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 31
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 31
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in addition to this tract owns another place of seventy- five acres at Harrisonville, Md.
Mr. Kay was married in 1869, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabethi Talmadge, and they had ten children, eight of whom are living, namely: John, a machinist, now on board the battleship "Maine;" Lewis D., clerk in the Iron National Bank of Morristown, N. J .; Robert H., who completed a collegiate education, and is now a successful mining engineer; Howard B., Stew- art W., Bradford Ramsey, Charlotte and Ellen.
In politics, Mr. Kay has always been identified with the Democratic party. Socially lie is a Royal Archi Mason, belonging to the blue lodge of Port Deposit, Md., and Mt. Holly Chapter, of Manchester, N. H. His life has been in keep- ing with the teachings of that ancient and lion- ored fraternity, and liis career lias ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence which he receives from all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or social circles.
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ILLIAM H. H. WHITEFORD. There is scarcely a child in our land who has not heard of Mason and Dixon's Line, and to older persons the expression is a very familiar one. Some, however, are unacquainted with its origin and history. It lies in latitude thirty-nine degrees, forty-three minutes, and twenty-six sec- onds, and was run between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two English surveyors, whose names it bears. In location it was the imaginary line that separated the free state of Pennsylvania from the slave states of Maryland and Virginia. In 1820, when congress was in the midst of its exciting debate on the question of excluding slavery from Missouri, the illustrious John Randolph of Roanoke made fre- quent use of this phrase, which was at once caught up and echoed by the newspapers all over the land, thus bringing it the prominence it has ever since retained.
To the subject of this sketch Mason and Dixon's Line is of especial interest because of the fact that it was there he was born in ISJo. The family was first represented in America by his great-grandfather, Michael Whiteford, who with a brother, William. emigrated to this country from Ireland and about 1720 located on the spot through which, years later, the famous line was run. He became a large land owner and a successful man. His son, Dr. Hugh Whiteford, was a surgeon in the War of 1812 and for many years was one of the fore- most citizens of Harford County, Md., and York County, Pa. Next in line of descent was our subject's father, Doddridge Whiteford, who was born and reared in Harford County, and through- out active life engaged in farming and mechanical construction, manufacturing a large number of the old-fashioned spinning wheels. By his mar- riage to Elizabetlı A. Silver, he had ten children, eight now living, as follows: William H. H .; Horace F., whose home is in Missouri; Cassie F., widow of Fred Anderson; Silas S., residing in Kansas; Philip D., of Baltimore; Mattie; Fred- erick T., of Kansas; and Joseph S. The father died at his home in Harford County, February 27, 1883, when nearly seventy-two years of age.
In District No. 5, where he now resides, Will- iam H. H. Whiteford was reared, receiving his education in the common schools here and in West Bangor, Pa. In early manliood he was in- terested in farming, having his home on his father's place. Afterwards he was engaged in business with his uncle at Dublin, this county, but in 1869 he purchased the general store owned by Philip Silver. That enterprise he carried on until 1877, when he sold it and began in the undertaking business, which he has since effi- ciently conducted. His home and business in- terests are in the village of Dariington. In poli- tics a stanch Democrat, he licld the office of school commissioner for ten years, being elected to the position on the regular party ticket. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Annie E., daugliter of Philip W. Silver, of this county. He and his wife are identified with the Presby- terian Church, and in fraternal connections he is
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a member of the lodge of Odd Fellow's at Delta, Pa. A man of excellent executive ability, he has made his way in business unaided, and is now a prominent factor in the enterprises of Darlington.
AMES CUMMINGS. No life has been lived in vain that has exerted a helpful influence upon other lives. The names of those who have assisted in the advancement of Cecil County will be remembered by a grateful posterity long after their clay tenements have crumbled into dust. While a number of years have elapsed since Mr. Cummings passed away, the services he rendered in promoting the best interests of the people were of such a permanent and uplifting nature that his name will not soon be forgotten. For a period of thirty-five years he officiated as magistrate of District No. 8, and it is a note- worthy fact that this office has been in the family for forty-five or more years, he being succeeded by his son, James F., and the latter by a brother, Thomas, in 1891.
