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 46
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 46
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 first marriage of Mr. Kyle, occurring when he was twenty-eight, united him with Ann E. Fendall, who died, childless, in 1876. Three years afterward he was united in marriage with Ella V. Harward, daughter of C. W. Harward, of Harford County. Two children, Grace and Annie, blessed this union. In religious belief Mr. Kyle was a member of the Episcopal Church, always interested in its work, and for some years before his death he was a member of the vestry of Holy Trinity Church. He had the unqualified respect of the whole congregation, and of the entire community. From his very nature he was a Christian gentleman; a life marked by courtesy, scorning any ignoble action, or a word savoring of untruth or profane jest; always just, honest and true. A man of upright character, he is remen- bered with affection by his family and, indeed, by all with whom business or social relations brought him into contact. Since his death his estate has
been superintended by Mrs. Kyle, who is a lady of considerable business ability; she is also an admirable housekeeper, one who looks well to the ways of her household, providing bountifully for its inmates and for those friends or strangers who may happen to cross the threshold of her com- fortable home.
·
J OHN COULSON HINDMAN, a well-known and influential citizen of Rising Sun and a leading auctioneer of Cecil County, was born near that village, in District No. 6, on the 28th of October, 1845, a sou of Hiram and Rachel (Coulson) Hindman. His maternal grandfather, Eli Coulson, was a representative of one of the old and prominent families of District No. 6. Our subject is the only one in a family of five children now living. He attended the common schools to a limited extent during his boyhood and youth, but is almost wholly self-educated. His business training, however, was not so limit- ed, and lie early began to assist iu the labors of the home farm.
In 1867 Mr. Hindman was appointed constable of District No. 6, in which capacity he continu- ously served until 1886, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was theu appointed postmaster of Rising Sun, and served through President Cleveland's admin- istrations having the honor of being the first pres- idential postmaster of the place. He is an ardent Democrat in politics and was elected president of the board of commissioners of Rising Sun in 1896. He has proved a most able and trustworthy of- ficial, is prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, and has won the commendation of even his political enemies. Since 1867 he has engaged as an auctioneer, and has done an extensive and profitable business along that line. Although not a member of any religious denomination, he attends and contributes to the support of the Presbyterian Church. Being endowed with a
-
.
397
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
genial, hospitable manner, he receives the respect and confidence of the entire community and has made many warm friends.
In IS68 Mr. Hindman married Miss Racliel A. Edmondson, by whom he had two children: Ella J., now the wife of Lewis R. Kirk, Jr., a druggist of Malvern, Chester County, Pa .; and L. Blanche. After the death of his first wife he was again married, in 1891, his second union be- ing with Miss Mary E. Haurand, and they have one child, John C., Jr.
1 ESSE HOSKINS. That our subject was an intelligent and energetic farmer is shown by the success that crowned his efforts, and that enables him now, in his advancing years, to live in retirement from active labors. The property which he acquired is a monument to his enter- prise in the affairs of life and the good judgment that characterized his efforts. His high standing among his fellow-men is an equally satisfactory proof of his worth as a neighbor and citizen. He makes liis home on a farm in District No. 3, Har- ford County, where he has resided since a young man of thirty years.
The father of our subject, Nathaniel Hoskins, removed from Chester County, Pa., to Baltimore County, Md., and thence in 1821 came to Harford County, settling upon the farm now occupied by R. C. Lee. Here the remainder of his life was spent in the occupation of a farmer. In early years he learned the trade of a stone mason, but never followed it to any extent after settling in this county. By his marriage to Elizabeth Chey- ney ten children were born, and of these four survive: Jesse; William, of Baltimore County; Sarah A. and Phoebe H. The father died at the age of sixty-six years.
Born in Chester County, Pa., in 1810, the sub- ject of this sketch accompanied his father in the various removals of the family. His education was limited to a brief attendance at the common schools, and he was obliged to learn from obser-
vation and experience what the boys of these days learn from text-books. When thirty years of age he bought the eighty-acre tract where he lias since resided, though since 1886 he has not had charge of the place, having practically re- tired from agricultural pursuits.
