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 37
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 37
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
A history of the life of Mr. Courtney would be incomplete were no mention made of his con- nection with public affairs. A stanch Democrat in his political opinions, he has been very active in local politics and in all matters relating to the welfare of the city and county. In 1874-75 he was a member of the old board of commissioners of this place, and in 1879, at the time of the re- organization of the place and its incorporation as a city, he was president of the council. In 1880 he was elected mayor of the new city, which po- sition lie filled for one year. Twice he was appointed by Governor Brown one of three supervisors of elections of Harford County, and
.
.
333
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for ten years he was one of the district trustees of the public schools. Since 1886 he has held mem- bership in the executive committee of the Demo- cratic party, where his advice is most helpful in important decisions. Fraternally he is connected with Susquehanna Lodge No. 130, F. & A. M., of Havre de Grace, Morning Star Lodge No. 20, I. O. O. F., and Eden Conclave No. 6, of Balti- more.
ILLIAM H. TUCKER has owned and oc- cupied Castle Blaney farm, in District No. 3, Harford County, for a number of years. He was born in this district in 1854, the son of William H. and Sarah A. (Jones) Tucker, and grandson of David Tucker. The latter was the first of the family to settle in Maryland, he hav- ing come from Bucks County, Pa., to Harford County, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He was a man of consistent Christian character, an earnest worker in the church, and was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came in contact. William H. Tucker, Sr., was reared in this county, where for some years he engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor, and also carried on agricultural pursuits. How- ever, in 1857, he removed to the west, believing that it offered better advantages than the east to the farmer. A stay of four years in Marshall County, Ill., was sufficient to convince him that his opinion was an erroneous one, and he made up his mind to return to old Maryland. Return- ing about 1860, he resumed work at his trade, and continued in that occupation until his death, in September, 1889, at the age of sixty-four. His wife passed away in November, 1893, at the age of sixty-two years. They were the parents of six children, named as follows: Rebecca, wife of George W. Preston; Elizabeth, who married John W. Preston; William H .; David R .; Mary B., deceased; and Florence E., Mrs. Walter O. Myres.
At the age of sixteen our subject left school . and began an apprenticeship to the trade of coach-
smithing. After he became familiar with the work he went to Illinois and followed the trade in Quincy for six months. He made his home there for eight years, but, like his father, in ISS3 returned to make his permanent home in the east. In February of the same year he was united in marriage with Miss Georgia A. Graf- ton, daughter of Corbin M. Grafton. For four years subsequently he resided on the Bond place, and then spent five years in cultivating the farm owned by the late Joseph Harlan. In IS92 he went to Jersey City, where for eight months he was proprietor of a grocery and provision store, but then sold out the business and returned to Harford County. In the spring of 1893 he purchased Castle Blaney farm, near Hickory post- office, and here he has since engaged in general farming, devoting his time to the cultivation of the one hundred and forty-six acres that com- prise the place. In addition to raising grain, he has large pastures, in which his cattle graze; he prepares the cattle for the market, and finds this branch of agriculture profitable. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and actively interested in everything that pertains to the success of the cause of Christianity. Their family consists of two sons, Willard Leroy and Lester Winfield. In his fraternal relations he is connected with Columbus Lodge of Odd Fellows, and has held a number of the offices in the lodge.
-
HOMAS HOLLINGSWORTH. A num- ber of the best citizens of Harford County are descendants of Quaker ancestors, who were identified with the history of Pennsylvania from the earliest period of its settlement. One of this class is the subject of our sketch, a well- known farmer residing in District No. 3. For inany successive generations his forefathers con- tinued to reside in the state where the family first settled, but in 1806 his grandfather, Nathaniel Hollingsworth, removed from western Pennsyl- vania to Maryland, settling upon the property
334
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
now owned by our subject. Here the remainder of his life was spent in the cultivation of the soil and general farm pursuits. After his death the estate fell to the ownership of his son, Nathaniel, who carried on general farming here as long as he lived, and made a number of valuable ini- provements to the place, having it as his home until he died in 1851, at the age of about fifty. By his marriage to Mary Warner he had seven children, Silas W., Thomas, Sarah, Rebecca G., Nathaniel (deceased), Mary and Edward.
