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 33
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 33
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ON. DAVID P. DAVIS, chief judge of the orphans' court of Cecil County, is a repre- sentative of a family known and honored in the annals of Maryland. The origin of the family is not definitely known, though it is thought that the ancestors were Welshmen. Their connection with the history of America dates from a very early period in the settlement of this country, when some of the name established their home in Prince George County, Md. From that time forward succeeding generations assisted in the development of the resources of this state and the progress of its institutions. Not a few of the name have gained more than local fame. Rev. Henry L. Davis, second cousin of our subject, was elected president of Dickinson College when but eighteen years of age. Hon. David Davis, a
third cousin, of Bloomington, Ill., was one of the most famous men of the west in his day, and for years held the office of supreme judge of the United States. In 1876 he was appointed a member of the electoral college in the celebrated Tilden-Hayes presidential contest, but declined to serve. Cecil County claims the proud distinction of having been the birthplace of this illustrious man; he was born in 1815. In 1847 he was a member of the constitutional convention; 1848, judge of the eighth judicial circuit, and in 1862 became associate justice of the supreme court of Illinois. On the bench he was a perfect model of a judge, full of dignity and decision, and as an associate judge his decisions were learned and able. In the senate, to which he was elected, he intro- duced legislation based upon equity and justice, with a view to resulting to the greatest good to the greatest number.
Born in Cecil County, Md., December 7, 1833, the subject of this sketch is a son of Dr. David and Emmaline L. ( Wickes) Davis, both natives of this state. He was fifth among eight children, the others being Ann A., James L., Mary V., Susanna R., Louisa M., John O. and George N. His mother was a daughter of Lambert Wickes and a great-niece of Capt. Lambert Wickes, the first officer who commanded a naval vessel in foreign waters. He was deputed by congress to convey Benjamin Franklin to the court of France in 1776, and on his return trip the vessel was wrecked off the coast of Newfoundland, all on board perishing except the cook.
Reared on a farm until fourteen years of age, our subject then entered the general store of Alfred C. Nowland, of Cecilton, Md., where he remained for three years. On leaving the store he went to make his home with his grandmother, Mrs. Alethea Wickes, on a farm in District No. 1, Cecil County, and there he remained until 1881. In the fall of 1879 he was elected associate judge of the orphans' court of Cecil County, in which position he served four terms, and since the fall of 1895 he has been chief judge of the same court. Though he has not engaged in farming since 1881, he still oversees his large estate. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. In 1862 he married Hen-
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rietta W. Cruikshank, daugliter of Thomas C. and Sarah E. (Morgan) Cruikshank, natives of this state. The three children born of their union were named Sarah E., Lambert W. and Mary P., but the son alone survives. In girl- hood Mrs. Davis spent three years in the Wesleyan Female College at Wilmington, Del. * She is identified with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, as is also Judge Davis, the latter being secretary, treasurer, warden and vestryman of the church.
JOHN M. RAWLINGS. While traveling through Harford and Cecil Counties, the writer found that a large proportion of their residents are natives of the localities where they still reside. The majority of them are descend- ants, in the third or fourth generation, of people from other lands who came hither, and by their in- dustry prepared the way for those to follow. The work for which they laid the foundation was car- ried forward by those who came after them, and by degrees the educational, commercial and agri- cultural interests of the locality were placed upon a substantial basis.
The Rawlings family is of Irish origin, but has been represented in Cecil County for several gen- erations. Robert, father of our subject, and a son of John Rawlings, was born on the family homestead, to the ownership and management of which he succeeded, and upon which he remained until his eartlı life was ended, at the age of sixty- two years. The property is now owned and oc- cupied by Z. T. Rawlings. The mother of our subject was Mary McVey, member of an old fan- ily of District No. 9, Cecil County. In her family there were five children, named as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Jolin Brown; John M., of this sketch; Z. Taylor, who resides at the old home- stead; Hannah M., Mrs. William Peoples; and Roberta E., wife of David B. Boyle.
