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 39
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 39
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
The advantages given Mr. Crawford in boy- hood were those common to the aristocratic fami- lies of the central south, prior to the war. It is said of him that when a youthi he was one of the most popular young men in his neighborhood, and this quality of winning and retaining friends remained one of his principal characteristics through life. At the outbreak of the late war he was living quietly at the old homestead in Middle- town, engaged in general farming. His sympa-
active service, becoming a member of Company B. First Maryland Cavalry, under Capt. George M. Emack and Col. Ridgley Brown. In all the engagements of the First he bore a valiant part and was one of those who "rode with Stuart." It was the testimony of his comrades that under fire lie was calm and collected, never evincing any excitement, even when peril was greatest. His regiment was ordered to General Ewell's Corps to . lead the advance into Pennsylvania in 1863, and was in the tliree days' battle at Gettysburg. During the retreat, on the night of the 4th of July, while guarding a part of Ewell's wagon train, they held in check for more than two hours a brigade of Federal cavalry, for which they re- ceived meritorious mention from General Lee in his report of the campaign. They participated in the disastrous valley skirmishes of 1864, and dur- ing that tinic he was one of a force of men, under Sergeant Tunis, who succeeded in burning a bridge, despite the efforts of a company of Federal cavalry to dislodge them. Returning home at the close of the war, Mr. Crawford resumed farm work. When about forty years of age, April 30, 1873, he married Miss Margaret Price, with whom he lived happily until his death came to separate them. His home was on a farm in District No. I, Cecil County, and it was while superintending some of the farm work that he succumbed to heart disease. Returning from the barn to the house, he sank into a chair near the fire, shivered as from cold, and in an instant was dead. He was buried from St. Francis Xavier Church, which he joined after his marriage. Besides his widow, he left a son, Charles, a capable and well-educated young man, who succeeds to the management of the estate.
Mrs. Crawford was born March 10, 1839, upon the farm where she now lives. Her parents, John V. and Anın (Nowland) Price, were natives of Cecil County and had a family of four children, namely: Thomas, Susanna, Margaret C., and John N., deceased. . She received a good educa- tion, which fitted her for the responsibilities of life, and at an early age became a member of the Roman Catholic Church, with which she has since
348
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been connected. Her father was a soldier in the War of IS12, and she is justly proud of the fact that both lie and her husband were brave soldiers, with the courage to fight for what they believed was right. Among the people of District No. 1, she has many warm friends, to whom she is endeared by her many noble traits of character.
5 2
13 AVID A. MACKIE. The farming commu- nity of Cecil County recognizes in Mr. Mackie one of its leading inen, a citizen prosperous and public spirited, and favorably known by the people of the locality. He owns and operates eighty acres lying in District No. 4, near the place where, in 1848, his eyes first opened to the light, Of his parents, John and Catherine (Andrews) Mackie, mention is made in the sketch of J. Alfred Mackie, which appears elsewhere in this volume. He and his brothers were well edu- cated and are following the example set by their honored father, as good and useful members of the community, having contributed in no small degree to the encouragement of various enter- prises calculated to benefit the people, socially, morally and financially.
On the farm where his brother Arthur resides, the subject of this sketch was born, and there his earlier years were uneventfully passed, his educa- tion being obtained in the neighboring district schools. After leaving school he turned his atten- tion to the cultivation of the home farm, in which work he assisted his brothers, J. Alfred, Franklin T. and Arthur A. The place consisted of about four hundred and fifty acres, and upon the death of the father it was divided among the children. About 1870 our subject purchased the Dr. Brook- ens farm that adjoins a portion of the old home- stead, and here lie has since engaged in general farming pursuits. Although a steadfast Demo- crat, he has taken no part in politics other than to cast his vote at local and national elections. His family attend the Rock Presbyterian Church, in the welfare of which, though not a member,
he is deeply interested, believing that the progress of a community depends upon the honest, upright Christian character of its people. Fraternally he is connected with New London Lodge No. 218, K. of P., Lewisville, Pa., and is also a member of Little Elk Tribe of Red Men of Cherry Hill.
