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 28
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 28
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Reared upon a farm, at the age of fifteen, tiring of the quiet life and longing for adventure, our sub- ject went to sea with a friend, remaining for sixteen
months. On his return to Maryland, he learned the millwright and miller's trade, which he followed for a time in Baltimore, and later in Harford County. At the age of twenty-three he married Henrietta Spurrier, who was born in Baltimore. They had three children that died in infancy, and a daughter, Georgietta, who married George Robin- son, a native of Baltimore, and became the mother of two sons, Ernest and Clayton. Mrs. Bell was a lady of kind heart and possessed those traits of character that make a woman's influence so widely felt throughout a community. Her co-laborers in the Methodist Episcopal Church testified to her worth of character and sweet Christian spirit. She died in 1895, at the age of seventy-six, mourned by all by whom she was known.
The advantages which Mr. Bell received in boy- hood were greatly inferior to those of the present time, but he improved them to the utmost and they were supplemented by extensive reading dur- ing later years. The scenes amid which his early life was passed, while sailing, were of a nature to make him content to settle down to the quiet life of a landsman. By his industry and energy he was able to provide his wife and daughter with the comforts of life. He has always stood ready to assist financially in enterprises. the benefit of which he perceives will be lasting. He gives his suffrage to the candidates of the Democratic party.
HARLES E. CRESWELL. The self-made inan is entitled to respect and he gets it in America, for he represents all that is vigorous and substantial in our institutions. When he has made his way to prominence by hard and per- sistent endeavor in tilling the soil, he is all the more worthy of esteem, for fortunes are not made in a day by the " sons of the soil," but through weeks, months and years of earnest effort. That. he is a true son of America cannot be denied when it is known that his paternal grandfather fouglit on many a bloody battlefield to free this country from the yoke of England, as did his
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own father, William Creswell, during the War of 1812. It is then but natural that Charles E. Creswell should be patriotic, a lover of liberty and interested in all that pertains to the welfare of liis country.
William Creswell was born and rcared near Clayton, Md., and his father, James Creswell, was also a native of this county. The former was a farmer and cooper by trade, a worthy and law-abiding citizen, and a man of more than av- erage intelligence. Hc was married to Margaret Cramer, a daughter of Ludwig Cramer, a native German, and eventually a family of eight chil- dren was born to them, two of whom are dc- ceased. Those living are: Margaret, wife of Ernest Sweckendcik, of Baltimore: Charles E .; Mary C., wife of Davis P. Smith, of Peoria County, Ill .; Hannah, the widow of Joseph Walter; Emma, wife of Wesley Travers, of Aberdeen; and Ellen, wife of H. A. Vokes. Mr. Cres- well was a Democrat politically, and he and his wife were members of tlic Christian Church. He was called from this life in 1869.
Charles E. Creswell was born on the farm on which he is now living, May 14, 1849, and while growing to manhood pursued his studies in the common schools in the vicinity of his home, ac- quiring a practical education. When he was about twenty years of age his father died and he at once took upon himself the management of the old homestead of sixty acres and it has ever since remained in his charge. In his views of matters and things he is thoroughly practical and sensible, and having resided in this section all his life, he has ever liad its interests at heart. In his busi- ness relations with his fellows he has been upright and honorable, and his correct mode of living has gathered about him a large circle of friends and well-wishers. A Democrat in his political views he served in the capacity of justice of the peace, from 1892 to 1895, but has never cared for politi- cal preferment. He has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Jun- ior Order of American Mechanics, being door- keeper in the last-mentioned order.
He and his wife are members of the Christian
Church, in which he is a deacon. The maiden name of Mrs. Creswell was Laura V. Granger, daughter of William Granger, of Baltimore, and their marriage was celebrated February 23, 1872. They have three children : Alice, wife of John A. Norris, Charles C. and Harry.
J. MICHENER. The student of biography finds a subject of interest to him in the life of one who starts out on a business carcer with no advantageous surroundings, but by con- scientious endeavor, honorable purpose and well- directed effort works his way steadily upward until he reaches the plains of prosperity. Such is the history of Mr. Michener, one of the rep- resentative and highly respected citizens of Cecil County.