In District No. 8, Cecil County, where he still
resides, John M. Rawlings was born in 1844. His education was begun in the common schools, and afterward continued in Nottingham (Md. ) Acad- emy. He remained on the home farm, assisting in its cultivation, until he was twenty-four years of age, when he married Eliza M. Hindman, and then settled upon the place lie lias since occupied. The property consists of sixty acres, and bears first-class improvements. In addition to its man - agement, he lias been surveyor for the Mutual Fire Insurance Company for six years, and was also tax collector for two years. Politically lie supports Democratic principles, and fraternally was formerly connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Colora, the Odd Fellows lodge at Rising Sun, and has been the incumbent of all the offices in the former organization. He and his wife are parents of four children: R. Lee, who is employed on the Pennsylvania Railroad; Emory C., Llewellyn H. and Mary P. The family at- tend the Presbyterian Church.
OHN J. WILLIAMS. The family of which this gentleman is a member has been repre- sented in America for many successive gen- erations. It was founded in Pennsylvania by his great-great-grandfather, who purchased from William Penn a large tract of land that for a long time constituted the family homestead, remaining in the possession of one of the members in each generation until 1892, when Thomas Williams, brother of our subject, sold it to a railroad syn- dicate. Through all these years the family was closely identified with the growth and develop- ment of the state and the increase of its material resources. Upon the old homestead thie boyhood years of the subject of this sketch were unevent- fully passed, and from there he inarchied forth to take a part in the Civil War; but at the close of the conflict he established his home in Maryland, and since the fall of 1865 lias resided upon a farm in District No. 2, Cecil County, where he owns
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three hundred and forty-six acres of well- improved and valuable land, comprising one of the best farms in this locality.
Born in Montgomery County, Pa., February 17, 1838, the subject of this article is a son of John J. and Lydia (Knight) Williams, also natives of Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of five children, the others being Mary K., Thomas W., Jonathan K. and Harriet, deceased. Jolin J. was reared to farm work, early gaining a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits that was of great assistance to him in starting out for himself. August 17, 1862, his name was enrolled as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, May 26, 1865, at Annap- olis, Md. For a time he hield the rank of first sergeant and afterward was commissioned second lieutenant. Among the important engagements in which he took part were Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Hatcher's Run, Wilderness and Petersburg, together with all the battles from the siege of Petersburg to the sur- render of Lee. In the battle of the Wilderness he was wounded in the limb by a grape shot and was obliged to remain in a hospital in Philadel- pliia four montlis. He was also wounded at Hatcher's Run. At Sailor's Creek he was again wounded, but not seriously. His record as a soldier was that of a brave man, whom no danger daunts nor perils affright.
The marriage of Mr. Williams, in 1869, united him with Laura L. Peach, who was born in Mary- land, grew to womanhood upon a farm and was given an excellent education. In religious belief she is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In her family there are five children, namely: Howard P., Frederick P., Adelaide P., Roger K. and John J. The family of which she is a member was founded in America by her grandfather, John Peach, a native of England, who settled in Delaware in an early day and there engaged in farming. While the principal portion of liis time Mr. Williams devotes to farm work, he yet keeps abreast with current events and national problems, and in matters political is a
firmi Republican. Among the public offices which he lias hield are those of town commissioner and school trustee, and he also held the position of postmaster of St. Augustine for nine years, from Į872 to ISSI.
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LBERT McCRERY. The subject of this notice is certainly entitled to be considered not only one of the enterprising farmers of District No. 3, Cecil County, but one of its most respected and honored citizens, and a man of more than ordinary ability. Upon the farm where he still resides his birth occurred December 8, 1845, and there his father, John McCrery, was born in 1804. The place has now been in the possession of the family for over a century, the first to locate thereon being the grandfather of our subject, John McCrery, Sr., who purchased two hundred acres of land. He had five children, namely: William, Samuel, Sarah, Mary and John.
