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 29
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 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74
Spending the years of boyhood and youth on the home farm, the subject of this sketch suc- ceeded to its management on the death of his fatlier, and has since superintended the cultivation of its one hundred and thirty acres. Some of the land is used for pasturage, some for market gardening, and some for the raising of cereals, in which various departments of agricultural work Mr. Hollingsworth engages. Following the ex- ample of his ancestors, he has retained member- ship in the Friends' Church, and in his congre- gation serves as a trustee. Politically he adhered to the protection principles of the Republican party, and always voted the ticket in early life, but he came to believe that the protection of American manufactories, important as it seems, is of less vital importance to our national life and prosperity than the protection of the American homes from the curse of drink, and he lias there- fore identified himself with the Prohibition parts, upholding its total abstinence platform both in theory and practice.
OSHUA W. WRIGHT. Everywhere in our land are found men who have worked their own way upward to leadership in business, who by their individual effort have achieved suc- cess. It is one of the glories of our nation that this is so, and it should be a strong ineen- tive and encouragement to those just starting out in business life. After a successful career as a
9
272
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farmer, Mr. Wright is now practically living re- tired, enjoying a well-earned rest, the fruits of his former toil, and the confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
His home is in District No. 4, Harford County, which is also the place of his birth. His natal day was February 13, 1826, and his parents were William and Amelia (Smithon) Wright, the former a native of Baltimore County, and the latter of Harford County. They had eleven chil- dren, but only four are now living, namely: Daniel, Emily, John W. and Joshua W. The paternal grandfather was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and throughout his life followed farming.
Although born on the farm where he now makes his home, Joshua W. Wright was reared in the city of Baltimore until twelve years of age. He received good educational privileges, and reading, practical experience and observation have made him one of the well-informed men of the county. His life work has been farming, and has been successfully conducted. He is a man of great industry, of resolute purpose and firm deter- mination, and has carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. In connection with his son William, he owns more than four hundred acres of rich and arable land, which is divided into fields of convenient size, that return good harvests as a tribute to his care and cultiva- tion. The place is improved with substantial buildings, and is accounted one of the fine farms of this section of the state. Mr. Wright is now practically living retired, but still oversees the operation of his land.
When twenty-five years of age, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ander- son, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them were born three children: William A., Margaret W. and one who died in infancy. The mother of this family was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died at the age of twenty- seven years. Three years later, Mr. Wright was again married, his second union being with Hannah Amos, who was born in District No. 4, Harford County. They became the parents of two children: Sallie R., now deceased, and one who died in infancy.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Wright is a Democrat, and believes in the free coinage of silver, at the ratio of sixteen to one. Active in church work, he is now serving as trustee of St. Paul's Methodist Protestant Church, which is located on a part of his farm. His life has been a busy and useful one, characterized by an hon- orable purpose, and fidelity to duty in all rela- tions: Thus he has won a name that is above reproach, and gained the confidence and good- will of his fellow-townsmen.
-
OSEPH ANDREW, one of the most pro- gressive and energetic business men of Dis- trict No. 5, Harford County, was born in the village of Darlington, in 1857, and is a son of John Andrew, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He completed his literary educa- tion in the Darlington Academy, and on laying aside his text books operated the farm of Samuel Mathews for about eight years.
In 1882 Mr. Andrew purchased the Thomas Dallam farm near Darlington, where he has since made his home, and the same year established a canning factory, which he has conducted in con- nection with the cultivation of his land, turning out about six thousand cases per year. His farm, which comprises one hundred and seventy- five acres of rich and arable land, he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and the well- tilled fields yield bountiful returns for the care and labor bestowed upon them. Mr. Andrew has not confined his attention to these lines of endeavor alone, but was for some years engaged in teaching, and for a number of years has acted as agent in Harford County for the firm of Sanders & Staman, piano and organ dealers of Baltimore.