Miss Angeline Jolinson became the wife of Mr. Hoskins in 1840, and nine children were born of their nnion, namely: George W. and Sarah M., deceased; Hattie, wife of David Preston; Philcna; Joseph A., deceased; Catherine, Mrs. Daniel Hollingsworth, deceased; Cornelia H., wife of Charles L. Vail, of Forest Hill; Joseph B., who married Miss Anna I. Hollingsworth, and they have one son, Raymond H .; and Fannie C., de- ceased, the youngest of the children. The family is identified with the Society of Friends.
The homestead is now conducted by Joseph B. Hoskins, who has always resided with his parents and since attaining manhood has managed the property with unqualified success .. He brings to the consideration of all subjects connected with the management of the place a cautious and sound judgment, and maintains the higli order of im- provements instituted by his father. While he is a quiet, retiring man, he is an influence for good in the community, where his entire life has been passed. Of father and son it may be said that every deed and act are guided by the highest principles of integrity and morality.
OSEPH L. WELLS. While the history of the Wells family in the years of its early set- tlement in America is unknown, owing to the fact that no record has been preserved, yet it is known that some of the name have been iden- . tified with the growth of Elkton during the entire nineteenth century. Probably in colonial times they sought homes here, witnessing the rapid development of local industries subsequent to the Revolution, participating in some of the exciting scenes of the War of 1812, and in the 110 less try- ing experiences of the '6os. In this village in
398
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ISIS occurred the birth of our subject's father, Joseph Wells, who was for many years in the em- ploy of the government as a mail contractor, his first contract being from Elkton to Easton. When a boy he carried the mails for Joseph Mahan, wlio was then a large contractor. That was in the days preceding railroads, when the mails were carried on horse-back, and on the "fast" mail routes they had relays of horses every five miles. It is said that he " broke the record " as to time, making the trip from Elkton to Wilmington, a distance of eighteen miles, in fifty-two minutes. But his greatest achievement in that line was when he made the trip from Baltimore to Phila- delphia in five hours, the fastest time ever made for so long a distance. He continued in the mail contracting business for many years, and during this time he established, with his son, John C., the store now owned by our subject. During the construction of bridges across the Susquehanna River he supplied large quantities of goods to the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1886 he was sic- ceeded in business by liis son, our subject.
For a time during the progress of the Civil War, Joseph Wells acted as a scout for General Sherman, on the eastern shore of Maryland. He was a strong Union man and took an active part during the early part of the conflict. In local politics he was interested, and his recognized abil- ity led to his frequent selection for public office, though his duties in business were such as to pre- clude much participation in local affairs. For two years he held the position of tax collector, and under the administration of President Har- rison he was postmaster of Elkton. His prosper- ity was well merited, for with nothing to depend upon but liis own exertions he became one of the substantial citizens of the community. Among his fellow-citizens lie was respected, as he pos- sessed the integrity of character that enabled him to live uprightly and in accordance with the teach- ings of the Golden Rule. He died in April, 1897. Upon another page reference is made to his brother, Benjamin, who was for fifty-five years agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Elkton, holding the position at the time of his death in 1894.
By thic marriage of Joseph Wells to Cornelia Corouch, of Elk Neck Creek, who is living at the age of seventy-four, the subject of this sketeli, Jolin C., Edwin E. and Anna R., wife of Dr. J. W. Cooper, were born. John C., who was his father's partner for many years, later became a wholesale merchant of Philadelphia, and is now living in that city, retired from business. Edwin E. is chief clerk in the city tax office of Philadelphia. Our subject was born in Elkton, April 16, 1853, and received a public- school education. At the age of sixteen he went to Philadelphia, and learned telegraphy, after which he was employed for two years as operator at Chester, Pa. He then received an appointment in the Baltimore custom house as liquidating clerk, receiving a good salary and remaining there for five years, when he resigned to succeed his father in business. Since that time, 1886, he has been one of the successful business men of Elkton, as well as one of its lead- ing citizens. For three terins he was a member of the town council, and for eight years held the position of treasurer of the town. As a Repub- lican he takes an active part in politics and has been a member of the Republican state central committee. In March, 1878, he married Flor- ence, daughter of George F. Harlan, who was for many years superintendent of the Mccullough iron works. They are the parents of two sons and one daughter, named as follows: George Harlan, a student in Delaware College; Edwin Webster and Ada Cornelia.
