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 27
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 27
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Daniel Callahan was reared in the county of his birth, and- acquired his elementary education in the school of Harford Furnace. Later he pursued his studies in Aberdeen, and at the age of seven- teen years he began working for his father, assist- ing in the cultivation of the home farm until 1887, when he embarked in business on his own ac- count. He purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, known as the Roberts' place, and carries on general farming. However, he is making a specialty of the raising of vegetables for canning purposes, and each year prepares large quantities for the market in this way. This is one of the leading industries of Harford County, and Mr. Callahan's business is ably and success- fully conducted.
On the 30th of January, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Daisy Ka- hoe, a daughter of Michael Kahoe, of Church- ville. Five children grace their union: John, Frank, Helen, Ann and Mary. Mr. Callahan and his family hold membership in the Catholic Church. He is quite a prominent leader in local
politics, and advocates the principles of Democ- racy. In his business undertakings he has pros- pered and throughout the community he is re- garded as one of its most highly respected cit- izens.
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AVID EDWARDS THOMAS, for many years a distinguished and honored citi- zen of Harford County, was born in Baltimore, Md., on the 7th of February, 1825, a son of David Edwards Thomas, Sr., who settled there in early life and became a very successful lumber merchant. The grandparents, Seth and Prudence (Edwards) Thomas, were residents of Media, Pa.
Our subject was provided with excellent educa- tional privileges, having been a student at Dickinson College, and on completing the course returned to Baltimore, where he entered the lumber business with his brother-in-law, Richard Price, forming the well-known firm of Thomas & Price. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every- day common sense, guided by resistless will power, were his chief characteristics and brought to him remarkable success.
In 1865 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to a daughter of Rev. John Davis, and a descendant of the old Webster family of Harford County. After his marriage he spent his sum- mers at his large country place, Wayside, near Darlington, in Harford County, and in 1877, his health becoming impaired, he retired from busi- ness and made his permanent residence here. As far back as 1720 Wayside was the property of Michael Webster, a planter of Baltimore County, which at that time embraced all of what is now Harford County.
In politics Mr. Thomas was a stanch Demno- crat, - and always identified himself prominently with the interests of the county. Being greatly opposed to the liquor traffic, he served as presi- dent of the County Temperance Alliance for
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some time, and was chiefly instrumental in secur- ing the passage of the local option laws, which ban- islied the licensed saloon from Harford County. He was a man of strict integrity and honor, was always willing to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy, gave liberally to the church and to all objects tending to promote the moral, intellectual or material welfare of the community, and was as fearless in defense of luis convictions as lie was large-hearted. After an active and useful career of sixty-five years, he passed away at his residence, Wayside, October 12, ISS9, his death resulting from a paralytic stroke. His loss was deeply felt throughout the entire county, and particularly by the members of the church at Darlington, with which he was connected, as he had been the chief promoter of many of its im- provements.
Webster Thomas, one of his sons, died a few months prior to the fatlier's death. The mnem- bers of the family still living are David Edwards, who resides with his mother at Wayside; Mrs. Edward M. Allen, Jr .; and his step daughter, Mrs. Jolin H. Price. The family is one of promi- nence, holding a high position in social circles.
OHN F. SIMPERS, of North East, justice of the peace, was born in this village February 7, 1860. The family of which he is a repre- sentative is among the oldest in Cecil County, some of its members having settled here from England about the time of Lord Baltimore's ar- rival. As a rule they have followed agricultural pursuits, though some have engaged in the mer- cantile business. The father of our subject, Johnson, was a son of Jolin Simpers, both natives of District No. 5. He was born in 1793, and for years was one of the prominent and leading citi- zens of North East. At the time of the second war with England he was a member of a local militia, but being employed in the post-office as postmaster was unable to engage in active service. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Repub-
lican. In 1837-38 he represented his district in the legislature, for years held the position of post- master, and was also a justice of the peace and county commissioner. A sincere Christian, he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was for years a trustee of the congre- gation. He attained the advanced age of ninety- four, passing away in 1887. Twice married, his first wife was Milicent Ford, by whom he had three children, but only one survives, Dr. C. T. Sintpers, living near Aikin, Cecil County. His second wife was Rachael E. Whitaker, who was born in Cecil County, of Welsh descent, and a niece of George P. Whitaker, who for many years was prominent in the iron business here, and grand-niece of Oliver Evans, the great inven- tor. The two children born of this union are John F. and Edward E., both residents of District No. 5.
