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 60
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 60
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From the time of his first connection with the Singerly Pulp and Paper Company Mr. Kerfoot has proved himself to be an able and efficient business man, and by resolution and force of
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will, combined with unvarying industry and judicious management, he has won his way to a position of assured success, and now enjoys the respect of the people among whom he bas trans- acted business during these past years. He mar- ried Julia E. Lippincott, of Philadelphia, and they reside in their recently completed home, which is one of the finest in Elkton. Fraternally he is a Mason, interested in the work of that order, and in religious. connections he is identified with the Episcopal Church.
SAVAGE SHURE, a wide-awake and pro- gressive merchant of Shures Landing, Har- ford County, is an important factor in bus- iness circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of un- bending integrity, unabated energy and industry that never flags. He is public spirited aud thor- oughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.
Mr. Shure was born at Shures Landing in 1863, and is a grandson of Michael Shure, who was a colonel in the War of 1812 and spent his entire life in Perry County, Pa. Daniel Ferree Shure, our subject's father, was born in Liverpool, Pa., March 11, 1817, and for many years had charge of a store at that place for the father of William T. Waters, of Baltimore. In 1842 he was sent by Simon Cameron, William T. Waters and others from Harrisburg, Pa., to the old Worthington Landing on the Harford side of the Susquehanna River, to act as superintendent of the Susque- hanna and Side Water Canal. Here he spent the last fifty-five years of his life, and became promi- nently identified with the upbuilding and devel- opment of this region, establishing what is now known as Shures Landing.
Daniel F. Shure was united in marriage with. Miss Jane McDarah, by whom he had twelve children (ten still living): Charles A., a practic- ing physician of Port Deposit, Md .; Harry W.,
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deputy revenue collector at Baltimore; Miriam A., wife of A. J. Colwell; Daniel F., Jr .; Jeanic, deceased; Jolin M .: James B .; George W .; Will- iam J .; Edward Savage; Arthur E., and Robert Lee, deceased. Daniel F. Shure became one of the influential and prominent citizens of Harford County, and as an ardent Democrat took quite an active interest in public affairs, but cared nothing for political preferment, in fact refused several nominations to official positions of honor and trust. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and in all the relations of life was found true to every trust reposed in him. He passed away February 5, 1891, at the age of seventy-four years, and is survived by his wife and ten children.
In the schools of Darlington, E. Savage Shure acquired a good practical education, and on lay- ing aside his text books returned to his boyhood home at Shures Landing, where lie still lives with his widowed mother. At the age of twenty he entered his father's general store at that place, which had been established in 1845, and since the latter's death lias assumed charge of the bus- iness and other property. He is also interested in farming to some extent, owning a good place of one hundred and fifty acres on the Susque- hanna River, which he has under a high state of cultivation. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability, and is meeting with a well- deserved success in his undertakings. Like the other members of the family, he is identified with the Episcopal Church.
12 ENNIS H. STANDIFORD. The name of Standiford is connected with the agricultural. development of Harford County and with its advancement in other directions, since the early days of its settlement. Both in this and in Baltimore County its members have taken an active part in farming interests, and have gained prominence in their chosen calling. The Standi- fords were first represented in America by the
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great-grandfather of Dennis H., who was born in Wales and in youth crossed the ocean, settling in Baltimore County, Md., where he gave his atten- tion to the cultivation of a farm. Little is known concerning his life and character, but he must have been a man of energy; determination and force of will, for he came alone to the new world and sought his fortune among strangers in a strange land. His son, Jacob, grandfather of Dennis H., was born in Baltimore County and always engaged in general farming except the period of his service in the War of the Revo- lution.
Claudius Standiford, our subject's father, was born in Baltimore County, and when very young took part in the War of 1812, being present at the battle of North Point, Baltimore. By liis mar- riage to Cordelia Hitchcock, a native of District No. 4, Harford County, he had nine children, but all are deceased excepting Dennis H. The latter was born in this district October 31, 1818, and when quite young attended the local schools. However, the advantages then were quite inferior to those of the present day and he had none of the helps in acquiring knowledge that the chil- dren of to-day enjoy. When twelve years of age he began to work in a cotton factory at Warren, Baltimore County, and during his three years there he rose early each day and worked late. His pay was very small, and he was pleased when a more favorable opening for work presented itself. With his parents he came to District No. 4, where, at seventeen years, he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. For four years afterward he worked at the trade, but failing health forced him to turn his attention to employ- ment of a different nature. From that time he engaged in general farming, which he carried on until the approach of old age, and then trans- ferred the management of the property to his adopted son.