He was born in Bucks County, Pa., July 16, 1830, a son of John D. and Harriet B. (Jones) Michener, who had a family of six children, namely : Huldah, widow of James D. Headley ; Joseph, deceased ; A. J .; Sarah, deceased ; Mary J., widow of David M. Reynolds; and Amos J., who is now living a retired life in Philadelphia. In 1849 John D. Michener removed with his fam- ily to Cecil County, and purchased what is known as the Rev. James McGrow homestead, where he lived for four years. He then bought the farm upon which A. J. Michener now resides, and made it his home until his death in 1867, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife passed away in 1868, in ber sixty-fourth year. They were both members of the Friends' Church and were people of the highest respectability.
Mr. Michener, whose name introduced this re- view, remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, and tlien engaged in merchandising near the old home in Pennsylvania. For two years he was thus employed, after which he re- turned to Maryland and purchased a tract of land ncar his present home. In connection with gen- eral farming he carried on an implement business, adding not a little to hiis income in this way. In
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IS6S he removed to his present farm and has since made it his home. In 1874, in partnership with his brother, Amos J., he leased the Glen Mountain House, of Watkins, N. Y., and for four years conducted that popular hotel, but during that time he continued his residence in Cecil County. He is a progressive agriculturist, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place, with its many improvements, well indicates the careful superintendence of the owner. He is also one of the directors of the Farmers and Mechanics' Fire Insurance Company, and for fifteen years was a director of the Chester County Agricultural So- ciety.
Mr. Michener was married in 1852 to Miss Es- ther Reynolds, who died in 1855. In 1856 he wedded Martha J. Reynolds, and they had three children: Amanda M., wife of A. O. Reynolds ; Harriet J., wife of E. H. Worthington ; and John D., who died May 12, 1882, at the age of nine- teen years. Mr. and Mrs. Michener hold mem- bership in the Friends' Church, and he also belongs to Harmony Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M. He is a genial, courteous gentleman and has many stanch and admiring friends among all classes of men. As an energetic and honorable agricultur- ist he stands high in the estimation of the entire community.
SAAC R. TAYLOR, Esq., an honored and highly respected citizen of Rising Sun, has throughout life been prominently identified with the interests of Cecil County. He was born in District No. 6, January 19, 1821, was reared upon a farm, and was educated in the district and subscription schools, completing his literary train- ing in the old stone school house one mile east of Rising Sun.
At the age of eighteen Mr. Taylor started out to make his own way in the world, and going to Chester County, Pa., there served a three years' apprenticeship to the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked in Philadelphia for the follow-
ing year, but at the end of that time, he returned to Rising Sun, where he has since conducted a shop. He is also engaged in the undertaking business.
In 1846 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss M. Harlan, and of the twelve children born to this worthy couple, nine are still living: George H., Laura R., Albert G., Clarissa J., Eugene, Benjamin F., William L., Annie M., and Helen M.
Mr. Taylor was first appointed justice of the peace in 1856 during Governor T. Watkins Ligon's administration, and has held that position continuously since, with the exception of the term of Governor Bradford and two years during the term of Governor Frank Brown, serving in all for about thirty-five years. He was also twice elect- ed to the board of public school commissioners for Cecil County when that system was first put in operation, and was deputy postmaster at Rising Sun for two years. Politically he is a strong Jef- fersonian Democrat, casting his first ballot for James K. Polk for president in 1844. Religiously lie is connected with the Society of Friends, and fraternally is one of the charter members of Ex- celsior Lodge No. 67, I. O. O. F., of Rising Sun, which was instituted in 1849, having thus been a member of the order for fifty-two years. In the discharge of every duty, whether public or pri- vate, he is true to every trust reposed in him, and by all who know him he is held in that reverence and respect tacitly accorded those whose lives have been distinguislied by integrity and useful- ness.