In 1869 Mr. Mackie was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia J. Read, daughter of Walden and Martha L. Read, and a native of District No. 5, where the years of girlhood were passed. She has been a most efficient helpmate to her husband in all his undertakings and has contributed to securing the financial success that has marked his career. They are the parents of an only son, Arthur A., who is now traveling for a tobacco firm. Mr. Mackie takes quite an active interest in everything that will tend to the improvement of the district, and by his upright life has gained the esteem of those around him. Intelligent and of good principles, he is regarded with respect by his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and his wife shares in their good-will.
=
EORGE W. POIST. For many years this gentleman has been connected with the agri- cultural interests of Cecil County, and as the result of his untiring labors, his ambition, his energy and well-directed effort, he is to-day the possessor of a handsome competence and a good farm, where, in the midst of his family, he is sur- rounded with all the comforts that go to make life worth the living. A native of the Keystone State, he was born in Lancaster County, at Co- lumbia, on the roth of May, 1834, and for nine years remained at that place. In 1843 he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Baltimore County, Md., where Mr. Poist lived until eighteen . years of age. Through the three succeeding years he was a resident of the city of Baltimore, and served an apprenticeship to the butclier's trade, in which he became very proficient. On the ex- piration of that period he removed to Colora and established a meat market, which he has since
349-350
5
ALEXANDER HAMILTON GEORGE.
351
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
successfully conducted. He now enjoys a good trade, which has come to him as the reward of his honorable dealing and straightforward bus- iness methods and his courteous treatment of his patrons. In addition to this industry he has other property interests, including two farms in District No. 6, Cecil County. One tract com- prises fifty-four acres of land, and his home farm enibraces sixty-three acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and yields to him a good re- turn for the care and labor bestowed upon it.
In 1856 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Poist and Miss Elizabeth A. White, who was born on the farm where he now resides. They have a family of six children: Mary, George H., Charles D., Annie C., Fannie and Harry, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Mr. Poist and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church of West Nottingham, and by his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democracy. His life is an honorable and useful one, actuated by unselfish motives, and he has thereby won the confidence and esteem of many friends.
LEXANDER HAMILTON GEORGE, of Elk Neck, is postmaster and proprietor of the general store in this village. No resi- dent of the place has been of greater value as a citizen than he. His life and character are worthy of emulation by those who, like himself, must be the architects of their own fortunes. He is very unostentatious, a plain, practical man of affairs, with the sound common sense necessary to success in any department of activity, and with the energy that almost invariably brings its possessor prosperity. The name which he bears was given him in honor of his ancestor, Alex- ander Hamilton, illustrious in the annals of his- tory, and among his most prized possessions is the gold watch worn by that statesman at the time he was killed in the duel with Aaron Burr.
The grandfather of our subject, Anthony
George, was born in Cuba and in early manhood came to the United States, settling in Phila- delphia. However, much of his time was spent upon the ocean, as he was a sea captain by occu- pation. He was an intimate friend of the phil- anthropist, Stephen Girard. In religious belief he was a Catholic and his children were reared in that faith. His son, Anthony, Jr., was born in Philadelphia, and there engaged in the manu- facture of block tin metal cups and saucers, dying in Cecil County at the age of seventy-six, in 1892. A Whig in politics, he took no interest in official matters, but contented himself with de- positing his ballot at elections. He married Lucinda, daughter of Alexander Hamilton, and · member of one of the oldest families of America; she attained a very advanced age, dying in 1889. Of her four children, two are living, the subject of this sketch and Louisa, who resides in Cecil County.