At the age of thirty-one, Mr. Standiford married Susanna Engle, who was born in Dela- ware; her father, John Engle, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and by occu- pation was a farmer. In religious connections
Mr. and Mrs. Standiford are identified with the Evangelical Church, in which he holds the office of steward. They have no children of their own but adopted a boy, William K., whom they carefully trajned in youth and who is now mar- ried and in charge of the home farm. The political affiliations of our subject are with the Democratic party, which has no adherent in this section more loyal than he. In his native county he takes a patriotic interest and all feasible plans for its advancement are sure of his approval and material assistance in putting them into execu- tion.
M RS. R. BELLE STIFLER is a lady of much intelligence, energy and executive ability, and is in every way competent to be a leader in society, as she is in her home circle. She was born in District No. 4, Harford County, Md., September 24, 1845, one of the four chil- dren of William and Marthia (Gillespie) Gailey. both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Harford County, and here reared their family, whose names are as follows: Mary A., Simon G., R. Belle and Martha L. The pa- ternal grandfather, Rev. Jolin Gailey, was a min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for many years was located at Prospect, Pa., where he pursued his ministerial labors and at the same time tilled the soil successfully.
Mrs. Stifler's girlhood was passed on the farmi. She received good educational advantages, and after imbibing all that could be learned in the common schools she entered the Normal School of Baltimore, which institution she attended for two years. At the end of that time she returned home and began teaching school, and during the three years that she pursued this occupation the district schools were her sphere. At the age of twenty-three years she married William H. Stifler. a Pennsylvanian by birth and a foundryman by occupation, at which business he inade a good living. As time passed by, eight children were
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born to bless their union and were named as fol- lows: Bertha L., who is married; William C., Rosa G., Silas H., Robert S., James M., Dora M. and Anna Adelle.
Mr. Stifler was a man of good principles, a use- ful, law-abiding citizen, and for many years had been a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, with which Mrs. Stifler is also con- nected. His death occurred in the prime of man- hood (forty years), December 26, 1890, and in his demise society lost one of its most useful mem- bers. He was patriotic and public spirited, and froni the time his first vote was cast until his death, the Democratic party received his support. His record as a citizen is untarnished and in all the affairs of life he bore himself in an upright manner and was recognized as a man of true worth. His widow still lives in Norrisville with her children, four of whom are successfully en- gaged in teaching school.
OWARD A. LEVERING. In the history of Maryland there is no name more hon- ored than that of Levering. Coming to the state at a very early period in its settlement, they identified themselves closely with every advance movement, and for generations have borne an active part in business enterprises. Of the sub- ject of this sketch it may be said that in every respect he is worthy of the honored name he bears. While his inclinations were in the direc- tion of a business life, poor health obliged him to seek an occupation less confining, and it was thus that he decided to come to Harford County. Here he settled upon Woodlawn farm in District No. 3, where lie and his only surviving sister, Sarah R., are surrounded by every comfort that can enhance the pleasure of existence. The farmi contains one hundred and twenty-six acres and is operated by a tenant.
In the city of Baltimore Mr. Levering was born in 1827, being a son of Jesse, and grandson
of Enoch Levering, the latter a lifelong resident of Leverington, Pa. Jesse Levering was a ship builder by occupation, but in his early years he met with an accident that prevented him from following the trade. For more than fifty years he was engaged in the wholesale grain business in Baltimore, being associated with his brothers. During the War of 1812 he was a staff officer in the Fifth Regiment, Maryland militia, and two of his sons, Enoch and Peter, also participated in the war as members of the same company with himself. At the battle of Bladensburg, while loading liis gun, he was wounded in the right hand, and the lead ball which was taken from the wound is still in the possession of our subject. He married Saralı Brown, a native of Baltimore, and they had twelve children, but only two sur- vive. He died in Baltimore in 1832, at the age of fifty-nine; and his wife passed away in 1848, aged sixty-five. In the Civil War their son, Alexander T., served in the Federal army, as did also their grandson, Jesse.