ENRY R. CARTER. It is fitting that those who spend the morning of life's brief day in ccaseless activity, who labor for the welfare of their children and their fellow-men, and who strive to discharge every domestic and public duty,-it is fitting that when the day sinks into twilight and approaches its close, one should enjoy a rest from former toils. Mr. Carter's life has been a busy, active and useful one, and he
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deserves its closing days of ease and rest. On the old homestead in District No. 4, Cecil County, he is living in comparative retirement from cares and labors, and in the enjoyment of an income that renders further exertion unnecessary.
The home where Mr. Carter now lives was the place of his birth, which occurred in 1821. The family of which he is a member settled in Chester County, Pa., about 1630 and was thenceforward connected with the growth of that locality. The father of our subject, Robert Carter, was born there, but removed in early life to Delaware County, and in 1815 came to Cecil County, where he established a paper mill, the first in the entire state, and known as the Cecil Paper Mill. All kinds of paper were manufactured and the indus- try proved so successful that similar plants were afterward established. In political opinion he was a Whig, but at no time took an active part in public affairs, preferring to devote himself to the paper business, which he continued to carry on as long as he lived. By his marriage to Lydia Levis he became the father of seven children, namely: Harriet, Joseph, Lottie, John, William, Edward and Lydia. Some time after the death of his first wife he was united with Mary Rey- nolds, and their union resulted in the birth of four children, as follows: Henry R., of this sketch; Robert C., Israel and Mary, all deceased. The father passed away at the home place in 1852, when seventy-three years of age.
Leaving school at the age of eighteen years, the subject of this sketch turned his attention to farming and assumed the management of the home place in behalf of his father. On the death of the latter he succeeded to the ownership of the property, and his entire active life was spent in its development and cultivation. Some years ago he retired and has since lived a life of leisure, with the exception of the oversight of his varied inter- ests. In politics he is a Republican and evinces an intelligent interest in all the public questions of the age. As a citizen he is interested in local matters, liberal in contributing toward worthy movements, and among the residents of the dis- trict he holds a prominent position, to which his intelligence, generous social spirit, and good char-
acter entitle him. He has never married, but has been content to lead the life of a bachelor. A sincere Christian, he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Cherry Hill, and for several years has been trustee and steward. When young he took an active interest and as- sisted in Sunday-school work.
( OHN MORRIS. Success is comparatively easy to attain when circumstances are favor- able and surroundings auspicious, but the path to prosperity is a rough and rugged one when ob- stacles are many. It was the fate of Mr. Morris to be orphaned when eleven years of age and after- ward he worked with William Kersey until six- teen years of age. Few educational advantages were given him, but through reading and observa- tion he has acquired a fund of information equal to that possessed by many a college-bred man. He has won a large degree of success in spite of discouragements and hardships, and now holds a position among the prosperous business men of Cecilton, where he is the proprietor of a furniture and undertaking establishment.
The only child of James and Mary ( Tate) Mor- ris, natives of Delaware, our subject was born in that state, April 25, 1828. At the age of sixteen years he came to District No. 1, Cecil County, where he has since made his home. Learning the carpenter's trade he made this his occupation until about 1883, when he retired from it perma- nently and opened a furniture and undertaking establishment in Cecilton, and this he has since conducted.
At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Morris mar- ried Lydia Price, who was born in Middletown, Del., but was brought by her parents to Maryland in 1834, when she was an infant. Six children were born of the union, but one died in infancy. Those living are Mary E., William H., Panola, Arabella and Ruth. The children were reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which their father holds the offices of
ยท
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secretary and treasurer. He keeps well posted in the politics of the country and is in sympathy with Republican principles. For fifteen years he has acted as town commissioner. Any measure for the benefit of the people receives his active support. He has the greatest faith in the future of Cecilton and believes in years to come it will have large influence as a business center; for the accomplishment of this purpose he has labored and to it he has largely contributed. Fraternally he was at one time connected with the Odd Fel- lows, but does not retain his membership in the order.
