USA > Maryland > Talbot County > History of Talbot county, Maryland, 1661-1861, Volume I > Part 66
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611
THOMAS BEASTON
Justum et tenacem propositi virum Non civium ardor prava jubentium, Non vultus instantis tyranni Mente quatit solida, neque Auster.
Deprived in his tender years of the care of his excellent mother, he was subjected, through the absorption of his father in the cares of providing for his family, to the debasing association with the ignorant and super- stitious negroes upon the farm. From these people, he has often as- serted, he derived his earliest religious impressions, and his first religious instruction, if that can be called instruction which was so misleading, and so injurious. A mind pre-occupied by degrading conceptions of the Diety, and filled with fearful apprehensions of the influence of His antagonist, was not prepared to receive the better instructions of the Methodist preachers-the only ministers that visited the neighborhood, and the father's house. It was only prepared to listen to the fiery denun- ciations and terrible warnings of the over zealous, and least discreet of these good and earnest men. Under the preaching of these early min- isters a mind already too susceptible to religious impressions, already unhealthily devout and morbidly inquisitive about divine things, became inflamed; and their religion, as he had learned it, instead of being a soothing and consoling influence, became the irritating and afflicting agent. Fancying himself the subject of the wrath of a terrible and vengeful Deity, that admitted of no pacification-or in other words, believing that he had committed the "unpardonable sin," though un- conscious of what that sin was-he fell into a state of profound gloom and despair. In this condition he continued for many years, during which time he suffered every mental torment. However, as his years increased the native strength of his mind began to manifest itself. The reaction was corroborated by the reading of some of the best books in theologi- cal literature. From his gloom he at last emerged into the light of re- ligious liberty. He found that he had been emancipated from many of his superstitions, and that he was able to think for himself upon mat- ters which he had thought belonged to the province of a peculiar class. From believing, as he did at one time, that he with a large part of man- kind would be irrevocably lost, he came to believe that a kind Father would consign none of his children to perdition, and a beneficent Maker could not inflict everlasting misery upon any creature of His hand. His views of the Divine character underwent a total change. Instead of worshipping with fear and trembling a vengeful God, he bowed with affectionate adoration before a benevolent parent. And with this change
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came a broadening and softening of his human sympathies. The good he no longer looked upon with jealousy or envy, as the favored from on high; the bad he no longer regarded as criminal outcasts-the destined victims of divine wrath: but in both good and bad men he saw brothers inheriting, each, a share of life's common joys and sorrows, and joint heirs of a happy heritage hereafter. Here it may be mentioned that high as was his standard of morality, there was no one more lenient in his judgments of men. When he saw or heard of any one doing wrong, his first impulse, after his condemnation of the offence, was to find ex- tenuating circumstances for the offender. It was always either ignor- ance, poverty, bad surroundings, false education, inherited propensities or something of the kind which was offered in palliation. It is true after the change referred to above, he rejected much that is taught as religion, and accepted some things that are thought to be heretical, or worse; but to the fundamental doctrines, of the existence of a God, and of the immortality of the soul, he clung with a tenacity which no sceptical arguments-and he impartially weighed them all, as far as he was able- could loosen. He had his moments of doubt, but as a philosophic poet has said :
Who never doubted, never half believed, Where doubt, there truth is-'tis her shadow.
And again, another singer, the greatest of our time, has sung:
There lives more faith in honest doubt, Believe me, than in half the creeds.
Thomas Beaston had his doubts, but they were better than the thoughtless credulity of half christendom. He had ceased long before his death to take his faith already made, as he took the wares he sold, from some great factory. He was not of those who are willing "to purchase intellectual peace at the price of intellectual death." He was constantly questioning and enquiring with whatsoever ability he pos- sessed, and with whatsoever light he could procure, into the very founda- tions of his religion. Few of his degree and opportunities of culture saw so clearly as he the limitations of human knowledge in those matters that are called spiritual and that transcend perception-those that lie "across the boundary of experimental evidence;" and when overcome with "the burden and the mystery of all this unintelligible world," he would fall back upon his "intuitions" of God and of a life to come, as he was accustomed to designate what others called faith. He in those mo-
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ments of doubt, uncertainty and conscious weakness would often repeat these lines, seeming to derive strength and consolation from them:
We have but faith, we cannot know, For knowledge is of things we see: And yet we trust it comes from Thee, A beam in darkness: let it grow.
