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 55
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 55
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OHN R. MCELWAIN. This government of the people is no discriminator of persons, and its doors are opened wide for entrance into the business or professional arena of all such as possess the requisite qualifications to success,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
It may be truthfully said that you may travel the world over and nowhere will you find better opportunities for a young man to advance in ev- ery way than under the shadow of the stars and stripes. This fact was early recognized by the subject of this sketch, and that his career has been a successful. one is well known. He is distinct- ively American, as were his ancestors, both lineal and collateral, for generations, and farming was their occupation. Habitual frugality and indus- try were the fundamental principles and charac- teristic features of his parents, John S. and Re- becca (Webb) McElwain, whose native state was Pennsylvania. These characteristics have been inherited to a considerable extent by the subject of this sketch, who was third of the following- named children: William J., deceased; Mary, de- ceased; John R., subject of this sketch; Rachel E., Robert B., William, H. Clay, Mary S., Hen- rietta R., Margaret V., Ella M. and Daniel E. The paternal great-grandfather of John R. Mc- Elwain was a native of the north of Ireland, and when quite young came to the new world and made a settlement in Pennsylvania, where he. successfully tilled the soil and became the owner of a large estate. He was a member of the col- onial army during the Revolution.
John McElwain, the grandfather, was born on his father's fine country estate in Pennsylvania, and, like his father before him, devoted his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits throughout life and reared his sons to a thorough knowledge of this pursuit. John R. McElwain was born in Penn- sylvania June 10, 1854, and with the intelligent council and advice of his worthy father, he soon came to understand the details of farm work. His early education was obtained in the common schools of the rural districts and after reaching a suitable age he engaged in teaching school, and continued this occupation in the district schools for eight years. Both in teaching and farming his labors were crowned with success. The result of his efforts is an excellent farin comprising one hundred and twenty-four acres. This land is
Mr. Rouse was born in Joppa, Harford County, Md., March 14, 1844, the son of C. Chapman and Mary G. (Day) Rouse. His father, who carefully tilled and well improved and is therefore ' was born at the same place in 1807, engaged in valuable.
At the youthful age of twenty-one years Mr
McElwain was united in marriage with Miss Al- mira Brooks, a native of the state of Pennsyl- vania, but her death occurred after the birth of a little daughter, Edith C .. who also died when about one year old, in 1SSo. At the time of the mother's death, in the spring of 1879, she was but twenty-three years of age. For his second wife Mr. McElwain chose Edith J. Brooks, a sister of his first wife, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and is of Quaker descent. Both sisters united with thic Presbyterian Church in early life, and with this church Mr. McElwain is also connected. His last marriage has resulted in the birth of the following children: Cora E., Olive M., J. E. Clif- ton, Lorenzo C., Harry E. and Ellis W. Mr. McElwain has always supported the Republican party, and for the past eight years he has been trustee of the district. He is of the stuff of which substantial citizens are made and he is most liber- ally helpful toward any movement having a ten- dency to benefit any considerable class of his fel- low-men.
JOHN G. ROUSE. The reputation enjoyed by a city or village, throughout the sur- rounding country, depends largely upon the character of its merchants. The influence of the business man is far reaching, permeating all avenues of trade, and affecting important interests that are not reached by the professional man on the one hand, or the artisan on the other. No village of Harford County enjoys a more enviable reputation than Bel Air for the high character of her merchants, both as to strict commercial integ- rity and business enterprise; and among these merchants John G. Rouse stands prominent. .
farming and merchandising, and was a man of considerable local prominence. Among the offi-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cial positions which he filled was that of county commissioner. A lifelong resident of Joppa, he died in that village in 1873. He was a son of Jolin Rouse, an Englishman, who came to America in early manhood and settled in Mary- land. In those days it was thought that the prin- cipal city of Maryland would be located at Havre de Grace, and as the travel between tliat place and Baltimore was very large, he conceived the idea of opening a hotel on the road between the two cities. This plan he carried into effect, open- ing a large hotel that for years was known as the Half Way House. It became the popular hos- telry for people traveling in that part of the state and was constantly crowded with guests, the re- sult being that lie accumulated a good-sized for- tune. The old Rouse homestead is now occupied by a sister of our subject, Mrs. James B. Hanway. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Goldsmith Day, the owner of large tracts of land in Gunpowder Neck, and at one time clerk of courts of Harford County.
