USA > Maryland > Kent County > History of Kent County, Maryland, 1630-1916 > Part 7
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
crowded on the Nation's holiday to greet this Queen of the Chester by an immense throng of people from all sections of the surrounding country; many to embark and many to admire her symmetrical beauty. This event was hailed as a new era of comfort to the traveling public and a marked advance in the busi- ness of the company. Alas! scarcely more than two years of the bright new era had passed away when the whole State was startled and many homes sad- dened by the news of the death of Col. B. S. Ford at Ocean City, July 28, 1879.
On Saturday night, May 5, 1884, the B. S. Ford was burned at her wharf in Chestertown. She had been off the line for several weeks for repairs, which had cost about $2,000. The Ford was insured for $41,000, and cost when new $75,000. She was after- wards rebuilt, and made her first trip to Chester- town on Saturday, May 7, 1887, with Capt. John A. Clark in command.
The elevation of Mr. George Warfield, of Bal- timore city, to the presidency caused no surprise. This gentleman had great experience in business far remote from transportation, but like a good mariner took bearings before venturing too far, and devoted his time and talents to acquiring the experience re- quired for his new duties, and rapid progress he made in that direction. By a wonderful develop- ment of its interests, he proved the wisdom of his election to the management of the company's affairs. Under Mr. Warfield's administration the steamers Corisca and Emma A. Ford were built and the Gratitude purchased, which, with the B. S. Ford, comprised the fleet. Capt. P. C. McConnor, Mate W.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
S. Taylor and Capt. Jack Anthony with Capt. Wil- liam M. Vandike for many years were in charge of the fleet. The Chester River Company with all its boats and fine wharf property were sold to the
SCENE ALONG THE BANKS OF THE CHESTER - OYSTERMAN'S ARK.
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, since which time it has been known as the Maryland, Delaware & Virginia Steamboat Company.
Much wharf property has been added to the hold- ings of the company and piers and warehouses built that are not surpassed by any on the Chesapeake Bay or tributaries. This rich section of the East- ern Shore is highly favored in transportation and
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
mail facilities, and we indulge the hope that the great West may yet find an outlet to the sea through this peninsula.
Several times in its history has the company had to contend with opposition, but they generally managed to get them out of the way before they grew formidable.
On Friday, April 24, 1868, a contract was entered into for the construction of a railroad from near Masseys, by way of Kennedyville, to Chestertown, Bel Air, Rees' Corner, to the terminus on Swan Creek, 32.09 miles; also wharf at Chestertown. The entire work to be completed for $548,000, of which $169,332 was to be paid in cash, $98,640 in Kent- County bonds at par, and the balance in the bonds of the company at par. The names mentioned as contractors were A. F. Sears, Peter Sanford, Rod- man Backus, of Newark, N. J.
-
Cost.
Masseys to Kennedyville. $155,272.98
Kennedyville to Worton 95,213.31
Worton to Chestertown .. 64,003.34
Chestertown to near Fairlee. 80,007.65
Bel Air to Battershell Hill. 48,383.89
To Deep Landing (Rock Hall)
105,118.83
Total .$548,000.00
On Friday, January 10, 1869, it was decided to build a railroad on "the ridge," and on May 15 the following directors were elected: Hon. George Vickers, T. W. Eliason, Isaac Parsons, J. B. Fenni- more, W. B. Wilmer, William Janvier, Abel J. Rees, Thomas J. Shallcross, and officered thus : President, T. W. Eliason; treasurer, Richard Hynson ; secre-
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
tary, Charles T. Westcott. Bishop & Ferguson con- tracted to carry the U. S. mail between Middletown and Chestertown in a two-horse stage coach. On July 23, 1870, the Kent County Railroad was em-
OLD COMEGYS HOME ON "COMEGYS BIGHT"- OWNED BY H. M. BAKER-1768.
