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 16
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 16
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JAMES WEBSTER.
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to his business and home interests. In his fam- ily were six children: Ann M., widow of J. Colvin Michael; Robert P .; Sarah, wife of John Archer Mitchell; Madison, who is engaged in the undertaking business at Baltimore; Mary E .; and Jerusha, wife of Charles B. Osborn, of District No. 2.
Robert P. Mitchell has always devoted his life to the pursuit to which he was reared, and indus- try and perseverance are marked characteristics of his business carcer. He was married to Miss Mary C. Hughes, a daughter of Amos H. Hughes, and they have a family of three children: Robert H., who is engaged in farming in District No. 2; Carrie G., who resides with her parents; and John O., who follows the undertaking business in Bal- timore.
Mr. Mitchell is recognized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party in his county. He is well informed on the issues and questions of the day; in 1876 he served on the county assessment board, has been a member of the county board of control and review, and in 1881 and 1882 served as county commissioner. He has ever discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity, thus winning the commendation of all concerned, and in every relation of life he is found true and faith- ful to the trust reposed in him.
AMES WEBSTER. There are few wliose lives are prolonged to the age of more than four score and still fewer who are permitted, amid the vicissitudes of time and its constant mutations, to spend so long a period upon the same spot and within the same home. Such, however, has been the fortunate lot of Mr. Web- ster. The stone house where he now dwells was the place where his birth occurred February 14, 1814, and the farm, situated in Churchville pre- cinct, District No. 3, Harford County, is the only home he has ever known. His own history is contemporaneous with that of our nation in its inost interesting and important period of develop-
11ent. Born before the close of the War of 18 12, as a child he witnessed the advancement of the interests and development of the resources of Maryland. He recalls the excitement of early presidential elections, the days wlien "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" was the popular campaign cry, the war with Mexico, the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California, the introduc- tion of steam railways, the settlement of the western lands, the exciting times prior to and during the Civil War and the period of recon- struction; all these, and many other incidents connected with our national history, he remcm- bers as vividly as though but recently passed.
The Webster family, as stated upon anotlicr page, is one of the oldest and most influential of Harford County. The father of our subject, Richard, was born in Churchville precinct, Dis- trict No. 3, in 1765, and was a son of Richard, Sr., born in 1741. Richard, Jr., engaged in farming and milling until his death. April 15, 1800, he married Rachel Mitchell, and to their union were born six children, namely: John, February 20, 1801; Phœbe, December 12, 1802; William, April 1, 1805; Noah, May 1, 1808; Mary, December 26, 1810; and James, of this sketch, the only one now living. Noah mar- ried Susanna Mitchell and died at sixty-five years of age.
Educated in the private schools of the county, the subject of this sketch assisted his father in the mill and upon the farm. Upon the decease of his father, September 10, 1855, he assumed control of the farm, which he still superintends, retaining its active management, notwithstand- ing his advanced years. May 23, 1839, he mar- ried Mary F., daughter of William W. and Mary Webster. Their married life was of brief dura- tion, as she died December 4, 1840. His second marriage took place at Churchville January 10, 1848, his wife being Adaline, daughter of Will- iam Holland and Elizabeth (Osborn) Divers, both of old families of the county. Her father was for many years a school teacher here and was recognized as a very efficient educator. Should the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Webster be spared to January, 1898, they will celebrate their
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golden wedding anniversary. They are a well- preserved couple, in thie enjoyment of excellent health, and it is the wish of their many friends that they may live to have many more happy years on earth. Mrs. Webster is identified with Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church, and while he is not a member of any denomination he is a believer in Christianity and aids church work by his contributions of money. In politics he is a Republican, and when in his prime would have been chosen to occupy public office had it not been distasteful to him; at no time has he bcen induced to hold public office, but he has always been willing to aid his friends in their candidacy. 'The farm where he resides consists of over two hundred acres of land and is devoted to farming and stock-raising purposes. The property is valuable, and under his efficient management the land has been very productive.
