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 41
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 41
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As a man of genuine public spirit, Mr. Baker interests himself in everything that will in any way promote the welfare of Aberdeen, and con- tributes liberally toward all plans for improve- inent. A careful and conscientious business man, he has endeavored to adhere strictly to the dic- tates of his own conscience in matters both of a public and private nature, and has won the respect of his fellow-citizens.
LLIS J. TUCKER. Among the energetic and progressive farmers of Harford County none is more deserving of mention than the subject of this sketchi, whose fine farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres is pleasantly situated on the Susquehanna River at the mouth of Deer Creek, and six miles above Havre de Grace. He is a native of the county, born at Forest Hill, in 1831, and is a son of David Tucker. His paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of David, came from Bucks County, Pa., and located at Forest Hill about 1810, here spending his remaining days. Of his three sous David was the second in order of birth, and was a lad of about ten years when lie accont-
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panied his parents to their new home in Harford County. In 1840 he succeeded to the old home- stead where Mrs. Margaret Tucker now resides. By occupation he was a general farmer and devoted his energies principally to the cultivation and improvement of that farm, where almost his entire life was passed. After his marriage, however, he removed to Peach Bottom, York County, Pa., but after spending three years there decided that the old home place in Harford County was good enough for him and accordingly returned. He also made two different trips on horse back to Indiana, where he secured a quarter-section of land and built a cabin, but finally sold out and days.
As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey David Tucker chose Miss Sarah Carter, of Lan- caster County, Pa., and by their marriage they became the parents of eleven children, eight still living, namely: Elizabeth, widow of Amos Ben- son; Sarah, wife of M. Smith, of Illinois; Ellis J .; Jolin C .; Isabel, wife of John Stonebraker; Mary Ann, wife of John Stridehoff; Margaret C., wife of D. Deaver; and David, who married Sarah Stewart and lives at Forest Hill. The father of this family was called to his final rest in 1883, at the age of eighty-three years, and the mother some years afterwards.
In the quiet, uneventful manner of most farmer boys Ellis J. Tucker spent the days of his boy- hood and youth on the old homestead at Forest Hill and obtained his education in the schools of that place. In 1854, at the age of twenty-three, he moved to the Ridgby Hope farm, where he has since continued to reside, and in connection with general farmning makes a specialty of raising fruits for canning.
In 1857 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Tucker and Miss -Melissa E. Reynolds, of Lan- caster County, Pa., a daughter of Josiah and Mary Reynolds. Three children have been born to them: Alva J., born in 1861; Elizabeth, now the wife of Price Hoopes, of Vale, Md .; and Ellis R. The family is one of the highest respecta- bility and is connected with the Society of Friends. Mr. Tucker is a man of the times,
broad minded, public spirited and progressive. His influence is great and always for good, and his goodness, his benevolence, his kindly greeting, will iong be remembered after he has passed to the unseen world.
EREMIAH C. PRICE, Jr. The old home- stead in District No. 1, Cecil County, where Mr. Price has spent his entire life, has been in the possession of the family for five or six gen- returned to liis birthplace to spend his remaining . erations and consists of four hundred acres of land, the most of which is under cultivation. The substantial house that is the family residence is one of the oldest places in the district; there our subject was born, and within its walls, too, the eyes of his grandfather, Fredus Price, first opened to the light. Could the lifeless tiniber speak, many a tale might it tell of the early days when settlers were few and when the improve- ments that are now conspicuous in the county were undreamed of, by even the most sanguine.
Born May 7, 1852, the subject of this sketch is a son of Jeremiah C. and Ellen (Price) Price, also natives of this district. He was one of ten children, of whom, besides himself, only three survive, Eugene, Anna W. and Fredus A. Reared to a knowledge of farm pursuits, he chose for liis life-work the occupation in which his ancestors, almost without exception, had engaged. His education, which was quite thorough, was gained in a Catholic college in Washington, D. C., and in St. Mary's College, at Wilmington, Del., in each of which he was a student for a year and a-half. On leaving college he returned to the homestead and has since resided here, giving his attention to the cultivation of the place. Local enterprises receive his assistance, to the extent of his ability. In politics a strong Democrat, he was elected on that ticket com- missioner of Cecil County and held the office for four years, from 1892 to 1896. He lias also acted efficiently as school trustee of the district.
