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 26
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 26
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A record of the life of one so elosely identified with the growth of Chesapeake City will be of interest to the people of this loeality. A lifelong
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resident of this village, Mr. Steele was born here December 13, 1836, the son of George A. and Rebecca R. (Sharp) Steele, natives respectively of Districts No. 9 and 5, Cecil County. His father spent tlie years of youth upon a farm, but in early manhood settled in Chesapeake City, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for a number of years. In his political views he was a pronounced Democrat. He remained in this village until his death, which occurred at seventy-six years of age. He was a son of Joseph Steele, a native of Cecil County, a soldier in the American army during the War of 1812, and throughout active life engaged in farming pur- suits, remaining a resident of Cecil County until his death, at the age of about ninety years. Our subject's motlier attained the age of ninety- three; she had but two children, Joseph H. and Caroline, Mrs. William Young, deceased.
Amid the surroundings familiar to him from earliest childhood, the subject of this article passed the years of youth. At the age of four- teen lie entered the office of the late George W. Bennett as a clerk, and so efficient was he in the discharge of duties that he finally became associ- ated with Mr. Bennett as a partner in the lumber and grain business. Upon the death of the senior member of the firm in 1869, Mr. Steele succeeded to the entire management of the grain, coal, lime and phosphate business, which he has since suc- cessfully conducted. While his time and atten- tion have been closely given to the oversight of his business interests, his is not a narrow mind, but he is capable of superintending various in- terests at the same time. With a true insight into the importance of the insurance business, he early became identified with it, and for a number of years has represented the Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company of Cecil County in his native place.
Nothing that has tended to the benefit of the village and county has been refused Mr. Steele's support, both in time and money, and to his ef- forts much of the advancement of local industries is due. In his political belief he is firm in his allegiance to. the principles of the Democratic party, which he upholds by his influence and his
vote. Honoring the party, he has in turn been honored by it. Under the administration of President Johnson he was appointed postmaster of Chesapeake City, in which position he sus- tained his reputation as a careful and reliable business man. During the years IS;i and 1872 he served as collector of state and county taxes for the second division of this county. In 1879 a high honor was tendered him in his election, upon the Democratic ticket, to the Maryland house of delegates, with the late Hon. Hiram Mccullough and James M. Touchstone. While in the legislature he established an excellent rec- ord as a capable worker in the committee room and rendered service on the committee of ways and means, as well as on other committees equally important. His public life has been an active and honorable one, such as to reflect credit upon his citizenship and establish his reputation as a man of ability. In religious belief he is an Epis- copalian and holds the position of vestryman in the church, to the building and support of which he has been a liberal contributor.
January 25, 1871, Mr. Steele was united in marriage with Caradora, daughter of John W. and Hannah L. (Bayard) Bouchelle, and like her husband an active member of the Episcopal Church. They are the parents of five children, namely: Bennett, who is associated with his father in business; Stanley, a practicing dentist in Elkton, Md .; J. Groome, Harold and Dora B. Mr. Bouchelle, the father of Mrs. Steele, was born at Bohemia Manor in 1807 and is still living, quite active and strong for one so advanced in years. Farming has been his life-work and in it he has been successful, accumulating a compe- tency. For sixty-five years or more he has re- sided on the same farm, situated in District No. 2. Politically he has been a Democrat ever since he was old enough to have opinions for himself, and upon the Democratic ticket he was, in 1842, elected to the state legislature. He was a son of Peter and Alice (Cannon) Bouchelle, and Peter Bouchelle in turn was the son of Thomas, who was a son of Peter, whose father, Lege de Bou- chelle, established the family in America, settling on Bohemia Manor, Cecil County, in 1640. As
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the name indicates, the family is of French origin, and it is said that the ancestors were very pron- inent in that country. The present generation is the seventh that has been identified with the history of Cecil County. The mother of Mrs. Steele was born on Bohemia Manor and died there at the age of seventy-seven years. She had fifteen children, and of that large family nine at- tained years of maturity.