Upon that portion of the estate now owned by his older brother, the subject of this notice was born in 1837. When a boy he was a pupil in a private school conducted by the Friends, and also attended the Springdale Academy, in Virginia, for one term. Upon completing his studies he returned home and assisted in the work of the home farm, where he remained until 1863, and then removed to Baltimore, becoming a conductor on the Baltimore & Towson Railway. Four years later he returned to Harford County, when the farm was divided between himself and his brother, he retaining the older part. The fifty acres have been placed under excellent cultivation, new buildings have been erected, and the various im- provements introduced which mark the farm as the home of a thrifty agriculturist.
Though never caring to hold office, Mr Hol- lingsworth takes an interest in politics and public affairs, and at elections votes the Republican ticket. In his party he is active as a local worker. He isa member of the Friends' Church, and in his daily intercourse with others endeavors to live up to the lofty teachings of that society.
ATRICK ANDERSON. The growth of the village of Cecilton has been largely due to the energy and efforts of Mr. Anderson, who has made this place his home for many years, and is one of its most successful business men. In his youth he served an apprenticeship to the trades of wheelwright and carriage-maker, and to that
line of work he gave his attention for some time, in the employ of others. However, his was not a nature to be contented with salaried posi- tions; he wished to engage in business independ- ently for himself, and this he did, as soon as he had saved a sufficient sum of money to warrant the undertaking. At this writing he is proprietor of a general store in Cecilton, where, in addition to the stock usually found in such stores, he car- ries a line of hardware and machinery, and also does general repairing.
The birth of our subject took place on New Year's day of 1838, his parents being William and Ellen (McKelvey ) Anderson, who, like him- self, were natives of Ireland. He was one of eleven children, of whom eight attained years of maturity: Rebecca, now deceased; Ann J .; John, deceased; William, Elizabeth, Patrick, Robert and Mary. During the Civil War John enlisted in Company E, Tenth Ohio Infantry, and was killed while in an engagement. When fourteen years of age our subject came to America, in 1852, and for twelve months was employed in a cotton factory in Philadelphia, after which he went to Chatham, Chester County, Pa., and for three years was an apprentice under James A. Kendall. The year 1859 witnessed his arrival in Cecilton, where he has since made his home. For ten years he worked at his trade here under the same man, but in 1869 began in business for himself, and has since built up an excellent trade. His success is certainly commendable, especially when we consider the fact that he commenced without capital or influence, and was obliged to overcome many obstacles before establishing his finances on a firm basis. Much of his money is invested in real-estate in Cecilton, and he has ever been fore- most in promoting enterprises for the benefit of this place.
In 1862, at the age of twenty-four, Mr. Ander- son married Henrietta Register, who was born in District No. 1, Cecil County, and has always resided here. Eight children were born of their union, but death has claimed four of the number: Susan E., Clara, Robert H. and William. The others are Mary E., Henrietta, John and Anna B. The children have been reared in the faith
.
335
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson belong. A few years ago, when the new edifice was erected, hie was treasurer of the building committee having its construction in charge. He has also held the office of steward, and is now superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically he has not allied himself with either of the prominent political parties, but maintains an independence of opinion that finds expression in the support of the best inan for office, irrespective of party ties.
( OSEPH T. ENGLAND. A representative of the class of fariners to whom the world is indebted for its prosperity, Mr. England is pursuing his choseu calling with energy and per- severance. In every movement that is likely to advance the material and moral welfare of the people of Cecil County, he is always ready to bear liis part, and for many years he has been con- nected with the agricultural development of District No. 9. Having followed farming throughout his entire life, he has acquired a thorough practical knowledge of all its depart- ments and has become known as one of the suc- cessful farmers of the vicinity. He is the owner of the old family homestead, which consists of three hundred and fifteen acres, and contains all the improvements so necessary to the proper mail- agement of a first class estate.
