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 25
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 25
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ENRY E. SELFE. Known to be a man of undoubted integrity, Mr. Selfe is regarded by his friends and neighbors in the village of Darlington as one of their most substantial and industrious citizens. While perhaps others are better fixed financially or have become more prominent iu politics and public affairs, yet when we take into consideration the fact that he started without capital, that he had obstacles to over- come and that he is still but a young man, the suc- cess he has so far achieved is certainly very commendable.
Unlike many of the residents of Maryland, whose ancestors were identified with the early history of this state, Mr. Selfe is a member of a family established in this country in compara- tively recent years. His parents, James and Cath- erine (Moon) Selfe, were born in Chilcompton, England, and came to America in 1855, settling in Havre de Grace. The father, who was a ma-
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JAMES GIFFORD.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chinist by trade, was for ten years employed as engineer on the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Bal- timore Railroad, but died at the early age of thirty-two, January 6, 1866. His wife passed away January 6, 1897, exactly thirty-one years after his demise. Two of their children are now living, our subject's brother being William B., the subject of a sketch presented on another page.
Born in Havre de Grace in 1861, Henry E. Selfe remained in that place, attending the public schools, until 1879, when he came to Darlington, his present place of residence. Here he learned the blacksmithi's trade, after which he worked for soniettime in the employ of others; but in 1892 he opened a blacksmith and repair shop and this he has since conducted, in addition to which, since 1896, he has been proprietor of a general mercantile store. Taking considerable interest in local politics, he is a firm Democrat, but does not desire public office. He has held the various offices in Deer Creek Lodge of Odd Fellows. In religious belief he is connected with the Episcopal Church, and is a vestryman at this writing. His marriage, in 1887, united him with Sadie Burton, by whom he is the father of three children, Edith, Walter and James.
AMES GIFFORD. The present high standing of District No. 9 among the agri- cultural regions of Cecil County may be attributed to the patient, well-directed efforts of the men who have for years conducted general farming pursuits here. As a representative of this class mention should be made of James Gif- ford, a successful farmer residing on the Stony -Lane Road. Since establishing his home on his present place in 1865, he has witnessed the ad- vancement of the district and contributed to its material prosperity, and while advancing his personal interests he has also promoted the wel- fare of his neighbors. His property, formerly known as the England farm, is not large, consist-
ing of seventy-two and one-half acres, but it is well improved and produces perhaps as much as many farms that are larger.
The Gifford family is of English origin. The father of our subject, James, was a son of Joseph Gifford, both natives of England. In youth he learned the trade of a blacksmith, but did not follow the occupation long. Coming to the United States when young, he first settled in Philadelphia County, but afterward removed to Bucks County, Pa., where he became the owner of a large farın. He made a specialty of raising fine stock, and had the best grades of liorses, hogs and sheep upon his place. His energy may be judged from the fact that he started out in life empty-handed, but became the possessor of a valuable property. He was a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. The farm in Bucks County continued to be his home until about 1856, when he sold it and removed to Cecil County, Md., where he became the possessor of three farms. He died near Principio, this county, in 1882, in his eighty-fourth year. .
Before leaving England he married Ruth Ed- monds, a native of that country. Ten children were born of their union and six of these are 110w living, namely: Samuel, whose home is in Dis- trict. No. 9, Cecil County; Sarah, wife of Joseph Cook, of Iowa; Wesley, of District No. 5, Cecil County; James, Jr .; George, residing in District No. 7, Cecil County; and Ellen E., the widow of Thomas Gillispie, now residing in Zion, this county.
