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 61
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 61
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Hezekiahı, the third son of Richard Foard, en- listed in the Revolutionary War and participated in many of the hard-fought engagements of that
desperate struggle. In recognition of valor and ability, he received the title of major- general. At the close of the war lic returned to the old home on Bohemia Manor and continued to reside there, and elsewhere on the Manor, until 1833, when he passed away at an advanced age. By his marriage to Mrs. Saralı Lawrenson he had several children, namely: Andrew; Richard, who married Sarah Craig; Josiah, who married Har- riet Thompson; Hezekiah, who chose as his wife Araminta Hyland; and Harriet, who became the wife of Hyland Freeman and the mother of Will- iam R. Freeman, now of Back Creek mill.
Josiah, the fourth son of Richard Foard, mar- ried Hannah Lawrenson, and they resided on the farm now owned by John J. Williams; their home, the old hipped-roof house, still stands. Having no children, they adopted Hannah L. Bayard as their daughter, and gave her every advantage their means could provide. She be- came the wife of Jolin W. Bouchell, and some time previous to the death of Mrs. Foard, which occurred September 22, 1831, she was given a farm on Morris Neck, the present home of her family.
Richard Boulding Foard, fifth son of Richard, was an officer in the Revolution, at the close of which he returned to his farm situated at the head of Back Creek Neck. There he remained until his death. He had three children, Mary, James and Levi G. Mary became the wife of Nathan Boulding. Levi G., at the age of eight- een years was an ensign in the army and later took part in the War of 1812, holding the posi- tion of captain of a company of soldiers raised on Bohemia Manor. His wife, Ann, was the eldest daughter of Samuel Bayard. At his deatlı, in 1814, he left four children, Samuel B., Richard J., Edward L. and Mary, wife of Capt. Lambert D. Nowland.
The present generation of Foards is descended from colonial and Revolutionary stock, on both the paternal and maternal sides. Richard Boulding Foard's son, Maj. James Foard, was an officer in the colonial army during the Revolution. He married a Miss Logue for his first wife and they had two children, Dr. Josiah and Ann J. His
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second wife, Mary, was a daughter of Major McDonough, of Revolutionary fame, and sister of Commodore MeDonough of the War of 1812, who after his victory on Lake Champlain, in 1814, was presented by congress with a golden sword set with jewels. Four children were born of this marriage, Mary, Lydia, Kate and Wilhel- mina. Dr. Josiah Foard married Lydia Caulk, the granddaughter of Maj. Thomas MeDonough, who was a Revolutionary soldier and later became judge of the orphians' court in Kent County, Del. Dr. Foard had nine children. James L., who was the father of the present generation, was born on Bohemia Manor in 1816, and came to Elkton, where he married Miss Martha Rebecca Hyland. She was the daughter of Steplien Hyland, a colonel in the War of 1812, and grand- daughter of Col. Stephen Hyland, a friend of the patriots, who entertained Lafayette at his mansion and did much to advance the Revolutionary cause. Col. Steplien Hyland married Maria Kankey March 9, 1812, and they became the parents of five children: John, Lambert, Harriet, Martha Rebecca and Arminta. After the death of his first wife, Colonel Hyland married Miss Mary Mauldin, and the seven children born of their union were Benton, Stephen, Henry, Albert, Martha, Elonora and Mary.
When but a youth James L. Foard came to Elkton, in 1831, and afterward became prominent in business and agricultural circles liere. By all who knew him he was held in the highest esteem, and, had he consented, he would often have been chosen to serve in public offices. In religious belief he was connected with the Episcopal Church. He died in 1894, having survived his wife four years. The large estate which he had accumu- lated through intelligent management and indus- trious application was at his death divided among his six children. They are named as fol- lows: James H., a farmer of Cecil County; Charles R., who is one of the most successful business men of Elkton; Lydia C., Mary Eliza- beth, Ruth Anna and Marthia Jane.
Of the brothers and sisters of James L. Foard, we note the following: Ann married Dr. George Gordon; Mrs. Sarah Church went to California
in 1849; Mary, who is unmarried, resides in Camden, N. J .; Emily became the wife of James Mulford; John joined the tide of emigration west- ward at the time of the California gold excite- ment in 1849; Martha married Joseph Casperson; and Lydia became the wife of Thomas Cavender; Thomas accompanied his sister and brother to the Pacific Coast at the time of the discovery of gold in '49.