On the property that now belongs to him, Mr. England was born in 1821, being a son of Isaac, and grandson of John, and great-grandson of Samuel England, who in turn was the son of an Englishman, the founder of the family in Amer- ica. Isaac England was born on the homestead, to the cultivation of which he gave all the years of his active life. Though having few opportun- ities, he yet was a well-informed man, and his sound common sense was visible in all his actions. Politically he advocated Democratic principles. His life was prolonged to an age at-
tained by few and was brought to a close when he was ninety-two years and seven months. His wife, Maria, was a daughter of Reuben Haines, of District No. 9, and they were the parents of five children, namely: Hannah P., Joseph T., Reuben H., Mary E. (deceased) and Deboralı.
From the age of eighteen, when he completed his education. Joseph T. England gave his atten- tion to farin work. He has known no other home 'than his present place, and its excellent condition bears testimony to his energy and good judgment. He keeps abreast with every advance made in agriculture and has placed first-class improvements upon his estate. His political views bring him into sympathy with the Dem- ocratic party and he generally votes for the men and measures brought forward on that ticket. However, he has not been active in political mat- ters, preferring to devote himself to his private duties. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Mary A. Alexander, who is an attendant at the Presbyterian Church. Mr. England's people were of the Quaker faith and were members of the Friends' Church. Their three children are named as follows: Isaac, Leroy and Helen, wife of Clifford Cook, of Lancaster County, Pa.
-
ORBIN GRAFTON has for nearly sixty years made his home upon a farm in Dis- trict No. 3, Harford County, and this tract, which comprises about ninety acres, he still con- tinues to cultivate, Born near his present home, July 31, 1820, he has been a lifelong resident of this locality, and has seen the wonderful changes that cultivation has made in the country. He has seen many people come and go, but what- ever the changes, he has continued his pleasant relations with all, for he is by nature a man who easily makes and retains friends.
Mr. Grafton represents the fourth generation i:1 descent from the founder of the family in this country, an Englishman, who settled about two iniles from Chestnut Hill. James, father of Cor-
3.36
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bin, and son of William Grafton, was a carpenter by trade, and followed his occupation in this district throughout his whole life. By his mar- riage to . Phoebe Grafton, three children were born, namely: Jesse; Bennett, who died on the old homestead in 1891, at the age of eighty-five; and Corbin. The last-named had few advan- tages when he was a boy, as at an early age he was obliged to begin work for himself. For some time he worked in the employ of various farmers of the neighborhood. Meanwhile he saved his earnings until he was enabled, in 1840, to purchase a farm of his own, and then he bought the place near Chestnut Hill, where he has since resided.
The marriage of Mr. Grafton took place in 1839, his wife being Miss Eliza Ward, a native of Harford County, and a lady of amiable char- acter. Three children came to bless their union. The eldest, Mary, is the wife of Lee Bowman; the only son, James O., resides on the home place, the cultivation of which is now largely in his charge; and the youngest of the family is Margaret C., the widow of Samuel Tucker. The family are identified with the Methodist Protest- ant Church, to the maintenance of which Mr. Grafton contributes. Honest and upright, he gives to all what is due in just measure, and ac- cords to every man what he claims for himself, the right to his own opinions.
ON. T. LITTLETON HANWAY. The name borne by this well-known citizen of Aberdeen is one that is honored throughout the entire extent of Harford County. The fam- ily has been an influential one in this part of the state, where three successive generations have re- sided, each contributing to the growth and de- velopment of local interests, and giving to their community men of energy, industry and wise judgment. Under all circumstances they have borne their part as law-abiding citizens, whose aim it has been to promote the welfare of county
and state. Nor has the subject of our sketch been less active in this respect than other mem- bers of the family. His influence and promi- nence may be judged, not alone from the fact that he has for years been a successful merchant of Aberdeen, but even more from the fact that he has been chosen by the people of his district to represent them in the legislature of the state.