In Bucks County, Pa., James Gifford, Jr., was born November 3, 1832. In boyhood he attended the neighboring district schools, hiseducation being completed at the age of nineteen years. He re- mained on the home farin until twenty-five years of age, and at that time was united in marriage with Rhoda A. Scarborough, daughter of Sutton Scarborough, of District No. 9, Cecil County. After his marriage he was a resident of District No. 7 for six years, engaged there in farming and stock dealing. In 1865 he bought the Jo- seph England farm, one of the oldest places in District No. 9, and here he has since carried on agricultural pursuits. He and his family attend
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the Zion Presbyterian Church and are interested in all its works. Of his five children three are now living, namely: Joseph, who is a business man of Philadelphia, but living in Cecil County; Harry M., who is interested in a printing concern in Philadelphia; and Gertrude, who is with her parents. As every public-spirited citizen should, Mr. Gifford takes an intelligent interest in local and national issues, and in matters political gives the weight of his influence, and his ballot, to the principles of the Republican party. He is a man of energy, not afraid to work, and his persever- anice and good management have achieved for him a success that has numbered him among the substantial farmers of the district.
ON. WILLIAM S. BOWMAN is one of the honored pioneer farmers and surveyors of Harford County and one of the most prominent and influential citizens. His entire life has been passed in the county which is still his home, and from an early age he has been an important factor in its public affairs and business interests. The development and substantial im- provement of the county have been largely ad- vanced through his efforts and he is both widely and favorably known, having the warm regard of liis extensive circle of friends.
Mr. Bowman was born at Hopewell Cross Roads, near his present home in District No. 2, December 17, 1822, and traces his ancestry back to Germany. His great-grandfather, Henry Bowman, was a native of that land, and when a young man came to America, taking up his resi- dence at what is now Hopewell Cross Roads, among the pioneers in this section of the state. He aided in the primitive development of the county and assisted in the advancement of civili- zation. He became a member of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1769. This was then called the Bush Forest Church, afterward known as the Log Meeting House, and is now called Bush Chapel. He died at the advanced age of ninety-
six years, at which tinte he was the oldest mieni- ber of the church, having been identified with its congregation for sixty years. He was twice married and had a large family. By occupation he was a chair maker and followed that pursuit as a means of support.
The grandfather of our subject, Henry Bow- man, was born near Hopewell Cross Roads, Feb- ruary 14, 1762, and spent his entire life in this district. He was a farmer and carpenter and in his business dealings met with a fair degree of success. His life was ever upright and honorable, in harmony with his professions as an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He passed away at the age of seventy-four years, and all who knew him mourned his loss. The parents of our subject were Henry and Priscilla (Keen) Bowman, both natives of District No. 2, Harford County. The father carried on agricultural pur- suits and also conducted a cooper shop at Hope- well Cross Roads for many years. In 1836 lie removed to Ohio, but after two years returned to his native county and never again left the old neighborhood. He purchased the farm on which our subject now resides, and by the careful con- duct of his business secured a comfortable com- petence. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Democracy, but was not active in political affairs. Throughout his life he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and did all in his power to advance its interests. He was ever faithful to his duties of citizenship, and during the War of 1812 earnestly desired to enter the service, but on account of his youth his parents refused to allow him to join the army. He died in his seventy-fifth year. His wife, who was born January 9, 1803, died in 1896. She ably supplemented her husband in his church work, and her many excellencies of character won her the love of all.
In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children: William S .; Rachel, deceased wife of James B. Gallion; Henry C., a farmer of Harford County; Mary Ann, who died in infancy; Eliza, deceased wife of George Gray; Priscilla, deceased wife of William Bailey; George W., who died at the age of thirty years; Rebecca J., widow of
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John Bowman; James H., who lives in Virginia; John B. and David Thomas, both deceased; and Sophia Aun, wife of John Gorrell.
Mr. Bowman, whose name introduces this re- view, remained at home with his parents until about twenty-three years of age, when he was married and removed to the farm which he now owns. It was given him by his father, and in connection with the cultivation of his land he also conducted a cooper and cabinet shop until 1853. He then accepted the position of assistant civil engineer for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, laying out that road for two hundred miles and locating the divisions. For three years he remained in that service, and in 1856 re- sumed the operation of his farm. In 1860 he was elected county surveyor, and served in that capacity for ten years, discharging his duties with marked fidelity and ability. He then refused longer to hold the office, but since that time he has been prevailed upon to accept the office on three different occasions. No higher testimonial of his faithful service can be given than the fact that he has so often been called to the office. He still follows surveying to a limited extent, and is now the oldest surveyor in the county.