OHN H. MCCRACKEN. The subject of this article is certainly entitled to be considered among the respected and honored residents of Cecil County. In his career we find that of a man whose course in life has been such as to con1- mend him in a marked manner to the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Upright in his dealings, generous and public spirited, he lias, as
399
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a citizen of North East, exerted a good influence upon those around him, and furthered the enter- prises calculated to upbuild the better elements of society. His ancestors, both maternal and pater- nal, were closely identified with the growth and early history of this part of the state, and he is worthily wearing the mantle of liis honored fore- fatliers.
The McCracken family had its origin in Ireland, whence William, grandfather of our subject, crossed the Atlantic, hoping to better his financial condition in the new world. He settled in Cecil County, and as an active, energetic man, bore a part in the advancement of agricultural enter- prises. After his death, his wife, Ruth ( Richard- so11) McCracken, became the owner of the "North Star," a large sloop. This ship was captured near North East by the British fleet and though she hastened down to the Chesapeake Bay and obtained an interview with the commander of the fleet, her most urgent entreaties failed to induce the British general to return the sloop, which was transferred to Halifax.
John McCracken, father of our subject, was born on the Shawner farm in Cecil County, and, early gaining familiarity with agricultural pur- suits, chose farming for his life work, and in it he continued to engage as long as he lived. He assist- ed in the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church of North East and was a trustee of the congregation for years. First an old-line Whig, the disintegration of that party found him ready to join the Republican ranks. He died in 1863. The mother of our subject was Martha J. Cazier, a native of Cecil County, who died here in 1873. She was a member of an old and honored family of the county. Her father, Thomas Cazier, of North East, raised a company in this village and the surrounding country, and at the head of his men, engaged in service in the War of 1812.
Born in North East, January 1I, 1840, the sub- ject of this notice was educated in the local schools, where lie was a student until seventeen. Afterward he assisted in the farm work until the outbreak of the war. Desiring to enlist, he availed himself of the first opportunity to do so, and August 12, 1862, his name was enrolled as a
member of Company A, Eighth Maryland Infantry, lie being the color bearer of his regiment. He continued in active service until the battle of Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1864, where he was wounded and lost a limb; captured by the oppos- ing army, he was sent to Lynchburg and Rich- mond, where he was imprisoned for four months, after which he was exchanged, discharged and returned to his home. The injury received while in service prevented him from enjoying the active life he had hoped to lead, and he was obliged to seek employment requiring little manual labor. For a time he was employed as a clerk in the revenue office at Elkton. Himself a Republican, he was honored by his party January 1, 1879, when, under the administration of President Hayes, he was appointed postmaster of North East. This office he filled with efficiency until IS94, when he resigned, and at present is engaged in fishing. He has never married, preferring, doubtless, the independence of single life. He is a charter member of Fellowship Lodge No. 42, K. of P., in which he has held all the offices. An active Grand Army man, he has held the various offices of the local camp and is identified with the Maryland State Encampment.
ILLIAM PENN HAINES, Jr. While Mr. Haines has not been long at his pres- ent location, it must not be supposed that his experience as a merchant has been of but brief duration. On the contrary he has been en- gaged in business for a number of years and has proved himself a capable, energetic and judicious business man. In 1896 he came to Conowingo, Cecil County, where he erected a store building and near it a residence. Embarking in business, he stocked the place with a supply of all the requisites for a country store, and soon built up a fair trade among the people of District No. 8, whose confidence he won by his fair dealings and accommodating disposition.