At the age of twenty-eight Mr. Price married
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Belle Veach, who was born in Delaware, received a good education and is a lady of amiable dispo- sition and an active member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Her great-grandfather, Jolin Veach, founded the family in America, coming to Maryland from Ireland in an early day and set- tling upon a farmi. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Price are Ellen A., Emily, Lindsey, Belle, Anna and Jeremialı C., the latter deceased.
G FORGE WALKER, of the village of Aber- deen, stands high in business circles and has an excellent record. His present position is the result of his ability and wise judgment. Through a life of industry and usefulness, he has been given a position of influence in the com- inunity which all might well desire to share. As a inerchant, it is his aim to be honorable in every transaction; as a citizen, he strives to aid such measures as will advance the welfare of the town; and as a man, he gives liis influence to the cause of justice and morality.
The Walker family has been represented in Harford County for several successive genera- tions. The first of the name to establish a home here was our subject's great-grandfather, George, a native of Scotland, and from early manhood a resident of America, where he probably settled in what is now Harford County. The grand- father, George, was born here and engaged in farming pursuits until old age rendered manual labor impossible. He died at the age of eighty- six. The father, who likewise bore the name of George, was born in Churchville, this county, and spent the greater part of his life near Perry- man, where he owned and operated a farm. He died here at the age of about sixty. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Cole, was born in this county and died here at fifty-eight years of age. Of her three children, Elizabeth was the eldest; and Cornelius died at the age of twenty-seven.
On the home farm the boyhood years of our subject were uneventfully passed. By careful training he was fitted for active contact with the business world, and the habits of industry and perseverance formed in youth, were of the utmost value to him in after years. He was born August 8, 1847, and was about sixteen years of age when he began to clerk in a general store near his home in Perryman. During the seven years spent there he gained a thorough familiarity with his work that fitted him for the manage- ment of an establishment of his own. He then came to Aberdeen where he has since built up an excellent trade among the people of the locality. In June, 1870, he married Miss Anna Russell, of Baltimore, and they have three children: William R., who assists his father in the store, Percival and Marienne L.
Politically Mr. Walker is a Democrat, active and aggressive, and always interested in local and national affairs. His interest, however, has rather been for the good of the country, than through any selfish motive, for he has never been prevailed upon to accept office. Fraternally he is a member of Aberdeen Lodge No. 187, F. & A. M., Concordia Chapter, R. A. M., and Mon- umental Commandery No. 3, K. T., of Baltimore. In religion he is a Presbyterian.
G EORGE A. BAKER. In reviewing the history of any community, there are always a few names that stand out pre-eminently among others, because those who bear theni are men of ability, energy and force of character. Such names and such men add to the prosperity of a place, elevating its moral tone and increasing its commercial importance. Their wealth, put into circulation in the home neighborhood, be- comes a factor in the prosperity of every citizen. Their intelligence is a power that cannot be light- ly estimated.
To this class belongs George A. Baker, one of the most successful business men of Havre de
.
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Grace, where he has resided since 1891. He was born, of remote Scotch descent, in District No. 2, near Aberdeen, Harford County, the son of George W. and Elizabeth (Greenland) Baker. His fa- ther, who was born in District No. 2, spent his entire life on the homestead where he was born, and had the distinction of being the pioneer call- ning packer of this county, which is now the ban- ner canning county in the world. About 1866 he began on a very small scale, somewhat similar to the canning operations of thousands of house- wives all over the land. The fruit was pared, then put into a wash boiler on the stove and cooked until ready for the cans. From that small beginning he worked his way to the ownership of several large canning factories, which he built, and in which were prepared for the market the products of about three thousand acres planted to fruit and corn. He was remarkably successful, when we take into consideration the obstacles he was obliged to overcome and the difficulties that impeded his progress in those early days of the canning industry. In early years he had been a cabinet-maker, and later engaged in the ship timber business, but the enterprise in which lie met with the most marked success was the canning of fruit. Politically he was a Republican, but never took an active part in local conventions or elections. In religion he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He led a very active, busy life until 1887, when a stroke of par- alysis warned him that his earthly career was nearing an end. He died in 1889, at seventy- three years of age.