ON. THOMAS WARD VEAZEY, gover- nor of Maryland 1835-38. Cecil County numbered among her favorite sons one who was honored in halls of legislature and councils of state, one whose public service extended through a period most eventful in our country's history, and one upon whom was bestowed the highest office within the gift of the people in Maryland. The records of the official life of Gov- ernor Veazey are to be found in the archives of the state and in its historical literature, but the influence of his gifted mind, in giving direction to events and in shaping the destiny of the com- monwealth, is not to be measured by official records or the writings of the historian ; it is as measure- less as the soul and as enduring as time.
While the history of the remote representatives of the Veazey family is shrouded in obscurity, it is thought that the first of the name in America came from England about 1687. In 1749 Col. John Veazey, an officer in the militia of Mary- land, secured a patent from Frederick Lord Bal- timore for a large tract of land in District No. 1, Cecil County. Upon this place he settled and here he spent his remaining years. The property has since been occupied by succeeding generations and is now owned by the two daugliters of Gov- ernor Veazey. Col. John Veazey, Jr., and his son Edward, who was the father of our subject, were born in. District No. 1, and followed farmi pursuits throughout their entire lives. With few exceptions, tlie members of the family have been identified with the Protestant Episcopal Churchi.
Upon the old Cecil County homestead Thomas Ward Veazey was born January 31, 1774. When he was an infant, war between the colonists and. England was declared and the succeeding years were filled with hardships and bloodshed, all of which doubtless had its effect upon him in the impressionable years of youth. Surrounded by influences that would tend to make him intensely patriotic, he grew to manhood. His parents being well-to-do were able to give him every educational advantage the country afforded and of every op- portunity he availed himself to the utmost, acquir- ing an excellent education in Washington College, at Chestertown, Kent County, from which he graduated. At an early age he became closely identified with public affairs and associated with men of prominence throughout the state. He was chosen a presidential elector in 1809 and 1813, and voted for James Madison. There had been implanted in his nature in boyhood a love of coun- try and devotion to its welfare, hence the War of 1812 found him enthusiastically supporting the American cause, and during that conflict he served as a colonel of state militia. When peace was declared he returned to civic pursuits. He was soon called to serve his fellow-citizens in an official capacity, being chosen to represent the dis- trict as a member of the legislature, and later he becanie a member of tlie state senate. The fidel- ity to the interests of the people which he dis- played in every position led to his selection as the incumbent of the highest office within the gift of the state. In1 1835 he took his seat as governor of the state, and during the three years that fol- lowed represented the interests of the people with the utmost faithfulness and with the high order of ability ever characteristic of his actions and decisions. When he retired from office in 1838 he carried with him to private life the best wishes of all, for he had won the respect of even his political opponents by his wise administration. Like others of his name, lie was an Episcopalian in religious belief, his membership being in St. Stephen's Church.
From whatever point of view we may study the life of Governor Veazey he was a man to be admired. Whether we view him as a private cit-
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JOHN H. HESSEY.
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izen, true in even the smallest detail, kind to all, generous to the needy; as a soldier, gallantly de- fending the old village of Fredericktown when it was assaulted by the British, May 4, 1812; or as the chief executive of the state, maintaining a watchful oversight of all public affairs,-we rec- ognize in him the qualities that bring a man in- fluence, power and success. After sixty-eiglit useful and honorable years, he passed away, July 1, 1842.
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OHN H. HESSEY. Though not a native of Maryland, Mr. Hessey has spent his en- tire life here, with the exception of the first year. He resides in District No. 1, Cecil County, where he owns a valuable farm of two hundred and ninety-seven acres. By practical experience he has found that the soil of this locality is well adapted to the raising of fruits, and, believing the business to be profitable, he turned his at- tention to it a number of years ago. As a result of his efforts he now has on his place over thirty- five hundred bearing pear trees and smaller num- bers of other fruit trees, and has met with flatter- ing success in this department of agriculture. Success has not been won casily, but through constant effort and exercise of sound common sense in the management of affairs. He can bear testimony to the fact that it is not luck, but hard work, that brings prosperity.