The life here sketched began in 1814, and ended in 1887. It was marked by no thrilling events, but was characterized by the quiet discharge of every duty, by deeds of kindness and charity. The family was in moderate circumstances, and the boy did not have the advantages now enjoyed by children. His father had come from Ireland a poor man, and settled in Philadelphia, where James was born and educated. After the usual custom of those days he learned a trade, selecting the . occupation of a tailor, and this he followed for many years. When a young man he went to Pleasant Grove, Pa., where, in addition to work- ing at his trade, he acted as magistrate for five years. On coming to Oakwood, District No. 8, Cecil County, he opened a general country store and built up a good trade. . In 1859, purchasing a farm near Pilot Town, he settled there, making it his home the balance of his life. About 1860 he was appointed magistrate, and continued to fill the position as long as he lived. For several
years he was tax collector for the district. Polit- ically he voted the Republican ticket.
By the marriage of James Cummings and Jane McColgan, of Lancaster County, Pa., nine chil- dren were born, namely: Margaret, Lewis, Jolin, James F., a colonel in the army during the war, for five years a magistrate, and deceased in 1891, at the age of forty-eight; Henry Clay, a resident of Rising Sun; William Penn, of Port Deposit: Samuel R., a resident of Philadelphia; Thomas H., who was commissioned magistrate by Gov- ernor Brown in 1891, and still holds the office; and one who died in infancy. The family adlieres to the Presbyterian faith, following the example set by its forefathers.
When a long life is ended, it affords satisfaction to friends and relatives to know that the world has been benefited by the presence in it of a good, upright and energetic man. Far more to be desired than mere success in accumulating a fortune, is the building up of an upright, honest character, the cherishing of honorable principles, and the encouragement of lofty and public- spirited opinions and sentiments. Such was the success Mr. Cummings achieved, and such the reputation he enjoyed. He was a man of excel- lent judgment, a keen thinker, with a kind and loving heart, and no worthy object failed to elicit front him a tangible assistance. In all public improvements and in the advancement of the community he was prominent, while in the family circle it was hiis desire to enhance, by any means in his power, the pleasure and happiness of those dear to him.
EUBEN HAINES. In Elkton there is 110 man who in a higher degree enjoys the confidence of the people than the subject of this sketch, who is identified with many of the important professional and financial interests of the village. By his energy and resolute char- acter, coupled with force of will, he has partially overcome the serious obstacle which ill health presented to his success. His public spirit has
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given an impetus to the growth of the locality and he is actively forwarding various enterprises for its advancement in important directions.
Before presenting in detail the principal events in the life of Mr. Haines, a few words regarding liis ancestors will not be amiss. The family has been represented in America since an early period of its history. His grandfather, Reuben Haines, . was born in Cecil County and was a leading member of the Society of Friends. During the early days of the settlement of this locality, the Indians always found a true friend in him, and they often came to his farm to camp and hold their "pow wows." He died in IS28, when advanced in years. He was the son of Eli and grandson of Joseph Haines, both of whom took active parts in the stirring events connected with the early history of Maryland, and both were prominent members of the Quaker Church.
The father of our subject, Joseph Haines, was born in Cecil County in 1798, and, like his fore- fathers, held membership in the Society of Friends. His principal business was that of storekeeper, but he also held numerous public positions, including that of deputy clerk of the county courts and for six years judge of the orphans' court. Highly esteemed by all who knew him, he led an exemplary life and died a Christian's peaceful death, January 23, 1866. His wife, whose maiden name was Harriet Kirk, was born near Rising Sun, Cecil County, the descendant of Scotch and Quaker ancestors. Her father, William Kirk, was born in this county, where he was occupied as a farmer and store- keeper. The Kirk family, on coming to America, settled in Pennsylvania, but afterward removed to Maryland. Mrs. Harriet Haines died in November, 1858, having been the mother of six children, five of whom survived her. Charles H., who was clerk of the circuit court of Cecil County and for many years cashier of the Cecil National Bank of Port Deposit, died January 23, 1866, a day rendered doubly sad to the family because on it their father was also taken from earth; Cornelia H. is the widow of Dr. James Turner and resides in Washington, D. C .; her husband was formerly a practicing physician in
Cecil County, but after his death the widow re- moved to Washington: Mary E. is the wife of John M. Ireland, a real-estate dealer in the city of Washington; Robert died when young, and William L., who was a farmer, died in 1891.