HE HYLAND FAMILY were identified with the history of North Elk Parish, Cecil County, at least as far back as 1710, and doubtless their arrival in the locality considerably antedated that period. They were descendants of John and Nicholas Hyland, natives of Eng- land, the former being a colonel in the British army, who resigned his commission in order to come to America. First seeking a home in Mary- land, he found, however, that the province being under the royal government, it was impossible for liim to secure a valid grant to land, and on this account he crossed over into Pennsylvania, where he obtained a patent to one thousand acres. Later he purchased additional property in New York state. On the restoration of the province of Maryland to Lord Baltimore he returned here, and secured the grant of a large tract of land, a part of St. John's Manor in Elk Neck. This property he named John and Mary's Highland, this name being chosen not only on account of liis own and his wife's names, but also by reason of tlie elevation of much of the land. His oldest son, Col. Stephen Hyland, was born on Elk Neck February 23, 1743, and died March 19, 1806. During the Revolutionary War he raised a com- pany of soldiers for the protection of private property in Cecil County and subsequently was commissioned by the national government as col- onel of a regiment and assigned to duty at All- napolis. In1 1781 he entertained General Lafayette and the officers of the French fleet at his old fain- ily mansion, which was called Harmony Hall.
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ILLIAM C. MCCURDY, M. D. The en- be right at any time for present success. In ad- . tire professional life of Dr. MeCurdy has dition to the management of his practice, he has other important interests, notably that of presi- dent of the Harford Creamery Company, which he organized and with which he has long been connected. been passed in Harford County, where he owns and occupies a pleasant home in District No. 4. He was born in the neighboring state of Pennsylvania, in Vork County, near Delta, Feb- ruary 27, 1846, and is a son of Alexander C. and Mary A. (Turner) McCurdy, natives, respec- tively, of Scotland and the city of Baltimore. His grandfather, Rev. Alexander C. MeCurdy, came to America from his native Scotland and first touched our shores at the old emigrant landing place, Castle Garden, New York. He was a preacher in the Baptist Church, in the early days of the history of that denomination, when its friends were obliged to defend its principles in the face of the most critical opposition. It is said that he officiated at the first baptisin by immer- sion ever administered in Peach Bottom Town- ship, York County, Pa. Gen. George B. Mc- Clellan, of Civil War fame, was a distant relative of the McCurdy family.
At the time of coming to America Alexander C. McCurdy, Jr., was a youth of sixteen years. His after years were passed in York County. Of his fourteen children ten are deceased, the sur- vivors being Martha A., Alice J., Dr. William C. and Dr. Alexander C. Our subject received an excellent education in the public schools and Bryansville Academy in York County. At the age of seventeen he began the study of medicine at Bryansville, where he remained for two years, and afterwards spent a similar period in the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, from which he graduated. Immediately after- ward he commenced the practice of medicine in District No. 4, Harford County, where he has since built up a profitable practice. In earlier years he united with the Presbyterian Church and has ever since retained connection with that branch of the Christian church, to which his wife and daughter also belong. He is a firm and con- sistent believer in the doctrines held by that de- nomination and has ever lived up to his profes- sion. In politics he is a thorough Republican, believing firmly in the principles advocated by that party, never yielding what he considers to
Dr. McCurdy was united in marriage with Hannah Stansbury, of this county, and one child blesses their union, a daughter, Madonna, to whom every advantage has been given, and who is popular in social circles. Dr. MeCurdy se- cured the establishment of the post-office at Ma- donna, naming the place in honor of his daugh- ter. He was the first and has been the only postmaster here. Hc is a man of great energy. and could not be idle if he would. As a citizen he is respected for his love of justice, as a Chris- tian he is God-fearing; as husband and father, kind and thoughtful; as a physician, accurate and painstaking. Such in brief is Dr. McCurdy, who, without means or influential friends in his youth, has worked his way forward until he has won prosperity and the regard of many friends.