In 1846, when the present village of Aberdeen was known by the name of Hall's Cross Roads, the subject of this sketch was born here, to the union of Thomas and Sarah Ann (Keen) Han- way. His father was born and reared in Dis- trict No. 4, Harford County, and when a young man came to Aberdeen, where he opened a gen- eral mercantile store, though at the same time continuing as a farmer. In 1847 he removed to Creswell, District No. 1, where he was engaged in merchandising and farming until his death, at sixty-five years of age. While he never cared to hold public office, he was well posted regard- ing current events and was a stanch Democrat. From his father, who was an Englishman, he inherited the determination of will characteristic of that race, and doubtless it was due to this quality that he became well-to-do. His wife, who was born in what is now Aberdeen, is still living in this village, and at the age of eighty- three, is in possession of her mental and physical faculties.
Educated in the public schools and the academy at Bel Air, the subject of this sketch, at the age of twenty, went to Wilmington, Del., where he became a clerk in the leather department of the manufactory of H. S. McCombs. After a year there the firm transferred him to Philadelphia, where he remained eighteen months. Return- ing to Harford County, for two years he was employed as clerk in a store at Michaelsville, and from that village came to Aberdeen in 1870, pur- chasing Jacob J. Gallion's store, which he still owns and has since conducted. A decided Demo- crat in politics, he held the office of postmaster at Aberdeen under the first administration of President Cleveland. In 1895 he was elected a member of the legislature, and during his service iii that body was a member of the committees 011
2.
337
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
elections and inspection. His other interests have been important and he has been foremost in plans looking to the benefit of Aberdeen. He has been president, vice-president and a director of the First National Bank, secretary and treasurer of the Aberdeen Land Company and a director in the Aberdeen Canning Company. In the Presbyterian Church to which he belongs, he holds the office of trustee. In January, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Libbie A. Morgan, of Aberdeen. They are the parents of four children: Stanley, who is employed as book- keeper in the bank at this place; Carroll, Walter and Lillian.
OSEPH W. REYNOLDS, M. D. The sub- ject of this sketch, who is one of the oldest practicing physicians of Cecil County, has been for many years devoted to his profession, and has achieved much more than the average meed of success. While engaging in general practice, he has, however, made a specialty of the treatment of cancer. This dread disease, so insidious in its approach and so deadly in its con- sequences, for ages defied all forms of treatment, and only within modern times has it been success- fully mastered. Believing the use of the knife to be fatal to the patient, Dr. Reynolds has adopted a plan and method of treatment whereby the cancer is drawn out, rendering an operation unnecessary. Out of over one thousand cases that he has treated, lie has lost less than seventy- five, and doubtless these could have been suc- cessfully removed had treatment been sought in time. Certainly humanity owes a debt of grati- tude to the persevering, skillful physicians, who have through so many years and with such untiring patience sought to conquer the disease.
While making the practice of medicine his call- ing and an answer to the summons of his patients a duty, Dr. Reynolds has found time and oppor- tunity to superintend the management of the farm on which he resides, and which is situated at Mt.
Pleasant, in District No. S. As a matter of rec- reation from the cares of his profession, he gives some attention to the cultivation of his estate, and in this, as in his profession, he has been prospered. For four years he had an office in Baltimore, but still retained his residence on the farm, preferring rural life on account of its healthfulness and con- veniences.
Born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1834, Dr. Reynolds is a son of Josiah and Mary (Swagert) Reynolds, also natives of that county. His grandfather, Samuel, who came to Lancaster County from the northern part of the state, -was a descendant of John Reynolds, one of three brothers who came to America from England, settling in Pennsylvania. Josiah Reynolds re- mained a continuous resident of Lancaster County until death, and there followed the trade of a pot- ter, and the occupation of a farmer. Politically he was a Republican, and in local affairs wielded considerable influence. He died in 1887, at the age of eighty-four, and his remains are interred in East Land cemetery. His eight children are named as follows: Kirk S., who resides in Christiana, Pa .; Joseph W., of this sketch; Me- lissa; Anna E., wife of Morris Reynolds; Andrew, " living in Harford County; Tyson, who remains on the old homestead; Hannah, wife of Philip Carter, of Ohio; and Alice, Mrs. Thomas Brown, of Liberty Grove, Cecil County.