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The family of C. Chapman and Mary G. Rouse consisted of four sons and four daughters, all of whom attained mature years. There are now, besides our subject, one son living, William C., of the firm of Rouse, Hempstone & Co., mer- chants of Baltimore, and three sisters, Mrs. J. S. Richardson of Bel Air, Mrs. J. B. Hanway of Joppa, and Mrs. Martha Hanway, widow of Samuel Hanway. The early years of the life of our subject were spent in Joppa, where he was educated in the public schools. With a natural taste and fitness for business life, we find him, at the age of twenty-one, conducting a small cross-roads store. Being a young man of enterprise and energy, with plenty of sound common sense and good judgment, lie gained the confidence of all, and his business ventures were successful from the first. Wishing a larger field for his energy, in 1877 he came to Bel Air and opened his present store. At first, however, it was conducted on a much smaller scale than at present, but by de- grees lie increased the amount of stock and the importance of the business, until now his store is the largest in the entire county, and would do credit to a place much larger than Bel Air.
In addition to this concern, Mr. Rouse was interested in several other stores in Harford Coun- ty, liis sales amounting to upwards of $200,000 per annum. By close attention to business, push and industry, he has made for himself a name that stands high for honesty, integrity and pro- gressiveness. It is a noteworthy fact that, during his entire business career, with the responsibility of the management of his extensive business, he has enjoyed a credit that would enable him to buy goods in any market, without a reference. Many times, during periods of financial depression, when banks were failing and money scarce. he spent long and anxious hours in planning how to meet certain payments as they became due; but he always found a way to do so; of late years lie has had no difficulty in this line, as he has been able not only to meet, but also to discount, his bills. For use in his business he has an account book, of his own invention, which is one of the most convenient for the purpose ever devised. Eachı bill is entered as it comes in, with date of purchase and date it falls due, by monthis and days. All that is necessary is to turn to a certain month, where he finds all of the bills due in that month. By systematizing his work, he has made of the business a science, and largely enhanced his financial success.
Aside from his extensive mercantile interests, Mr. Rouse is one of the directors in the Harford National Bank, and a director in various building and loan associations. He is looked upon as one of the foremost citizens of Bel Air, and is always ready to lend a helping hand to local measures. Fraternally he is past master of the Masonic lodge. He has 110 political aspirations and al- though his well-known business sagacity and pru- dence, which he has displayed in the conduct of his private affairs, would have been of great serv- ice to the community, his tastes and inclinations, as well as his devotion to his business, would never admit of his accepting public trusts.
Although a business man in the best sense of the term, Mr. Rouse does not allow the cares of business to intrude upon his hours of recreation or the enjoyment of home life. He lias a pleasant home in one of the finest residences of Bel Air.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
His wife, Harriet B., is a daughter of Thomas Hanway, one of the oldest families of Harford · County. Five children were born of their union. Mention of the eldest, Willard G., an attorney of Bel Air, appears on another page. C. C. is en- gaged in business with his father, the firm namie being Rouse & Son. Daisy is the wife of J. Wilson Richardson, son of the late Dr. Hall Richardson. Dora C. married Hon. J. Edwin Webster, whose sketch is presented elsewhere i11 this volume. Helen C., the youngest of the family, is with her parents, briglitening the home by her presence and holding a prominent position in the best society of the place.
ILLIAM MORRIS, whose well-spent life commends him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact, is a farmer of District No. 1, Harford County. This is his native county, his birth having occurred on the 4th of July, 1817. He is the son of Lloyd and Beckie (Sheridan) Morris, also natives of the same county. The father learned the cooper's trade, but devoted the greater part of his life to agricultural pursuits. When the country became engaged in the sec- ond war with England, he joined the American army and did valiant service for his native land. His death occurred at the age of forty-five years; his wife, who long survived him, reached the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years.