The ancestry of the Haines family is given in
400
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tlie sketch of H. H. Haines, upon anotlier page of this volume. The father of our subject, Will- iam Penn Haines, Sr., was for a long time engaged in the mercantile business at Kirks Mills and Pleasant Grove, Lancaster County, Pa., where he occupied the position of postmaster, succeeding his father, who had filled the office from 182S until 1872. Now, however, he is living retired, and makes his home in Pleasant Grove. At the age of seventy-one he is in the enjoyment of good health. By his marriage to Mary Kirk he had four children, namely: Eugene M., who lives at Pleasant Grove; Jeremiah B., of Pliila- delphia; Mabel, wife of Joseph P. Griest, of Reading, Pa .; and William Penn, Jr. The last- named was born at Kirks Mills in 1862 and re- ceived his education principally in the public school of Pleasant Grove. At the age of seven- teen he went to Philadelphia, where he secured a position as inspector of yards for John Wana- maker, remaining in that place for two years. He then returned to Pleasant Grove, and for the five ensuing years clerked in the employ of his brother, Eugene M., after which the two formed the firm of E. M. & W. P. Haines, Jr., in the canning business in Lancaster County, Pa. In 1888 our subject bought a one-half interest in the store at Pleasant Grove, and in 1892, selling his interest in the canning business, he purchased his brother's interest in the store, which he con- tinued to superintend until disposing of it to Herr Brothers in 1895.
Meantime, in 1894, Mr. Haines had purchased the store owned by John A. Richie, in Pilot Town, but in 1896 he removed to his present location. In June, 1897, he was appointed post- master of Pilot. There is not a department or detail of the mercantile business with which he is not familiar. His long experience, both as clerk and partner in the business, has given him a thorough knowledge of the occupation, the best markets, etc. He gives his attention to the busi- ness and post-office to the exclusion of all other matters. It is his ambition to establish his finances upon a solid footing and gain a com- petency before he becomes old. Having this aim in life lie has not cared to identify himself
with public affairs. However, he keeps posted upon politics and is a Republican by preference and by training. December 30, 1890, he married Gertrude E. Gillespie, of Cecil County. He adheres to the doctrines of the Society of Friends, while Mrs. Haines has always been identified with the Presbyterian Church.
1 6
DWARD T. MONKS. A native of Harford County and one of its lifelong residents, Mr. Monks is deeply interested in all enter- prises having for their object the promotion of local welfare and the advancement of the people. Probably no citizen of Kalmia has done more than he for the development of its material re- sources and the enlargement of its business inter- ests. In 1867 he purchased property in this vil- lage and the following year opened a general mercantile store, beginning upon a very small scale, but gradually increasing his stock of goods as the demand justified. His store is now the largest in the place and he has a profitable trade among the people of this part of the county.
Near his present place of residence Edward T. Monks was born June 16, 1831, being the son of James P. and Mary A. (Tredway) Monks. His grandfather, John Monks, was born in England, whence he emigrated to the United States and settled in Abingdon, Md., opening a mercantile store. He was also a large land owner and gave a good deal of attention to farming; in these occu- pations he was engaged during the remaining years of his life. James P. was also an agricul- turist, and remained a resident of District No. 3 until his death, which occurred in 1873, at the age of seventy-three. His wife passed away when sixty-seven years of age. Of their sixteen chil- dren, five are now living, namely: Edward T .; William, who resides at Gibson, District No. 3; Cassandra, of Baltimore; Addie, wife of William S. Smith; and Eliza, widow of Thomas L. Grier.
At the age of eighteen Edward T. Monks left school and began to learn the hoopmaker's trade,
401
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which he followed for ten years. Witli a desire to enter an occupation more remunerative, in 1865 he succeeded J. E. Tredway as proprietor of a general store, which he conducted for two years, and then bought property and put up the build- ings which he now occupies at Kalmia. He lends his influence to the advancement of local meas- ures, and in politics gives his vote in favor of the Republican party. In religious belief he is iden- tified with the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he is a trustee, and has held various other positions. In the selection of a helpmate he was particularly fortunate, his wife being a lady who looked well to the ways of her household and those little details that have so much to do with the happiness of a home, Mrs. Monks was, prior to her marriage in 1866, Ellen C. Tredway, and the family from which she is descended is among the oldest of Harford County. Her deathi oc- curred August 21, 1879. Mr. Monks has two daughters, one of whom, Amy D., married Will- iam D. Jones, of Forest Hill, and the other, Sallie A., is the wife of Harry E. Harkins, of Kalmia.
