USA > Maryland > Cecil County > Portrait and biographical record of Harford and Cecil counties, Maryland. Containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties. Together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 15
USA > Maryland > Harford County > Portrait and biographical record of Harford and Cecil counties, Maryland. Containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties. Together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 15
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= HOMAS M. WILKINSON, now a resident of District No. 3, Harford County, was born in District No. 4 in 1825. He is of Irish descent, the first of his name in America being his grandfather, Thomas, who came from the Emerald Isle to Pennsylvania and settled at New London Cross Roads in Chester County. By oc- cupation a tanner, he followed this trade and at the same time engaged in farming pursuits. Thomas, Jr., our subject's father, was born in Chester County, whence he removed to Harford County and engaged in farming and milling near Deer Creek. In politics he was a Whig, one who never swerved from the principles promulgated by- that organization during its existence. He never held public office, preferring to give his attention to private affairs exclusively. His death occur- red at his home in Harford County in 1862, when he was sixty-five years of age. By his marriage to Sarah Harkins, he had ten children, seven of whom are still living, namely: Rachel, whose · home is in Lancaster County, Pa .; Hannah; Thomas M., of this sketch; Sarah, residing in Harford County; Cliarles, a minister in Indiana; Joseph, wlio lives near Hopewell; and Martha.
In his boyhood Mr. Wilkinson attended the dis- trict schools and assisted in farm work. Inherit-
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ing industrious and honest habits, he grew to be a manly, reliable youth, fitted to make his own way in the world. When but sixteen years of age, wishing to earn his livelihood, he embarked in the lumber business, in which he continued for many years, being a resident of Aberdeen from the time he was twenty-one until 1882. Mean- time he purchased a farm near Aberdeen and from the village moved to his new purchase, where he remained for five years, but afterward went back to Aberdeen, continuing there, as above stated, until IS82. He then bought the farm where he has since resided. It consists of one hundred acres, devoted to the raising of cereals and toma- toes, the latter vegetable being utilized in the can- ning business.
Elizabeth Ordman became the wife of Mr. Wilkinson in 1850 and eight children were born of their union, namely : George; Robert; Ella, deceased; Edmund; Alice, wife of Edward Old- field; Rosie, who married Frank Kimball; Irene, Mrs. Charles Carver; and Arthur, who has charge of the old homestead. The family attend Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Wilkinson is trustee and steward, and formerly served as superintendent of the Sunday-school.
NDREW W. HOLT. District No. 5 in Cecil County is divided by North East River into two sections of almost similar size. In the division further east lies that tract of land known as Elk Neck, bordering upon Elk River. Owing to its location, its inhabitants have for suc- cessive generations engaged principally in the fishing business. However, this is not the sole industry. Farming has been engaged in by many of the residents and with good success, where judgment and persevering industry are exercised. It is the latter occupation to which Mr. Holt gives his attention and in which he has gained a com- petency. The property of which he has been the owner sinee 1874 was prior to that known as the
Lort farm and consists of one hundred and nine- teen acres, a part of which lies upon the banks of Elk River.
Within two miles of his present place of resi- dence the subject of this notice was born August 28, 1844. His father, Washington, was a son of Andrew Holt and of Welsh descent. He was born in this district and in early manhood ran a packet line of boats from Baltimore to Elk- ton. At this writing he is living retired from business cares, making his hoine in Elkton, and is strong for one of fourscore years. Since the organization of the Republican party he has al- ways affiliated with it, though he never took an active part in politics. In religious belief he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his chosen line of work he spent, all the active years of his life, but, later desiring a more settled and less anxious existence, he left the water in 1877, and bought a farm on Elk Neck. From this place in 1892 he removed to Elkton, in which village he hopes to spend his remaining years. His wife, Ann, was a daughter of Jesse Foster, of one of the oldest families of Cecil County, and she is now seventy-five years of age. Of their six children four are living, all in this county, namely: Andrew W., Isaac Lumsdon, Lizzie and May.