On account of delicate health, which rendercd constant study an impossibility, the subject of this sketch spent very little time in school; how- ever, thoughtful reading and observation have to a large degree atoned for the deficiencies of his early education. In youth he was for a short time employed as a machinist at Ellicott Mills, but the confinement of indoor work was injurious to his health and so weakened his constitution, nonc too robust at best, that he decided to seek another occupation. For two years he was engaged as clerk in a general store for Ellicott & Palmer. In 1848, accompanied by his five sisters, he came to Harford County and purchased Woodlawn farm, where he now resides. While he main- tains a general oversight of the place and its one hundred and twenty-six acres, the active work of tilling the soil and harvesting the grain is done by the tenant, Mr. Levering Icading a practically retired life. He is not a member of any denom- ination, but attends the Fallston Presbyterian Church, to which his sister belongs. In politics he is a Republican, but has never mingled in public affairs or sought official position. His sister is the author of a volume entitled "Mem-
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oirs of Margaret Jane Blake, of Baltimore, and Selections in Prose and Verse." Their home is a place of contentment, and they have wou thie regard of neighbors and friends on account of their mental and social qualities. They cherish and preserve the good name handed down to them, and their lives point the moral that an upright career always brings with it the approval not only of conscience, but also of acquaintances and associates.
OHN C. TUCKER. Harford County has its full quota of vigorous, enterprising farmers, whose popularity is based upon their well-known integrity and business activity. Among those residing in District No. 3 perhaps none is better liked than the subject of our sketch, who owns and occupies a part of the old Tucker homestead of sixty-eight acres. Here lie carries on general farm pursuits, including the raising of cattle, in which line of work he has become interested.
Upon the place where he still resides, John C. Tucker was born March 19, 1835. His father, David, Jr., and grandfather, David, Sr., were born in Bucks County, Pa. (the former in 1800), and from there removed to Harford County about 1812. By occupation both were farmers, which calling was also followed by John Tucker, father of David, Sr. When our subject's father came to this county, he was a boy of twelve. He grew to manhood upon a farm in District No. 3, where afterwards he engaged in farming and market gardening until his death, in February, 1881, at the age of eiglity-one.
The marriage of David Tucker, Jr., and Sarah Carter resulted in the birth of twelve children, namely: Elizabeth, Mrs. Amos Benson; Sarah J., who married Mortimer Smith; Hannah, Mrs. John England, deceased; Isabel, wife of John C. Stonebraker; Mary A., Mrs. John Strithoff; Margaret C., who married David Deaver; Will-
iam H., deceased; Ellis J., who is living near Darlington; John C .; David L .; Sammuel R., deceased; and Margaret E., who died in infancy. The mother of this family passed away in ISS9, when eiglity-three years of age.
The entire life of our subject has been passed on the old homestead, of which he has had charge since the age of twenty-one. Politically lie favors the Republican party, and upon that ticket was elected collector of taxes, filling the office for two years. At one time he was con- lected with the lodge of Odd Fellow's at Bel Air. In 1861 he married Emma L. Smith, daughter of William Smith, of Baltimore County. Seven children were born of this union, namely: Mary, who married William Kessinger; Eugene Sey- mour and Morris, who live in New Jersey; Bertie; Allen; Herbert, and Harry, deceased. The fam- ily attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In all matters relating to the welfare of the com- munity Mr. Tucker takes an active interest, and his sympathy and support may be relied upon in promoting plans for the benefit of the people of this section. He believes thoroughly in main- taining agriculture up to modern standards, is an advocate of good roads, substantial bridges and first-class local improvements. Land, he believes, should be thoroughly cultivated and systematic- ally fertilized by the use of proper agencies and by a rotation of crops. Were each farmer to do his share toward securing the best results, as it has been his endeavor to do, then, indeed, Har- ford County would stand without a peer as an agricultural center.