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Under the parental roof William Morris was reared to manhood. No event of special impor- tance occurred during that period, which was de- voted to acquiring an education and pursuing his studies when the work of the farm was over for the season. He early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and when twenty years of age he began work as a farm hand, being employed either by the montli or day. This undertaking was the beginning of his business career. He later secured a position in a factory, where he was employed for sixteen
years. His industry, perseverance and good management during that time enabled him to ac- quire the capital with which he purchased a tract of land of sixty-three acres. This has since been his home and he has made it one of the well-im- proved farms of the neighborhood, the land being placed under a high state of cultivation, while many excellent improvements have been added.
Mr. Morris has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Anna Wilson, by whom he had six children, all now deceased. After the death of his first wife he was joined in wedlock with Mrs. Andrews.
Mr. Morris gives his political support to the Republican party and warmly advocates its prin- ciples, believing that by their adoption the coun- try's best interests will be promoted. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has long been identified, and is very active in church work, doing all in his pow- er to promote the cause of Christianity. He contributes liberally to its support, and is a gen- erous benefactor to the poor and needy. Although he has reached a very advanced age, he still pos- sesses his physical powers but slightly impaired, his age resting lightly upon him. His has been an honest, upright life, true to all the duties that have devolved upon him, and he has thereby won the respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
JOHN HENRY KIMBLE. To the memory of our beloved dead we rear stately monu- ments of marble and beautiful columns of granite. Over their last resting place we strew sweet-blooming flowers. The flowers soon with- er and perish, and in time the massive marble grows discolored with age and crumbles away. But when these have passed away, the good that has been done, the influence that has been ex- erted, will continue to bless mankind through the ages yet to come. The influence of a noble life ends only when time itself shall be no more.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The years that have elapsed since Mr. Kimble entered into rest have not dimmed his memory in the liearts of the many to whom he was dear. His talents, of a wonderfully broad and compre- hensive range, attracted all to him, and the ini- pressioni first made by his genius was deepened by a growing knowledge of the pure and lovable spirit of the man. With the soul of the true poet, his ideals were liigli, his conceptions keen, his tastes cultured. Like all poets, he was a lover of Nature, a reverent worshipper at hier shrine, and it would not be difficult to imagine that Nature mourned his death, as Sir Walter Scott says she mourns the death of every true poet.
"Call it not vain :- they do not err Who say, that, when the poet dies, Mute Nature mourns her worshipper, And celebrates his obsequies;
Who say, tall cliff and cavern lone, For the departed bard make mnoan; That mountains weep in crystal rill; That flowers in tears of balm distil; And rivers teach their rushing wave To murmur dirges round his grave."
The life of one who was held in such high re- gard by his fellow-men and whose influence over them was always manifest for good, will be of interest to our readers. It is unnecessary to dwell upon his ancestry, since that is given fully in the life of his father, Henry Harding Kimble, upon another page. Born in Buckingham Town- ship, Bucks County, Pa., September 8, 1850, he was five years of age at the time the family re- moved from there to Cecil County, settling upon a farm near Fair Hill. The limited means of his parents rendered it impracticable for him to at- tend school regularly, but he was of an ambitious, aspiring disposition, with the student's love of knowledge, and through self-culture he acquired a fund of information not always possessed by a college-bred man. However, it was always a source of regret to him that his schooling was not more extended, and lie advised young men to gain a good education, if possible. Like other members of the family, he possessed remarkable musical talent. As the age of eight he began to play the violin, and a few years later became the owner of a fife, with which he accompanied his
brother Seruch on the drum. In 1865 his father purchased a melodeon, on which he soon learned to play, though he had no one to teach him the use of the instrument. Two years later a brass band was organized in the neighborhood and he mastered every instrument in it. His talent was of a comprehensive nature, that enabled liin not only to render skillfully the compositions of others, but also to compose selections himself. For some years lie taught vocal and instrumental music.