The grandfather of our subject, Nicholas Bak- er, was born in District No. 2, and was a farmer and country merchant, and quite a prominent man in his day. Our subject's mother was a na- tive of this county, and passed away here in 1897, at the age of seventy-three. Like her husband she was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their family consisted of fif- teen children, but six of these died in infancy. Of the others we note the following: Sarah R. is the wife of Jolin Carty; William B., whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume, is a resi- dent of Aberdeen, Harford County, and is at this
writing a member of congress from the second congressional district of Maryland; Lydia C. mar- ried Wesley Howard; James B., of Aberdeen, is represented upon another page, as is also Charles W .; John H. was the sixth of the family; Susie E. is the wife of C. R. Courtney; Alice C. mar- ried C. Tollinger; and George A. is the youngest.
Reared npon the old homestead, our subject's life has been a busy one from his early youth. When he became of age he assumed the manage- ment of a farm, and in connection with his father, had charge of a canning factory. In this way he gained the experience that has since been so helpful to him. During the latter years of the life of his father, he managed the canning bnsi- ness, and when sickness obliged the founder of the enterprise to withdraw from all active cares, the son was ready to assist in carrying forward the enterprise to the best of his ability. The property was divided among the children, George A. receiving his share. In 1891 he came to Havre de Grace, and has since been the owner and proprietor of two canning factories at Perry- man, which are the largest in the county. These are situated on his valuable farmi near Aberdeen, which, though he still owns, he has not personally operated since 1894. Like his brothers, he uses the brand established by his father, and ships goods throughout the entire country. His prop- erty holdings include the ownership of a fine res- idence in Havre de Grace and large mining inter- ests in Colorado. In 1889 he married Miss Mary W. Sumption, of this place, who presides with graceful hospitality over his elegant home. Fra- ternally he is identified with Aberdeen Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M., of Aberdeen. Politically a Republican, he is one of the prominent members of the party here; and in 1892 was its candidate for congress from the second congressional dis- trict, but, the party being in the minority, he was defeated. Thoughi always active in politics, he has never cared to accept office, and the defeat which he experienced he regretted more on ac- count of his party than himself. He is not in- debted to luck for the measure of success he lias obtained, for, aside from his portion of the family estate, no legacies have descended to him and 110
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accidents have befriended him. His watchword, work, has been the seeret of his suecess, and it stands for a long road and one hard to travel, but he has traversed it perseveringly in youth and has seeured good results.
ACOB T. BIDDLE. Having retired from active participation in the agricultural pur- suits that formerly engaged his attention, Mr. Biddle is spending the elosing years of his life in the enjoyment of the competeney aeeumu- lated by toil in his younger years. The property which he has owned from early manhood and from the rental of which lie derives a good ineone, is situated in District No. 4, Ceeil County, and comprises one hundred and twelve acres of well- cultivated land. In addition to the raising of cereals he gave some attention to the dairy busi- ness, which he found to be profitable and con- genial.
In this county, in District No. 2, Mr. Biddle was born in 1832, being a son of Rensselaer and Mary (Egner) Biddle, natives, respectively, of Distriets Nos. 2 and 3. His father, who in youth learned the miller's trade, devoted some time to that occupation, but afterward transferred his at- tention to farming and in that ealling his remain- ing years were spent. He was a lifelong resident of Cecil County and had many warm friends among the people here. On the organization of the Republican party, being in sympathy with its poliey, he became one of its adherents and ever afterward voted that ticket. He was spared to attain an advanced age, his death oeeurring in 1877, when he was seventy-four. By his marriage to Miss Egner, three children were born, those besides our subjeet being George, deceased; and Mary, wife of David Devlin, Distriet No. 4.