He contemplated death with composure, and he died if not with a "full assurance," at least with a most "lively hope" of immortality beyond the grave.
Of his moral character aside from his religious-for they are not always coincident-it may be said that he was scrupulously honest. His integrity was above reproach. He was just and fair in all his deal- ings. He did not possess this common honesty only, which showed itself in his daily transactions with men: he was honest in the formation, in the retention, and in the advocacy of his opinions. He scorned pre- tension, hypocrisy, and evasion. He was a man who above all things reverenced the truth. Without any thing like effeminacy or prudish- ness, he was remarkable for his purity. He was as chaste as a woman, and as decorous. For moral filth he had a loathing, as for physical, and he instinctively shunned the unclean in thought, word and action. The possession of such whiteness by one who in youth and early manhood had been exposed to all the soiling influences that surround those reared in poverty, and in contact with debasing associates, indicates remarkable moral detersiveness of character. He was strong but undemonstrative in his attachments: he was persistent but never bitter in his dislikes. He was most happy in his marriage relations, though it was ever a source of regret that he had never been blessed with children, around whom his affections might cluster, and who might hold him in recollection when he was forgotten by all others.
This imperfect but sincere tribute to the memory of a worthy man is paid by one who held him in high esteem and valued his friendship: Farewell Thomas Beaston!
Now, thou and I have shaken hands, Till growing winters lay me low; My paths are in the fields I know, But thine in undiscovered lands.
614
THE WORTHIES OF TALBOT HON. RICHARD CARMICHAEL HOLLYDAY
1810-1885
This estimable gentleman was born at "Ratcliffe," near Easton, Tal- bot county, Maryland, on the 1st of October, 1810, and died on the 18th of January, 1885.
He was the son of the late Hon. Henry Hollyday, of "Ratcliffe," and of Mrs. Ann Hollyday, the daughter of Richard Carmichael from whom he took his christian name. On his father's side he was related to the Hollydays of Virginia, with whom, though the names were differently- spelled, he took pleasure in tracing a common lineage.
He was as a child robust and manly, and fond of the sports and em- ployments of boyhood. But his early training was cared for by his father with a view to professional life. While his acquisitions were not very rapid, they were made through diligence and close application, and all he learned was held in the grasp of an accurate and tenacious memory.
At an early period, by the death of an elder brother, he became the eldest son of the family. His school days were passed at the Easton Academy, where under the training of good classical teachers, Robert White Thompson and John A. Getty, he learned Latin and Greek and mathematics, and acquired a taste for the classics which continued through life.
At the age of seventeen years he entered Princeton College, where he graduated in 1829, and thence returned home with the purpose to study law. Before doing so he wisely devoted a year or two to the study of history and other literature, of which he was always afterwards very fond, and in the knowledge of which he was well and accurately versed. His taste for poetry was decided, and he gave evidence of it in some fugi- tive pieces of his own, which attested his devotion to the muses.
He entered the law office of Mr. John Leeds Kerr in Easton, where he studied for two years; and was then admitted to the Bar in 1833 at that place.
He first went to Cumberland, Maryland, for a short time, but soon removed to Elkton, in Cecil county, where he resided until the death of his father in 1852, when he returned to the patrimonial estate, the beau- tiful home of his boyhood, "Ratcliffe," which he inherited with all of its noble traditions and hallowed family associations. To this home of his heart he was devoted with the most tender affection; and he lived there until his death.
In November, 1858, he married Miss Marietta F. Powell, the daughter
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of Col. Humphrey B. Powell, of Loudoun county, Virginia, with whom he lived in happiness for twenty-six years, and by whom he had three children, of whom two survive, a son and a daughter, having lost one daughter of tender years.
