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 44
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 44
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politics he adhered to Democratic principles. His death occurred in a hospital in Philadelphia in 1876, when he was fifty-nine years of age. He married Elizabeth Rudolph, of Delaware County, daughter of William Rudolph and member of a well-known family of that locality. They became the parents of five children, but only two survive, Joli R., and Mary A., wife of J. E. Dougherty, of Delaware County.
Delaware County, Pa., was our subject's native place, and October 2, 1843, the date of his birth. He was educated in the schools of the liome neighborhood and in Crittenden's Commercial Col- lege, Philadelphia, where he completed the course at the age of twenty-four. In 1861 he enlisted as a member of Company F, Ninety-first Pennsyl- vania Infantry, and remained in the army for four years, meanwhile holding a commission as first lieutenant of his company and as adjutant of the regiment. He was present at the siege of Freder- icksburg and took an active part at Chancellors- ville and Gettysburg, as well as in the other en- gagements of the army of the Potomac. He was wounded at Fredericksburg July 10, 1865, and again at Jerusalem Plank Road, where a shell struck him in the face. On his return to Dela- ware County at the close of the war, his father gave lini a position as bookkeeper and he soon ob- tained a financial interest in the concern, remain- ing there about seven years. He then accepted an appointment as assistant assessor of internal revenue for the Seventh District, Twenty-fifth Division of Pennsylvania, in which capacity he was employed for one year. His next venture was in the mercantile business at Clifton Heights, Delaware County, but after three years there he sold out and went to Armstrong County, Pa., where he was chosen secretary to the president of the Grant Pipe Company. Several years were thus passed, when he became secretary and treas- urer of the Parker City Oil Exchange of Arm- strong County, Pa., and while holding that posi- tion he was also treasurer of the town of Parker and treasurer of the board of directors of the poor. Later he was manager and bookkeeper for
In 1870 Mr. Allen married Sarah D. Hall, of Delaware County, Pa., daughter of James C. Hall. Their children are named as follows: Frederick H., who carries on the home farm; Bessie I., Mattie D., James C., Rudolph S. and Thomas C. The family are identified with Zion Presbyterian Church. In fraternal connections he is a member of Chester Lodge of Masons at Chester, Pa .; Media Chapter, R. A. M., in which he has held several offices; and Pittsburg Commandery No. I, K. T.
EORGE SIMCOE. Especial interest attaches to the histories of the families that have been identified with the advancement of Maryland from a very early period of its settle- ment. Their first representatives in the state laid the foundation upon which later generations builded. They bore the hardships and endured all the privations of pioneer life. The traveler to-day, as he passes through the state, comforta- bly ensconced in a palace car, looks out upon either side on cities and towns, churches and schoolhouses, and finely cultivated plantations. But the pioneer who sought a home here a cen- tury or more ago, braved the dangers from attacks by hostile Indians and tories and had experiences that are but little understood or ap- preciated at this late day.
The records show that the first member of the Simcoe family who came to America was George, a felt-maker by trade, and first a resident of Queen Anne County, Md., but after 1720 a farmer
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of Cecil County, where he purchased two hun- dred acres of land. From Johnson's history of Cecil County we quote as follows:
" The first settlement in Cecil County was made in 1658, upon the farm which for more than a century and a-half has been in the possession of the Simcoe family of this county. This farm. may be found on the map of the county and is located a short distance northwest of Carpenter's Point fishery. It appears from papers in the possession of George Simcoe, of Bay View, the present owner of the farm, that it was part of a tract of four hundred acres taken up and patented on the 20th of July, 1658, by one William Carpenter."