The rudiments of his education our subject ob- tained in local schools, after whichi, at the age of sixteen, lie took a course of study in the Keystone boarding school in Philadelphia, Pa., remaining there for two terms. On his return to Cecil County he assisted in the management of the home farm. In 1885 he entered the postal mail service as a postal clerk, having received his ap- pointment from the postmaster general, John A. J. Creswell. After about one year he returned to the farm. In IS90 he became baggage agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Dover, Del., but in a short time met with an accident, through the falling of a stone upon him, that compelled him to resign his place and seek other employment. Politically he is a firm champion of Republican principles, and has the greatest faith in the ad- vancement of our country through the adoption of Republican principles. May 1, 1896, he was appointed by the governor to the position of jus- tice of the peace, which he has since held. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and has been prelate in the order. His connections, religiously, are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Anne M. Ferguson, of North East, and they have four children, Johnson, J. Scott, Annie M. and Gertrude. Asa citizen he is public-
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spirited. He deserves credit for his disinterested efforts in sustaining many enterprises of impor- tance in his community and justly has the confi- dence of the people of North East.
AKEMAN H. BEVARD bears a name that is deeply engraved on the history of the county, for his family is one of long and honorable identification with Harford. He now resides in District No. 1, but was born in Dis- trict No. 5, in Dublin, on the 28th of July, 1826. His great-grandfather, Charles Bevard, came to America in colonial days, and when the oppression of Great Britain became too great to be longer meekly borne he took up arms in defense of the colonies, which Richard Lee said "are and of right ought to be free and independent states." He lived to be ninety-five years of age and his wife also reached the same age.
His son, James Bevard, the grandfather of our subject, engaged in merchandising at Bush, but afterward removed to District No. 5, where he purchased a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits. His son, George Bevard, was born in an old house in Bush which was long used as a tavern, and accompanied his father on his re- moval to District No. 5, locating on a farm which is still in possession of the family. He learned the cooper's trade and did an extensive business in that line. During the War of 1812 he aided in defense of the city of Baltimore. His political support was given the Democracy, and he was a man of considerable influence in his party, but would never consent to hold office. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. He wedded Mary Wallace, a daughter of Randall Wallace, of Dis- trict No. 5, who belonged to one of the prominent old families of Harford County. They had a family of ten children, but only three are 110W living: James, who resides in District No. 4; Wakeman H., of this review; and George, wlio lives on the old homestead. The parents have also passed away.
Mr. Bevard, whose name begins this sketch, acquired his education in the schools near his home, and lived on the farm until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married and removed to the Bel Air District. Seventeen years were there passed, during which he industriously de- voted his energies to the cultivation of his land. In May, 1873, he purchased the Willow Valley farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, and has since made it his home. He carries on general farming and his well-tilled fields are an evidence of his thrift and enterprise. He has never found time nor inclination to seek political preferment, but by his ballot upholds the principles of Democracy. His church relationship is with the Methodist denomination.
In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bevard and Miss E. M. Streett, a daughter of Samuel Streett, of District No. 4, Harford County. Seven children have been born of this union. Samuel is associated in business with his father; Harry is living in Carroll County, Md .; Mary is the wife of Ed C. Kirkwood, of District No. 4; Howard W. is also living in District No. 4: Louisa is the wife of Rev. Charles H. Day, a minister of the Methodist Protestant Church in New York: Alethia is the wife of Rev. G. A. Getty, a Lutheran minister of Baltimore; and Marion completes the family.