At the age of fifteen, Mr. Biddle discontinued his studies which he had previously carried on in the common schools. From that time he assisted his father until the death of the latter, since which he has had the old homestead in charge, from its
acres reaping bountiful harvests in return for the labor he has bestowed upon them. He has been an industrious, hard-working man and deserves the sueeess he has attained. He has never mar- ried, but while he does not have the domestic ties that form so important a part of most lives, he has a large number of near friends, in whose eom- panionship many happy hours have been spent. The tenets and platform of the Republi- can party he has advocated ever since the incep- tion of that organization. He attends serviees at the Methodist Church and contributes to its main- tenanee. In him the distriet has one of its useful eitizens, a man of shrewd business qualifications, of upright life and generous heart. He is attached by long association to this locality and would exchange it for no other home in the world. . The long stretehes of grain-laden fields; the towns with their busy merchants, their eanning faeto- ries and their little homies; the waters of the bay in the distance, into which flows the old Susque- hanna; and the quiet, happy faces that bespeak a contented, industrious population,-these repre- sent all that is dearest and best on earth to him, and amid the scenes so familiar to him he hopes to quietly pass what may remain to him of life.
G OLDSMITH BOTTS, who is engaged in farming in District No. 2, Harford County, is a native of the locality which is still his home, his birth having oeeurred on the 25th of February, 1837. His parents, John B. and Anna (Miller) Botts, were also natives of the same neighborhood, and spent their entire lives as re- spected farming people of the community. When the country became engaged in the second war with England, the father patriotically responded to the call for troops and aided in the defense of the republic. He made farming his life work and successfully carried on his business until he be- came owner of an extensive and valuable tract of land. His political support was given the Dem- ocracy, but he never sought or desired political
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preferment. His death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years, and his wife passed away at the age of seventy-two. They had a family of six children, three of whom are now deceased, those living being Asel M., Avarilla and Gold- smith.
Mr. Botts, of this review, through his boyhood and youth assisted in the cultivation of the home farin and remained with his father until his death, when he inherited the homestead upon which he has spent his entire life. He here owns sixty acres of rich land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He has good improve- ments upon the place in the way of substantial buildings and has added to it all the accessories and conveniences of a model farin of the nine- teenth century. In all his business dealings he is straightforward and honorable, never taking undue advantage of any one, and has gained thereby not only a comfortable competence, but has also secured the high regard of those with whom he lias been brought in contact.
Mr. Botts married Miss Melissa Gardner, of New York, and they have a family of four chil- dren, three sons and a daughter, namely: Archie M., a farmer of District No. 2, Harford County; Winfield, who also follows farming in the same district; Lester and Libbie, at home. Mr. Botts is a stalwart advocate of Democratic principles and is a public-spirited, progressive citizen.
HOMAS J. CLEAVER. The long period of Mr. Cleaver's residence in Chesapeake City and his equally long connection with the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Company, have brought him into prominence among the business men of the village. Among the towns of Cecil County that of Chesapeake City is known chiefly through the fact that it is the western terminus of the canal, which connects it with Delaware City. Therefore those who liave been connected with the canal company have also been very influential in the advancement of the
village, and of these inen Mr. Cleaver is one. Beginning in their employ in a humble position, where the wages were very small, he gradually worked his way to increased responsibilities and larger salary, and now for many years has been collector at this point. In June, 1896, he was appointed superintendent and now holds botli positions.