G EORGE B. JAMES, of Emmorton, is a lead- ing representative of the agricultural and in- dustrial interests of Harford County. He was born near Avondale, in this county, Decem- ber 23, 1831, and belongs to one of the old and honored families which for more than a century have been identified with this region. He is also descended from good old Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather having been one of the heroes who fought for the independence of the nation. His grandfather, Joseph James, was born in Penn- sylvania, and came to Harford County about the year 1775. His son James, the father of our sub- ject, was born about four miles from Emmorton, and was a chair turner and farmer. He married Sarah Gilbert, a daughter of Jarvis Gilbert, of this county. They held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were people of the high- est respectability. The father died in 1874, and the mother passed away in 1895, at the age of ninety-one years. They had a family of ten chil- dren: William Joseph and Jarvis Gilbert, who
are both residents of Indiana; Charles H., who makes his home in Churchville, Md .; George B .; John L., of Baltimore; Mary C., wife of James Sheridan, of Churchville; Elizabeth E., wife of Phil Hawkins, of Churchville; Sarah S., who is living in Churchville; Sophia Jane, wife of P. Lacoflin, of Aberdeen; and Jacob M., of Church- ville.
George B. James, whose frame forms the cap- tion of this article, acquired his education in pri- vate schools, which he attended at intervals until twenty-one years of age. He then learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed for a quarter of a century in Bel Air and Churchville. In May, ISS4, he rented the Lettick farm, near Emmorton, and has since made his home thereon, extensively engaged in raising and canning tonia- toes. He has liere one hundred and fifty acres of land, of which thirty-five acres are planted in to- matoes, and from those vines he gathers enough of the vegetable to can five thousand cases. The excellent quality of his goods secures to him a ready market and his straightforward business dealing has won him the confidence and good-will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
Mr. James married Miss Sarah E. Keithly, of Harford County. The wedding was celebrated on the roth of January, 1861, and twenty years later Mrs. James dicd, in July, 1881. Their children were as follows: Mary C. and Anie, twins, the latter now deceased; Sarah, wife of Rev. George Cuddy, who is pastor of a large church in Taco- ma, Wash .; Emma E., wife of George E. Wright, of Harford County; Stephen G and Paul C., at home; George B., who is living in the neighbor- hood; S. S., J. Gilbert and B. W. C., all yet with their father.
Mr. James formerly gave his political support to the Republican party, but believing the ten- perance question the most prominent issue before the people to-day, he allied his forces with the Prohibition party, and is now one of its stanchi advocates. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' Society, and in religious belief is a Metlo- dist. He has served as trustee, steward and class leader of his church and for many years was an exhorter. He does all in his power to promote
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the cause of the church, and to advance all inter- ests calculated to uplift and ennoble humanity . His own life is well worthy of emulation and all who know him retain for him the highest regard.
OHN F. BULL, M. D., a retired physician of Harford County, was born in 1822 upon the farm in District No. 3 where he now resides. The family of which he is a member was estab- lished in America by five brothers who came to this country from England, but of these, his grandfather, John, was the only one who settled in Maryland. The Doctor's father, William Bull, combined the occupations of farming and tanning, and spent his entire life on the old homestead, dying here in 1853, at the age of eighty years. By his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Ruff, there were born ten children, but only four survive, namely: Mary; Hannah; Eliza, wife of James Barrow, and John F., of this sketch.
In the days when Mr. Bull was young it was not as easy to obtain an education as it is now, however, he was enabled to acquire a broad knowledge of science, literature and philosophy, as well as an intimate acquaintance with the more practical and common branches of learning. After attending a private school for some time, he entered Bel Air Academy, where he was a student for tliree years. In 1849 he matriculated at the Washington University of Baltimore, but after a year left that institution and entered the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, from the medical departinent of which he graduated in 1851. Returning to his home in Harford County he at once began practice and continued actively engaged there for some years. From 1867 to 18SI he resided upon a farm near the old home- stead, giving liis attention less to professional du- ties than to the supervision of the estate. In 1881 he went to Baltimore, where he made his home for three years, enjoying the advantages of city life. On his return to Harford County he estab- lished his home at Forest Hill, whence in 1890 he
returned to the homestead where he was born. Living to some extent retired from professional cares and business affairs, with no weighty mat- ters to engross liis attention or perplex his mind, he is in a position to enjoy life to its utmost. His worth as a man is shown, among other things, by the fact that he is held in the highest regard by the people in whose midst much of his life has been passed. All unite in testifying to his nobil- ity of character and integrity of life.