In 1887 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Andrew and Mrs. Maggie (Cook) Willis, and they now have a little daughter, Annie T. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Darlington, in which he is serving as class leader and trustee, and also as superintendent of
273
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Sunday. sehool. Mrs. Andrew is a member of the Friends' Church. Being a strong temperanee man, Mr. Andrew affiliates with the Prohibition party, and is one of its most ardent advocates. Social, educational and moral interests have been promoted by him, and anything that tends to up- lift and benefit humanity seeures his hearty eo- operation. By energy, perseveranee and fine business ability he has been enabled to secure a comfortable competence, and to-day enjoys the reward of his painstaking and conscientious work.
AMUEL J. KEYS. In the business eireles of Elkton Mr. Keys is, by universal consent, aeeorded a high plaee. Sueeessful in a finaneial sense, he has throughout his entire career exhibited clearness of pereeption and sound- ness of judgment, and also enjoys a high reputa- tion for integrity of purpose and moral worth. Publie-spirited when matters affeeting local enter- prises are in question, he uses his influenee to enhance the best interests of village and county, and all worthy measures for their development meet with his hearty support. It is the testi- mony of the people that his course in life has been such as to refleet credit upon the citizenship of Elkton. Since 1872 his home has been in this village, where he has engaged extensively in the lumber business, and he is now president of the Keys & Miller Lumber Company, one of the flourishing industries of the plaee.
In Dorchester County, on the eastern shore of Maryland, the subject of this article was born in August, 1847. The family of which he is a member has been identified with the history of the eastern shore for about a century, and there several successive generations have been born. Our subject's grandfather, Charles Keys, the son of a Scoteliman, was born on the eastern shore and during the War of 1812 was one of the brave soldiers who defended our country against threat- ened encroachments by the British. The father of our subject, Samuel Keys, was born in Dor-
elester County, in September, 1804, and in youth had very limited educational advantages, as sehools were then few in number and inferior in quality. A hard worker throughout his entire life, his principal business was the manufacture and sale of shoes, and in this he continued up to the time of his death, in 1892. In religious be- lief he was identified with the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and was one of the aetive workers of the congregation. Fraternally he was eonneeted with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Temperanee. He married Ann M. Spedden, who was born in Dorchester County, Md., member of an old family that resided at what is known as Spedden's Neek, below Cam- bridge.
Of the children born to the union of Samuel and Ann M. Keys, the subject of this sketeh was the only son that attained years of maturity, He received his edueation in Vienna Academy, and was for some years engaged in the produce busi- ness in that plaee. In 1872 he came to Elkton, of which plaee he has sinee been a resident. Soon after removing here he became connected with the Davis & Miller Lumber Company, in which he purehased the interest of Mr. Miller, the firm name then being changed to Davis & Keys. In 1883 another ehange was made and the firm beeame Davis, Keys & Co., in which manner the business was eondueted until 1893, when it was incorporated as the Keys & Miller Lumber Company. He is the head of the coneern, and has associated with him some of the leading business men of Elkton, doing an extensive business in the sale of lumber and eoal both here and throughout the surrounding country. He has led a purely business life and his expert judgment and ability to control and direct important undertakings very largely give to the firm the reputation it enjoys. He has always devoted himself untiringly to the work in hand and cares little for public life, though a stanch Democrat in polities. In religious con- nections he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally is connected with the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Archi Chapter of
274
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Masonry, the Junior Order of American Mechan- ics, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Ini- proved Order of Red Men. In 1873, the year after coming to Elkton, lie was united in marriage with Miss Mary H. Hopkins, daughter of Ezekiel Hopkins, of this place, and cousin of Johns Hop- kins, who founded the famous Jolis Hopkins University, of Baltimore. They are the parents of a daughter, Mabel, now attending school.