HE BARROLL FAMILY. Cecil County owes much to its early settlers, those who established their homes within its borders at an early period and thenceforward contributed to its development and progress. Some came hither from the north, bringing with them the Puritan firmness and conviction of principle; a few came from Germany and other countries of continental Europe, but, perhaps, the largest number came from England, bringing with them the determin- ation, force of will and energy for which that na- tion is noted. In the list of these prominent pio- neers we should not omit the name of Rev. Will-
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iam Barroll, who was born in England, the son of Sir Knight Barroll, and settled in America in the early colonial days. As a minister of the Gospel lie accomplished a great amount of good. He became rector of St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church at Sassafras Neck, in charge of which he remained for many years. During his long period of service lie endeared himself to all the people of the parish, and liis earnest efforts in Christian work were followed with excellent re- sults. It is said of him that he was a mau of superior intellect and culture, a scholarly ex- pounder of Bible truths and a fluent and eloquent speaker.
The only son of this pioneer preacher was Will- iam Barroll, who settled in Chestertown, Md., and became a prominent attorney. Twice mar- ried, he had two sons, James E. and William, but of the latter we have 110 reliable information. James E. was born in Easton, Talbot County, afterwards removing to Chestertown, and was a graduate of Yale College and a lawyer of more than local note, practicing his profession for many years in Chestertown, but in 1854 removing to Baltimore, where he was an influential member of the bar until 1860. Then having acquired an ample fortune, he retired to his country home, Holly Hall, in the suburbs of Elkton, where the remainder of his life was quietly passed. Not only was he well informed in the theory and prac- tice of law, and familiar with legal technicalities, but he also possessed extensive information of a historical nature, and was a man of cultured lit- erary tastes. He died in 1875, at the age of eighty-seven, having been born in 1788. His wife, Henrietta J. Bedford Hackett, was a daugh- ter of Major Hackett, of Queen Anne County, Md., and his wife was a lineal descendant of Gunning Bedford, of Delaware, one of the framers of the Constitution of the United States, but whose name, owing to his illness at the time, does not appear on the Declaration of Independ- ence. She died in March, 1877, fifteen months after her husband had passed away.
Nine children were born to the union of James E. and Henrietta Barroll, but only three are now living. Henrietta J. married Charles Medcalf, a
commission merchant in Baltimore, but she is now deceased. Laura is living in Elkton and is unmarried. Jolin Leeds Barroll, who graduated from St. Mary's, of Baltimore, was a prominent attorney at Chestertown, where he died in 1866, leaving three sons. John Leeds, Jr., now of Phila- delphia; Hopewell H., a graduate of St. John's College of Annapolis, now the leading attorney at Chestertown and said to be making money faster than any attorney on the eastern shore; and Morris K., a graduate of West Point, now a lieu- tenant, stationed at San Francisco, Cal. Sallie, the fourth child of James and Henrietta Barroll, died when a child of four years. S. Rose died unmarried. Ellen resides in Elkton. James E. died when quite young. Victoria, deceased, was the wife of R. E. Jamar, register of wills for Cecil County; she died in February, 1878, leaving three children, Henrietta Barroll, Laura C. and Vic- toria Barroll.
OWARD N. LORAINE, chief engineer at the power house of the Chiesapeake & Delaware Canal, was born September 7. 1862, in Chesapeake City, Cecil County, where he has since resided. The family of which he is a member consisted of five children: Ruth E .; Elizabeth W., Henry W., Toward N. and Kate . I .; whose parents were Toward and Catherine (Lodge) Loraine, natives of England. When about thirty years of age his father came to An- erica and at first was employed in Philadelphia, where he followed the trade of a machinist. I11 18544 he removed to Chesapeake City for the pur- pose of putting in place an engine lie had built to run the canal water power. His ability soon. became manifest and he was considered one of the most efficient employes of the canal company, with which he was connected for thirty-eight years, or until his death. Their recognition of his ability led to his promotion to the position of chief engineer, and that responsible place lie filled inost satisfactorily to all concerned. It was
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STEPHEN J. REYNOLDS.
MRS. ANNA A. REYNOLDS.