AMES WHITELOCK, one of the valned and highly respected citizens of Darlington, was born in Perryville, Cecil County, Md., in 1822, and is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of the state, its founder hav- ing come from England and located in Cecil County as early as 1630. Its members have since been prominently identified with the growth and development of this region. Abram Gorrell, a maternal uncle of our subject, and a native of Harford County, joined the continental army during the Revolutionary War and gallantly fought for the establishment of onr glorious re- public.
John Whitelock, our subject's father, was a son of Charles Whitelock, and a farmer by occu- pation. In 1824 he left his old home in Cecil County, locating near Hopewell, in Harford County, and there resided until called to his final rest in 1858, at the age of seventy-three years. He married Ann Gorrell, by whom he had eleven children, but only three are now living: James, who was seventh in order of birth; Eveline, widow of William Brown; and A. J.
In Harford County James Whitelock, of this sketch, was reared and educated in much the usual manner of boys of his day, and at the age of seventeen began learning the miller's trade at Rock Run Mills, serving a three years' apprentice- ship. After mastering the business, he returned to his birthplace in Cecil County, and remained
there thirteen years, conducting a grist mill at Port Deposit. In 1860, however, he returned to Harford County, where he has since made his home. For five years he operated a mill near Lapidum, but with that exception he has prin- cipally devoted liis energies to agricultural pur- suits, in which he has met with a well-merited success.
In 1846 was performed a wedding ceremony which united the destinies of Mr. Whitelock and Miss Caroline Bowman, and they have three children yet living: George D., who is represented elsewhere in this volume; Euphemie, wife of Charles H. Stamford, of Darlington; and Emma, widow of R. E. Spencer, of Wyoming, Del. The family attend the Baptist Church and are the center of a cultured society circle, while Mr. Whitelock has long been an active and prominent member of the Odd Fellows' Society, serving as noble grand and secretary of the local lodge. His ambition has been to acquit himself of life's duties honorably before all men, to improve his capabilities and opportunities, and to become of use in the world; and it is this spirit that has made him one of Harford County's eminent citizens.
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EPHANIAH HEAPS, who cultivates a farm in District No. 5, is a member of an old family of Harford County, one that has contributed men of intelligence, energy and ability to the agricultural circles and the public affairs of the locality. The family was founded here by his great-grandfather, Robert Heaps, who emigrated from England to America and settled in the county where his descendants now reside. The grandfather, Robert, who was born in Harford County, took part in the Revolution, defending the interests of the colonies against British tyranny and fighting for freedom from the mother land.
Robert L. Heaps, father of our subject, was
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born in this county and like his father, he was in- tensely patriotic. During the War of 1812 he went to the front with the American army. His life work was farming and in it he met with fair success. By his marriage to Sarah Stokes, he had six children, namely: David H., Robert, Mary C., Zephaniah, Sarah C. and Nathan W., the two last-named being deceased. The schools of this locality furnished our subject a fair edu- cation and the knowledge there obtained was subsequently supplemented by information gained in the school of experience and through contact with men of affairs.
At the age of thirty-one years Mr. Heaps mar- ried Laura L. Tate, a native of Harford County, and the daughter of James and Sarah A. (McFad- den) Tate, the former a miller in this county. Mrs. Laura Heaps was a sincere Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a lady whose kind disposition won for her the friendship of every acquaintance. She died in 1872, at the age of thirty-two. The children born of this union were twins, named Osborne H. and Ida B. The son married Martha J. Harry, of this county, and they reside on the home farm, which lie cultivates on shares. The present wife of our subject was Belle M. Cameron, a native of York County, Pa. Two children (twins) were born of the union, but both died in infancy. Mrs. Heaps is a daughter of James and Lydia Cameron, of Pennsylvania, and is an active member of the Presbyterian Church.
In all matters pertaining to the welfare of the county Mr. Heaps takes an interest, assisting therein by his co-operation. Politically he votes the straight Democratic ticket. For more than fifteen years he was judge of elections in the dis- trict. He is a director of the Miles National Bank of Delta, Pa., and one of its large stock- holders. For some years he has acted as agent for the Susquehanna fertilizer and farm imple- ments. The farm which he owns and operates comprises one hundred and eighty-five acres. Its neat residence, convenient outbuildings, and other appurtenances indicate the supervision of a proprietor more than ordinarily intelligent and enterprising.