At the old homestead in Cecil County, situated near what was then known as the brick meeting house, the subject of this article was born June 29, 1840. He was a delicate child, slight in figure, and with none of the sturdy robustness usually displayed by boys. Though physically weak, he was mentally strong and vigorous, and with an ambitious spirit prosecuted his studies in the New London Academy in Chester County, Pa., West Nottingham Academy and Lafayette Col- lege, Easton, Pa., graduating from the last- named institution in July, 1862, with the degree of A. B. After the completion of his education he taught school for a term. April 14, 1863, he came to Elkton and entered as a student in the law office of Jolin A. J. Creswell, who was later a United States senator and postmaster-general in President Grant's cabinet. He was admitted to practice at the bar October 14, 1864, and two years later was elected state's attorney, serving until 1868. In his youth he was regarded as one of the most promising young men of the county, and he would undoubtedly have attained conspicuous positions of honor and trust had he been equal, physically, to their responsibilities, but poor health has interfered to a great extent with his practice and political advancement. Stanch in his advocacy of Republican principles, lie is regarded as one of the active members of that party in Elkton. Among his interests are those of stockholder and director in the National Bank of Rising Sun and stockholder and for twenty-five years a director of the National Bank of Elkton.
Amid the mnuliplicity of other duties, Mr. Haines has never allowed his religious duties to be neglected. In the Presbyterian Church he has been an official for years, holding the im- portant position of elder. He carries his religious belief into the practical affairs of life, thicreby gaining a reputation for probity, honor and up- rightness, which is far too seldom seen among
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PHILIP F. COALE.
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professional and business men. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order. His marriage was solemnized February 8, 1866, and united him with Amanda M. Brown, daughter of Edward and Martha Brown, of Elkton. They and their two daughters, Mary C. and Estella, have a pleasant home in Elkton.
Such, in brief, is a sketch of one of the best- known men in this village, one who has, in spite of obstacles, gained a fair measure of success, and who at the same time has promoted the prosperity of the place. by his progressive spirit and enter- prise.
HILIP F. COALE. Among the residents of Harford County who are successfully engag- ing in general farming and the canning business, mention belongs to Mr. Coale, of Dis- trict No. 3. On the farm where he now resides, he was born June 3, 1852, the son of Joseph R. and Sarah A. (Watson) Coale. The family is of English origin, and the first of the name in Maryland was his paternal great-grandfather, who on crossing the ocean from England settled in District No. 6, Cecil County. Joseph R. Coale, son of William, was a fariner in that district for some years, but at the time of the building of the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, he sold his land to that company and soon afterward removed to Harford County, where he purchased a portion of the Stony Ridge farm. Upon this place he conducted general farm pursuits. He was a well-informed man, and in politics support- ed Democratic principles. At the age of fifty-six years, in 1867, he fell a victim to small-pox, which terminated fatally. His wife, Sarah A., who is still living, is a daughter of Abraham Watson, and a member of an old Cecil County family. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom eiglit are living, as fol- lows: Maria, wife of C. H. James; Cornelia, Mrs. C. H. Walker; Clara, who married J. L. James, of Baltimore County; William and Jos-
cph, of Bel Air; Philip F .; Alice, wife of W. Arthur Trago; and Ella, Mrs. Robert Lilley. The mother of this family makes her home with our subject and is in the enjoyment of excellent health, though now seventy-eight years of age.