ALFRED MACKIE. It is not necessary for a visitor to the country to understand agriculture in order that he may know which are the good farmers of the locality. The sight of the tumbled-down fences, weedy fence-corners, machinery exposed to the weather, and grain in- adequately sheltered, is sufficient to stamp the proprictor of a farm as one lacking in enterprise and judgment. On the other hand, well-built farm houses, neat fences and well-tilled fields, are equally conclusive proof of the energy of the owner of the place. The farm which Mr. Mackie owns belongs to the latter class. It comprises one hundred and forty-four acres. The house which he occupies is a substantial, old-fashioned structure, and, though used as the family resi- dence for more than one hundred years, is still in good repair, and from appearance may brave the storms of winter for as many years to come.
Here occurred the birth of Mr. Mackie in 1838. His father, John, was a son of John and a grand- son of David, who in turn was a son of Robert Mackie. John, Jr., was born at the old homestead in District No. 4, Cecil County, and in youth learned the tanner's trade, which he followed about thirty-five years. However, in later life he gave his attention principally to general farming and stock-raising, and continued to reside at the old home until he died, when fifty-four years of age. In politics he supported Democratic prin- ciples and was twice the candidate of his party for the position of representative. By his mar- riage to Catherine Andrews, of Natchez, Miss.,
lie liad five children, all of whom live near the old home. They are J. Alfred, Arthur A., Franklin T .. David A. and Ella, wife of Frank Houston.
The public schools of District No. 4, Cecil County, and Chester County, Pa., afforded Mr. Mackie his educational privileges. On the com- pletion of his studies at Hopewell Academy, in Chester County, Pa., hie began to work for his father on the home farm of four hundred acres, having it in charge until the death of his father. In addition to general farming, he has been inter- ested to some extent in the raising of horses and cattle, and in this line has been fairly successful. He has always been interested in educational matters and has served efficiently as trustee of schools, doing all in his power to advance the welfare of the common schools. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket. For some years he was secretary of the Lewisville Grange, to which he belongs. In religious belief a Presbyterian, he and his family attend services at that church. His marriage united him with Miss Mary McVey, of Lancaster County, Pa. The five sons born of their union are named as follows: Frank H .; Jolin C., who lives in Chester County, Pa .; Harry M., who assists in the management of the home farm; Clement L., who also assists in the cultivation of the homestead; and James A. C., a student in the local schools.
ILSON L. COUDON, proprietor of the Cecil Fire Brick Company at North East and editor of the Perryville Record, was born near Perryville, Cecil County, August 14. 1858, the son of Henry Stump and Martha B. (Levering) Coudon, natives, respectively, of Cecil County and the city of Baltimore. On both the paternal and maternal sides he is descended from ancestors who were prominently identified with the early history of Maryland and bore an influ- ential part in many of its activities. His grand- father, Josepli Coudon, farmer and merchant of Cecil County and member of the state legislature,
275
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married Ann Stump, and died May 23, IS60, at the age of seventy-three years. The great-grand- father, Rev. Joseph Coudon, had the distinction of being the first Episcopalian rector ordained in this county and his remains lie interred under the chancel of St. Mary Anne's Church, North East, the slab bearing this inscription: "Here lies the Rev. Joseph Coudon, rector of Saint Mary Anne's parish; a zealous and indefatigable preacher of the Gospel; who departed this life on the 13th of April, A. D. 1792, and in the fifty-first year of his age."
Still a resident of Cecil County, where his entire life has been passed, Henry Stump Coudon has devoted himself principally to the occupation of a planter, but, being a man of broad informa- tion and large talents, his activities have not been restricted to that calling. Prominent in public affairs, he could have held almost any local office he desired, but his inclinations have not been in that direction. In his political belief he is a Democrat, stanch and loyal to the principles of the party. In earlier years he wrote many articles on political subjects during the local campaigns, and these writings, marked by a keen sense of humor and a thorough knowledge of men and times, show that he might have achieved success in literature, had he entered that profession. Many of his leisure hours have been spent in hunting and he has quite a reputation as a sports- man and a crack shot. For years he was a vestry- man of St. Mary Anne's Church, and is always interested in religious enterprises. His home is near Perryville, where he has long resided. By his marriage he had eight children, of whom four are living, Anna, Wilson Levering, Joseph and Martha.
The maternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas W. Levering, was a prominent coffee merchant of Baltimore, and a member of an influ- ential family of that city. Rosier Levering, the first of the name of whom there is any record, is supposed to have been a native of France, born about 1600; on account of religious persecution lie fled, either to Holland or Germany. The earliest representatives of the family in this coun- try were Wigard and Gerhard Levering, brothers
(the former born in 1648), who emigrated to America in 1685 and settled at Germantown, Philadelphia County, Pa. Their coming to Amer- ica was the result of inducements held out by William Penn on his visit to Germany a short time previous. The first of the family to locate in Baltimore was Enoch Levering in 1773, senior member of Levering & Barge, grocers. From him the members of the family now resident in Maryland are descended.
Educated in the local schools and at St. Cle- ment's Hall, Ellicott City, Howard County, Md., the subject of this sketch went to Baltimore at nineteen years of age and embarked in the grain commission business, assisting his grandfather, Thomas W. Levering. After four years there, in 1881 he came to North East and took charge of the Cecil Fire Brick Company, in which his father owned a large interest. With this concern he lias since been connected, and from the manu- facture of fire brick and stove linings is in receipt of a good income. As a diversion, he began the publication of the Perryville Record in 1892, and has since continued its management, writing for it articles upon political and social matters that have attracted considerable attention. Politically he is a Democrat, but inclined to be independent in his opinions and beliefs. Following the ex- ample set by his paternal ancestors, he adheres to the Episcopal faith and for a number of years has been a member of the vestry. He and his wife, who was formerly Alice E. Wroth, have a pleas- ant home at Perryville.
Doubtless Mr. Coudon is as well known through his record as an athlete as through his business connections. In 1882 he entered and won the championship of America in throwing the sixteen- pound hammer, and this he held for four years. In this, and in the throwing of the fifty-six-pound weight three times, he broke all existing records. He made a record of ten feet and three inches in height for pole vaulting, this being done without any special preparation. At his first attempt he broke the world's record for pole vaulting for distance. A man of perfect physique, six feet tall and over two hundred pounds in weight, he is not only large, but strong as well, possessing a
276
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
powerful frame and muscles capable of long endurance and great pressure. Hc has the repu- tation of being the strongest man in Maryland, having a record for lifting six hundred and eighty- two pounds with either hand, and over one thou- sand pounds with both hands; this has been done without special effort on his part or without any particular attention having been given to the development of his strength. In one afternoon he broke thirteen world's records, and he has broken more records with hammers than any man living. He also excels as a boxer and skater, and is foremost in all athletic sports.
WARREN BROWN. The prosperity of any locality depends almost solely upon the character of the people who inhabit it, and if the citizens are pushing, energetic and intelli- gent the country will prosper accordingly. In Harford County there is not a morc pleasant or agreeable member of society, or a more thorough and sagacious business man than J. Warren Brown, in which respect lie is but illustrating that he is "a chip off the old block," for his father, George W. Brown, before him was and is a man of sound and practical views on all matters of general interest and one who has made his own way in life unaided by others. This substantial and useful citizen was born in the city of Balti- more, January 4, 1835, and at the age of two years was left fatherless. His sire, Jesse Brown, was a native of Scotland and from early boyhood followed the sea. He attained the rank of cap- tain, was in the coffec trade, and on one of his voyages died and was buried at sea. His wife was Eleanor, daughter of John Sweeting, of Bal- timore, and his death left her with a family of five small children to care for, of whom George W. is the only survivor. Her death occurred about eighteen years ago.