In Ohio, June 25, 1819, John H. Hessey was born to the union of Henry and Ann (Sutton) Hessey, natives of Delaware. The family of which he is a member originated in France, but has been represented in this country many years. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and a farmer by occupation, but died when in his prime. Of his five children, William S., George W., John H., Mary A. and Ellen H., only our subject and Ellen H. survive. The former was a year old when brought to Maryland by his par- ents in 1820, and here lie was educated in the
public schools. When he was ten years of age his father died, and afterward he and his brother George remained with their mother until her death. At the age of twenty-seven lie married Laura E. Morgan, who was born in District No. I, Cecil County. They became the parents of seven children, but four died in infancy. The others are Frank H., Ellen M. and Dr. John H., the latter of whom is a practicing physician of Kent County, Md.
Like all public-spirited citizens Mr. Hessey keeps himself posted concerning public affairs. He is a decided Democrat in his opinions and always votes that ticket. At one time he was tax collector and also constable. He is not con- nected with any denomination, but is ready to assist religious enterprises, and inclines . toward the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is an active member.
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9 OHN LIGHT. The true patriot is one who, from love of country, does, or tries to do, all that appears necessary to promote her honor, prosperity and peace, and no one has proven him- self more deserving of public gratitude than las the farmer who has redeemed this country from the wilderness and made it to blossom and bear fruit so abundantly. Not only is John Light a thor- ough practical and progressive farmer, but he is also descended from one of those grand old patri- ots who fought for the freedom of American colon- ies during the Revolution. This patriot was Adamn Light, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, a German by descent. John Light was named in honor of his sire, whose native place was Little York, Pa., in the vicinity of which he was first engaged in farming. However, the last thirty-five years of his life were spent in Balti- more County, Md., where he kept a hostelry. During his early manhood he was engaged in teaching for some time, in fact, his entire life was one of activity, and every opportunity which pre- sented itself was improved to the utmost. The
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men and measures of the Democratic party always received his earnest support, and in his church relations he was a Presbyterian ..
Mary Hartman, daughter of John Hartman, of York, Pa., became his wife, and as years passed nine children were born to them, only. four of whom survive at the present writing: John, Will- iam, Samuel and Thomas, the last three being residents of Baltimore County. The father's deatlı occurred in 1862, preceded many years by that of his wife. Upon reaching the required age, John Light was placed in the public schools of York, Pa., but about 1857 was taken by his father to Baltimore, where, after a time, his school days closed. When lie had reached the age of fifteen years lie began learning the miller's trade, and for the following six years his time was devoted to this occupation. The three subsequent years were spent in railroading, and he then, in 1850, settled down on his present farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres near Monkton, Baltimore County, and for five years devoted his attention to its cul- tivaton. The following six years were spent in Edgewood, then for six more years he resided on the Price farm near Clayton. At the end of that time he rented a farm on Long Bar, where his home continued to be for sixteen years, at the end of which time he decided to come to Harford County.
The date of his arrival in this section was 1885, in which year he purchased the farm on which he is now living, consisting of four hundred acres. In connection with his farm, which is admirably managed, he conducts a canning establishment and puts up about five thousand cases each sum- mer. In every detail of his work lie has shown good judgment and a knowledge of his business which is most thorough, and his comfortable home is but the just reward of his industry. A mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church and a Democrat politically, his work for both has been steadfast and earnest, and in his work in the former he has been warmly seconded by his worthy wife. She was formerly Miss Sophia Kroll, a daughter of Philip Kroh, of Harford County, and her marriage witlı Mr. Light occurred December 21, 1847. To them an old-fashioned family of eleven children
was born, the following of whom survive: John, of Abingdon; James, also of that place; George; Joseph; Nicholas; Robert; Eliza, wife of Frank Kroh, of Joppa; and Mary, wife of C. C. Smith, of Joppa.
Mr. Light has always labored for the best inter- ests of the sections in which he has made his home and is a worthy type of the true American citizen, for he is loyal, public-spirited and charit- able, and his influence is always on the side of justice and right.