The last-named married Sophia Perry, who de- parted this life in 1853, at the age of forty years. They became the parents of six children. John T., born August 5, 1834, died in 1872; James, born August 6, 1836, is now living retired at Zion, Md .; Sarah, born October 29, 1838, died February 24, 1864; William, born October 26, 1840, died October 6, 1893; Harriet was born December 31, 1842; and Albert is the youngest of the family. The fatlier spent his entire life upon the old homestead and was numbered among the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of the community. In religious belief lie was a Presby- terian.
Upon the home farm, Albert McCrery early became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and received a good education in the common schools of the neighborhood. Going to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1863, he clerked in a store until his enlistment, February 27, 1864, in Company I, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, as a private. The command was first sent to Washington, D. C., after which it partici-
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. pated in the battle of Cold Harbor and took part in the cutire siege of Petersburg. At the end of that time Mr. McCrery was taken ill with typhoid fever, and was confined in the hospital at Washington for three months. He was finally discharged at Philadelphia in January, 1866, and returned to the home farm, to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his time and attention with most satisfactory results. The place com- prises one hundred and thirty-five acres of rich and arable land.
Mr. McCrery was married in February, ISSI, the lady of his choice being Miss Maria E. Hess, who died in August, 1890, at the age of forty years. Two children graced their union: Louise, born in May, 1SS2; and Florence, born in July, 1884. Politically, Mr. McCrery is a Republican and heartily indorses the measures of that party, while socially he is a prominent member of Grant Post No. 10, G. A. R., of Cherry Hill. He is an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and is now serving as a member of the board of trustees.
ARCLAY REYNOLDS, the subject of this review, is one whose history touches the pioneer epoch in the annals of Cecil County. In reviewing his genealogical record we find his lineage tracing back to the colonial history of the nation and to that period which marked the inception of the grandest republic the world has ever known. Through such sources have we attained the true American type, and along this line must our investigation pro- ceed if we would learn of the steadfast and un- yielding elements which constitute the basis upon which has been reared the lofty and mag- nificent superstructure of an enlightened and favored commonwealth. Mr. Reynolds traces his ancestry back to Benjamin Reynolds, tlie first of the family to locate in Cecil County, where he secured a tract of land, obtaining the title from William Penn. His son Jacob was the father of
Jacob Reynolds, Jr., the grandfather of our sub- ject, who was born in District No. 6, Cecil County.
Taylor Reynolds, the father of Barclay, was also born in the same district, and on attaining to man's estate he married Miss Eliza Taylor. They became the parents of eight children, who in order of birth are as follows: Ann T., widow of Jacob Kirk, and a resident of Rising Sun; Barclay, of this review; Charles, Henrietta and Jacob, who are all deceased; John T., who makes his home in Virginia; Hetty, deceased; and Samuel T., who is clerking for Mr. Buffing- ton in Rising Sun.
Barclay Reynolds was born October 22, 1819, on the farm in District No. 6, Cecil County, where he still resides, and was there reared to manhood. Although his early school privileges were meager, he has become a well-informed man by reading and observation in later years. At the age of nineteen he began teaching, and successfully followed the profession for four years, after which he engaged in merchandising at Harrisville for twelve years. At the end of that time, however, he returned to the old homestead, where he still resides.
In 1854 Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage with Miss Amanda C. Carter, a native of Chester County, Pa., and to them were born six children, namely: Howard H., who resides on the farm with his father; Charles T., a hardware merchant of Wilmington, Del .; Sophia C., wife of Elmer Reynolds; H. Mitchell, deceased; Eugene A., a teacher residing at home; and Barclay, Jr., a pro- fessor in the high school of Philadelphia.
In the fall of 1857 Mr. Reynolds was elected sheriff of Cecil County, which position he ef- ficiently filled for two years, during which time he lived in Elkton, but with that exception his entire life has been passed on the old homestead. Casting his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, in 1840, he continued to support the men and measures of the Whig party until its dissolution, since which time he has been an ardent Republican. He lias served as school director in his district, and for the long period of forty years was one of the directors of the Cecil
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County Fire Insurance Company. The home farm, which comprises one hundred and forty acres, he has placed under a highi state of culti, vation, but is now practically living a retired life, leaving its management to his son. Socially he affiliates with the Odd Fellows' Society of Rising Sun, and religionsly both himself and wife are con- sistent and faithful members of the Society of Friends. He is now serving as trustee of the church. They are widely and favorably known throughout the community where they have so long resided, and endeavor by lives of kindness and charity to set an example worthy of imitation.