The marriage of Dr. Bull took place in 1855 and united him with Miss Cordelia Hollingsworth, of Baltimore. They are the parents of eiglit cliil- dren, namely: Milton; Irving, a business man of Baltimore. Charles, who lives in Pennsylvania; Elma, Eugene, Harry, Clara and Bessie. One of the most important connections of Dr. Bull is his church relations. For sixty years he has been a Christian, striving in all things to exeni- plify his faith in the doctrines of the church. He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been steward and trustee for some time. In Sunday-school work he has been especially interested and has officiated as superin- tendent with efficiency and success. The people of this community hold him in the highest esteem and he is justly regarded as one of the public- spirited and progressive citizens of the locality.
6 HE WEBSTER FAMILY, which is one of the oldest in Harford County, is interwoven by marriage with many of the best families of this locality. The date of the arrival of their first representatives in America is not definitely known, but it was about the time of Lord Balti- more, and some of the present generation have in their possession grants of land froin him bear- ing dates as early as 1649 and 1652. The remote ancestors were of English and Scotch birth, and the traits of these nationalities are still noticeable in their American descendants. The first to cross the ocean were four brothers, namned as follows: John, who settled in Virginia and was known as
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John of Roanoke; Isaac, the progenitor of the Harford County branch; Samuel and Michael. Isaac took up land on the Bush River, extending back into the county for six miles.
.The original representatives of the Websters in this country were of diversified religious belief, some being Quakers and others Episcopalians. Their descendants are now found among the Methodists and Presbyterians. The family coat-of- arms is a swan feeding its young. Miss M. Eliz- abeth, a sister of William and daughter of Henry Webster, has in her possession one of the old seals, showing this crest. John Webster was born in 1670 and left a family of three sons and two daughters, one son, John, having died prior to the father's death. His will, which was made in 1751, was recorded and is still extant. In it he provides for the following children: Sarah, Michael, Isaac, Samuel and Alisanna. The fam- ily has always been a long-lived one, and he is thought to have attained the age of eighty-five. His son, Samuel, was born in 1710, and married Elizabeth Dallam. He was a very prominent man and held the important and lucrative office of tobacco inspector at Joppa, which was then the principal port here, and raising and dealing in tobacco was the most important industry of the time.
Richard, son of Samuel, was born April 7, 1741, on a place adjoining the old homestead, 110W occupied by William Webster, and his death oc- curred in the old stone family residence. He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of William Lester. By her he had three children, John, Samuel and Richard, the latter being the father of James Webster, a sketch of whose life will be found elsewhere in this work. After her death he married Phoebe, daughter of George Smith, of Chester County, Pa. To their union were born eight children, as follows: George, Elizabeth, William W., Sarah, Isaac, Wesley, Henry and Phoebe. Henry is the father of Will- iam Webster, who resides on the old homestead, and also of George S., whose sketches are present- ed in this volume.
It is perhaps unnecessary to dwell upon the characteristics of the Webster family, for they are
well known to all our readers. They possess many of the noble traits that brought success to their ancestors, who were brave pioneers, develop- ing the country that is now adorned with fine farms and busy towns. We who reap the harvest their hands have sown should honor them and hold their names in grateful remembrance. After their toils they rest in peace, leaving behind them a race that will read, with never-flagging interest, the records of their lives, which show so many examples of manly heroism and womanly graces. We, who are the heirs of the past, gladly ac- knowledge our indebtedness to all the pioneers, who, like the Websters, labored for the welfare of generations yet to come.