ILLIAM H. REASIN, Jr. The life of Mr. Reasin has been a busy one, and from an carly age lie has been familiar with teleg- raphy. His experience has been such as to prove that he possesses energy, wise judgment and perseverance, and these qualities have brought him the confidence of the company in whose en- ploy he has been for many years. His character and business equipment have made him an acqui- sition to the citizenship of Aberdeen, and he stands well among the people here. During the years in which he has held the position of agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at this point, he lias become known, not only to railroad men, but to the traveling public and the residents of this por- tion of the state.
In the city of Baltimore the subject of this sketch was born March 27, 1853, to the union of William H. and Hannah E. (Cole) Reasin, both of whom were born near Aberdeen, in Harford County. His father was reared on a farm here, but when a youth went to Baltimore, where he studied architecture, and as lie possessed a natu- ral taste for the occupation, and was a thorough student, he became in time one of the leading architects of Baltimore, where he made his home many years. After removing his residence to Havre de Grace, he still retained his office in Baltimore. He was one of the most prominent architects of liis time in the state. In politics, also, he was active and influential, and was a de-
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cided Democrat in his views. Among his prin- cipal characteristics was that of frankness. He was a plain, outspoken man, firm in his convic- tions and never hesitating to express tlent, 110 matter what the sentiments of others might be. He died at the age of fifty-six years. His father, Dooley Reasin, was a planter in Maryland. The mother of our subject, who now makes her home with him, had four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are William H., Gertrude and Jennie. William H. was a child of about eight years when his parents removed to a farin in Harford County, and there he remained until twenty-one years of age, meantime attending the common schools and Eaton and Burnett's Com- mercial College. When a young man he learned telegraphy, and his first employment in that ca- pacity was iu the office of the Baltimore city water works as an operator. He remained in Baltimore until 1886, and since that time has been employed as agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Aberdeen. Interested in politics as a stanch Democrat, he has, however, never taken an active part in such matters, but his unobtrusive and quiet disposition has led him to confine his attention to private business affairs. Fraternally he is con- nected with Harford Lodge No. 42, Order of the Golden Chain, in Aberdeen. In1 1887 he married Miss Fannie Cole, of Harford County, who died January 17, 1897, leaving two children, Claude Nelson and Florence Aline.
ENRY H. BRADY. The fact that Chesa- peake City is the terminus of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal has been the means of securing to the place, as permanent residents, a number of men of ability, energy and excellent judgment. Such a one is the subject of this article, who came here in 1857, and during the forty years that have since elapsed has established a high reputation in business circles. At first, in partnership with his brothers, George F., William and Samuel, he.had charge of the towing on the
canal and has for several years been interested in the tug boats at this end of the canal, employing as many as seventy-five inen and one hundred mules to do the towing. A change was made in the firm about 1887, when he and John T. Cheairs bought out the interests of his three brothers, and they have since conducted the busi- ness, Mr. Brady having charge of the work at this terminus of the canal, while his partner has charge at the other terminus, Delaware City, Del.
The parents of our subject; Jamies and Marga- ret (McCrone) Brady, were born in Dublin, Ireland. where the former was engaged in the manufacture of linen and was fairly successful as a business man. Wishing to seek a home in the new world, in 1829 he crossed the Atlantic and settled near Wilmington, Del., purchasing a farm, to the cultivation of which his remaining years were devoted. He died about 1850, and his wife in 1866. Henry H. Brady was born in Newcastle County, Del., January 24, 1831, and received his education principally in New Lon- don, Chester County, Pa. After completing his studies he taught a district school for three years, then turned his attention to merchandising and opened a store at St. Georges, Newcastle County, Del., where he remained until 1857. From that place he removed to Chesapeake City, and with his brothers, George F., William and Samuel, at once began in the towing business. In addition to his private business affairs he has taken part in local public enterprises and has always been ready to contribute liis share to public-spirited projects. For a time he held the position of commissioner for the county. At this writing he is a director and vice-president in the National Bank of Elkton. He and his family are active members of the Presbyterian Church, and he officiates as an elder.