DAM HETRICK, a wide-awake and ener- getic farmer, of District No. 5, Harford County, first opened his eyes to the light in Perry County, Pa., in 1821. His grandfather, Nicholas Hetrick, a native of Germany, emigrated to America about 1790, and located in Perry County, where he first worked in the mines, but later followed farming. Before leaving the Fath- erland he had married Miss Elizabeth Rator, and they became the parents of five sons.
John Hetrick, our subject's father, was the third of the family, and was born in Perry County, Pa., where he devoted his entire life to general farming. By his marriage with Susan Bird, he had two children: Adam, of this sketch; and Jolin C., a resident of Newport, Pa. The father died at that place in 1827, at the early age of thirty years, and his wife passed away in 1823, when our subject was only two years old. Her father, Andrew Bird, enlisted as a musician in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary war, and for seven long years was fifer of his regiment. He was also a resident of Perry County, Pa., mak- ing his home near Millerstown.
In the county of his nativity, Adam Hetrick passed the days of his boyhood and youth, ac- quiring his education in the common schools near his home, and at the age of seventeen began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a three
and a-half years' apprenticeship. When he had completely mastered the business, he followed it until 1877, but now devoted his attention almost exclusively to his farming interests. He continued to make his home in Perry County, Pa., until his removal to Harford County, Md., in 1850, at which time he purchased the Henry Wilson place of eighty acres, near Darlington, where he has since carried on agricultural pursuits with most gratifying results.
In 1846 Mr. Hetrick was joined in wedlock with Miss Catherine Wendt, of Perry County, Pa., a daughter of Major Wendt, who belonged to an old and honored family of the Keystone State, and won his title by gallant service in the War of 1812. Five children graced this union, namely: Clara and Jane, at home; Theodore J., who married Mollie V. Walker, and resides near Darlington; Annie, wife of Samuel G. Hopkins; and Cassie, wife of George W. Bailey. While in Pennsylvania, Mr. Hetrick held membership in the Lutheran Church, but now attends the Methodist Episcopal Church of Darlington, of which his son Theodore is serving as steward. Our subject is one of the representative and prom- inent farmers of his district, and is widely and favorably known throughout the county, where he is recognized as one of the valuable and highly respected citizens.
6 HOMAS A. REES. During the long period that Mr. Rees has made his home in Cecil County he has not only accumulated a competency, but he has achieved that which is more important and valuable, a position among the honorable, capable and public-spirited men of the locality. Farming has been his vocation in life and in it he has been very successful. Since the spring of 1864 he has made his home upon a farm in District No. 2, where he owns a valuable and well-improved place, containing all the im- provements of a model estate. During his long and continuous residence here, he has given his
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attention to the raising of the cereals to which the soil is adapted, and has also taken an active part in matters pertaining to the welfare of the people.
As far back as the record can be traced, the Rees family resided in Delaware and assisted in the agricultural development of that state. There our subject was born September 25, 1839, and there, too, occurred the birth of both his parents, John R. and Anna E. (Sevil) Rees. He was the eldest of three children, the others being John R., deceased, and William. Reared upon a farm and early initiated into the details of planting, plowing and reaping, he gained a thorough knowledge of agriculture, and upon arriving at manhood chose farin work for his life occupation. In the meantime he fitted himself for his work by acquiring a practical education, and attended school at New London, Pa., and for three terms in York, Del. In 1864 he came to Maryland, and for three years lived alone on the farm, but in 1867 married and brought his wife to his home. She was Georgia A. Griffin, a native of Delaware, and an estimable lady of energetic disposition and untiring industry. Two children were born of the union, but Annie E. died in childhood, and the son, Ralph H., alone survives. He was carefully trained by his parents and was given excellent educational advantages at Dickinson College, and also took a business course in Wil- mington Commercial College. Since the com- pletion of his studies he has assisted his father in the cultivation of the home place, his activity and energy proving an invaluable aid in the work. In 1895 he married Lizzie V. Woolford, a native of Dorchester County, Md., and they re- side on the farm with his parents.