During his residence in Cecil county Mr. Hollyday practiced his pro- fession with industry and success. He was twice elected by the people of Cecil to the House of Delegates of Maryland, and held the office of clerk of the county court under the appointment of Gov. P. Frank Thomas, and for the year 1848 that of Secretary of State. He made many and fast friends in his adopted county, of whom he always spoke in terms of strong and warm affection.
After his return to Talbot county, Mr. Hollyday devoted himself to farming, and to the fiduciary duties of administration in estates of dece- dents, for which he was most admirably fitted, by his strict business habits, his practical wisdom, his unbending integrity, and his genuine fidelity to every trust private and public.
He was a business lawyer, rather than an advocate-and won success in his profession, as in all other employments, by the solid judgment and high honor which he brought to all his duties, rather than by bril- liancy as an advocate or profound learning as a jurist.
So high was his reputation in the state for business capacity, for execu- tive duty, and for unflinching integrity, that he was called to the honor- able office of Secretary of State by six Governors, namely :- Hon. P. F. Thomas, Hon. Oden Bowie, Hon. Wm. Pinkney Whyte, Hon. James B. Groome, Hon. John Lee Carroll and Hon. Robert M. McLane. Dur- ing his long service in this office it is not too much to say, that no man ever adorned it with more exemplary fidelity, or by more ability in the discharge of its varied and responsible duties.
In May, 1884, his health began to fail, and he resigned the office he had filled for so many years, crowned with the respect, esteem and admiration of the people of his native state.
The career of Mr. Hollyday was most honorable and useful to the people, whose confidence he won and held throughout a long public service by his sound sense, his excellent judgment, his solid information, his courteous manners, his exalted character, and his sterling honesty and purity of life.
Mr. Hollyday was possessed of a mind more solid than brilliant. His strong moral sense of right had its counterpart in that common sense, which by intuition rather than by logic, reached right and just conclu- sions upon the problems of private life and of public affairs. His infor-
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THE WORTHIES OF TALBOT
mation was varied; and while he was not a man of learning in the techni- cal sense, he was possessed of a fund of knowledge, which in the practical business of his life, private, professional and official, gave him weight and confidence among all associated with him. In the history, traditions and memories of men and events in the State of Maryland, he was mi- nutely and accurately informed-perhaps no man of his times more so. His memory was very tenacious, and his statements of facts always accurate and reliable. He sought to be useful to others in public office, and not to acquire gain or reputation for himself. "Act well your part- there all the honor lies," was the maxim of his official life.
In political sentiment, he was a genuine state's rights Democrat. Adhering to the school of Jefferson, he rejoiced in the late triumph of his party in the country, and hoped it was the signal of a return to an economical and pure administration of public affairs.
His opinions on all subjects were formed with care, after cautious investigation, and from accurate and precise data. He had no imagina- tion to run away with his judgment, and no prejudices which barred his mind against candid consideration. When his opinions were thus formed, they became solid convictions, which took hold of conscience, and made them parts of his strong and sincere nature. These con- victions were too deeply rooted to be readily changed-and though gentle and kindly in defending them, he was courageous and stout in their maintenance. Vacillation and change were foreign to his char- acter, after his judgment had made its decision.
And so with his friendships. "The friends he had and their adoption tried, he grappled them to his soul with hooks of steel." They were based on his personal esteem, and on that bedrock they rested immov- ably.
He was eminently frank and sincere in his intercourse; just and righteous in his transactions; true and genuine in his affections; earnest and fixed in his purposes; and, withal, a gentle, kind, cautious and affable gentleman.
His habits were temperate and systematic. He was industrious and painstaking in the performance of duty, and never let social pleasure invade the domain of personal or official obligations.
In his domestic relations he was a model for all men. Tender, loving and chivalrous to his wife, he acted rather than spoke his strong and unwavering devotion. To his children he gave careful attention to train them rightly, while indulgent to all their proper desires. To his friends he was true and consistent. In his home, the seat of a beautiful
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hospitality, he was generous and kind to family and guests, in such manner as can never be forgotten. Without pretension his manners had a simple and gentle sincerity, which assured a cordial welcome to all
Upon his noble nature was engrafted for many years past the graces and the virtues of a Christian life. Without cant or profession, he prac- ticed the precepts of the Christian system, and in simple phrase expressed in his last days, as he had for many years, his sincere faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior, and the Redeemer of the World.