On the 27th of June, 1846, Mr. Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bailey, a native of District No. 2, Harford County, who traveled life's journey with him for forty-eight years and was to him ever a faithful companion and help- meet. She died March 1, 1894, and many friends beside her immediate family mourned her loss. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman had seven children: John H., a carpenter of District No. 2; George W., who also follows the same pursuit here; James I,., who died in middle life, leaving a family of seven children; William S., a farmer of Harford County; Rebecca, who died in infancy; Mary Emina, wife of George L. Mitchell; and Charles C., a farmer of District No. 2.
Mr. Bowman now resides upon his farm of fifty acres. His life has been well spent, benefiting not only himself, but also the community with which lie has been connected. In 1888 he was elected to the state legislature, where he served on the committee on the Chesapeake Bay and its
tributaries and on the road committee. His po- litical support has ever been given to the Demo- cratic party, and he is recognized as che of the leaders of the Democracy in this section of the state. He holds membership in the American Mechanics Lodge, and in Mt. Ararat Lodge, F. &. A. M., of Bel Air.
OSEPH T. REED. The record of the life of Mr. Reed may be read with profit, for it illustrates the power of self-help and untiring perseverance. While in many respects his career has been uneventful, unmarked by stirring events, yet it has been very useful to others and suc- cessful as regards himself. Though he has met with his share of reverses in business, he has nevertheless attained a position of prominence in his locality. In addition to the management of the mercantile business in which he succeeded his father, he has for thirty years or more held the office of postmaster at Bay View, and in that way has made the acquaintance of almost every resi- dent of the village and surrounding country. His long tenure of the office proves him to be a man of ability. with the accommodating disposition that wins and retains friends.
A native of Cecil County, Mr. Reed was born at Mechanics Valley, District No. 3, February 19, 1821. His father, William, who was born in the same district, of Irish descent, followed the occu- pation of a farmer all through his active life, and also took a lively interest in public affairs, being a supporter of old-line Whig principles, and for some years was the incumbent of the office of road supervisor. In religious belief he was identified with the Methodist Protestant Church. He continued to reside in this county until his death, which occurred in 1865. His wife bore the maiden name of Amy McVey, and was a member of a Welsh family long resident in this portion of Maryland. She died in 1833, when still a young woman. The four surviving chil- dren born of this union are named as follows.
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Joseph T .; Benjamin M., whose home is in Dis- trict No. 5; Martha, widow of John T. Slicer, of Calvert, Md .; and William, a resident of District No. 5.
About two months of each year when he was a boy, our subject had an opportunity to attend school, but the remainder of his time he was em- ployed on the farm. He continued as a tiller of the soil until 1856. At that time his father, who had conducted a store at Bay View with a partner, purchased his partner's interest and took his son into the business, with which the latter has since been connected. Besides the store, he owns con- siderable property in the county and is in fair circumstances financially. In carly life he affili- ated with the Whigs, and when that party gave way to the rising organization of Republicans, he joined the ranks of the new party and has since voted for its men and measures, though never seeking its emoluments for himself. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he has been treasurer and trustee for years. In former years he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but does not now retain his membership in the local lodge. In IS49 he was united in marriage to Miss I. A. Russell, daughter of James Russell, whose grand- father was from Ireland, and her grandmother a native of England. Six children were born of the union, of whom three daughters and one son are living, namely: Charlotte,; wife of Jesse Taylor Jennings, who lives near his father-in-law; Russell James, who is manager of the store; Pocahontas, who is with her parents; and Ruth R., now in New York City.