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felt to be a loss to the company and a loss to the village in which he had so long made his home when at the age of sixty five, .November IS, 1892, death removed him from the scene of his usefulness. His time, thoughit and talents were given entirely to his business duties. He had no interest in politics other than that which every patriotic citizen should feel, in the election of good men to make our laws and good men to see that these laws are executed. Even had he de- sired to hold public office (which he did not) his business cares would have prevented him from so doing. He is remembered as one of the most capable engineers the county has ever had.
Under the careful supervision of his father, the subject of this sketch gained a thorough knowl- edge of engineering, and finally was made as- sistant engineer. January 1, 1897, he was pro- moted to be chief engineer of the company's power house. The water is pumped from the pond to the canal by means of the largest water wheel in the United States. The position is a responsible one, but he is fully equal to every emergency. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket, and fraternally is identified with Bohemia Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F., at Chesapeake City. In 1894 he married Miss Willie R. Cavender, who was born in Maryland. They are the par- ents of two sons, Toward N., Jr., and John C.
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TEPHEN J. REYNOLDS. The subject of this sketch stands second to none among the energetic and progressive agriculturists of District No. 6, Cecil County, whose record it has been deemed wise to preserve in this manner for the perusal of coming generations. As a judi- cious tiller of the soil he has met with success, and as a man and a citizen he holds a good posi- tion among his neighbors. He is the owner of eighty-seven acres of rich and arable land, a part of the old homestead, on which his birth occurred September 17, 1832 ..
The father, Jacob Reynolds, was born May 8,
1791, in the house now owned and occupied by our subject, it having been erected by the grand- father. Throughout life Jacob Reynolds followed agricultural pursuits, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Society of Friends. On attaining man's estate he married Miss Annie Moore, who was born August 31, 1793, and they became the parents of eleven children, as follows: William M., born August 27, 1814, died Septem- ber 6, 1869; Mercy A., born May 29, 1816, died February 5, 1885; Esther, born May 9, 1819, died October 28, 1824; Jacob H., born August 16, 1821, died July 23, 1893; Adrianna, born August 14, 1823, is the wife of Alexander Kirk; Benjamin C., born September 17, 1825, is a resident of Oxford, Pa .; Joseph T., born June 29, 1827, also makes his home in Oxford, Pa .; Granville T., born August S, 1829, lives near Zion, in Cecil County, Md .; Stephen J., of this review, is next in order of birth; Auna, born July 23, 1835, is the wife of Charles S. Lincoln, and lives in Phila- delphia; and Susan J., born July 18, 1837. died September 16, 1838. The death of the father occurred May 13, 1869, and the mother was called to her final rest September 19, 1874.
Reared on the old homestead, Stephen J. Rey- nolds received his early education in the common schools of the neighborhood, but was later a student in the Rising Sun Seminary, a private school. He remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when lie began learn- ing the machinist's trade in the shops at Stone Run, Cecil County, where he served a three years' apprenticeship, receiving $3 per month for the first year, $4 for the second, and $5 for the third. He then continued with the same firm for twelve years longer, but at the end of that time pur- chased the Drew Moore farm of sixty-eight acres in Lancaster County, Pa., where he engaged in farming for four years. Having greatly improved the place, lie sold it at an advance of $2,000. He then purchased a part of the old homestead farm in District No. 6, Cecil County, where he still continues to reside.
In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Reynolds and Miss Anna A. Phillips, who was born in May, 1841, and died September 21,
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IS93. She was a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her, and a faithful member of the Society of Friends, taking an active and prominent part in the work of that church, and for a number of years was a prominent minister in the society to which she belonged. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, namely: Anna, now the wife of David T. Benson, of Benson, Harford County, Md .; Narcissa, who died at the age of eight years; and William, who is attending the normal school of Rising Sun.
In connection with general farming, Mr. Rey- nolds is successfully engaged in the dairy bus- iness. He is a prominent member of the Grange, and, like his wife, he holds membership in the Friends' Church, in which he has served as clerk and overseer. He possesses a large share of be- nevolence, which induces him to take an active interest in what is going on around him, and which mnost nearly affects the welfare of his com- munity.