The active life of a business man was more at- tractive to our subject than the study of dry and dull text books, so it was not a matter of regret to him when he was allowed to leave school and begin to work. At the age of seventeen he se- cured employment on a steamboat line running between New York and Baltimore. His first po- sition was a humble one and wages were exceed- ingly small, but gradully he worked his way up- ward until he was finally made first mate of the vessel. He remained on the water for eighteen years, and on his retirement from the business in 1874 he came to the farm where he lias since resided. The uneventful life of a farmer presents a decided contrast to the stirring work of the sailor, but lie finds the change quite congenial to his tastes, and intends to spend his remaining years upon the land. The fact that he was so long a time upon the water prevented him from
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participating in public affairs, though he aimed to keep posted concerning the issues of the age and questions before the nation for consideration. The Republican party embodies in its platform tlie principles that seem to hiim best adapted to the welfare of our government and he always votes the straight ticket. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1872 he married Annie Burns, daughter of Michael Burns and a resident of Baltimore. They are the parents of four children, Gertrude, May, Woodall and Charles.
G EORGE L. VAN BIBBER. The same dili- gence in study which characterized Mr. Van Bibber in youth, while preparing for his pro- fessional duties, has followed him through his whole career and fitted him for the first place in his profession. It has won for him a lucrative practice and placed him among the most influen- tial and successful attorneys of Bel Air. When a young man he selected the law for his life work, and to master its intricacies gave months of ardu- ous study. Nor did he cease to be a student when he entered upon active practice; on the contrary, he has maintained the custom of thoughtful investigation into laws, rulings, judicial decisions and jurisprudence in its entirety, the result being that he has become one of the best informed attorneys of Harford County.
The Van Bibber family is one of the oldest in America. When William Penn returned to Europe from his first visit to America, he set about forming a colony of Hollanders to make settlement upon his grant of land. One of those whom he secured as a settler was Jacob Isaac Van Bibber, and thus it was that the family took root upon American soil. This pioneer, in 1680, secured a grant to the property where now stands the suburban town of Germantown, Pa. About 1700, as nearly as can be ascertained from records extant, he removed to Cecil County, Md. Little is known concerning his personal characteristics,
but the fact that he made the then perilous trip to America and endured all the hardships of pio- neer life, would seem to indicate that he was a man of great courage, persistence and determina- tion. There are indications that he was very influential and took a leading part in the affairs of his day.
Isaac Van Bibber, a native of Cecil County, was throughout much of his life a resident of Baltimore, where he amassed a fortune in busi- ness. His son, Washington, a native of Balti- more, was largely interested in farming lands, and died in Carroll County. Next in line of descent was George L., our subject's father, who was born either in Baltimore County or Carroll County, Md. (the exact place is unknown), and removed in early life to New Orleans, where for many years he was engaged in the mercantile business. He returned to Baltimore and there he died in 1855. His wife, Hannah C., was a daughter of Stevenson Archer, and a member of one of the most prominent of Harford's old fami- lies. One of her ancestors, Dr. John Archer, was the first graduate from a medical college in Amer- ica, receiving a diploma and the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Stevenson Archer was a man of much prominence, and among other responsible positions held that of chief judge of the court of appeals. Our subject is an only son, and has one sister, Lucretia, wife of Frank M. Doan, who is superintendent of a gas plant at Jacksonville, Il1.
Noting the principal facts in the life of George L. Van Bibber, Jr., he was born near Churchville, Harford County, Md., December 14, 1845, and, being the only son, he was given the best educa- tional advantages the country afforded, and in justice to him it should be said that he availed himself of these opportunities to the utmost. The knowledge acquired at the public school was sup- plemented by a course of study at Princeton, from which he graduated in 1865, with the degree of A. B. Under the preceptorship of his uncle, Stevenson Archer, he carried on his legal studies in Bel Air, where he was admitted to the bar.
His home, situated one and one-half miles from
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Bel Air, is presided over by his wife, who prior to her marriage in 1871 was Miss Adele Franklin, of Summer County, Tenn. Their family consists of three children, namely: Dr. A. F., a young physician; Harriet L. and Lena C., who have been educated in the leading schools of the country.
LIFFORD C. BARNES. In this day and age of bustle and activity, very few people stop to consider what we eat and how to se- lect it, but the skillful housewife is very careful in her purchases, for she realizes that on the pu- rity and wholesomeness of her groceries depend in a great measure the health and happiness of her family. Among the many excellent grocery establishments of which Harford County can boast, which attract the eye and have secured an enduring hold upon public favor and confidence, that with which the subject of this sketch is con- nected ranks foremost. It is one of the best equipped stores of the kind in Bel Air, and its patrons can always rely upon getting a very superior article, satisfactory treatment and prompt attention. Mr. Barnes is a young man of pleasing manners, and combines push, enterprise and ex- cellent business qualities, and without doubt a promising future lies before him.