ENRY HESS, for many years a resident of Cecil County, and a successful farmer of District No. 4, has been identified with the progress of his community during the entire period of his residence here. The farm which he owns and upon which he engages in general agri- cultural pursuits, consists of one hundred and
twenty-one acres, and under his energetic efforts has been brought to a high state of cultivation. This place has been his home since 1861. In addition to farming he has been interested in the hotel business, and as an accommodating land- lord has become well known to people who travel through this section of the county.
The Hess family came to this country from Germany. Our subject's father, Christian, was a son of Christian, Sr., and was born in Lancaster County, Pa., where he spent his entire life, being the owner of a farm and a grist, saw and plaster mill, also engaging in the manufacture of woolen goods. He was the largest mill owner in his part of the county, and did much to develop the industry. A prominent man in public life, he was chosen by his fellow-citizens to serve in the office of county commissioner, and also held other positions of trust. Politically he was a stanch Whig. He married Elizabeth Roop, and they became the parents of ninc children, but only three are now living. They are: Christian, whose home is in Ohio; Henry, of this sketch; and Moses, a resi- dent of Perry County, Pa. His death occurred in IS57, when he was seventy years of age.
At the home of his parents, in Lancaster County, Pa., the subject of this sketch was born in 1819, and in the neighboring schools his edu- cation was obtained. At the age of seventeen he left school, and thenceforward gave his attention to obtaining a livelihood. For four years he was connected with his father as an assistant in the carding of wool. He then became interested in the cattle business and was employed as a drover for some years, driving cattle from the west to New York. After four years he settled at Inter- course, Lancaster County, where for a similar period he was proprietor of the Cross Keys Hotel. Selling out there in 1855, he went to Baltimore County, Md., and had charge of a hotel for a ycar. In 1857 he came to District No. 4, where he at once began farming, and also for four years was proprietor of the Fox Chase Hotel. Moving to Fair Hill in 1861, he kept the hotel and en- gaged in the cultivation of his farm. Politically a Democrat, he was for two years supervisor from this district upon the county board, and for a simi-
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lar period held the position of county commis- sioner. At this writing he is a director of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of this county.
The marriage of Mr. Hess, which was sol- emnized in 1849, united him with Elizabeth N. Clemson, of Lancaster County, Pa. Five chil- dren were born to their union, named as follows: Hiester, an attorney of Elkton; Henry C., of this place; George E. L., at home; Maria Eliza- beth, who married A. T. McCrery, and is now deceased; and Louisa Frances, wife of Benjamin D. Bowen. The family attend the Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Hess is a member. Not only has Mr. Hess carried on his private affairs with energy, but he has manifested an almost equal amount of zeal for the public welfare. He may be counted upon to bear a part in every worthy enterprise which is promulgated in the neighborhood. A man of energy, not afraid of work, his good management and perseverance have brought him a success that has numbered him among the substantial business men and farmers of the community.
UFUS LOW is one of the extensive land owners of Harford County, his possessions aggregating more than six hundred acres. To a student of human nature there is nothing of a self-made man and analyze the principles by which he has been governed, the methods he has pursued, to know what means he has em- ployed for advancement and to study the plans which have given him prominence. In the his- tory of Mr. Low there is much food for thought, and if one so desires he may profit by the obvious lessons therein contained, for his career demon- strates the possibilities that are open to the am- bitious young men of America.
Mr. Low resides in District No. 4, of which he is a native son. He was born December 3, 1826, one of the ten children of Jeremiah and Rebecca
(Fifer) Low, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Hulo Low, the great-grandfather, who was a na- tive of England, and with his five brothers came to America, taking up his residence in the colony of Pennsylvania, in what is now York County. He became very wealthy and was at one time owner of more than one thousand acres of good land. The grandfather, John Low, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation. Jeremiah Low, the father, gave his attention to agricultural pursuits and during the War of 1812 served his country as a com- missioned officer. His children were Rezin, de- ceased; Harriett; Grace; Martin; Ennis; Rufus; Obediah; Amon and Festus, both deceased; and Laban.