This George Simcoe who founded the family in Cecil County was a Scotchman by birth and pos- sessed the perseverance and uprightness charac- teristic of the Scotch people the world around. His son, William, father of our subject, was born at Carpenter's Point, the old homestead in District No. 5, and upon attaining manhood engaged for himself in farming pursuits. A popular citizen and a prominent man of affairs, he supported Whig principles and by his party was elected to the state legislature in 1840, serving in that capacity with satisfaction to all. In the days when the popular cry was "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," he gave his influence toward the election of General Harrison and was active in the campaign. For years he was a trustee and steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he belonged. He married Rebecca Cazier, who was born in Cecil County, of Irish descent; she was a daughter of Capt. Thomas Cazier, an officer in the state militia and a soldier in the War of 1812. The marriage resulted in the birth of thirteen children, of whom three are. living, our subject being the eldest. J. S. is a resident of North East; and Louisa J., Mrs. Manley, makes her home in Elkton.
At the old homestead in District No. 5, the subject of this sketch was born July 13, 1822, and he has been a lifelong resident of the locality. His education was obtained in the country schools and West Nottingham Academy. While still quite young he established domestic ties, choos-
ing as his wife Miss Elizabeth Poinsett, member of an old New Jersey family. The young couple at once settled on a farm located in what is now the center of North East, and this place Mr. Simcoe carried on for some years. Meantime' he also became interested in merchandising and the lumber business, in which, as in agriculture, he inet with fair success. After twenty-eight years in the one place, he sold out to his son, William H., and moving to Bay View, settled upon the farm of two hundred and forty-seven acres where he has since made his home. The supervision of this property he oversees, and by his judicious management it has proved remunerative. The attractive family residence is presided over by his wife, and two of their children still remain with them, brightening their declining days by their devotion. Of the seven originally in the family five are living, namely: William H., of North East; Benjamin P. and C. Annie, who are with their parents; Thomas C., a resident of Allen- town, Pa .; and Lulu R., wife of E. A. Gillespie, of Nottingham, Pa. Politically Mr. Simcoe is a. Democrat and in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition to his farm he has considerable property in North East.
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ILLIAM C. HENDERSON. The results of industry and persevering, intelligent effort are exhibited in the life of Mr. Hen- derson, who for some years has been proprietor of a country store at Appleton and also the owner and manager of a farm in District No. 4, Cecil County. While this place is not so large as some others in the county, being ninety-six acres in extent, it nevertheless is more productive than many, for especial attention has been given to securing the very best results from every acre.
Born in this district in 1846, Mr. Henderson is a son of Capt. John Henderson, who was born and reared in Ireland, emigrated thence to All- erica and took part in the War of 1812, where he
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gained the title by which he was afterward known. His-first home was in Baltimore, but afterward he removed to Elkton, and from there in 1840 came to District No. 4. where his death occurred in 1856, at the age of seventy-four. Upon the ticket of his party, the Democratic, he was elected to the legislature of Maryland, and remained a member of that body for two years. By his marriage to his first wife he had four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are John S., Rebecca and Ann. After the death of his first wife he married Rebecca A. Groves, and they became the parents of the fol- lowing-named children: Gustavus, now deceased; Alice J., wife of J. Henderson, of Baltimore; Nora and Susan, deceased; Emily, wife of J. P. Smith, who resides in Delaware; Benjamina, Mrs. George Coyle, of Wilmington, Del .; Martha, who married John Armstrong; and William C.
The youngest of this large family, our subject remembers his father only as a man advanced in years, and the latter died when the son was ten years of age. His education, begun in the district schools, was continued in Newark Aca- demy and Ft. Edward Institute in New York. At the age of nineteen he left school, and for three years afterward he worked at the machinist's trade in Baltimore, after which he went to sea as an engineer. In a short time, however, he aban- doned that occupation, and came to Appleton, District No. 4, Cecil County, where he has resided since 1874. In 1892 he opened a general country store at Appleton and this he has since conducted, in addition to the management of his farm. Since attaining manhood his unqualified support has been given to the Democratic party. In 1881-82 he was tax collector for the district. He has placed himself on record as one of the progressive citizens whose endeavor it is to ad- vance the interests of Maryland, and especially of Cecil County.