He owes his nativity to Glenville, Harford County, Md., where he was born May 19, 1868, to Richard A. and Mary Frances (Noble) Barnes, both of whom belong to old and well-known fam- ilies of Harford County. He and his wife are ranked among the first citizens of this section, support all worthy causes, and are in the enjoy- ment of a comfortable competency which their own industry has brought them. To their mar- riage three sons were given. Charles F. is a successful liveryman of Bel Air; W. L., who was born April 4, 1862, was associated with his brother, Clifford C. Barnes, in the grocery bus- iness at Bel Air, and now holds a responsible po- sition with David Hanway of that place. All these gentlemen are wide awake, pushing and en-
terprising, upright and honorable in their methods of conducting their affairs, and they have already been rewarded with success. In recognition of the class of people he caters to, Clifford C. Barnes has made it his aim to keep only superior articles, and his patronage is already large and constantly on the increase.
In his boyhood days Clifford C. was engaged in such odd jobs of work as are necessary on a farm, but at the same time his education was not neglected, and such advantages as the public schools afforded were given him. Upon com- mencing life on his own account he continued to till the soil, and his time and attention were this ocenpied until about ten years ago, when lie removed to Bel Air and became bookkeeper for the extensive carriage works of this place. This position he ably filled until a short time ago, when, in connection with his brother, he opened his present establishment. His life has been one ceaseless round of activity, and he has by no means been inactive in political matters, for he is a stanch Republican, is in full harmony with the teachings and principles of that party, and he has ever given his unqualified support to the Republican candidates. Mr. Barnes received the appointment of magistrate from Governor Lowndes and lie is also town tax collector. Socially he is a member of the Junior Order of American Me- chanics. He is unmarried.
HOMAS H. ROBERTS, M. D. There are few, if any, of the citizens of Harford County who surpass the subject of this bi- ography in ability and popularity; whether we view his life from the standpoint of profession, business or social relations. He is a very busy man, having, in addition to the management of a large practice, the responsibility of superintending the farm where he resides and the mill upon the place, as well as the raising of cattle and their sale in the markets.
The Roberts family is of Virginian descent.
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Thomas H. Roberts, Sr., father of our subject, was born in the Old Dominion, whence he re- moved to Maryland about 1825, and settled in District No. 5, Harford County. Upon a farm here he spent the remaining years of his life, the land being cultivated by his slaves, of whom he owned a large number. Politically he supported Whig principles. When only thirty-six years of age, in 1841, he departed this life, leaving be- sides his wife, Margaret ( Hudson) Roberts, four sons, who were named as follows: John B., now a resident of Baltimore; William G., whose home is in Harford County; Dr. George H., who died in District No. 5, in 1876; and Thomas H. The last-named was born on the old homestead at Mill Green, Harford County, in 1840, and grew to manhood surrounded by the refining and uplifting influences of old Maryland in the days before the war. His parents gave him the best education- al advantages the state afforded. After com- pleting the common-school studies he attended Bel Air Academy.
With the intention of becoming a physician, our subject began the study of medicine in Jefferson Medical College, one of the most celebrated insti- tutions of its kind, not only in Philadelphia, but in the United States. Graduating in 1865, he at once commenced active practice. The day mem- orable throughout the world as that on which President Lincoln was assassinated is memorable in his life on account of the fact that he then came to Churchville and opened an office for pro- fessional practice. For twelve years he remained in the village, but in 1877, after his marriage to Susan, daughter of George C. Davis, he removed to the old Davis homestead in District No. 3, where he has since resided. Though living upon a farmi, his practice has not been discontinued. On the contrary, it requires his almost constant attention, extending, as it does, through several districts of the county. When at leisure from professional cares, he may be found upon his country estate, which, with its three hundred acres of cultivated land, and its pastures for the cattle, presents a picture of rural comfort. It has been his custom, founded upon experience, to buy cattle in the west and south and fatten them
for the market, selling in June and July of each year; and this business has brought him a con- siderable increase of revenue.