ployed to bring the mail as far as Kennedyville, and from thence by stage. By this route the Balti- more mail arrived in Chestertown at 3 P. M. in- stead of 6. In August, 1870, the road had reached Worton, and grading to town was begun, Mr. Jack- son contractor. Mr. Eliason resigned the presi- dency after a short service. J. K. Hines resigned as superintendent, and Mr. Owens, of Queen Anne's,
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
was appointed. A stage ran from Hall's Hotel daily at 6 A. M .; returning, would leave Worton at 1.30 P. M., and the fare to Philadelphia was $3.30. In April, 1871, the Board of Public Works appointed the following directors : Abel J. Rees, Robt. Nichol- son, William S. Walker. A dispute arose, and the road was not accepted until a year later. On Tues- day, February 20, 1872, the first train arrived at Chestertown. On Sunday, March 3, 1872, the train was caught in a snow drift, and the Queen Anne's engine had to come and get our train out. In 1874 a big strike occurred, and the mail to Worton was carried to Worton on a hand car. On July 10, 1874, the road was leased to M. W. Serat, president of the company. In 1877 the road was sold at public sale at the Voshell House to Jay Gould, through J. F. Bingham, Esq., for $33,000 and other considerations. Col. Fred Gerker leased from Gould, it is said, for $1 a year, and B. F. Fleming was made manager. Gerker gave it up on April 1, 1889, but previous to this he was offered the road for $275,000. He re- fused, but E. P. Thielens, of New Jersey, bought it at $375,000. The Jersey Central took $250,000, and gave Thielens the balance. The latter was to pay taxes and keep up the road with his one-third for two years, and then the Jersey Central would as- sume control. Col. E. P. Stacey was made superin- tendent. The present corps of men comprise: Con- ductor, J. D. Welch ; engineer, Horace Reed. The train arrives here at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M., two trains per day besides a freight train running daily.
Propositions looking to the extension of this road to the bay have been made, but at this time there
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
is but little prospect of the same being consum- mated. The road bed at one time was finished as far as Tolchester, but the company never placed a track there and the land is now in cultivation.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
CHAPTER XIV.
Flourishing Financial Institutions and Their Officers-Banks and Loan Association-Kent County Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
The Farmers and Mechanics' Bank was incor- porated in October, 1849, with these directors: Geo. Vickers, George B. Westcott, James B. Ricaud, Richard Hynson, Hugh Wallis, William F. Smyth, D. C. Blackiston, Wesley Wiley, Daniel Collins, Thomas R. Browne, G. O. Trenchard; G. B. West- cott, president; S. W. Spencer, cashier. They started in the room occupied by C. H. Wickes, Esq., and a banking house was afterwards erected on the McClain lot. The statement in 1852 showed deposits of $15,037.37, and circulation $52,238.00; loans, $53- 891.25. The Kent National succeeded the Mechanics' and closed its career in 1885, under the management of the late George B. Westcott. It paid handsome dividends.
The Chestertown Bank of Maryland is the suc- cessor to the Chestertown National. The Board of Directors are William W. Beck, president; Samuel Vannort, vice-president; Allan A. Harris, cashier; Jesse E. Ireland, assistant cashier ; E. S. Valliant; James W. Chapman, C. E. Crane, C. H. Price, James T. Dixon, Wm. B. Usilton, E. A. Scott, James E. Woodall, Jr., Merrick Clements, S. Scott Beck, Arthur L. Harris.
They established a branch bank at Galena a few years ago. The capital stock paid in is, $26,575.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
The last statement in May, 1916, showed loans of $499,695.75 ; deposits, $490,680.54 and a surplus sum of $45,000. The total amount of business was $610,- 105.89.
The Second National Bank was organized in June, 1890, and opened in the "Kent News Building." On February 3, 1891, the bank moved into its new building, which cost over $12,000. Its successor is the Third National. This bank is doing a big busi- ness and meeting the fullest expectations of its friends. During the past twelve months this bank paid nearly $23,000 to its savings depositors in in- terest. Its capital stock is $50,000; surplus fund, $30,000; total business, $879,789.90. The Board of Directors are James A. Pearce, Hope H. Barroll, Wilbur W. Hubbard, Adam F. Huey, D. Thomas Hurlock, T. B. Durding, L. Wethered Barroll, Geo. D. Lofland, Elmer E. Leary, Thomas D. Bowers, W. B. Copper. James A. Pearce, president; Hope H. Barroll, vice-president.
