; J. S. William Jones, Recorder; A. Sager Hall, Professor of Physical Sciences; Charles Louis Townsend, Professor of German and French; Mar- ten Ten Hoor, Professor of Philosophy and Educa- tion ; Julio Del Toro, Instructor in Spanish, Mathe- matics and Science; J. Thomas Kibler, Director of Physical Training.
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THE ORIGINAL COLLEGE BUILDING.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
CHAPTER XIII.
Records of the First Sail Vessel and Early Steam- boating on the Chester River-An Enterprising Company-The First Railroad, Its Cost, Owner- ship, etc.
In November, 1825, M. Tilghman advertises the schooner "Two Brothers" to carry letters, packages, grain, etc., to Baltimore. He also ran the schooner "Independence" from Travilla.
February 24. 1826, the fast-sailing, copper-bottom sloop, "General LaFayette," Robert Constable, mas- ter, left Chestertown on Wednesdays at 9 A. M. and Baltimore on Saturdays. "With a good wind can make the trip in five and one-half to seven hours."
The first notice of steamboats is in March, 1827, when the steamer "Maryland" is advertised as leav- ing Baltimore on Monday at 5 A. M. and arriving in Chestertown at 12 M., stopping at Queenstown; fare, $1.50 each way. "Under no inducements shall more steam be employed than is necessary for her ordinary voyages." Lemuel G. Taylor was the com- mander of the steamer.
Then came the "Patuxent," Captain Weems. Sail vessels advertise a trip for $1.50, and meals ; colored passengers, $1 and found.
The steamer "Cambridge" was put on in 1849, and competed with the "Maryland," Captain J. R. Griffith. The "Osiris" was put on in September, and left Baltimore every Wednesday and Saturday, returning the same day. The "Hugh Jenkins" was
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
put on in April, 1851, and charged $1.00 for the round trip. The Eastern Shore Steamboat Com- pany, in 1852, gave Chestertown a boat as far up as Crumpton thrice a week. The "Wm. Selden," Cap- tain John D. Turner, was put on in the summer of 1852. The "Cecil" also ran here; Corsica and Kent Island were the only wharves below here. The steamer "Arrow" was put on in November, 1860, Capt. E. S. L. Young. The steamer "Balloon," of the Eastern Shore Line, was put on in 1860.
The steamer "Chester" arrived in April, 1861. Captain Young, of the "Arrow," took command, and B. S. Ford, then clerk of the "Arrow," took Captain Young's place. H. B. Slaughter was proprietor of this line. The "Chester" and "Arrow" ran alter- nately, making a daily line from this town.
Thompson's wharf was built in 1856-7 by Capt. James Frizby Taylor. Ruth & Emory bought out Hiram Brown in 1854, and Taylor bought from Ruth & Emory, and the Chester River Company now holds all.
The late Col. B. S. Ford, who had served with the late Capt. E. S. L. Young in several capacities of purser and captain in Slaughter's line, about this time (1865) conceived the idea of forming a com- pany, and with the valuable assistance of Capt. E. S. L. Young, who was well acquainted with the representative men of that time, procured a charter from the Maryland Legislature for the corporation known as the Chester River Steamboat Company. This company purchased the steamers "Chester" and "George Law," of the estate of H. B. Slaughter, and organized for business by electing B. S. Ford
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
its president and general manager; the duties of which office he ably fulfilled through the struggling period of the young corporation's existence, until the foundation was laid strong and deep for the great success it has since achieved.
"RINGGOLD'S FORTUNE," 1762, NEAR ST. PAUL'S, OWNED BY MRS. CAROLENE HYNSON AND TENANTED BY MR. CHARLES M. BROWNE.
Well does the writer remember the initial trip of the "B. S. Ford." It having been well advertised that she would come from Baltimore in charge of her first commander, Capt. P. C. McConnor, on the 3rd, and take an excursion to Baltimore on the 4th of July, 1877; the wharves on the route were
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