In religious connections Dr. and Mrs. Roberts are identified with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. In him the Democratic party has one of its warm supporters. He is a patriotic citizen, an acknowl- edged friend and liberal supporter of every enter- prise . that looks toward the elevation of society and the progress of the county. Highly respect- ed as a citizen, exemplary as a church member, sincere as a friend, with a pleasant word for all in the ordinary happenings of daily life, he has won a high place in the regard of the people of the county.
ILLIAM S. FORWOOD, Jr., clerk of Har- ford County, was born in District No. 5 of this county, May 12, 1864, and is a mem- ber of a family long and intimately connected with the history of this portion of Maryland. His father, William Smithson Forwood, Sr., also a native of Harford County, has been one of the prominent public men of the locality, and has filled various official positions, notably that of county sheriff, to which he was elected in 1871. The Smithson family, with which he is connected, is also an old and influential family, and one of its early representatives was the founder of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Dr. Parker Forwood, grandfather of our subject, was one of the leading physicians of his day, and his skill and ability in the diagnosis of disease brought him a large and profitable practice.
The boyhood years of the subject of this notice were uneventfully passed in Bel Air, and he was given an excellent academical education at this. place. Trained to methodical business habits, later years bore the fruits of the ideas implanted in his nature in youth. His mind seemed to have a commercial rather than a literary bent, and, not desiring to take a thorough classical course in college, he prepared himself rather for the walks of business life. In his father's store, as
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clerk, he also gained practical experience that was of value to him. In ISS4 he entered the clerk's office, being under the late Captain Jarrett, who had held the office for some forty years or more. After two years in that position, he accepted an appointment in the United States treasury under Secretary Manning. Eighteen months were spent in Washington, in the discharge of the duties as clerk in the treasury. On his return to Bel Air, he again resumed work in the clerk's- office, this time as chief clerk. Courteous and obliging in manner and efficient in business trans- actions, he soon made many friends; in fact, every- one who had business in the office (and most of the people in the county did) had the highest regard for him and the greatest confidence in his ability.
When, in 1891, Mr. Forwood became a candi- date for the office of county clerk, his popularity was at once proved. Not only those of his own party, but even some of different political belief, gave him an unwavering, cordial support. The result was that he gained the election by a large majority. He had the distinction of being the youngest man ever elected to the clerk's office in Harford County; but, in spite of his youth, he soon proved that he was fully able to cope with all the difficulties that arose. Since he became the head of the office he has made many reforms in the methods of work, for he is a champion of progress. His liabit of close application to busi- less does not prevent him from finding time to mingle in the enjoyment of social life; and in so- ciety, as well as in business, lie is hailed as a · genial comrade. He is not married, but contin- ues to make liis home with his father, who is liv- ing in Bel Air.
ILLIAM SAMUEL WEBSTER, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising in District No. t, Harford County, was born June 18, 1838, upon the place where he now resides. His father, Capt. John Adams Webster, who was born liere September 19, 1787, was a . son of Samuel and Margaret (Adams) Webster,
the latter a relative of Jolin Quincy Adams, the former a son of Isaac Webster. Captain Webster was a seafaring man and spent the greater portion of his life upon the water. He entered the navy prior to the War of 1812, in which he served as a lieutenant on the privateer "Rosseau," being for a time in command of a battery between Forts McHenry and Covington. In the engagement of September 10, 1814, he was detailed with seventy- five men to take charge of the six-gun battery. They were busy until the 14th in making the battery as secure as possible. During the night of the 13th he detected the sound of the enemy's boats coming near, and at once opened fire on them. Skirmishing was kept up by both parties until one o'clock on the morning of the 14th, when the enemy retired, and as they passed Fort McHenry they were fired upon from there. In coming up they had passed the fort unnoticed, but later had, fortunately for the Americans, been detected by the young lieutenant, who drove them back. In recognition of this service the state of Maryland and citizens of Baltimore presented him with a handsome gold-mounted sword.