In the city of Philadelphia Alexander Hamilton George was born April 20, 1833. When he was a child he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to a farm near Elk Neck, on the Elk River. His education was obtained principally in the schools of Philadelphia and Mt. Holly, N. J. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the trade of a machinist and was thus employed for six years. At Philadelphia, July 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-third Pennsyl- vania Infantry, and took part in eighteen of the en- gagements of the war, being discharged September 8, 1864, at the expiration of his period of service. At once after his return home he opened a store at Elk Neck, and this he has since carried on, besides having charge of the post office. He was appointed postmaster in July, 1864, under the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and has per- haps held his commission longer than any one now in the service. In addition to his home in Elk Neck he owns property in North East and has an interest in the old homestead, which is now occupied by his sister. In politics he is inde- pendent, in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally is identified with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. April 20, 1882, he was united in marriage with
13
352
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mary A., daughter of James Clark, of Elk Neck. They are the parents of three children, Louis O., Harriet Lucinda and A. Hamilton.
Starting out in life a poor boy, without means or influential friends to aid him, Mr. George has made his own way in . the world. and by honest methods has gradually advanced until he is now well-to-do. His honorable way of doing business commends him to the people, among whom he has built up an excellent trade.
1
.
OSEPH K. LEVIS. The life of this gentle- man has been marked by energy and perse- verance, and his well-directed efforts have been rewarded by the accumulation of a valuable property. For forty years he owned and oper- ated a grist and saw mill in Cecil County, and still has in his possession the plant, which, how- ever, is now conducted by his son, while he is living practically retired from business. His home is situated in District No. 4, where he is well and favorably known. He was born in this county, near Rock Springs, August 28, 1833, and is a son of Norris Levis, who came to this country and settled in District No. 3 when a young man, removing hither from Delaware County, Pa. For fifty years or more he engaged in the manu- facture of paper and was proprietor of a paper mill that brought him in a profitable income. He was a supporter of the Democratic party and its principles. While he never sought public office, he was chosen by his fellow-citizens to serve as county commissioner and acted in other local positions of trust. He took an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of thedistrict and county, and certainly deserves men- tion among the representative men of the locality. Through energy he achieved a success that ranked him among the substantial men of this community. His death occurred here in 1875, when he was seventy-nine years of age. By his marriage to Eliza Kirk, of Cecil County, he became the father of nine children, and six of
these are now living, namely: Joseph K., of this sketch; Eliza, widow of I. D. Carter; Amelia K .. who married Slater B. Russell, of West Chester; Robert C., residing in Elkton; Harriet, wife of V. R. Alexander and a resident of Lancaster, Pa. ; and Mary, wife of A. W. Mitchell, of Elkton.
When our subject was a boy the schools were not as good as those of the present day, and his education was therefore limited, at least in regard to school attendance, but through reading and observation he has become well informed. For a time he was connected with his father in the mannfacture of paper, but his principal business has been the operation of the grist and saw mill he still owns. He has also been interested in the flour business. A Democrat, he is true at all times to the interests of his party. His marriage in 1863 united him with Anna M. Armstrong, daughter of Walter Armstrong, and they have four children. Norris, who is now in charge of the mill, married Miss May W. Kessler, of Pensacola, Fla., and they have one son, Norris K .; Eliza, wife of D. E. Weston, of Philadelphia, has two children, Levis Belknap and Elizabeth; Emma A. is the wife of Dr. David Mackey, of Lewisville, Pa., and has two children, David Levis and Barton Hurst; William is in Philadelphia. In the Rock Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Levis and his wife are members, he has been trustee and treasurer, and contributed, while the incumbent of these offices, to the financial over- sight and business management of the church.
HRISTOPHER WILSON, now living re- tired, is a prominent citizen of Darlington, and is a representative of one of the old and distinguished families of Harford County. About 1760 John Wilson, our subject's great-grand- father, left his early home in England to come to America, and first located in York County, Pa .. but subsequently removed to Stafford, Harford County, where he was associated in business with the Stump Brothers, under the firm name of
353
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ..