In the peace of God, and in charity with all men, at the sunset of the day of holy rest, this excellent and Christian gentleman entered without a murmur upon the eternal rest which remains for the people of God. After a useful and honored life, he left the world where he had entered it, near the home he had loved from his childhood to old age, and this good man of "Ratcliffe" passed to his reward from the place of his birth, his life and his death!
Alike his birth and burial place! His cradle and his grave!
JAMES LLOYD MARTIN
1815-1872
Mr. Martin was of highly respectable parentage, being the son of Mr. Edward Martin, of Island Creek Neck, and nephew of Gov. Daniel Martin. He was born upon a farm now owned by Alexander H. Bar- nett, Esq., adjoining that of Mr. John W. Martin, on the 11th day of February, 1815. He received his primary education in the neighbor- hood country school, and whatever of higher instruction he possessed, he obtained in the Easton Academy and from private tutors. At a proper age he was placed in the law office of the Hon. Theodore R. Loockerman, of this town, and after due preparation (although nature seems to have qualified him for his profession, for of him it was said, he was born a lawyer) he was admitted to the bar of Talbot county, May 15th, 1837, upon a certificate from Dorchester county court. He at once exhibited evidences of those abilities which made him subsequently so conspicuous and so successful. In October of the year 1840, he was nominated for the General Assembly of the State, competed success- fully with one of the most able and popular gentlemen of the county, and was elected by a small majority to the House of Delegates. In
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the celebrated political campaign of 1844, in which Mr. Clay and Mr. Polk were the contestants, he was nominated the Presidential Elector from this District, but as the State in November of that year cast its vote for Mr. Clay, Mr. Martin failed to obtain a seat in the electoral college. He was one of the Breckinridge and Lane Electors in 1860. The Whigs being strongly predominant in this, the 6th, Congressional District, the Democrats, in the year 1845, declined making any regular nomination for Congress, in opposition to Mr. Edward Long, of Somer- set. At the intercession of his friends, just before the election came on, Mr. Martin offered himself as an independent candidate. He was enabled to canvass but two or three of the counties composing the dis- trict. Although the Whig majority in the district was 1500, he was defeated by only about 150, and would have been elected by a handsome majority had not Mr. Fossett, on the eve of the election, put out a Demo- cratic candidate for Sheriff in Worcester county, which broke up Mr. Martin's combinations. If he had not success, he showed himself worthy of it, by the ability and courage he displayed in the campaign.
Having been appointed Deputy Attorney General of the State for Talbot county, he qualified, by taking the oath of office, May 20th, 1851; but in the same year, by the adoption by the people of the new con- stitution, that office was abolished, and for it was substituted that of the State's Attorney, which was made elective. Mr. Martin was chosen State's Attorney for Talbot county at the November election, and qualified December 24, 1851, thus being the first person to hold that place under the reformed constitution. After serving the prescribed term of four years, he was again elected in 1855, and qualified February 20, 1856. At the end of four years, he declined further election, and never afterwards took office of any kind. His career in the State's Attor- neyship was marked by great and conspicuous ability, never surpassed in the courts of this county, if in those of any other in the State.