When his father died, our subject was fifteen years of age. He at once began tlie manage- ment of the liome farm, and has since resided here, cultivating the one hundred and thirty- three acres that comprise the estate. The can- ning of fruit is a special feature of his work, and he also does a very large business in the canning of tomatoes. His private affairs require his entire attention and he has never found leisure to iden- tify himself with public affairs, but keeps posted regarding politics and is a pronounced Repub- lican. In 1877 he married Miss Ella Loflin, daughter of William Loffin, of thisdistrict. They have seven children now living, namely: Ida, Walter, Ira, Sadie, Howard, Roy and Amy. The family arc members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for several years Mr. Coale has been a steward in Smith's Chapel, as well as trustee, secretary and treasurer, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. ·
ILAS J. LOWE. By the exercise of industry and perseverance, Mr. Lowe has amassed a comfortable fortune and established a repu- tation as a citizen of more than ordinary worth and usefulness. His entire life has been spent amid rural scenes and employments, and he bears the reputation of being one of the most prosperous farmers of Cecil County. Upon the old family homestead, originally purchased by his grand- father, and located in District No. 8, he is enga- ged in general farm work, planting the land to such cereals and vegetables as are best adapted to the soil. The one hundred and thirty acres con- stituting the farm bear an excellent grade of im- provements, including substantial buildings. In addition to his work as an agriculturist, he has been postinaster of Rock Springs for twenty-two
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years, during all of which time the post-office has been in his house. This, and his interest in public affairs, have bronght him into prominence among the people of the neighborhood. While he did not have in early life the advantages that are common to the youth of to-day, yet he lias kept his eyes open to what is going on in the world, and lias perhaps received from his obser- vation of men and things a more practical school- ing than he could have obtained from a collegiate course.
At the home of his parents, Joshua and Sarah (Ales) Lowe, in District No. 5, Harford County, the birth of Silas J. Lowe occurred February 27, 1842. His grandfather, Joshua R. Lowe, came probably from England and on arriving in Cecil County settled upon three hundred acres, a por- tion of which comprises our subject's present home. The father of our subject was born in Cecil County and there spent some part of his life, engaged in farming and mining, but for thirty years he was a resident of Harford County and the owner of a farm in District No. 5. Politically he always voted the Democratic ticket, though not taking an active part in public affairs. He died at his home in Harford County when seventy years of age, in 1870. Of the seven children that consti- tuted his family, only three are living, namely: Jane, wife of Isaac Scarborough; John, whose home is in Ohio; and Silas J.
The common schools of Harford County afford- ed our subject all the education that he obtained from text books. Remaining at home and assist- ing in the cultivation of the farm, upon the death of his father he removed to Rock Springs, Cecil County, and settled upon the farm where he has since resided. He leads a busy life, having in charge the management of his land, the supervi- sion of the post-office and the carrying on of a gen- eral store. Fortunate in possessing a good consti- tution, he has been able to do an immense amount of work, without seriously impairing his health. He meddles little in politics, but is a Democrat first, last and all the time. Realizing the advan- tage to be derived from a good education, lie has always maintained an interest in the cause of good schools and in the capacity of school trustee
has been enabled to assist in advancing the grade of local schools and efficiency of their work. For some time he was agent, and is now collector for the Farmers and Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company, handling large sums of money for the concern.
The family of Mr. Lowe consists of his wife and daughter, Saralı D. The former was Miss Sarah E. T. Durham, of Harford County, daughter of D. D. Durham. They attend the Baptist Church and take a part in all the movements inaugurated by that denomination. In fraternal relations Mr. Lowe is connected with Excelsior Lodge No. 67, I. O. O. F., of Rising Sun. During the long period of his residence in Cecil County, he has proved himself to be one of the most valued members of his community. He is foremost in local enterprises, and the substantial encourager of every plan calculated to benefit the district and advance the interests of the people.