In 1869 Mr. Kimble became a member of a de- bating society organized near what is now known as Cowantown, and in this he soon gained promi- nence for logical skill in debating. From 1872 to 1874 he taught in the public schools of Cecil County, being a careful, conscientious and suc- cessful teacher. From the time of the appear- ance of liis first poem in 1870, he was a frequent contributor to the local press. In 1875 he wrote "The Patrons of Husbandry," a serial poem which the Grange organ of Pennsylvania pub- lislied in seven parts with illustrations. This at- tracted wide attention and was favorably noticed by the New York World, and other leading papers. Competent critics pronounced it among the "best and most natural descriptions of rural life ever written." In 1876 he wrote another serial, en1- titled "Two Granges." He wrote easily, with- out effort or mental labor, the thoughts flowing smootlily in rhythmic form, so that the effect was pleasing and the whole harmonious. When we consider the fact that lie was a farmer, teacher, and busy man of affairs, and his reading was snatched between hours of hard work in other lines of employment, it is apparent that he pos- sessed true native genius, or he could not so easily have adapted his mind to poetry. Uni- doubtedly, had his life been spared, he would have attained a place of prominence among our na- tional poets. His tastes did not lead him into public affairs, but he was a patriotic citizen and a stanclı Republican.
In December, 1873, Mr. Kimble married Sarah Teresa Gallaher, eldest daughter of Jolin E. Gal- laher, of Cherry Hill, District No. 4. Her mother was a member of the celebrated Cliandlee family
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that emigrated to this country from Ireland more than a century ago. His estimable wife and their five children survive him, and their most valued keepsakes are the productions of his pen. The names of the children are Anna Mary Ellis, Ida Louisa, Evelyn Teresa, Henry Evans and Seruch Titus. While of a retiring disposition, he was quick to do good, eager to help the unfortun- ate, and anxious to discharge every duty as man and citizen. Writing in his journal at one time, he gave this as his life's aim: "I have no hopes of fame, only a desire to do good; to help just a little in the world from which we nist soon be taken by death." A consistent Christian, for years he was a member of Rock Presbyterian Church, near Fair Hill, but on removing to Apple- ton, in 1880, he transferred his membership to Head of Christiana, a venerable church of the samie denomination, just over the state line in Delaware. For several years he was organist in the church, and the Sabbath before his sudden illness he was in his place as usual. His death occurred August 3, 1887. Five days before, he was prostrated . by heat while at work upon his farm, and was never fully conscious afterward.
George Johnston, the poet, and author of the History of Cecil County, was a personal friend of Mr. Kimble, and wrote the following tribute to his memory: "The funeral of J. H. Kimble at Head of Christiana cemetery on Sunday last (August 7, 1887) was attended by the largest concourse of people ever witnessed at that place within the memory of any person now living in the neighborhood. And probably no one of all the unnumbered host that sleep their last long sleep on the sunny slope of the historic old grave- yard, which has been the resting place of the dead for nearly two centuries, had more sincere and honest friends to mourn their departure. Though comparatively young in years, Mr. Kim- ble was old in the practice of honest integrity and every virtue that adorns and beautifies the Christian character. Unostentatious and unob- trusive, his life was a beautiful exemplification of the religion of the Divine Master, whom lie de- lighted to serve. The writer liereof knew him from childhood and lias yet to hear the first word
spoken derogatory of his integrity as a man or his sincerity as a Christian. Consequently, it was no wonder that the number of friends who came to testify to the high esteem in which he was held, was estimated at a thousand. The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. L. Vallandigham, assisted by Rev. J. F. William- son. Mr. Vallandigham's sermon was a beauti- ful and honest tribute to the memory of the deceased, of whom he spoke in the highest terms. Thus ended the earthly career of John Henry Kimble, who will be long remembered wherever he was known, as an honest man, a sincere Christian, a skilled musician, and the "'poet of the people." "The path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
The following lines composed by Mr. Kimble in memory of his cousin, Daniel R. Titus, of Morris, Grundy County, Ill., seem so appropriate to himself that we quote them as a conclusion to this biography:
"His brief career
Was filled with noble deeds, and words of cheer
That won kind friends where'er he dwelt; for Truth He worked with all the vigor of strong youth;
But ere his great life mission was complete, Disease compelled him from his labor sweet. Alas! and can it be his gentle voice
No more will make our weary hearts rejoice? Ah, yes; the dismal silence of his room,
The vacant chair, the flowers he loved, that bloom So brightly by our huuible cottage door ---- All answer, he has gone forever more!