The first marriage of Mr. Henderson, in December, 1874, united him with Anna B. Smith, of Cherry Hill, and they became the parents of four children that are now living: John T., Mary, Helen and William. She died in May, 1889. His second wife, to whom he was married in
IS91, bore the maiden name of Ahna Best and was born in Oxford, Md., this union being blessed by two children, James and Arnistrong. The family attend the Methodist Church at Cherry Hill and are active workers in its move- ments. Fraternally Mr. Henderson is connected with Lodge No. 925, Junior Order of American Mechanics, and is also a member of Hiram Lodge No. 25, F. & A. M., in Newark, Del. As a citizen he possesses public spirit and enter- prise. Nature endowed him with common sense and tlie force of character that has led him to fol- low his judgment as to the right, refusing to countenance measures that may be questioned. With a good education and more than ordinary ability, he endeavors to keep himself acquainted with the progress of the world in current events, and so complete his character and acquirements, instead of becoming one of those "men with one idea" who are occasionally to be found. The sturdy characteristics which are his. coupled with intelligence and courtesy, make him an object of respect in the community, and give promise of his future years being even more useful and prosperous than those which are past.
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OLOMON RUSSELL EWING. Consider- ing the subject of success from a material standpoint, the opportunities which Mary- land offers are as great to-day as ever before. Perhaps fortunes are not made so rapidly here as in some of the newer states, but on the other hand the risks are not so great. He who labors persist- ently and judiciously almost invariably wins a competency sufficient to supply the comforts of life. Some of the young men of the state, allured by El Dorado stories of the west, have sought homes in other and far distant states, among strangers; but not a few of our best and most aggressive young men have preferred to remain at home, amid the associations familiar to them from their earliest recollections. Of the latter class Mr. Ewing is one. While he resides in
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WALTER B. KIRK, M. D.
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Harford County and has spent most of his life here, he is a westerner by birth, a native of Pike Comty, Ill., born April 16, 1865. However, he is as devoted to the advancement and welfare of old Harford as any of its native-born sons, and as a citizen is public spirited and progressive.
The occupation by which Mr. Ewing is best known and in which he is gaining financial suc- cess, is that of merchandising. He is the pro- prietor of a general store situated in the village of Level, in the northern part of District No. 2, and having carried on this business for a number of years and in a most efficient manner, he has gained the confidence of the people of the com- munity, who recognize in his character those honest and reliable traits that make a man a desirable citizen. His first connection with the business dates from 1SSS, when he and his brother took charge of his present store. They continued together until January, 1894, when his brother's interest was bought by T. K. Price.
The record of the Ewing family will be found upon another page, in the sketch of Lawson Ewing, father of S. Russell. The latter has had the advantage of a fair education, that qualified him for an active business life. The influence he exerts upon the community is an important one. In social circles he is considered a decided acqui- sition. Fraternally he is connected with Blen- heim Lodge No. 102, I. O. O. F., of Aberdeen; Columbus Lodge No. 27, K. of P., at Baltimore; and Venus Council No. 44, American Mechanics, at Havre de Grace.
ALTER B. KIRK, M. D., of Darlington, Harford County, is a member of one of the pioneer Quaker families of the adjoining county of Cecil, his great-grandfather, Josiah Kirk, having been numbered among the original settlers of Blue Ball, District No. 4. Josiah P. Kirk, son of Ellis P. Kirk, and father of the doc- tor, was born and reared at the homestead of Blue Ball, in the western part of the district, and it
that locality his entire life has been passed. Since ISto he has been proprietor of a grist mill at Liberty Grove. His early education was limited, being confined to a brief schooling, but his intel- ligence and forethought have enabled him to make the most of his opportunities, and there are few men in his neighborhood better read than he. He takes no part in politics and has never been an office-seeker. However, he has his views upon political matters and is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party.