B EV. EDWARD A. COLBURN. How much our country owes to the ministers of the Gospel can never be known. Their loyal sacrifices, their heroic achievements, their cease- less labor for the moral and spiritual elevation of mankind, all entitle them to lasting remembrance. The life of Mr. Colburn has perhaps had less of adversity and hardship than falls to the lot of many ministers, for he has not been obliged to change pastorates frequently nor has he suffered, as many do, the ingratitude and unkindness of others. However, he has found the profession one of the greatest responsibility, and his time has been fully occupied in endeavoring to faith- fully discharge every duty that falls to him. In August, 1861, he came to Harford County and as- sumed charge of the Trap Church, and since 1867 he has been rector of Holy Trinity Church at Churchville, and during that long period has become deeply attached to his field of work and his parishioners. Rejoicing in their successes
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and sympathizing with them in sorrow, the members of his congregation feel sure of his unchanging interest in their welfare, and the ties of long association that bind pastor and people are of golden threads.
In the city of Baltimore Mr. Colburn was born July 20, 1830, the son of Dr. Harvey and Eliza- beth (Knight) Colburn. His father, who was a son of Fletcher Colburn, of Massachusetts, came to Maryland about 1828 and embarked in busi- ness in Baltimore, but later studied medicine and engaged in practice for a short time. Afterward he carried on a dental practice. In 1861 he was appointed clerk in the quartermaster's department in Washington, D. C., where he remained for twenty-seven years. He died at the liome of our subject in 1890, when eighty-five years of age; his wife passed away in 1887, at the age of seventy- nine. Of their eight children two are now living, namely: Edward A. and Rollinson, the latter a government employe since 1861.
In 1851 the subject of this article graduated from St. James' College, Hagerstown, Md., and three years later completed the studies of the theo- logical department. On being ordained to the ministry of the Episcopal Church, he accepted a position as assistant pastor of St. Luke's Church, Baltimore, where he remained for three years. Three years were then spent in Prince George County, Md., from which place he came to Trap Church in August, 1861, and in 1867 entered upon the pastorate of Holy Trinity Church, where he has since remained. He has labored long and faithfully in the church, and in both his public and private life has exhibited the generous mind, noble heart and charity toward the faults of others, which have gained him the confidence of those among whom he has lived, thus establishing his influence and making him the instrument of much good. In addition to his ministerial duties,' he has held other important positions, having been trustee of the public schools, secretary of the Baltimore convocation, and president of the Har- ford Historical Society. He is the Rural Dean of Harford County.
In 1859 Mr. Colburn was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Rogers, member of an old
Baltimore family. This lady died in 1863. leav- ing an only child, James R., now a resident of Elmira, N. Y. The second marriage of Mr. Col- burn took place in 1865 and united him with Miss Mary Brooke, of Havre de Grace. They are the parents of seven children, named as follows: Alice B .; Edward H., who resides in Elmira, N. V .; William H., who is connected with the Pen- sylvania Railroad in Jersey City; Florence P., a trained nurse at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, of Baltimore; Alfred A., of Churchville; Mary R. and George S., who are at home.
ILLIAM E. PORTER. This name is familiar to most of the citizens of Cecil County and is borne by a man of high moral character, excellent business ability; one who, in all respects, is a valued member of his community. After an active life in the railroad business, he has returned to the scenes of child- hood and now resides in District No. 8, within one and one-half miles of the place where he was born. Though now practically retired, his life is not an idle or aimless one, for the supervision of his extensive interests requires considerable thought and attention. He is the owner of six hundred acres of well-cultivated land here and also several buildings in Piedmont, W. Va.
Born October 30, 1829, the subject of this sketch is the son of John H. and Mary (Toy) Porter, a grandson of James, and great-grandson of James Porter, the latter a native of Ireland, who settled at Peach Bottom, Lancaster County, Pa., during the early portion of the eighteenth century; after some time devoted to mercantile pursuits in that place, in 1753 he removed to Cecil County and purchased the Hopewell farm in District No. 8. From that time to this the property has remained in the possession of the family and is now owned by William E. Porter, who derives a good income from the rental of its two hundred and fifty acres. Capt. Andrew Porter, uncle of John H. Porter, took a conspicuous and valiant part in the War
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of 1812, and one of the lieutenants in his company was his brother, John H. The latter was born in District No. S and here spent his entire life, engaged in general farm pursuits. In his political opinions he was a Democrat. He died at his home in 1859, aged seventy-four years, and his body was interred in the old cemetery in this district.
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