W ILLIAM B. HOPKINS. Occupying a pleasant location in Harford County, apart from the distracting influences of city life, the visitor notices the comfortable liome of Mr. Hopkins, who is one of the successful farmers and well-known public men of District No. 2. From youth he has been engaged in acricultural pursuits, and he lias a thorough knowledge of the best methods of rotating crops and fertilizing the soil. The farmn, which his wife inherited from her uncle, Col. William B. Stephenson, consists of two hundred and sixty acres of land, two hun- dred of which is tillable, and is one of the most valuable pieces of property in the locality.
The Hopkins family is one of the oldest in Harford County and is of Welsh extraction. The great-grandfather of our subject, Joseph - Hopkins, was born here and attained an advanced age, rearing a large family. One of his sons was
Joseph, grandfather of our subject, who was a native and large landowner of Harford County. It is thought that he took part in the War of 1812, but the length of his service is not known. In public affairs he was active, and his influence was always felt on the side of right and justice. His death occurred when he was about seventy years of age.
Our subject's father, J. Lee Hopkins, was born in this county and here spent his life as a pros- perous farmer, dying when fifty-eight. In po- litical faith he was a Whig. His wife, Amanda, was born in Baltimore, Md., a daughter of Joseph Dallanı, who was a native of Harford County. Mention of the Dallam family is made in the sketch of Richard Dallam, her second cousin, up- on another page of this work. She was sixty- eight at the time of her death. In religion she was an earnest member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Her five children were named as follows: William B .; Edward, who owns the old homestead in District No. 5, Harford County; Josephine, wife of Richard Davis, of Burlington, Iowa; Cassandra, who is unmarried and resides on the old homestead; and Charles, who died at twenty-one years.
On the home farm in District No. 5, the sub- ject of this notice was born August 2, 1842. When he was seventeen his father had a paralytic stroke and he being the oldest took charge of the farm, overseeing its management and looking after the welfare of the younger members of the family. When he was twenty-nine he married and rented a farm in District No. 5, where he made his home for ten years. His wife, Lizzie, was the adopted daughter of Col. William B. Stephenson, who was born on the farm our sub- ject now owns and here made his home as long as he lived. A man of considerable prominence, he was held in the highest regard by the people of the county, and was especially active in the ranks of the Democratic party. Honoring his party, he was in turn honored by it with election to the Maryland legislature, where he represented his district for several terms. The family of which he was a member is mentioned in the sketch of his father, James. In his later years his health
402
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was poor and for a long time before his death, which occurred when he was in his eighty-third year, he was unable to personally superintend the management of his large property interests. He therefore appreciated the services and help- fulness of Mr. Hopkins, who relieved hint of all responsibility, taking charge of the farm and at- tending to other interests. Colonch Stephenson having no children, he bequeathed his property to his adopted daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of four children, namely: Francina; J. Lee, who grad- uated in 1897 from the medical department of the University of Maryland with honors and was immediately chosen resident physician of the Maryland University Hospital; Annie, who is with her parents; William Stephenson, who as- sists in the management of the home place. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hopkins is con- nected with Stephenson Lodge No. 36, A. F. & A. M., of Lapidum, which was named in honor of Colonel Stephenson. An active Democrat, he was in 1889 elected to the legislature and during his term of two years' he served on the commit- tees on incorporations and the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Since nineteen years of age he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has filled all the important offices, and is now recording steward of this cir- cuit.
OHN E. ALEXANDER. Even a cursory view of the business establishments of Elkton will reveal the fact that they are in charge of men of energy and good judgment. In quality of stock, in price of goods and in the honorable, courteous way of treating customers, they vie with the stores of larger places. One of these flourishing establishments is the hardware store owned and conducted by Mr. Alexander, who has built up a large trade since first embarking in the business some time in the 'zos. Having spent his entire life in Elkton, he naturally main-
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.