March 27, 1861, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brady to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Small) Cooper. She is a direct descend- ant of William and Margaret Cooper, who, in 1679, crossed the Atlantic and settled in what is now Camden, N. J. Her father, who was born in Bucks County, Pa., engaged in farming during the earlier part of his life, but afterward became
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a lumberman in Bristol, that county, and was following that business when he died, at fifty- four years of age. He married Rebecca Small, who was born in Burlington County, N. J., and died in Cecil County at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Brady was born July 21, 1837, and under the careful training of her parents was prepared for a useful and honorable life. She is a notable housewife, busy and energetic, and is tireless in her devotion to husband and children. Her eld- est daughter, Lucy Cooper Brady, is the wife of Charles H. Cook, proprietor of the Cook Pottery Company, of Trenton, N. J. Carrie, the younger daughter, married Henry M. Mccullough, an attorney of Elkton, Cecil County. Henry H., Jr., graduated from Princeton with the class of
1895, and is now connected with the Roebling - occupation he has engaged since 1875. He is a Manufacturing Company.
OHN G. DOLLMAN. Though a native of another country, all but the first seven years in the life of Mr. Dollman have been spent in the United States. When he came to Darlington, his present place of business, he made his home in an old log house, but as business increased and prosperity crowned his efforts, he was enabled to surround himself with advantages more suited to his position in life. In 1894 he erected a block in the village, and the first floor of the building he utilizes for a store, while the upper floor is occu- pied as a lodge room for the Deer Creek Lodge, I. O. O. F. He has also built a new residence on the same foundation as the old one, but larger in dimensions and more modern in finish.
Born in Germany in 1847, the subject of this sketch is a son of John and Christina ( Heim) Dollman, who emigrated to America about 1854 and settled in Pottsville, Pa., continuing to reside there for many years. In 1874 the father bronght his family to Darlington and opened a tin shop, which he carried on for some time. Owing to ill- health he returned to his native land, where he revisited the scenes familiar to him in early child-
hood, and his sojourn there of two years proved pleasant and physically beneficial to him. Re- turning to Darlington, he remained here until his death in 1882. He and his wife were the parents of five children, namely: Christina, widow of Daniel F. Loudman; Mary, who is the wife of Frederick Clyne; John G., of this sketch; Charles, who went to the west and is now in Utah; and Hettie, deceased.
At the age of seven years, our subject was brought to America by his parents. He was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania and spent the principal part of his youthful days on a farm. Shortly after his father came to Dar- lington, he joined him here, and under his super- vision learned the trade of a tinsmith, in which hard-working, painstaking man, and deserves the commendation of all for his honest and upright life. Since 1872 he has been identified with the Deer Creek Lodge of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed through all the chairs, and of which he is an active member. In religion he follows the teachings of his parents and inclines toward the Lutheran faith. Through his unaided efforts he has acquired a modest competency, sufficient to provide his declining years with every comfort; he has the satisfaction of knowing that lie is not in- debted to anyone for the property he has acquired or for the success with which his efforts have been attended. In his views he is practical, looking at matters from a business point of view. Politically he adheres to the Democratic party.
ANIEL CALLAHAN has worked his way upward from an humble position to one of affluence, and the obstacles which he has met in his path have been overcome by determined purpose and unflagging perseverance. He is now successfully engaged in farming and in the canning business near Creswell. He was born near Gunpowder Neck, in District No. 1. Har-
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ford County, November 7, 1862, and is a son of Patrick and Ann (Ready) Callahan. His father was a native of the Emerald Isle, whence he crossed the Atlantic to America, believing he miglit better his financial condition in the new world, where superior advantages were afforded to those who sought to rise by their own efforts. He first located in Pennsylvania, but after a time took up his residence at the Ashland Furnace, in Baltimore County, Md., and subsequently pur- chased a tract of land near Creswell, in District No. 1, Harford County. Here he has since en- gaged in farming, and is actively superintending his farm, at the age of sixty-five. His mother is also living and has reached the advanced age of eighty-four. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief is a Catholic. His wife is. a native of Baltimore, and by her marriage she became the mother of seven children, as follows: Daniel, of this review; John, deceased; Joseph and David, who are assisting their father in the culti- vation of the home farm; Timothy, who is study- ing medicine; and Mary and Ann, who complete the family.
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