Wilson & Stump. His father, Christopher Wil- son, a celebrated Quaker preacher, whose home was in Yorkshire, England, near the Scottish border, had previously come to Maryland on a visit and was well pleased with the country. His son John being engaged to a Yorkshire girl who was not a member of the Society of Friends, he was opposed to the union and proposed that the son come to the new world. This he agreed to do, and accordingly gave up the young lady and by his father was provided with the means to start in life for himself here. In a sailing-vessel he crossed the Atlantic, landing at the little town of Joppa, on the Gunpowder River. Among the people of the settlement who saw the newcomers arrive was a young lady, Miss Webster, who, when the others were selecting their future husbands, de- cided upon Mr. Wilson, with whom she later became acquainted. Subsequently he made a visit to his native land, and on his return to this coun- try they were married, July 11, 1764. They lo- cated at Stafford, where they spent their remain- ing days, and reared their family of ten children. One of these, Christopher Wilson, the grand father of our subject, was born December 12, 1766, and spent most of his life on the farm now owned by the heirs of Judge Price.
The father of our subject, wlio also bore the name of Christopher Wilson, was born February 25, 1792, near Darlington, in Harford County, and made his home in the same neighborhood throughout life, devoting his energies to agricul- tural pursuits. On attaining to man's estate he married Miss Hettie Smith, who was boru Janu- ary 4, 1794. Her paternal grandfather ran the ferry at Lapidum, which at that time was known as Smith's Ferry. Of the nine children born of this union, one died in infancy, and only four are now living: Mary S., wife of David E. Wilson; Christopher, of this sketch; Edward, a resident of Virginia; and Margaret, widow of Reuben Stump, of Baltimore County. The father de- parted this life March 23, 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife died July 19, 1844.
Mr. Wilson, whose name introduces this review, began his earthily career September 1, 1827, in
Harford County, near Darlington, where he was reared and educated, attending the common, schools, and completing his literary course in the Darlington Academy. For some years he was engaged in farming, and later was employed as clerk and bookkeeper in mercantile establishments here. In 1857 he went to Illinois, where he spent the twenty-one succeeding years in clerical work and grain dealing. Since returning to Darling- ton in 1878, he has practically lived retired, en- joying a well-earned rest, free from the cares and reponsibilities of business life.
December 14, 1880, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Lyon, of Cecil County. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, and occupy a high social position. Dur- ing his residence in Illinois Mr. Wilson was a prominent member of the Masonic order, belong- ing to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and passed all the chairs in the local organiza- tion. His pleasant, genial manner makes him popular with all classes of people, and he well deserves the high regard in which he is univer- sally held.
EORGE S. RITTENHOUSE, M. D., a well- known physician and surgeon, practicing his profession in North East, is a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, and in his subse- quent practice, by his devotion to his work and the careful study and diagnosis of the various diseases that have come under his observation, he has been unusually successful, and has gained quite a reputation as a skilled practitioner.
The doctor was born on the 23d of December, 1856, in Kingwood, Hunterdon County, N. J., fear Frenchtown, but when only four years old was taken by his parents to Philadelphia, where his father, who was also a physician, located to engage in the practice of his profession. There our subject grew to manhood and received his literary education in the public schools. At the
354
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
age of fifteen he began the study of medicine un- der liis father's able direction, and later attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, entering that institution in 1877 and graduating in 1880. Opening an office in Philadelphia, he there en- gaged in practice imtil 1887, when he came to North East, Md., where his skill and ability were soon widely recognized. He now ranks among the most proficient physicians and surgeons of Cecil County, and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.
In October, 1884, Dr. Rittenhouse led to the marriage altar Miss Lida P. Eppelsheimer, and since coming to North East they have made many warm friends. The doctor belongs to the Cecil County Medical Society, the Masonic lodge of Philadelphia, and the Knights of Pythias of North East. He is medical examiner for a nuni- ber of important insurance societies, including the Equitable of New York; the Washington Life; the Baltimore Mutual Aid; the Prudential of Newark, N. J .; the Home Mutual of Baltimore; and the Merchants and Mechanics' of Baltimore. He has won his way in the regard of the people with whom he comes in contact in his daily rounds by his ready tact and kindly sympathy.