November 22, 1819, Captain Webster was commissioned captain of the revenue cutter, "Ma- rine." May 19, 1846, he was detailed to control the operations of the revenue vessels employed in the Gulf of Mexico, and at the time of his death he was the senior captain in the service. In the battle of Bladensburg his horse was killed and the same ball knocked off his hat, another ball taking his thumb off. The sword which he car- ried in that battle is now in the possession of our subject. He was a man of fine physique, six feet tall and weighing over two hundred pounds, erect in carriage, well proportioned and of com- manding appearance. In social characteristics he was genial and easily approached, possessing remarkably courteous manners and the hospitable traits that mark the true southerner. He was a patriot, ever loyal to the interests of the country, and an American in every fibre of his being. Had he been permitted to choose the day upon which his earth life should end, probably he would have selected the very day upon which his life went out, the anniversary of the independence of our
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country. He died at his home in 1877 and was carpenter's trade, in Philadelphia. He now has buried beside his wife and deceased children in the family burial ground at Mt. Adams.
February 8, 1816, occurred the marriage of John Adams Webster and Rachel Biays, daughter of Col. Josepli Biays, a native of Frederick Coun- ty, Md., and an officer in the Revolution. They became the parents of fourteen children. Mar- garet, who was born December 13, 1817, became the wife of William Bissell, who was killed at Gettysburg; she now resides at Bel Air. Eliz- abeth and John A. died in childhood. Josephine, who was born November 19, 1823, married Dr. William Dallam, of Harford County, and died July 25, 1869. John A. (2d) born June 26, 1825, passed away. April 6, 1875. Mary Alice, who was born August 20, 1827, became the wife of. Algernon S. Dorsey, July 3, 1851, and died in July, 1865. James Biays was born November 24, 1828, and died August 12, 1890. Susan Ann, wlio was born February 27, 1830, departed this life October 3, 1895. Benjamin M. was born October 23, IS3!, and attained the age of forty- five, dying in October, 1876. Rachel Virginia died in girlliood. Laura Archer, whose birth oc- curred September 16, 1834, was married to John C. Patterson, of Wilmington, Del., June 19, 1861, and passed from earth March 21, 1892. Rachel Cassandra, who was born September 17, 1836, became the wife of Gen. Frank A. Bond, Octo- ber 26, 1859, and died June 16, 1895. Isaac Pleas- ants, who was born April 19, 1840, died on the battlefield of Malvern Hill, Va., near Richmond, where he was fighting under General Mcclellan, July 1, 1862.
The next to the youngest of this large family was the subject of our sketch. He received his . education principally at Bel Air and Elkton, and when about eighteen commenced to assist his fa- ther on the farm. In 1861 he enlisted as a mem- ber of a company formed at Leesburg, of Howard County men, and served in the army until May, 1865. Several times lie almost miraculously es- caped injury. Two horses were shot under him, a shot passed between his arm and side, and an- other through his hat. Returning home at the close of the war, he became an apprentice to the
in his possession a dining table, upon which he worked for a year during his apprenticeship; the legs of the table were made from the legs of an old piano that belonged to the family. He never actively engaged at his trade, but after the death of his father carried on the home farm until IS86, when he went to Colorado and there engaged in ranclring for a few years. In October, 1892, he returned to Harford County and has since re- mained on the old homestead. June 4, 1889, he was united in marriage with Sarah Elizabetli Hutchison, who is of Scotch- Irish descent. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and act- ively interested in religious movements. In pol- itics he votes the Democratic ticket, but has never taken part in public affairs, preferring to devote himself to his private business interests.
OBERT P. MITCHELL, a farmer residing on District No. 2, Harford County, is a rep- resentative of one of the old and honored families of this locality, prominently identified with its farming interests for more than a century. His paternal grandfather, Parker Mitchell, was born in the same neighborhood, and as a means of livelihood followed both farming and fishing. He died at the early age of about thirty-eight years. John Mitchell, father of our subject, was a native of District No. 2, and throughout his entire life carried on agricultural pursuits, in con- nection with which he was also a fisherman for several years. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Gilbert, who died leaving one son, John, whose death occurred at the age of seventy-one years. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabetlı Silver, a daughter of Gashen and Elizabeth (Bayless) Silver. She died at the age of sixty-nine years, but her husband reached the advanced age of ninety-two years. He voted with the Whig party in early life, and on its dis- solution enlisted under the banner of the Democ- racy, but he never souglit or desired political pre- ferment, content to devote his time and attention
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