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OHN W. STRAWBRIDGE. Enterprise and square dealings usually lead to more flatter- ing results than the practice of sharp and unscrupulous business measures, and when these qualities are combined with a thorough knowledge of the business engaged in, they are sure to bring a legitimate and well-deserved reward. A provi- sion for the material wants of life is one of the most
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important of callings, and without the aid of the merchant the whole public would find itself in a tangled dilemma from which extraction would be impossible. The mission of the merchant is so important that he is an indispensable member of society at large. One of the foremost merchants. of Norrisville is John W. Strawbridge, who is a native of District No. 4, Harford County, Md., his birth occurring on the Sth of November, IS51. His parents, Henry M. and Elizabeth (Almoney) Strawbridge, were natives of District No. 4 also, and the occupation to which they de- voted their attention throughout life was tilling the soil. A sketch of this worthy couple may be found in this volume.
The early life of John W. Strawbridge was spent in the healthful occupation of farming, this active out-door life doing much to improve him physically, but while acquiring a knowledge of agriculture, the improvement of his mental fac- ulties was by no means neglected and a thor- oughly practical education was acquired in the common schools near his home. After imbibing such knowledge as these institutions afforded he began teaching school and continued this occupa- tion very successfully for about two years, at tlie end of which time he engaged in the general mer- cantile business at Norrisville, and has continued the same successfully up to the present time. His establishment is well stocked with an excellent line of goods, and his courtesy and fairness in dealing with his patrons and the reasonable figures at which he disposes of his commodities, have met with substantial returns.
At the age of thirty-seven years Mr. Straw- bridge married Miss Louisa J. Schilling, a native of St. Louis, Mo., but their short married life ended in the death of Mrs. Strawbridge, January. 27, 1890, at the age of twenty-eight years. She left an infant daughter, now seven years of age, to whom the name of Louisa J. was given in honor of the mother. Mrs. Strawbridge was a worthy member of the Methodist Protestant Church, as is also Mr. Strawbridge. The latter chose for his second wife Miss Abbie J. Jenkins, who was born in York County, Pa., and they have a very pretty and comfortable home in
Norrisville. He is a shrewd and practical man of affairs, ready to take advantage of every op- portunity for bettering his financial condition, but withal is strictly honorable in his business deal- ings, generous and kindly disposed. The part he has taken in the business affairs of life has been such as to redound to his credit and well worthy the imitation of others. He has ever been a stanch Republican politically and during the administra- tion of President Harrison he was made post- master of Norrisville, and discharged the duties of this position with his usual ability and good judgment. He still holds the incumbency under President Mckinley. At one time he was a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, but is not connected with that order at the present time. For a number of years he has been an active worker in the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he is one of the trustees and was formerly Sunday-school superintendent.
B. HOUSEKEEPER, M. D., is an eminent and successful physician of Cecil County, who has for many years engaged in practice in North East. His talent and culture have gained him an honorable position in the medical profes- sion and he enjoys an extensive practice. He was born in Chesterville, Lancaster County, Pa., March 28, 1847, and was reared on the farm until the removal of the family to North East, Md.
The doctor obtained his primary education in the district schools near his home, and was later a student in the Lititz Academy, near Lancaster, Pa., where he completed his literary course. At the age of seventeen he began reading medicine, and subsequently entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, graduating from that institution in 1866. Soon afterward he opened an office in North East, where he has since engaged in the prosecution of his chosen profes- sion with remarkable success.
In 1877 Dr. Housekeeper was united in mar- riage with Miss Verquir Veasey, and they have
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one child. The mother is a consistent member of the Episcopal Church, and a most estimable lady, who is held in high regard by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. The doctor is an honored and prominent member of the Cecil County Medical Society, belongs to the Masonic lodge of Elkton, and the Knights of Pythias fraternity of North East. The Democratic party finds in him a stanch supporter, and he has served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of physician for the Cecil County almshouse and insane asylum for about eight years, discharging his duties in a most creditable and efficient manner.