The son of Peter and Anna (Jeffreys) Cleaver, natives of Pennsylvania, the subject of this sketch was born December 15, 1836, in Newcastle County, Del. His father, who was a member of the Society of Friends, was consistent in adhering to the rules of that sect, until their removal to Delaware, when they united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He devoted the principal por- tion of his life to agricultural pursuits, and dicd at seventy years of age. The wife and motlier died when fifty years old. Their son, our sub- ject, was reared upon the home farm and received a common-school education, supplemented by one year of study in the Newcastle Academy. In IS49 he accompanied his parents to District No. 2, Cecil County, settling upon a farm, where he continued to reside until twenty-one years of age. Returning to Newcastle, he attended school for one ycar and then secured a clerkship in a country store, where he remained for two years and three months. His wages for the first year were $10 per month; for the second $15 per month, and it was arranged that he was to receive $20 the third year, but on account of failing health he was obliged to resign the position. The president of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Company, being one of his personal friends, gave him a position as clerk in the collector's office at Chesa- peake City, and he came here in August, 1858. After being at this place for two months his salary was raised, and his greatly improved health en- abled him to better discharge liis duties. At the expiration of the first year of his connection with the company, his salary was made $50 per monthi, and after four years it was raised to $60, and in 1874 anotlier advance was made to $70. He re- mained in the collector's office until October, 1879, when he was appointed collector at this terminus of the eanal. In June, 1896, he became
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WILLIAM T. WARBURTON.
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superintendent of the entire canal, a position of great responsibility, but one which lie is capable of filling satisfactorily. He is also part owner and in charge of two tugs and three barges at this port.
January 12, 1862, Mr. Cleaver was united in marriage with Cornelia H. Karsner, daughter of Daniel and Eleanor Karsner, and sister of Dr. Karsner, mentioned upon another page of this volume. Three children were born to bless the union, but two died in infancy. The only one now living is Harry Archer Cleaver, M. D., to whoni every educational advantage was given, and who graduated from Wesleyan University and Chester Military Academy. He then spent one year in the medical department of Columbia College of New York City, and later was for three years in the medical department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. After receiving his de- gree, for about two years he at different times filled vacancies in various hospitals, and is now employed as resident physician in the Episcopal Hospital of Philadelphia. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver are identified with the Presbyterian Church, and are attendants at its services.
ILLIAM T. WARBURTON. The prac- tice of banking and the establishment of banks belongs entirely to the modern world. The first bank which the civilized world boasted was the bank of Venice, which was founded in II57. According to some authorities, it was founded in consequence of a loan which the state had felt the necessity of raising in order to carry on a war. At the settlement of this coun- try the colonists brought over with them the financial theories and practices which prevailed at the time in the mother country. The first bank established was at Boston in 1784. From that year to this there has been a steady growth in the volume and importance of the banking business,. and now these financial institutions may be found in every town of any size. One of the reliable
banks of Cecil County is the Second National, of Elkton, of which Mr. Warburton has been presi- dent since the time of its organization. He is a capable financier and has placed the finances of the concern upon a firmi basis, thereby gaining the confidence of the business men of this locality.
Not only is Mr. Warburton known as presi- dent of the Second National Bank, but also as an able attorney and successful practitioner at the bar. His business interests, too, are important. He is president of the Elkton Electric Light & Power Company, that is doing so much for the improvement of the place. He is a director in the Singerly Pulp and Paper Mills of Elkton and a director in the Lancaster, Cecil & Southern Railroad Company, both of which are aiding in promoting the growth of Elkton; also president of the Maryland Water Company and president of the Citizens' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Cecil County. For all the corporations with which he is connected, he holds the posi- tion of attorney. Educational matters receive a due proportion of his time and he is now a trustee in the Elkton Academy.
The life of a man so intimately connected with the history and business interests of Elkton will be of general interest. Mr. Warburton was born on a farm near Bay View, District No. 9, Cecil County, July 16, 1852, the son of William T. and Elizabeth (McCauley) Warburton. His fa- ther, who was born on the home farm in 18og and died there in 1885, spent the intervening years in the occupation of a farmer, in which he met with success. Fraternally he was a Mason, in religious belief a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in public affairs promi- nent and active. His father, Thomas Warbur- ton, who was an Englishman by birth and a direct descendant of Bishop Warburton of Gloucestershire, England, came to America in young manhood and settled upon a farm in Cecil County, where he engaged in farming and also ministerial work as a local Methodist preacher. He died in 1857, at the age of eighty-four years. He had only one son, William T.
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