OBERT L. MITCHELL is a member of a well-known family residing in the south- eastern part of District No. 3, Harford County. Here he was born in 1847 and here he has continued to make his home, devoting his time to the business of a general wheelwright in addition to farming. He is the grandson of Elijah Mitchell and son of Robert Mitchell, a collier and farmer, who was born January 22, 1804. The latter spent his entire life in this district and resided on what was known as the Stony Ridge farm, making his home there until he passed away December 21, 1890, at the age of eighty- six. His wife, who was in maidenhood Arvilla Hawkins, died March 16, 1892, at the age of eighty-two. Their family consisted of seven children, namely: Mary Jane, the widow of John W. Hanby; George W., who lives in Indiana; Margaret, deceased; John T., who has continued to make his home in this district; Catherine, deceased; Robert L., of this sketch; and Samuel B., who occupies the old family homestead.
On the Stony Ridge farm, where he was born, the subject of this notice spent the years of boy- hood and youth, early in life gaining a thorough knowledge of all the details of agricultural oper- ations. It was not possible for him to spend
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much time in school, but the defects in liis educa- tion have been remedied to a large extent by thoughtful reading and habits of close observation. For three years lie served as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, which he afterward followed for some years. In 1872 he turned his attention more particularly to work as a wheelwright, and in this he has since been interested. In addition, he carries on his farm of twenty-one acres situated in District No. 3.
The lady who in 1874 became the wife of Mr. Mitchell was Alice O. Gorrell, a resident of this district and a woman of estimable character. They are members of Calvary Methodist Episco- pal Church, in which he lias officiated as a trus- tee for twenty years. In Sunday-school work he is interested and as a teacher has been instrumen- tal in promoting the cause among the children of the vicinity. He is a hard-working, upright man, and has the friendship of all who have been asso- ciated with him.
DAM DE BAUGH, who is engaged in gen- eral merchandising in Earlton, is a wide- awake, energetic business man, and as a citizen is active in support of all measures which he believes calculated to benefit the community. During the Civil War he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting in his country's service and valiantly followed the old flag until the overthrow of the Confederacy. In all the re- lations of life he has ever been found true and faithful, and Harford County numbers him among its valued citizens.
A native of the neighboring state of Pennsyl- vania, Mr. De Baugh was born in York County, January 12, 1836, a son of Philip and Mary (Untonia) De Baugh, both of whom were born on the Rhine, in Germany. Their marriage was there celebrated and about 1830 they left the Fatherland for America, taking up their residence in York County. The father was a shoemaker by trade, but in Pennsylvania ran a huckster's
wagon for several years. Later he purchased a farm in Baltimore County, Md., and in 1863 de- parted this life, at the age of sixty-three years. He came to this country a poor man, but his en- ergy and perserverance enabled him to overcome the obstacles in his path and at his death he was the possessor of a comfortable property. Both he and liis wife were members of the Catholic Church.
Under the parental roof Adam De Baugh was reared to manliood. He entered upon his busi- ness career as a farm hand, and worked in that capacity until about twenty-five years of age, when in 1861 he went to Oliio. He was there employed by the month until August 15, 1862, when, feeling that his country needed his services, he joined the boys in blue of Company A, One Hundred Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, for three years. At the battle of Winchester he was cap- tured, spent four days in Libby prison, and was thence taken to Belle Isle, and from there to All- napolis. He was there paroled and although held as a prisoner only twenty-four days he was almost starved during that time. Going to Ohio, he there remained for two months, when he was ex- changed and returned to his regiment. At the same time Mr. De Baugh was captured, his lieu- tenant and captain were taken prisoners, but they dug their way out of Libby and thus effected their escape. On the 6th of April, 1865, at the battle of High Bridge, Mr. De Baugh was shot through the right leg near the hip, which necessitated the amputation of that member. He was taken to City Point Hospital at Fortress Monroe, where he was confined for nine months, after which lie returned to his home near Upper Sandusky, Ohio.