His true heart feared not death; for purer life
His spirit yearned; and now where mortal strife
Is never known, hie rests. God speed the time When we shall meet him in those realms sublime!"
Below we insert a hymn, the words and music of which Mr. Kimble composed, but a short time before his death:
Shall we reach the home immortal After death's impending night? Shall we pass the golden portal In the spirit land of light? There no stormy tempest rages, And our Saviour is the King; And the saints of former ages Join the songs the angels sing.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Shall we catch the glorious vision
When the scenes of earth depart, In our Father's house elysian Where no sorrow chills the heart? O, to meet the friends we greeted Ere death took them from our side, Where each life shall be completed, And cach soul be satisfied!
Yes, ye faitliful, Christ has said it; We may rise from prison chains. Welcome death; why should we dread it, While the great beyond remains? Soon the dark veil may be parted; We shall reach the glittering plains;
Cheer up, all ye broken-hearted, Labor while the light remains.
Never fainting, never fearing, Do thy duty every day; Verily the end is nearing, When thy soul shall flee away; Flee with seraphis through the portal, Where no sin can ever blight, In the glorious liome immortal, . In the spirit land of light.
OHN D. WORTHINGTON. Few men in Harford County are so well known as Mr. Worthington. Still fewer have a wider per- sonal popularity and warmer friendships. In his official capacity as superintendent of schools of the county he has been instrumental in advancing the standard of education and the grade of scholarship, the result of his intelligent manage- ment being apparent in the improved condition of the schools. From youth he has been interested in the public-school system. The absolute neces- sity of universal education, wide in scope, com- plete in curriculum, practical in aim, has long been evident to him; he has, therefore, been deeply interested in educational matters and his sympathies are always given to matters connected therewith.
In the eastern part of Harford County, on the Susquehanna River, the subject of this article was born, December 2, 1856, the son of William
and Mary (Dallam) Worthington. Both of these families have long been prominent in Maryland; the Worthingtons are descended from Quaker ancestors that came to America from England, and the Dallams date back in the history of Maryland to the first settlement. William Worth- ington died in 1859, and his wife in 1889. They had three sons, one of whom, Frank, who was a farmer, died in 1878; and another, Charles, is now engaged in a manufacturing business near Philadelphia. The boyhood years of our subject were spent on the home farm and in attendance at Darlington Academy. His studies were fur- ther prosecuted at St. John's Academy, Annapo- lis. Possessing a love of study, he acquired a broad fund of information. His bent of mind was such that it was easy for him to impart knowledge to others, and hence he chose the con- genial occupation of teaching, his first term of school being taught in a country district in 1876. His success brought him in prominence in the locality, and his services were sought in positions more pleasant and remunerative. February 1, 1878, he was made assistant principal of the Bel Air school. The pupils advanced so rapidly under his instruction and the work moved along so systematically and smoothly that he was soon recognized as one of the best instructors Bel Air ever had. His success brought him promotion to the position of principal, in which capacity he remained until 1887, and then resigned to accept the office of superintendent of schools for Harford County. He had been a most thorough and com- petent teacher, and his elevation to the head of the schools of the county was but a just tribute to his ability.
As teacher and as superintendent the record of Mr. Worthington has been above criticism, and the schools of Harford County have never been in as good condition as now for effective work. In 1890 a further recognition of his ability was tendered him. This was his appointment, by Governor Jackson, as a member of the State Board of Education, a position of great responsi- bility, and one, too, that brought him promi- nently before the public. For four years lie offici- ated in that capacity, and there, as in every other
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