05 EORGE N. WILEY. It would be difficult to conceive an industry which is more im- portant or requires more painstaking care than does that of milling. If bread is made from an inferior grade of flour it is far from being the "staff of life," and should be avoided. Mr. Wiley has shown that he possesses a special adaptability to the business of milling and there- fore he has been successful. His mill is largely patronized and turns out a grade of flour second to that of no other similar establishment in the country. In addition to this he has carefully looked after his farming interests, which are of no small importance, and both enterprises have been carried on in a manner to reflect the highest credit upon his good judgment, push and energy.
Mr. Wiley comes of Irish stock, for his paternal great-grandfather was born on the Emerald Isle and there attained manhood. The new world
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possessed great attractions for him and hither he came and made his home the remainder of his days. He reared a family, of whom Matthew Wiley was a member. The latter was born in Chester County, Pa., became a very wealthy farmer and was at one time the owner of over two thousand acres of land. His son, Matthew, was reared on this farm, became thoroughly familiar with all its duties and eventually became a fariner also. He married Miss Charlotte A. Norris and as the years passed by a family of nine children gathered about their hearthstone: All- drew Jackson, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Hannali, Mary Susan, William, George N., Caroline J. and Thomas H.
George N. Wiley is a native of District No. 4, Harford County, and was born September 21, 1837. His boyhood was spent in activity, for on a farm there is always something for a lad to do, but the work done by him in the pure open air improved both brain and brawn and taught him lessons of energy and push, without which no one can be successful in the accumulation of worldly goods. He was also early trained to a knowledge of milling and may be said to have been reared in the business, a secret, no doubt, of his success in this branch of human endeavor. While busily employed at these occupations his education was not neglected and in the common schools in the vicinity of his home he secured a practical education, sufficient to fit him for the ordinary duties of life. He has been especially successful as a miller, his training in this respect being received under his father, who followed the occupation before him, as did the grand- father also. His fine farm comprises two hun- dred and thirty acres, well improved and care- fully cultivated. He is possessed of more than an average amount of financial ability, and while keenly alive to his own interests, has the satisfaction of knowing that he has wilfully wronged no man.
When about thirty-eight years of age Mr. Wiley married Miss Zanna I. Wiley, a native of the same state and county as himself, and to them was born a daughter, Dora M., who is living with her par- ents. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley united with the
Bethel Presbyterian Church, in which they are earnest workers. He is a member of Parkton Lodge No. 134, A. F. & A. M., and Home Secret Lodge No. 92, K. of P., of Shawsville, Md. The men and measures of the Democratic party have always received his cordial support.
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G 6 HOMAS A. AMOS, a farmer residing in District No. 4, Harford County, was born in District No. 3, October 19, 1819, the son of Lemuel and Rachel P. (Pearson) Amos, natives, respectively, of District No. 3, Harford County, and Chester County, Pa. The family of which he is a member comprised twelve children, named as follows: Alfred P .; Susan G., who is de- ceased; Thomas A., of this sketch; Melinda P., and William W., deceased; Milton; Lemuel H., who passed away some years ago: E. Pearson, Oliver C., Henry C., Howard and Ann Elizabeth.
The grandfather of our subject, William Amos, Jr., was born in this county, where he became an extensive farmer. He was a son of Rev. William Amos, a native of England, who, emigrating to America in early manhood, settled on a farm near Fallston, and became an extensive land owner and wealthy farmer, as well as a prominent min- ister in the Quaker Church. During the early part of his life, while exercising the functions of his office in the militia, it was revealed to him that the kingdom of Christ was a " peaceful kingdom." Therefore he resigned his commis- sion and united with the Friends' Church. During his subsequent years he was a promoter of justice and a friend of peace. In 1806 he called a mneet- ing of his descendants in America, and over one hundred and forty gathered in the Friends' meet- ing house on Lombard Street, Baltimore,on which memorable occasion one of his great-great-grand- children was present. This venerable patriarch was the father of a numerous progeny. As cor- rectly as can be ascertained, the number of his descendants was as follows: Children, sixteen;
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grandehildren, ninety-two; great-grandchildren, one hundred and thirty-eight; and great-great grandchildren, eight; total, two hundred and fifty- four. He died in Harford County, February 26, 1814, at the advanced age of ninety-seven.