ENRY M. STRAWBRIDGE. Biography should be written for the sake of its lessons; that men everywlicre may place themselves in contact with facts and affairs, and build them- selves up to and into a life of excellence, where they may keep and augment their individuality. For this reason a sketch of Henry M. Strawbridge is here given, his career having been both honor- able and useful. Industry, frugality and honesty were the principles instilled into the life of their son by the parents of Mr. Strawbridge, and who can doubt but these principles have had much to do with his success. He was born in Baltimore County, Md. May 12, 1831, to Joseph and Re- becca (Manifold) Strawbridge, both natives of York County, Pa., and farmers by occupation. The children born to them were named as follows: Isaac, Henry M., William F., Joseph, Lydia A., and Rebecca J. There were also two children that died in infancy. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Strawbridge, was a native of Pennsylvania and all his life gave his attention to tilling the soil. His father, Joseph Strawbridge, was born in England, but in early manhood came to America and was a patriotic, law-abiding citizen.
Henry M. Strawbridge was born on the par- ents' farin in Baltimore County, and there his boyhood days were spent in various duties and in becoming familiar with the work of tilling the
soil intelligently. His ancestors for three gener- ations before him were farmers. and it is therefore not to be wondered at that upon commencing for himself he should choose the same occupation. His labors were interrupted, however, by the opening of the Civil War, but it was not until Oc- tober 3, 1864, that he enlisted in the service, be- coming a private in Company A, Purnell's Cavalry Maryland Volunteers. He served until the close and received his discharge at Fortress Monroe, Va., July 28, 1865, and although he did not participate in any engagements he showed his willingness to give his life for his country.
At the early age of twenty years, Mr. Straw- bridge married Miss Elizabeth Almoney, who was born in Harford County, Md. As the years rolled by, ten children were added to their house- hold, two of whom died in infancy unnamed. Those who reached maturity were named as fol- lows. Jolin W., Rebecca C., Mary J., deceased; Lydia A., Sarah A., A. Sherman, Benjamin A. and Joseph H. The farm owned by Mr. Straw- bridge contains one hundred and thirty-two acres, well improved with good buildings and tilled in a careful and intelligent manner. He is a strictly self-made man, is actively interested in all public matters, and can at all times be relied on to give aid where it is inost needed. A strong Repub- lican politically, lie is also a member of the Wann Post, G. A. R., of Forest Hill, Md. He and his wife have for some time been members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
HE FOARD FAMILY. The history of the Foard family in America dates back to the seventeenth century. About 1680 the first of the name in this country crossed the Atlantic and settled in Maryland, obtaining from Lord Baltimore a grant to a tract of land adjoining the property of the Roman Catholic Church on Sas- safras Neck. This place has since been in pos- session of the family. Not only was it one of the oldest, but also one of the largest families on
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Bohemia Manor. Previous to 1741 Richard Foard married Mary, the daughter of Richard Boulding, of Back Creek Neck. For a time he lived in the old and now decayed dwelling, but after ten years or more hc leased the tract of land now occupied by Erving Griffith (then called "Husband's Choice," but now known as "Bacon Hall,") on condition that he should annually pay three pounds to Peter A. Bouchell and John A. Lawson at the ancient manor house, on Bohemia River.
The family of Richard and Mary Foard con- sisted of eight children, some of whom attained very advanced years. Five of them were sons, namely: Jeremiah, who died young; Edward, Hezekiah, Josiah and Richard Boulding. Three were daughters, as follows: Tamson, Mrs. Alex- ander; Lydia, Mrs. Lawrenson; and Letitia, who married John Mansfield. Of the sons, there is a tradition in the family that Jeremiah was killed while fighting in the Indian wars. Edward, who married Saralı Mansfield, purchased the Great House farm from John Hodge Bayard and Col. John Bayard in 1788, and there resided until his death, January 24, 1822, at the age of seventy- nine years. Three days later his remains were interred in the Bohemia churchyard. His wife survived him about three years and died when more than fourscore years of age. They had two daughters, Jemima and Mary. Jemima married James Blackstone, and their descendants are the Blackstones and Naudains, of Kent and Newcastle Counties. Mary married Dennis James Nowland and they resided at the old homestead on Sassafras Neck until his death, in 1807, after which she and her children returned to her father's home. Her family consisted of Edward F. and Mary R. (twins), Augustus J. and Sarah J. (twins), Alfred C., Henry N. and Frisby M. (twins), Lambers D. and Louisa H., nine in all, of whom three are buried in St. Au- gustine churchyard, three sleep in death else- where, and three yet sojourn in the land of the . living.
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