The Kent County Savings Bank was organized in July, 1893, and located in the building opposite the "Kent News Building." September 1, 1901, they moved into their magnificent new structure. The contract price was $11,992. Capital stock, $20,000; this was the first bank in Kent County to pay in- terest on deposits. They all pay 4% at this time, 1916. The last statement shows total business, $537,829.93; surplus fund $40,000. The Directors are as follows: M. A. Toulson, president; Fred. G. Usilton, vice-president ; William F. Russell, cashier; Jefferson D. Bacchus, John D. Urie, James H. Baker, Philip G. Wilmer, Lewin W. Wickes, James
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
A. Casey, James E. Hurlock, Charles S. Smith, Howard Turner, William F. Russell.
The Kent Mutual Loan Association was formed in 1869. It was succeeded by the Chester Loan Asso-
THE OLD MITCHELL HOME AT TOLCHESTER FARM, OWNED BY WALTER U. LUSBY AND TENANTED BY C. D. WOOD-1825.
ciation in 1880. The Kent Building and Loan Com- pany is its successor. From $500 to $1,000 per week is paid in by the members; par value per share $100; payments of 25 cents per share per week, and the stock matures in about six years and six months. The officers and directors are as follows: President, L. Bates Russell, Vice-President, Fred. G. Usilton ;
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Secretary and Treasurer, J. Waters Russell ; Coun- sellor, John D. Urie; Dr. H. Benge Simmons, Thos. S. Bordley, Charles S. Smith, William F. Russell, A. M. Culp, J. H. Sides, M. A. Toulson, Charles N. Satterfield. Its assets December 31, 1915, were $85,500.93.
The People's Bank was organized in 1911. Capi- tal stock $25,000; the last statement showed, sur- plus fund of $10,000 and total business, $273,772.62. Its Directors: Dr. H. B. Simmons, president ; L. B. Russell, vice-president; A. Parks Rasin, William M. Slay, Capt. Daniel Hill, William T. Brown, Wil- liam G. Smyth, Joseph Downey, John C. Davis, Howard F. Owens, R. Hynson Rogers. They have established a branch bank at Rock Hall, one at Massey and another at Betterton.
Another growing financial institution is the Mil- lington Bank of Maryland, located at Millington. The capital stock is $15,000; surplus fund, $5,000; total business $138,571.81, according to the state- ment, May, 1916. Its Directors are John P. Ahern, president; Isaac Gibbs, vice-president; R. W. Moffett, T. C. Roe, R. F. Powell, J. H. Wiest, Spen- cer Merrick, J. S. Newman, Joseph Mallalieu.
The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Kent County is a successful financial corporation in Chestertown, and was chartered in 1847. It has saved to its policy holders at least $175,077.12 dur- ing the past fifty years of its existence. The Direc- tors are Thomas W. Eliason, president; George B. Westcott, secretary and treasurer; Samuel Vannort, James H. Baker, E. S. Valliant, James A. Casey, Edward W. Emery, R. G. Nicholson, Jefferson D.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Bacchus, Harry C. Price, James T. Brown, Fred G. Usilton.
The Kent County Land Company was organized in 1911 and has a capital stock of $22,500, and has about $80,000 invested in land. The Directors are J. Waters Russell, president; William S. Collins, Fred. G. Usilton, Alwyn M. Culp.
RESIDENCE OF CHIEF JUDGE JAMES ALFRED PEARCE-WATER STREET.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
CHAPTER XV.
The First Military Organization-Music-Rendition of the Beautiful Cantata, "Queen Esther" and "Ruth."
In 1793-4 the first military company in Chester- town was organized, the "Chester Hundred Light Infantry," Capt. William B. Rasin. He when seven- teen years old enlisted, and after the battle of Cam- den was made lieutenant. He was near Baron deKalb when he fell and fought in the Revolutionary War, dying at the age of 45 or 50.