OHN McCLEARY. The present standing of Cecil County among the agricultural re- gions of the eastern shore may be attributed to the careful, painstaking labors of the men who for years have conducted general farming pur- suits here. As a representative of this class inention may appropriately be made of Mr. Mc- Cleary, of District No. 4, who, now in the twi- light of his busy, useful life, is in the enjoyment of the fruits of former days of labor, surrounded by the friends of liis earlier years and respected by the younger generation that has succeeded to the active management of affairs. It is with feelings of deepest respect that we look up to those men, advanced in years, whose lives liave been filled withi good deeds and acts of kindness,
and who now stand, like lighthouses on the rocky coast, to warn the young of the dangers that threaten to engulf them. In their long lives . they have seen many changes in the surrounding country. The years that have slipped from them as noiselessly as the autumn leaves drop in the forest have not been uneventful ones, but have been characterized by marked improvements and advances in every realm of activity, and their part in this development is no small one.
In the neighboring state of Delaware the birth of Jolin McCleary took place in 1814. His fam- ily is of Irish origin, the first of the name to come to America being his father, Jolm McCleary, a shoemaker by trade, and thus engaged in his na- tive land and in Delaware and Fair Hill, Md. He spent two years in Pennsylvania and in 1817 came to Cecil County and settled in the central part of District No. 4, where his remaining years were passed. In the days when political excitement ran high and party strife often became objection- able, he kept himself posted concerning local matters and national issues, but never took any part in political contests, preferring to give his time wholly to his trade. He voted the Demo- cratic ticket and supported its principles. By his marriage to Ann Robinson he had nine children, of whom four are now living, namely: John, of this sketch; Mary, wife of Joseph McMaster; William, who lives in Pennsylvania; and Joseph, of Philadelphia. The father died in Cecil Coun- ty at the age of sixty years.
The family not being well-to-do and schools being inferior, our subject's education was limited. He did not have the opportunities that fall to the lot of most boys of this generation, but from early days was obliged to earn his own livelihood. Under his father's instruction he learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed in this district and other places. However, about 1847 he bought his present farm of about sixty acres and afterward gave less attention to shoemaking, as he preferred agricultural pursuits. Imbibing from his father Democratic opinions, he early be- came an advocate of that party, but on the or- ganization of the Republican party he identified himself with it, and has since voted for its men and
C
355
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
measures. For two years or more he was super- visor and has also served in the office of judge of elections, but of late years has been less active in public affairs than formerly. His family are con- nected with the Rock Presbyterian Church and take an active part in. religious enterprises.
October 1, 1839, occurred the marriage of John McCleary to Miss Elizabeth Gallagher. Nine chil- dren were born of this union, and all but two are still living. They are named as follows: Mary H., who is the wife of William Hughes and lives in Elkton; Annie, Mrs. David McMaster; Melissa, wife of Williani Kerr, of Pennsylvania; Elmira, who married William Younker; Emma, Mrs. Edward Taylor; Theodore F., who has relieved his father of the active management of the liome farm and now superintends its cultivation; and Robert J., a farmer of District No. 4.
T. MILLER, a representative and pronl- inent farmer, residing in District No. 3, Cecil County, was born in the same dis- trict, November 9, 1821, and is a worthy descend- ant of one of the honored pioneer families of the county. His great-grandfather, Thomas Miller, a native of Ireland, located near the present home of our subject on crossing the Atlantic to the new world, and in Cecil County, the grandfather, Thomas Miller, first opened his eyes to the light. The latter was for forty years a prominent min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1813 he purchased a tract of land in District No. 3, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring at the ripe old age of seventy-nine years.
In that district the father of our subject, Thom- as Miller,. was born and reared. He married Miss Ann Simpers, a daughter of William Sim- pers, who was of English descent and also one of the early settlers of Cecil County. Eiglit chil- dren were born of this union, as follows: W. T., of this review; Sarah, who married Franklin
Mearns, but is now deceased; Rachel, now the wife of Andrew Cameron, a resident of Zion, Ce- cil County; John W., who is now living retired at Cherry Hill, the same county; Rebecca, wife of Joseph W. Nowland; Samuel, a resident of Avondale, Chester County, Pa .; Catherine, wife of William A. Miller, a farmer living near Bay View, in Cecil County; and Joseph, who died in infancy.
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.