ICHARD D. HALL. Though dead, Mr. Hall yet lives in the memory of all who knew him and who held him in high regard for the good deeds that marked his pilgrimage on earth. His memory is cherished by those most closely connected with him by ties of love and is to thein an inspiration to higher purposes and nobler deeds. A lifelong resident of Cecil County, he engaged in agricultural pursuits from boyhood to the close of his life. He mastered nature's obstacles and made a successful record as a farmer. In many respects his character was an ideal one. His family, its comfort, its best inter- ests, were, as they should have been, his first care, but with an unselfish spirit he also aimed to help those about him and to advance the interests of the community where he lived. His unselfish spirit is a splendid heritage to those who in life were nearer and dearer to him than life itself.
In the house now occupied by William E. Por- ter, in District No. 8, Cecil County, the subject
of this sketch was born June 7, 1824, being a son of Washington and Ann (Guinn) Hall. The family has always been characterized by patri- otisin, a spirit of self-sacrificing loyalty to the government and its institutions. His grand- father was Colonel Hall, of Revolutionary fame, and the latter had a brother, Elisha, also a par- ticipant in the struggle with Great Britain. Washington Hall was a prominent and wealthy farmer of Cecil County and his landed possessions aggregated many acres in this locality. By his marriage to Ann Guinn thirteen children were born, but all are deceased; Richard D., who was the youngest of the sons, passed away April 16, 1893; and Mrs. Robert Rogers, of Baltimore, who was the youngest daughter, died in 1896.
The education acquired by our subject was an excellent one, considering the times in which he lived. It began in a private school at Baltimore, was continued in Bel Air Academy, and finally concluded in Nottingham Academy. After his return home he took charge of his father's farm and soon gained a thorough knowledge of every department of agriculture. He resided on Mt. Welcome farm until 1885, when he removed to Hy Field's farm, and there his death occurred in 1893. In the work of the Nottingham Presby- terian Church he took a keen interest and was ever ready to assist in its activities. By those who knew him best he is said to have been a man of exemplary character, and trne in every rela- tion of life. The lady who co-operated with him in all his efforts and who is now his widow, bore the maiden name of Margaret Mitchell, and was a daughter of Abram D. Mitchell, member of an old family residing near Elkton. Their marriage was a union of purpose and aspirations as well as of hand and heart, and they gathered together many of the comforts of life for their own use and to leave as a heritage to those who came after. Their family consisted of three children, and these are now living, namely: Anna, wife of Harry Porter; Washington H., who resides with his mother and has charge of the old homestead; and Richard D., a civil engineer living in South Bethlehem, Pa.
A man of more than ordinary intelligence, Mr. .
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Hill was active in those measures tending to the advancement of local industries. The people among whom he lived so long and before whoni he acquitted himself so creditably, learned to respect him for liis excellent traits of character, which combined integrity with excellent business capacities. It was, however, the wife upon whom the loss fell heaviest, for their union had been a happy one and its termination left her desolate; comforted by the thought of a re-union in the eternal home where partings shall never come.
"There is no death! What seems so is transition. This life of mortal breatlı
Is but the suburb of the life elysian, Whose portal we call death."
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ICHOLAS R. BELL. The homestead owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch is one of the finely improved estates of Dis- trict No. 5, Harford County. It was in 1866 that he moved to this district and bought the mill and farm he has since owned. After a long and busy career, he retired some years ago from his busi- ness interests, and has since enjoyed the leisure well merited by his former efforts. The fact that he has retired, however, does not mean that he has ceased to take an interest in the management of his property; on the other hand, he still superin- tends his varied holdings and directs his affairs personally.
The city of Baltimore was the place of our sub- ject's birth, and July 7, 1812, the date of the same. He is the sole survivor of the six children born to the union of Isaiah and Catherine (Wy- gart) Bell, natives of Baltimore. His paternal ancestors were farmiers and owned large tracts of land granted under Lord Baltimore. His grand- mother, the wife of Jolin Bell, attained the great age of one hundred and five years. During the Revolution Isaialı Bell was a soldier in the colo- nial army.
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