In 1825 the "Chester Republican Blues," "Chester Independent Company," and "LaFayette Artillery," celebrated the Fourth of July in Chestertown. The speakers were Col. Fred Wilson, Major Simon Wickes, Adjutant James Harris, Capt. Joseph Wickes, Capt. A. B. Hanson, Capt. Wm. S. Las- sell, Lieut. William Harris, Jr., Ensigns Benj. Greenwood, Jr., and George Vickers.
Next came the "Reed Rifles," with fifty members, organized in 1858, Capt. Eben F. Perkins; First Lieutenant, Robert Stam; Second Lieutenant, John N. McDaniel. In the News Office there may be found the silk flag carried by Philip Reed at Caulk's Field and presented to the Reed Rifles in 1857 by George Handy. It was the property of Milton Baker for some years. In August, 1858, Lieut. Robert Stam died very suddenly while the company were on the way home from an excursion to Port Deposit. This company was called out several times to quell
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
disorder on the occasion of excursions from Balti- more, but was never ordered to battle. They dis- banded at the breaking out of the Civil War and many enlisted in the "Home Guards," which were encamped at Camp Vickers, near the mill. Colonel Massey, Capt. C. H. Wickes and Capt. William D. Burchinal each had companies. The "Chester Blues" were the rivals of the "Reed Rifles," Jesse K. Hines, captain ; William H. Hamilton, first lieutenant.
In May, 1861, a company was formed with Hon. E. H. Chambers, captain ; Jos. A. Wickes, first lieu- tenant; James A. Pearce, Jr., second lieutenant. A volunteer company was also formed with James A. Shaw, captain ; William B. Usilton and Thos. S. Dodd, lieutenants.
Capt. William I. Rasin, who died Sunday, June 18, 1916, was born July 4, 1841, near Still Pond. He was the son of Macall Medford Rasin, who served during three sessions of the legislature. In the spring of 1861, Captain Rasin entered the southern army and though not then twenty-one, he organized
a cavalry company of which he was chosen captain. He was constantly engaged in the arduous duties of that branch of the service, and participated in many severe engagements. In one of these near Win- chester, Va., his horse was shot under him and he received a dangerous sabre wound in the head, but soon returned to his command. Rev. Dr. Randolph H. McKim, of Gen. Jos. E. Johnston's staff, in his "Soldiers' Recollections," states that Captain Rasin at the head of his company led the first charge at Appomattox. He says, "This was handsomely made by the First Maryland Cavalry under the following
STREET SCENE IN CHESTERTOWN-1888.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
circumstances as related to me by Col. Cary Breck- enbridge, of the Second Virginia Cavalry. When the enemy in full charge was seen coming at them not one hundred yards distant, Capt. William I. Rasin, commanding the first squadron and riding with Colonel Dorsey at the head of his regiment, said, 'Colonel, we must charge them, it is the only chance,' and as the words left his lips, Dorsey, who had perceived the necessity, gave the command, 'Draw sabre-gallop-charge!' And this little band of Marylanders hurled themselves against the heavy column and drove them back. This was the last blow struck by the army of Northern Virginia." And in this charge William C. Price, of Captain Rasin's Company, a native of Kent County, and a son of Ferdinand Price, was killed. Two other members of Company E from Kent County were also killed in battle. Thos. H. Gemmill, near Win- chester, and John C. Spencer, at Greenland Gap, Virginia.
Six men from Kent County, but in other com- mands, were killed in battle. James Alfred Ken- nard and Samuel L. Kelley, at First Manassas; Henry C. Blackiston, at Bunker Hill, Va .; Levi Perkins, near Winchester; Benjamin C. Vickers, at Shiloh, and James S. Price, son of Lewis Price, at Franklin, Tenn. Soon after the close of the war, Captain Rasin, with Col. Harry McCoy, formed a partnership as commission merchants in Baltimore under the firm name of McCoy & Rasin, in which they established a successful business which was continued a number of years, after which Captain Rasin purchased from the estate of Judge Cham-
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C. N. SATTERFIELD'S RESIDENCE-J. D. BACCHUS' OLD HOME ON CHESTER RIVER-THE ODD FELLOWS' HALL, CHESTER- TOWN-SNOW SCENE, HIGH STREET, CHESTERTOWN, 1899.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
bers the bayside farm near Tolchester, where he lived for some time. Later he became Deputy Col- lector of Internal Revenue, in Baltimore.