Believing in the principles of Christianity, Mr. and Mrs. Rees are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and endeavor, in their daily lives, to exemplify the truth and reality of their religious convictions. "To do unto others as they would be done by" has been their aim at all times, and as a result they have made many friends during their long residence here. The poor and needy never appeal to them in vain for help and no hand stretched out to them for aid is
turned empty away. Their ample means enable them to give generously to worthy enterprises and to the upbuilding of the church with which they are connected, and they have never refused to assist, by their time, money and influence, chari- table projects and benevolent enterprises.
AMES S. WHITAKER, M. D. In com- parison of the relative value to mankind of the various professions and pursuits, it is widely recognized that none is so important as the medical profession. From the cradle to the grave human destiny is largely in the hands of the physician. An able and prominent repre- sentative of this calling is Dr. Whitaker, who has for several years successfully engaged in practice at Cherry Hill, Md.
The birth of the doctor occurred February 27, 1848, in Center County, Pa., but since 1851 he has made his home in Cecil County, Md., passing the days of his boyhood and youth in the village of North East. The common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, but at the age of seventeen he entered the State Normal School of Maryland, where he pursued his studies for three years. For the following two years he clerked in a drug store in North East, and then turned his attention to farming for seven years. Entering the Jefferson Medical College of Phila- delphia, Pa., he graduated from that noted institu- tion with the class of 1879, and the following year located at Fair Haven, Md., where he engaged in practice until coming to Cherry Hill, in 1889. In connection with general practice he also con- ducts a drug store, and is recognized as one of the most skillful physicians and surgeons of Cecil County.
In 1885 Dr. Whitaker led to the marriage altar Miss Clara Engall, and they now have five children, namely: Maggie, Hattie, Emily, Maria and Hilda. Being an ardent Democrat in politics, the doctor has three times been appointed post- master of Cherry Hill, the duties of which office
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- he discharged in a most acceptable manner, and he has also served as physician of the county alms house for two years. He holds membership in a number of important medical societies and also belongs to the Order of American Mechanics. As a citizen as well as a physician, he stands high in the esteem of all who know him, and has a host of warm personal friends.
OSS REYNOLDS SMITH. A long res- idence in a community gives an individual a standing which can scarcely be otherwise acquired, especially if he has made for himself a good record as a citizen and a business man. "The rolling stone gathers no moss," but the man who through a long term of years has shown the possession of energy and honesty and has labored continuously among the same associa- tions gains a warm place in the hearts of others and almost invariably attains financial success. While Mr. Smith is not a native of Cecil County, he has spent the principal part of his life here, and is favorably known to the people. The fact that he is uniformly well spoken of is sufficient indication of his true character. A stranger upon meeting him recognizes him at once as a man of intelligence, one possessing the com- panionable disposition that is a free passport to the regard of others.
Now a farmer in District No. 9, Cecil County, Mr. Smith was born in Kittanning, Armstrong County, Pa., in 1850. The family of which he is a member has always been noted for patriotic spirit. His grandfather, Gen. Samuel A. Smith, was a captain in the Revolution and a general in the War of 1812, enlisting in the latter war when he was old in years, but with an enthusiastic valor that had characterized him in the conflict thirty-five years before. His son, George W., father of our subject, was born in Bucks County, Pa., and was an officer in the War of 1812, after which he carried on an extensive legal practice in Kittanning, Pa. He was well posted regarding
politics and was a pronounced Republican. Ile married Isabel Reynolds, daughter of David Reynolds, one of the first settlers of Kittanning. They had eight children, six of whom are living: Mary, wife of Matthias Hurst; Ann W .; David R., of Cecil County; Virginia, who married R. H. Cameron, of Baltimore; Ross R. and Panama W. The father died in Cecil County at the age of eighty-four.
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