FRANKLIN T. MACKIE. A visitor in Ce- cil County would not long remain in igno- rance of the name and character of Mr. Mackie, who is classed among the best agricul- turists of District No. 4. His farm consists of one hundred acres of well-improved land, a por- tion of the old family homestead, upon which stands a complete line of buildings. The property inherited from his father gave him a fair start in life, and as lie has been diligent and persevering, he has increased the value of liis possessions dur- ing the years of his active life. While general farming has been his principal occupation, other departments of agriculture have received atten- tion. He has been interested in stock-raising and has also carried on a dairy business.
The parents of our subject, John and Catherine (Andrews) Mackie, were natives, respectively, of District No. 4, Cecil County, and Natchez, Miss., and their family consisted of four sons and one daughter. The third in order of birth was Frank- lin T., who was born at the Mackie homestead in 1844. His father was a tanner by trade and fol- lowed that occupation for several years, but the greater part of his life was devoted to farming. Throughout his community he was highly es- teemed as a man of worth and upright character. He died at the age of fifty-four. His eldest son, J. Alfred, is represented upon another page of this volume.
After completing the studies of the common schools, the subject of this sketch became a stu- dent in a college in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until eighteen years of age. On his return home he began to assist in the tilling of the soil, and in conjunction with his brothers had the management of the farm, which, on the death of his father, was divided among the children. About 1864 he was given a position in the gov- erminent employ, which required his presence near Cincinnati about two years, but since that time he has resided continuously in Cecil County. The one hundred acres which comprise his farm bear excellent improvements and are situated on the Telegraph road in District No. 4, the land being devoted to the raising of cereals. He has also taken an interest in the stock business and in
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JOHN HOLLINGSWORTH.
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dairying, and finds these lines remunerative. In in the welfare of his children, and was a man his political relations he is independent. Fra- whose greatest happiness consisted in promoting the prosperity of his family. With an apprecia- tion of what he had lost by not having a good education, he was especially anxious that his children should have the best educational advan- tages the community afforded, and he was there- fore always ready to bear a part in movements to promote the public schicols and enhance their use- fulness. In 1874, when sixty-nine years of age, lis earth life was brought to a close. His wife passed away in 1886, at the age of seventy-four. ternally he is identified with New London Lodge No. 218, K. of P., at Lewisville, Pa., and is an attendant of the Rock Presbyterian Church. His marriage took place in March, 1873, and united him with Elizabeth Mackey, daughter of David and Catherine Mackey, of this county. Their children are named as follows: Eugene, Dora, Amos, Osborne, Lillie and Nellie. The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Mackie is the abode of hospitality, and in social circles they hold an en- viable position.
MOS HOLLINGSWORTH. In all the ex- panse of Maryland there is no county that affords a better maintenance to agriculturists than Harford, for its productive soil and advanced development make it pre-eminently the farmer's home. One of its comfortable rural abodes lies in District No. 3, and is owned and occupied by Mr. Hollingsworth, who was born here in 1844, and lias made Montland farm his lifelong home. This property, as well as the adjoining tracts owned by Silas and Thomas Hollingsworth, be- longs to the old homestead, originally purchased by his grandfather, Nathaniel, a native of Dela- ware County, Pa., but an early settler of Harford County, where he accumulated landed possessions aggregating thousands of acres.
The father of our subject, John Hollingsworth, was born in Pennsylvania, and when about two years old accompanied his parents and here spent his whole life, becoming known as one of the lead- ing agriculturists of his day. Energetic and public-spirited, he was a leading factor in local improvements and in the development of his dis- trict. By his marriage to Rachel Benson, he became the father of six children, of whom John was killed by a horse; and William and Margaret are also deceased. The surviving sisters, Lydia and Eliza, reside on the old home place with their brother, Amos. The father was deeply interested
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