Chestertown out of a voting population of less than 200 furnished the first year of the Civil War 62 soldiers in the Union Army.
Many exciting incidents are told of that patriotic organization of soldiers, the "Reed Rifles," for home protection. In the exciting scenes before the actual breaking out of the Civil War, and when our noble commonwealth was in the throes of uncertainty as to whether her fortunes would be cast with the South or with the Union-when railroads were torn up and all travel between the nation's capital and the North interrupted and Chestertown saw the singular spectacle of strangers going through our streets or stopping over night on the way from Bal- timore to northern cities-the State Legislature was in flight to Frederick-our chief city appalled by riot and blood-shed, and every flag of the Union hauled down throughout the State-one flag only remained flying and that was on the Reed Rifles' armory in Chestertown! Every member of the com- pany rallied to its protection and though they loved the South they would not allow the old flag to be lowered.
The old Town Hall, which stood in the center of the now beautiful town park, and was for so long the only hall and market house of the town, was built by the Reed Rifles and owned by them until the company disbanded.
Another great and memorable occasion was the presentation of a magnificent banner by the ladies
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
of Chestertown. The presentation was made by Miss Wickes, daughter of Joseph Wickes, Esq., from the porch of the family residence on Main street- the same dwelling now owned and occupied by Mrs. Joseph Wickes. This old banner is now in the custody of Thos. S. Bordley, but it is greatly marred by the ravages of time.
There were ten of these soldiers surviving in 1916, among them being James W. Chapman, Mil- ton Baker, James W. Lambert, Alfred I. Benjamin, Freeman Fiddis, William W. Copper. There were sixty members in the original enrollment.
The "Kent Guards" was an offspring of the "Reed Rifles," and was organized in the fall of 1878, with H. W. Vickers as captain, succeeded afterwards by Thos. S. Bordley. This company had a number of target contests, parades and wonderful experiences. In 1880 J. S. Vandergrift won the cup for the best shot.
The first musical organization of which we have any record is the Chester Band, formed in 1850, and was led by Mr. John ReDue. Mr. C. T. Westcott was leader of the Kent Cornet Band for years, and was succeeded by Mr. John N. Orem. Two boy bands were in existence in 1884 and 1890, one led by Carle Westcott and the other by William F. Rus- sell. The "Worton Band" of four pieces is said to have been the most comical organization ever in town, having paraded here on Emancipation Day. The instruments were bass drum, trombone, cornet and bass horn.
In 1896 two orchestras were formed in the Methodist Sunday Schools, and they were a credit
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
to the schools and town. The M. E. Orchestra con- sisted of J. F. Thompson, L. B. Russell, Edw. Ring- gold, D. P. Jones, Miss Anna G. Lambert. M. P. Orchestra : A. M. Culp, J. N. Dodd, W. H. McFeely, Robert Carey, Warren Hurlock, John Cannan ; Misses May Hurlock, organist, and Clare Vannort, pianist.
Chestertown has some of the finest singers in the State and pianists that equal any other town on the Shore. Operas, cantatas and plays have been pre- sented by home talent that are hard to excel. Among the fine productions was the rendition of the oratorio of "Queen Esther." The cast of characters of its rendition, in January, 1888, was as follows :
Queen. . Miss Hallie Beck
Queen's Attendants. ยท Misses Belle Aldridge, Lillie
Hynson
Queen's Maids. Misses Emma Gilpin, Edith
Hines
Queen's Pages Misses Lucie Hines, Carrie Reiche
Zeresh. Miss Mollie Parks
Zeresh's Attendants Misses Clare Vannort, Allie Shuster
Zeresh's Child "Ida"
Miss Amye Russell
Prophetess. . Miss Anna Lambert
Mordecai's Sister Miss Mary R. Aldridge
Maid of Honor Miss Emma Lambert
Angel. . Miss Grace Turner
King.