On the family homestead Rufus Low spent his boyhood days. He obtained a good common- school education and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for fifteen years. He did a good. business along that line and as his financial resources increased he in- vested in land, to which he has added from time to time until he is now the owner of more than six hundred acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Good build- ings and well-kept fences also add to the value and attractive appearance of the place, which is accounted one of the fine farms of Harford County.
of greater interest than to examine into the life . a native of Pennsylvania. Her grandfather was
When thirty-three years of age Mr. Low was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Marstillar, one of the heroes of the Revolution and was of German lineage, the family having been founded on American soil in the days of colonial history. Mr. and Mrs. Low are the parents of the follow- ing children: Benjamin F., Rebecca M., Henry M., John F., David and Jeremiah L. (twins), Simon G. and Lizzie M.
Mr. Low has been active in public affairs and is one of the leaders of the Republican party, in the principles of which he strongly believes. He served as tax collector of District No. 4 for two years, and in 1891 was the candidate of his party for the legislature, but was defeated by a small
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majority. His duties of citizenship are ever faithfully and promptly performed and he is true to every trust reposed in him. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but the Low family were connected with the Society of Friends. Honesty of purpose permeates his every act and straightforward dealing character- izes his business career. His worth as a man and a citizen is widely recognized and he well deserves representation in this volume.
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RCHIBALD WILSON represents the third generation of the Wilson family that has re- sided in District No. 5, Harford County. His grandfather, whose name was the same as his own, eame to America from his native land of Scotland and settled here, buying a farm upon which he engaged successfully in agricultural pur- suits. The family characteristic of longevity was apparent in his own life. The father of our sub- jeet, James Wilson, was born on the home farm, where his subsequent years were busily passed and where his death oceurred in 1870. During the War of 1812 he enlisted in the American army and assisted in defending the property and lives of the eitizens of Maryland. By his marriage to Letitia J. Wilson, of this county, he had six children, namely: William H., Archibald, Margaret J., Cassandra, James (deceased) and Samuel.
Trained to a knowledge of farm work, our sub- ject has always continued in this oeeupation and of it he has made a suceess. In the division of the estate he inherited a portion of the property, which was of much benefit to him financially; but even without this help there is no doubt but that he would have sueeeeded, for he has many of the qualities that are necessary for sueeess, and these, coupled with the industry and economy of his faith- ful wife, made prosperity a sure result. At the age of twenty-seven lie married Hannab J. Glad- den, who was born in this eounty, being a sister of Jamies W. Gladden, mentioned on another page. To the union seven children were born, but one
died in infaney, and another, Harry S., in boy- hood. The survivors are James J., William F., Edward A., Cyrus H. and Anna L., all of whom are married but Cyrus and all are well-to-do.
Born June 2, 1830, Mr. Wilson is not yet an old man, and his family being a long-lived one, he may reasonably hope to enjoy many more years of happiness on carth. Among the people of the district where his entire life has been passed he is well known and highly esteemed. On aceount of his intelligence, and his firin allegiance to Demo- cratic prineiples, he has been a man of some promi- nenee in the politics of the township. In 1872 he was cleeted county commissioner, which offiee he filled for two years. For eight years he was re- gister of voters and for more than twenty years a member of the county executive committee. In 1857 he was made a Mason and he has since been identified with the order, his membership being in Mt. Ararat Lodge No. 44. at Bel Air. His wife is connected with the Presbyterian Church, with the work of which he is in sympathy, though not a member of the denomination.
ON. JOSEPH H. STEELE. To secure success in business, a man must be ener- getic, persevering, eapable and judieious; with these eliaracteristics, he need have no fear of failure. It is largely due to these qualities, which he possesses in a large degree, that Mr. Steele owes the prosperity that has attended his efforts in business. He is recognized as one of the stirring and progressive men of Chesapeake City, where he owns and conduets a grain, coal, lime and phosphate business. His suceess is es- pecially worthy of commendation when we con- sider the faet that he had few educational advan- tages, his parents were poor, and the opportuni- ties which fell to the lot of most boys did not eome to him.
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