After the conclusion of his literary studies our subject spent five years at home, assisting in the cultivation of the farm. At the same time he studied medicine under Dr. Wood. In 1856 he married Margaret A. Tucker, of Baltimore, and about the same time came to Cecil County. He and his wife are the parents of eleven children now living, namely: Kirk E .; Elmer, who is station agent at Burmont, Del .; Anna; Eli, a druggist at Rising Sun; Mary, Arthur, Walter, Alva, Margaret; Alfred, who is in the drug bus- iness with his brother in Rising Sun; and Stella, who is the youngest of the family. The family are identified with the Friends' Church and exem- plify in their lives the beautiful teachings of this society. Whatever part Dr. Reynolds takes in politics is to the advantage of the Republican
338
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
party, of which he is a supporter. He has never indulged in politics with a view to becoming a seeker after the spoils of office, and whatever ac- tivity he has displayed has been through purely patriotic motives. He is a liberal-minded citizen and warmly endorses all projects that will pro- mote the welfare of the district.
2 ATRICK BOYLE. A large proportion of the farmers of Cecil County have labored on the maxim that "a rolling stone gathers no moss," and have wisely clung to the associations of youth and the old family homesteads. Among this number is Mr. Boyle, who, though not an occupant of the farin where he was born, lives only about a mile from that place, and carries on general agricultural pursuits in the midst of the surroundings familiar to him from childhood and among the people known to him from earliest years. It was in 1870 that he bought the old Love farm, comprising one hundred acres and pleasantly situated in District No. 8. Here the ensuing years were busily passed in the raising of crops and other work incident to life upon a farm; and here he is still living, surrounded by the comforts his industry has rendered possible.
Born in 1830, the subject of this sketch is a son of Patrick and Hannah ( Harland) Boyle. The first of the family in Cecil County was his grandfather, Patrick, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America about 1730 and made settlement upon the property now owned by Jolin E. Boyle. His principal occupation in life was that of a tailor and much of his time was spent along that line of business. The father of our subject engaged in farming upon the homestead, where he died at the age of eighty-four years. By his marriage to Hannah Harland, who died at seventy-two years, he had a family of eiglit children, four of whom are living, namely: Jolin, Granville, Cromwell and Patrick. The last- named was educated in the comn1011 . schools,
which, however, were of a character greatly in- ferior to those of the present day. When still quite young he was obliged to discontinue his studies and assist in the cultivation of the farm. Remaining with his father until twenty-four years of age, lie then hired ont to work for a farmer and was employed by others for five years. After his marriage to Sarah J. Hill, of District No. 8, lie and his wife set up housekeeping, rent- ing the .Andrew Lowe place. For eight years he worked in the iron quarries, and afterward, re- ceiving the appointment of road commissioner, he devoted much of his time for four years to the duties of this office, thoughi he carried on a small farm besides. In 1870 lie bought the farm where he has since resided and where he engages in general farming.
In addition to the office of road commissioner, which, as already stated, Mr. Boyle held for four years, he has been judge of elections. In poli- tics he is a decided Democrat, always stanch in his allegiance to party principles. His family consists of two children; Steward L., of Phila- delphia, and Hannah M., at home. As a repre- sentative citizen of Cecil County, whose industry and good judgment have surmounted the ob- stacles that stand in the way to success, and a progressive citizen, he is worthy of the respect so universally accorded him.
D. M. HOWARD is a native of the county, his birth occurring in Elkton, April 28, 1838, and there he grew to manhood. His early education, which was acquired in the pub- lic schools of that city, was supplemented by a course in the schools of New London, Pa., and he completed his literary training in St. Timothy's and St. John's College.
On starting out in life for himself, Mr. Howard engaged in the lumber business at Elkton from 1855 until 1868, and he served as grain inspector at Baltimore in 1876 and 1877. Subsequently lie was connected with the Maryland Live Stock
-
339-340
ABRAM P. MCCOMBS.
34I
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Scales Company until 1881, when he removed to Philadelphia, engaging 'in the real-estate busi- ness until 1888. He was similarly employed at Atlantic City, N. J. until his removal to the farm of his stepson, C. Monteith Gilpin, in 1893, since which time he has lived retired. As a business man he possessed more than ordinary ability, was energetic, enterprising and pro- gressive, and met with a well-deserved success in his undertakings. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat.
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.