W. Walter Chapman
King's Pages
Harry Rickey, Lenox Catlin
Haman. Prof. Edw. J. Clark
Mordecai.
.M. Wilbur Thomas
High Priest.
William A. Biscoe
Hegai
Thomas S. Dodd
Scribe.
Fred. G. Usilton
Herald and Harbonah
. Horace W. Beck
Charles S. Smith
R. S. Thomas
Guards
Harry Brice Ellwood Baker
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Pianist.
Mrs. Lulie Bacchus
Organist.
Miss Belle Pippin
Violinist. L. B. Russell
Double Bass Viol
Charles P. Hodgkin
Clarionet
Edgar Ford
Cornetist.
. I. L. Twilley
Director W. Harper McFeely
Since then the Chestertown Musical and Dra- matic Association under the direction of William Walter Chapman has given "Esther" in 1915 and "The Coming of Ruth" in 1916, with great success. Mr. Chapman was succeeded by Prof. Ten Hoor as leader and Miss Mabel Toulson as president.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
CHAPTER XVI.
Kent in the War of 1812-14.
The weekly Register printed in Baltimore City in its issue of April 24, 1814, states that the Eng- lish had landed on Pool's Island, where they erected a small battery to cut off trade in the upper bay. Under date of April 28, six hundred of the enemy landed in barges on Spesutia Island, nearly opposite the mouth of the Susquehanna River. At the time of the landing about one hundred persons (fishermen) on the island escaped to Hartford County. News was received from Kent that two persons suspected of having supplied the British with provisions, were arrested and sent to General Chambers, at "Charles- town" (evidently Chestertown). On April 26th "The enemy's force, consisting of one 74, three fri- gates, two brigs, two schooners, and a number of tenders, are nowly off from Werton Point. They are on shore on Pool's Island every day, having got possession of it. On Saturday they made an at- tempt to land at the mouth of Still Pond, but were repulsed by the force collected on shore. "On the morning of the 3rd of May, Havre de Grace was destroyed, but one house remained uninjured. Stage coaches, together with the baggage of their passen- gers, were destroyed."
The following interesting extracts from a "letter from Kent" and "Georgetown X Roads" are given. The first extract says: "A ship of war passing down the bay last Tuesday, commenced a bombardment on
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
S. Wilmer's house (of your city), and after firing 15 shots at the house, 6 of which lodged in the wall, and two passed through the house; they also landed at a Mr. Medford's with extreme rudeness, robbed him of all his sheep, cattle, hogs, bacon and even setting poultry and escaped with their booty thus honorably obtained." The editor adds: "We learn by another channel that after killing Mr. M.'s cattle, the militia came upon the British before they could carry them off." The letter from Georgetown said: "The enemy landed at Mr. George Medford's. at Plum) Point, in Werton, and robbed his meat house, hen house and sheepfold ; they even went into the kitchen, stole the kitchen furniture and took the negroes' weekly allowance of meat. The Maid- stone frigate lies so near Howell's Point that she has thrown some of her shot a mile into the country."
It is also stated that while trying to effect a land- ing in Fairlee Creek the British were attacked, and it is believed, lost several of their number.
These old papers give some interesting quota- tions of prices in 1813: Flour, $6 barrel; wheat, $1.25 bushel ; corn, $0.65 bushel ; molasses, $1.15 gal- lon ; pork, $21 barrel; French brandy, $2.20 gallon ; rye whiskey, $1 gallon ; brown sugar, $26.50 cwt., salt, $1.25 bushel; shot, $19.50 cwt .; teas (Hyson), $1.95 lb .; tobacco, $8 cwt.
The "free persons" given for Kent County in 1810 were given at 7,201; "white population," 11,450; quota of direct tax, $4,213.95.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
CHAPTER XVII.
Four United States Senators Furnished by Kent County-Their Life History-Other Notables.
It is seldom that a town the size of Chestertown is so ably represented in the legislation of our country as is the case with this town in Kent. It has had the honor of furnishing four United States Senators, all of whom were men of extraordinary ability.
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