Upon the home farm near Fallston the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, receiving in the sehools a fair education. At the age of thirty-two he married Angeline V. Wetherall, who was born in Bucks County, Pa .. Their six children are, Ida, Anna, Emmett (deceased), Raeliel, Hattie aud Ella. Mrs. Amos and the children are iden- tified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Amos elings to the Quaker teachings of his ancestors. Though he has never desired to enter · public life nor wished office, yet he believes every true American citizen should inform himself eon- cerning the issues of the age and vote as he is led. by the dietates of his eonseienee and the opinions formulated after careful thought. For himself he believes stanchly in Republican principles, and the grand old party has in him a loyal supporter. As a farmer he has been successful and his place is one of the best in the distriet.
G EORGE A. CAIRNES, whose farin of two hundred and fifty acres lies in Distriet No. 4, Harford County, was born in this district July 5, 1846, the son of William and Elizabeth (Vance) Cairnes, natives of the same place as himself. The family of which he was the young- est consisted of seven children, the others being named Louisa, Mary A., Rebecca J., Hannah E., Margaret E. and Franklin (deceased). The first of the family to locate in America was the grand- father, George Cairnes, a native of Ireland, who was brought by his parents to this country when a child of four years, and soon after landing at Philadelphia was brought to Harford County, his subsequent home. Farming was his life work, and in it he engaged until so old as to render manual labor impossible. In religion he advo- cated the Presbyterian faith. His death occurred
when he was ninety, and his body was laid to rest in Bethel cemetery. Our subjeet's father, who was likewise a farmer, was successful in life, a Demoerat in polities, and a Presbyterian in de- nominational preference. He died at the age of seventy and was buried in Bethel cemetery.
In attending sehool and working on the home farm our subject spent his early years. At the age of twenty-four he married Cornelia S. Haile, who was born in Baltimore County, the daughter of Capt. Charles T. and Saralı (Deets) Haile, natives of the same county. The family of which she was a member consisted of eight children: Hannah C., Susanna, Amanda, Cornelia S., Laura, George M., Wilson and Frederick D. Of her marriage eight children were born, Minna B., Charles W., Edgar A., Sarah E., Laura J., G. Wilson, Walter H. and Mary C. All are at home except Charles W., who is a graduate of the Maryland Agricultural College and a lieutenant in the United States revenue marine service. Sarah E. graduated from the Maryland State Normal School of Baltimore and is a teacher by profession.
In 1887 and 1888 Mr. Cairnes represented his distriet in the office of tax collector. In addition to farming, his services are sometimes ealled into requisition as an auctioneer. At this writing he is a director in the Harford Mutual Fire Insurance Company. With his family he belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and in the congregation officiates as an elder. Politically he is a Democrat.
RS. RACHEL M. STRONG. This worthy and intelligent woman comes of an an- cestry of which she has every reason to be proud, for her progenitors fought for the freedom and rights of this country on many a field of bat- tle during the Revolution and the War of 1812. Her husband also was an active participant in the great civil strife in which this country was en- gaged, and held the rank of lieutenant in the Union army. More than this, her ancestors were
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industrious, law-abiding and useful citizens, ac- tively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and werc universally respected. Mrs. Strong is the younger of two daughters (the other being Alice P.) born to Ezekiel and Mary ( Payne) Slade, natives, re- spectively, of District No. 4, Harford County, Md., and the state of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Strong's paternal grandfather, Thomas Slade, is supposed to have been born in Ireland, and to have come to this country in his youth. At least it is known that lie became a loyal citizen, and liere ended his days. The maternal grandfather, Jolin Payne, was born in England, and in early manhood crossed the Atlantic ocean to seek a home in America. So great was his love of liberty, and so thoroughly did he identify himself with the land of his adoption, that when the colonists flew to arms after the battle of Lexington, hic joined the colonial forces and fought for the freedom of this country until independence was gained.