The marriage of Josiah P. Kirk united him with Annie E., daughter of Haines Reynolds and sister of Edward H. Reynolds, of whom mention is elsewhere made. Their family comprised four children: Walter B .; Sherwood H., who resides in Lancaster, Pa .; Ada and Lewis, living at the parental home in Liberty Grove. The subject of this sketch is a young man, born in 1868, and is a native of the village of Rising Sun. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Liberty Grove, and he was educated in the school there and in West Nottingham Academy, gradu- ating from the latter institution in 1886. On completing his literary studies, he taught school at Blythedale and Chapel. With the intention of becoming a physician, in 1890 he entered the medical department of the University of Mary- land at Baltimore, where he took the regular course of medical studies, graduating in 1893. In June of the same year he came to Darlington, where he opened an office and began in profes- sional practice. He has since gained the confi- dence of the people by his reliability, accurate methods of diagnosis and skillful treatment of intricate diseases, and his practice now extends through several districts.
While giving his attention mainly to the de- mands of his profession. Dr. Kirk has not been unmindful of the benefits to be derived from fra- ternal organizations. He has been quite active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has passed all the chairs in Deer Lodge at Dar- lington, besides being a member of the grand lodge. In former years he was connected with the. Junior Order of American Mechanics and held all the chairs in the local lodge. Now, in the
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prime of his career, liis life promises to be one of usefulness to his fellow-men. His earnest advo- cacy of all plans for the public good and his well-known breadthi of culture, have gained for him a warm place in the regard of all who know him.
LINTON J. WHITE. The citizens whose sound judgment has promoted the industrial growth of their community and whose ell- ergy has brought an enlarged prosperity to every line of human activity, deservedly occupy posi- tions of prominence in local history. A volume wherein reference is inade to leading residents of Cecil County should not omit mention of Mr. White, who has officiated as county sheriff, and in every relation of life, both public and private, has proved his stability of character and energy of disposition. He has exerted a marked influ- ence on the civil and political life of the county, has taken a deep interest in its welfare, and has borne a prominent part in promoting its rise and progress to its present high standing among its sister counties. In youth he became a Repub- lican and has since been a zealous supporter of that party's principles. Upon its ticket he was elected to the office of county sheriff, a fact that proves his personal popularity, for the Democrats usually carry the county by a considerable majority,
The birth of Clinton J. White occurred in West Philadelphia, Pa., in 1841. His father, Clinton Johnson Wliite, Sr., was born in the city of Washington, August 16, 1810, and in youth learned the trade of a carpenter. In early mail- hood he removed to Port Deposit, Cecil County, where he married Barbara H. Dennison, daughter of William Dennison. After remaining there for a time, working at his trade, he went to Phila- delphia and engaged in the contracting business. Soon after the birth of our subject, the family returned to Port Deposit, where the father coll- tinued to reside until his death, in 1883. In re- ligious belief he was identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Churchi. An active temperance worker through his entire life, it is said that he signed one of the first temperance pledges in the state. He had several brothers and sisters, of whom, however, but little is known. . Jefferson W., who was a quarryman at Port Deposit, died of cliolera October 9, 1834, and liis wife died of the same disease three days later, leaving no children. Another brother, Milton J. R. White, was born in Washington October 23, 1807. Napoleon P., a carpenter by trade, resided at Port Deposit un- til his death.
The grandfather of our subject, Levi White, was born May 4, 1768, but the place of his birth is unknown, nor is there any definite information to be obtained in regard to the ancestral history. He was a son of John and Sarah (Smith) White, and made his home at Port Deposit, where he had a small nail factory in the days when nails were made by hand. Of the brothers and sisters of our subject, we note the following: Adaliza M., who was born in 1836, married John A. Mitchell, a carpenter at Havre de Grace, where they reside; Elizabeth, born in 1838, is the widow of Charles Woolley, who was a carpenter, and she now re- sides in Annapolis; William L. died in infancy; John D., who was born in Port Deposit in 1843, learned the carpenter's trade, and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the First Eastern Shore Regiment, re-enlisting at the expiration of his term and serving until the close of the war; Mary F. died in infancy; Rufus is employed in the railroad service and resides at Port Deposit; Alfred, also a resident of Port Deposit, is a me- chanic by trade; Maria died when young; Lu- cius G. is employed in the National Bank of Port Deposit; Emmett T. was drowned when a boy; Harry is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company and makes his home at Perryville.