Not long after this he was appointed postmaster at Wortonsburg, in which capacity he served un- til 1867, when he removed to Towson, Md., and secured the appointment of postmaster at tliat place. After a term of five years in that office hie was obliged to resign on account of his health and ran a stage line from Towson to Sherwood until 1881. In that year he came to Earlton, erected a store building and has since engaged in general merchandising. He carries a good stock, inciud- ing everything usually found in a general store,
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and lias secured from the public a liberal patron- age which he richly merits, as his business methods are above question and he earnestly desires to please liis customers.
Mr. De Baughi married Miss Elizabeth Passett, of Ohio. He is an unswerving Republican in his political affiliations and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. Socially he is connected with the Towson Lodge No. 79, I. O. O. F., and Dushane Post No. 3, G. A. R., of Baltimore. He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has served as eider for the past two years, and is active in its work and upbuilding. In the discharge of his duties of citizenship he manifests the same loyal- ty that characterized his service when he follow- ed the stars and stripes to victory on southern battlefields.
H MOS H. HUGHES, deceased, was born February 25, 1812, on what is known as the Eygh Trap farm in District No. 2, Harford County. His grandfather, John Hall Hughes, was probably a native of Scotland, but his father, John Hughes, was born on the homestead farm August 21, 1772. He there spent his entire life and was widely and favorably known throughout the community. He married Charlotte Mitchell, followed the mason's trade as a means of liveli- hood, and died upon the farm where his entire life was passed, at the age of fourscore years.
During a period of eighty years Amos H. Hughes witnessed the growth and development of his native county, saw the many changes that came with the passing of time, and ever bore his part in the work of public progress. He was married February 25, 1841, to Miss Hannah Catherine Adams, who was born in District No. 2, Harford County, December 3, 1821, a daugliter of William and Catherine (Brown) Adams. Her father was born in England, and came with his parents to America during his childhood, spend- ing liis remaining days in Maryland. He was a
self-made man, and the success that he achieved was due entirely to his own industrious efforts on the farm. In his political belief lie was a Whig, while religiously he was connected with the Soci- ety of Friends. His death occurred at the age of fifty-seven years. His father, William Adams, was the first to engage in the manufacture of fine shoes in this portion of the state. He died in middle life. The mother of Mrs. Hughes, Cath- erine (Brown) Adams, was born in Cecil County, Md., was also a member of the Society of Friends, and died at the age of fifty-six years. Mrs. Hughes is now the only survivor of her family of nine children. She lives on the homestead left to her by her husband, and, although seventy-five years of age, is well preserved physically and mentally. She holds membership in the Methi- odist Church, and her many excellencies of char- acter have won her the esteem of all and the love of family and friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were born thirteen children, as follows: Charlotta Catharine, wife of George Silvers, a farmer of District No. 2; Will- iam Oliver, a prominent citizen of Bel Air, who formerly served as county sheriff; Mary, wife of Robert P. Mitchell, an agriculturist of District No. 2; Caroline, wife of Ambrose Cooley; Annie, wife of Thomas Vincen, of Baltimore; Henrietta, wife of Herman Spencer, a farmer and fisherman of District No. 2; Scott Hughes, a prosperous agriculturist of the same district; Lucy Virginia, widow of Martin Gilbert; Amos H., a farmer of the same neighborhood; Robert Henry, who is engaged in merchandising at Dorsey, Howard County, Md., and is a tobacco inspector in Balti- more; Hannah Emma, wife of William Smith, a merchant of Lapidum; Eugene Lee, who operates the old homestead and also runs a threshing machine during the harvest season; and one who died in infancy.
Amos H. Hughes spent his entire life upon the farm where he was born. He was reared to agri- cultural pursuits, and throughout his entire life followed that vocation. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation, made many substan- tial improvements, and in return for his care and labor the well-tilled fields yielded to liim a golden
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tribute. In politics he was a stalwart advocate of the Democracy, who always kept well informed on the issues of the day and was active in sup- port of his party. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred October 4, 1892, and the community lost thereby a faithful citizen, his family a loving husband and father, and his neighbors a loyal friend.
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