It is difficult or impossible to give a proper appreciation, in the space of a short article, of the character of Mr. Martin as a lawyer, a politician, and a private citizen, and want of space must be a partial, and want of ability a full, apology, for the inadequacy of the following sketch of a remarkable man:
As a lawyer, he long ranked among the first at the bar of this Shore. His mind was singularly acute and penetrating. His memory was marvelously retentive, and his power of concentrated and continuous attention equally surprising. He seemed to forget nothing, and never to weary. Without pretending to great legal erudition, such was his
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great aptitude in apprehending the principles of law, and such the tenacity and accuracy of his recollection of the details of practice, and familiarity with the decisions of the higher courts, that he was never found at fault, even in fields where learning herself was lost. He was not an extensive reader of the literature of the law, but he was a close observer of the proceedings of the courts, and the practice of the best lawyers, so that what others acquired by the drudgery of study, he gained by the more facile method of observation. In the management of his cases he was peculiarly ingenious, and won his causes rather by the man- ner of placing them before the jury, than by any brilliancy of rhetoric. He was able to present his case to the jury in such a way that it either reflected those phases he wished should alone be seen, or in such a way that it so confused and blinded the vision of those appointed to try the case as to incapacitate them from seeing any thing favorable in the op- posite side. He was full of expedients, and if ever baffled for an instant, he was rarely without resources to extricate himself and client from what would be by others deemed desperate emergencies. None was more apt to discover a flaw, a defect, a weakness in an adversary's posi- tion, and none readier to take advantage of it: on the other hand, none was more dexterous in covering or concealing the infirmities of his own cause, or more skillful in remedying them when revealed. No opponent of his could safely presume upon an ignorance, remissness, or inaccuracy upon his part, for it may be said he was incapable of either; and no opponent could be guilty of these faults without having them certainly detected, and used for his discomfiture. As a criminal lawyer his abil- ities were most conspicuous, and it is difficult to determine whether he was more skillful in prosecution or defence; but his reputation in civil business was such as any legal gentleman might envy. Much of his success could easily be traced to his manner of examining witnesses, whom he converted into so many advocates of his cause. His examina- tions sometimes were regarded as harsh, but this severity had some apology or extenuation in the extreme devotion which he always mani- fested to the interests of his clients. After a trial was over, no one was more ready to make amends to the unfortunate person who had been exposed to the battery of his cross-examinations, and none more capable of soothing the lacerated sensibilities of one whom he had just been irritating upon the witness stand. His knowledge of human nature was profound and extensive.
His practice was very large, and towards the end of his career, there was scarcely any important case in which he was not employed upon
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one side or the other. He had acquired such prominence that it was necessary for him to be retained in almost every action at law. One of his most marked characteristics as an attorney was his untiring and sleepless devotion to the interests of his client. He entered into the most insignificant case apparently with the same ardor and preparedness as into one involving life, liberty or fortune, and the poor man's suit, under- taken without the prospect of a fee, equally with the rich man's, that had been prefaced by a large retainer, received his best attention; for he always thought it as well worth his while to gain a friend or adherent, as to get his pay. As an advocate he was ready, fluent, full of resources and immensely ingenious. In verbal fence, he was equally prepared to give the thrust to his adversary, and to parry his blow. He was a master of satire, which he used effectively, especially where argument failed. There was hardly a subject or person that he could not, and would not upon occasion, make ridiculous, if his case required it. His wit and drollery were inexhaustible, so that he often won with his laugh, what he would have lost by his logic. In short, as a lawyer, he could counsel wisely, guard vigilantly and defend ably.
As a politician, Mr. Martin was a consistent and persistent Democrat. He may be said to have inherited his political principles from his father, but he defended them with all the earnestness of conviction. No man better understood or more sincerely believed in the principles of Jeffer- sonian democracy and a strict construction of the Federal constitution. He adhered to his party with a fidelity which is in itself admirable, and if this fidelity sometimes led him to acquiesce in what his judgment dis- approved, it was only the fate of every strict party man. He was never a seeker of office, but rather seemed to contemn the honors and emolu- ments of station. Though always a laborious and earnest partisan, and a sagacious leader, indefatigable in his efforts to place his political friends in those positions which they coveted, but which he disdained, he preferred to exercise the immense power and influence which he wielded in this community, to any of the dignities or rewards of politi- cal service. One source of this great influence was his large clientelage, he having attached to him by valuable service a body of clients, more numerous than was ever possessed by any other attorney in this county. Another source of this influence was his popularity with the people, gained by affable and condescending manners, and a thorough sympathy with them in their common feelings and pursuits. And finally this influence might be traced not more to a comprehension of the wants of the people, as to a happy facility he had in causing them to believe
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