Ezekiel Slade followed the peaceful pursuit of farming throughout life, but when war was de- . clared against England in 1812, he cast aside per- sonal interests and enlisted in the service. His daughter, Mrs. Strong, was reared on his farm in Harford County, Md., where her birth occurred, and in the vicinity of her childhood's home she pursued her studies in the common schools. Upon reaching womanhood she united her destinies with those of Joseph W. Strong, a native of the state of New York, and with him settled in a comfortable home in Harford County, Md. Here their four children were born, namied as follows: Mary M., Amanda A., Ezekiel S. (deceased), and Emma E., who became the wife of J. R. Strawbridge. She was born in District No. 4, of this county, and bore her husband three children: Mary M., Nettie R. and Emma V. She died January 18, 1897, at the age of thirty-nine years, having long been an earnest member of the Meth- odist Protestant Church of Norrisville. Amanda A. married Thomas Hawkins; and they have four children living, the eldest of whom, Mary G. Hawkins, makes her home with her grandmother.
Mr. Strong was a public-spirited man, who was respected by all for his many worthy traits of character. His war record was an honorable one
also, and he became an officer of Company A, Maryland Volunteers. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Strong has conducted her affairs with intelligence and foresight, and her kindly heart and generosity have made her universally beloved and respected. She is a consistent Chris- tian, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and earnestly strives to "do as she would be done by."
ICHARD N. WILEY. A study of biogra- phy leads one to the inevitable conclusion that like conditions produce like results, that success depends upon certain qualitics, chiefly - close application, earnest purpose and a ready adaptability of one's opportunites to the ambition and purpose of their lives. This fact illustrates most aptly one of the salient features of our Amer- ican civilization, that an opportunity is offered under our emblem of liberty for every human being to work out and develop the best there is in him. This Mr. Wiley has done, and success has rewarded him, so that he is now classed among the well-to-do citizens of Harford County.
He was born on the farm which is now his home, in District No. 4, on the 12th of January, 1845. It was the play-ground of his youth and the training school for his business career. Hab- its of industry and perseverance were strongly encouraged by his parents, and until sixteen years of age he largely spent his youth in working on the farmn, and in acquiring an education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He then began learning the miller's trade, which he has followed continuously since, in connection with agricultural pursuits. He is a man of firm pur- pose, not easily deterred front accomplishing that which he sets out to do. In business circles he merits the confidence of all, and has won the warm regard of many with whom he has thus been thrown in contact. Although he stanchily advocates Democratic principles he has never sought political preferment, desiring rather to give his attention to his chosen life work.
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Mr. Wiley was married at the age of thirty- kins returned to the home of his youth, and three years to Miss Josephine Forder, a native of Philadelphia, and to their union have been born four children, namely: Clarence. B., Olive V., Willard J. and Carl N.
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ILBERT S. HAWKINS, a rising young lawyer of Bel Air, was born July 28, 1869, at Thomas Run, about seven miles east of Bel Air, in Harford County. His father, Capt. William L. Hawkins, was a native of Louisiana, and for years engaged in the cotton business at New Orleans. In 1865 he removed to Harford County, and in June of the following year he married Etta Harlan, daughter of Dr. Reuben S. Harlan, a prominent physician of this county. Two children were born of this union, namely: Anna L. and Gilbert S.
The Hawkins family are of English descent, and the lineage can be traced in an unbroken line from the noted John Hawkins, the bold sea cap- tain, who lived and flourished in the days of "Good Queen Bess." On the maternal side our subject is of German origin. His great-great- grandfather was Balzaac Schafer, who resided in Heidelberg, and whose title was that of count.
At an early age our subject accompanied his parents to Louisiana, and there gained the rudi- ments of his education at home under private tutors. He passed his boyhood days in the Cres- cent City and was engaged in various occupa- tions there and in Texas until 1887. Returning then to Maryland, he was engaged in the man- agement of his mother's estate, his father having died in 1886. His mother died in IS91. He commenced the study of law in the office of Harlan & Webster in 1889, but two years later, through failing health, his studies were inter- rupted for some months, but were later resumed. In 1892 he was admitted to the bar upon the motion of Hon. Thomas H. Robinson.
Believing that a more southern clime would better suit his weakened constitution, Mr. Haw-
opened an office for the practice of his profession in Covington, La. Possessing the qualifications of ability and indefatigable industry, he soon had a successful practice, and was identified with a number of important cases, which were decided favorably to his clients. In 1893 he returned to Bel Air and opened an office in connection with Hon. Thomas H. Robinson, where he still con- tinues his practice with unabated vigor and marked success.
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