Our subject was less than one year old when his parents left Philadelphia to make their per- manent liome in Port Deposit, and there his boy- hood days were passed and his education obtained in the Port Deposit Academy, under Professor Hawkins. He learned the trade of a carpenter with his father, and assisted the latter in his duties as inspector of lumber at that port. When
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the Civil War broke out he joined the construc- tion corps and was engaged in the building of bridges for the government, remaining in the ser- vice until the close of the war. He then returned ยท to his home in Port Deposit and resumed work as a carpenter. About 1880 he was made deputy clerk of courts under James A. Davis, the Repub- lican incumbent of the office, under whom he served two terms. In 1893 lie was made the can- didate of the Republican party for sheriff of Cecil County, and was elected by a small margin, being the only Republican on the ticket who was elected. Since the expiration of liis term he has been con- ducting a grocery business in Elkton. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally has been connected with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pyth- ias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His marriage in 1866 united him with Miss Martha Williams, daughter of George P. Williams, of Port Deposit. They are the parents of three sons and three daughters, namely: Mary, wife of Charles J. Rudolph, a telegraph operator living in Elkton; Emmett, a telegraph operator; Bertie, who is at home; Charles W., a telegraph opera- tor in Rhode Island; George and Maggie, who are at home.
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PHRAIM B. McCLUNG, a retired farmer residing in District No. 4, Harford County, is a representative of a family that has long been identified with the history of the country. His ancestors took part in the events which shaped the destiny of the nation and their names are found on the military records of the Republic. The great-grandfather of our subject, coming from Ireland in early colonial days and locating in Baltimore County, Md., devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. When the colonies at- tempted to throw off the yoke of British oppres- sion and secure their independence, Joseph McClung, the grandfather of our subject, became one of the heroes of that long and sanguinary
struggle. He was a native of Baltimore County, and in his business carcer was very successful, be- coming one of the extensive planters of tliat sec- tion of the state. He owned more than one thou- sand acres of land and was a large slave owner, operating his plantation by negro help.
Robert McClung, father of our subject, was born on the family homestead, and when his coun- try again became engaged in war with England he fought for the supremacy of the American arms. His life was devoted to agricultural pur- suits with good success. He married Miss Mary Payne, a native of Harford County, wherein they established a home. Seven children were born of their union, of whom three are now living: John P., Mary C. and Ephraim B.
The last-named was born June 25, 1831, in District No. 4, Harford County. His educational privileges were limited to three months' attend- ance at the common schools during each year. His training at farm labor, however, was such as to early prepare him for agricultural duties, and throughout his life he has followed the occupation to which he was reared. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Hannah E. Wiley, a native of District No. 4, Harford County, their marriage taking place when he was twenty-six years of age.
Twelve children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. McClung, of whom four died in in- fancy: Wiley P., Robert R., Benton N., and one unnamed. Those still living are Webster C., who married Cynthia J. Strawbridge and taught school about eleven years, but is now engaged in the lumber business in Stewartstown, Pa .; John T., who married Mary Jane Leib and follows farming; Lizzie M., wife of J. Nelson Wiley, a farmer, by whom she has two children, Webster L. and Goldy; Laura B., wife of E. Milton Anderson, a farmer, by whom she has two children, John C. and Raymond; Amanda Z., wife of M. Tidings McGinnis, an agriculturist; Margaret C., at home; Lovisa R., wife of C. Harry Yost, who follows farming; and Morgan E., who is working by the month on his father's farm.
Mr. McClung owns a valuable farm property, comprising one hundred and thirty-two acres of
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rich and productive land, the care of which he has now given in charge of his youngest son, while he is practically living retired, enjoying the rest which is the just reward of a long and useful business career. He has served as juryman and as road supervisor of Harford County. His polit- ical support is given the Democracy, and he firmly believes its tenets are best calculated to secure the greatest good to the nation. He and most of his family are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of Norrisville, and he has been very active in its work, serving as treasurer, steward and trustee. His well-spent life commends him to the confidence of all, and he has the warm regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
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