During his boyhood George W. Brown attend- ed the public schools of Baltimore and later the old school built by Capt. Joe Downey at Gun-
powder Neck, but owing to force of circumstances his school life closed when he was nine years old, and at that extremcly youthful age lic started out to fight the battles of life as best he could. Hc soon secured employment with an uncle on a farm in this district, but five years later he gave this up to learn the trade of book-binding. He continued to follow this occupation until he was twenty-two years of age, at which time he was taken with the "western fever" and eventually made his way to California, where he experienced the usual ups and downs of fortune. Three years later lie returned to Baltimore and until 1866 his trade occupied his time and attention. He subse- quently erected a store building at Magnolia and embarked in the general mercantile business. This work seemed suited to him and through good management and energy his business pros- pered and he continued to devote to it his atten- tion until about twelve years ago, when he turned the care of its management over to his son, J. Warren, under whom it has prospered, and began giving his whole attention to farming and his canning establishment, which is a flourishing enterprise.
Formerly an influential and prominent Demo- crat, he came out during the last presidential campaign as a stanch free silver man, in which views he is supported by his son, J. Warren. He was married to Miss Mary A. Lee, a daughter of Nathaniel Lee, of Baltimore, and of eight children born to them the following are living: J. Warren; Godell, who is at present in Baltimore; John William, at home; Mary Eleanor, wife of W. S. Hering, of Baltimore; and Carrie Elizabeth, at home. Mr. Brown and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and take a keen interest in religious and charitable work; in fact they are in sympathy with all worthy interests. Mr. Brown is well known in Harford County, for his present honorable position in life has been gained through his own efforts, and he deserves much credit therefor.
The birth of J. Warren Brown occurred in Bal- timore, August 10, 1860, and in Knapp's Insti- tute of that city he was educated. Upon leaving school he entered his father's store at Magnolia
277
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as a clerk, but June 2, 1884, was given complete control of the establishment and has managed it with marked ability ever since. In 1891 he opened a canning establishment, the output of which is about twelve thousand cases of tomatoes annually. He is a member of Mt. Ararat Lodge No. 44, F. & A. M. at Bel Air, and also belongs to Lodge No. 7 of the Elks of Baltimore. His wife was formerly Miss Laura, daughter of John Wesley Knight, of an old Virginia family. They were married March 20, 1882, and have three children: George C., Edith L. and Beulah M.
ASIL GRAFTON, who carries on general farming in District No. 1, Harford County, was born near Forest Hill on the 16th of September, 1832. His father, Martin Grafton, was born in the same district, and was a son of Nathan Grafton, who came from England to America and took up his residence in Maryland. Martin Grafton served his country in the War of 1812, and as a means of livelihood followed the occupation of farming. He was a member of the old-school Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon, and politically he affiliated with the Whig party. He married Miss Hannah Lee, a native of Harford County, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom the following are now living: Liza, wife of John Watkins, of Harford County; Crobin M., who is living in District No. 1; Rev: William, a Baptist minister of the same district; Nathan, who resides at For- est Hill; the subject of this sketch; Alexander, of Baltimore County; and R. L., who makes his home in the city of Baltimore. Both parents are now deceased.
Mr. Grafton, whose name introduces this arti- cle, is indebted to the public schools near his boyhood home for the educational advantages which he enjoyed. At the age of seven- teen he learned the trade of a wheelwright, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after
which he embarked in business on his own account in that line, and pursued the trade for ten years. On the expiration of that decade, however, he returned to the pursuit to which be was reared, and in 1867 purchased the farm on which he has since lived-a tract of eighty acres of rich and arable land. He has since given his attention to its cultivation, and the well-tilled fields and good improvements on the place indi- cate his careful management and the progressive methods which he pursues in the care of his farm. His political associations are with the Democratic party.
As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Mr. Grafton chose Miss Ann Elizabeth Hines, a daughter of John T. Hines, of Abingdon. Their marriage was celebrated on the 16th of December. 1857, and to them were born five children: Mar- tha H., at home; Mary Jane, wife of William Cochran, of Baltimore; Ann L., wife of Ed Hooker, who is living in District No. 1, Harford County; Maggie L. and Sarah Maud, both of whom are successfully engaged in school teach- ing.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.