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 64
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 64
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LLIS L. DUYCKINCK. The friends of Mr. Duyckinek know him to be a successful fariner, and, more than that, a man who is earnestly striving to make the world better for his presence in it. He is not only a factor in ag- ricultural circles, but he is constantly endeavor- ing, so far as lies in his power, to promote the welfare of others and the advancement of local measures. He owns the old family homestead in District No. 9, Cecil County, where he has lived since 1892, having resided upon an adjoining farm for some years prior to that time. Devoted to the welfare of this locality, he is one of the class of citizens who believe in the resources of the county, in its future and its limitless possibilities. While some seek new homes amid strange surroundings, he has been content to remain in the east, believ-
The founder of the family in America, Levi Holden Duyckinck, was born in Holland, January 12, 1754, and came to America in the service of the Spanish government. Afterward for some years he was proprietor of a stationery, book and music store in New York City. Little is known concerning his personal characteristics, save that he was very fond of music and had great talent in that art. His son, Richard B., resided in New Jersey, where he owned and cultivated a farm. Horace H. Duyckinck, son of the latter and father of our subject, was born in Somerset County, N. J., in 1819, and spent his youth and early manhood in his native place, but in 1852 removed to Cecil County and settled upon the farm in District No. 9, now owned by our subject. Here he spent the remainder of his days in the occupation of a far- mer. An active worker in Zion Presbyterian Church, he officiated as an elder in the congrega- tion. He chose as his wife Emily Longstreet, of New Jersey, and their union was blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Anna, now the widow of William Haines; Ellis L .; Aaron L. and Magdalene, wife of John J. Pennell. The father died at the homestead April 8, 1891, when seventy-two years of age.
While the family still resided in Somerset County, N. J., the subject of this sketch was born in 1846. He was quite small when brought to Cecil County, and here he grew to manhood, meantime obtaining his education in the common schools, and Millersville and West Nottingham Academies. On starting out for himself he estab- lished his home on a place that adjoined his father's, but upon the death of the latter, he re- turned to the homestead, where he has since re- sided, cultivating the one hundred and eighty acres that compose the estate. Politically he is a Democrat. In 1883 he was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Jonathan Smock, and member of an old family of New Jersey, where she was born. Their only son is Bancker, now a student in school. Mr. Duyckinck is a man of public spirit, and material success has not
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been his sole achievement, for he has become known as a capable citizen. With others who have contributed to the development of the county, he is building for himself a monument that will outlast shafts of marble, and is carving his name upon the hearts of his associates in a more en- · during manner than those written in letters that perish.
ILLIAM A. DURHAM, county commis- sioner, and the owner of a well-improved farm in District No. 4, Harford County, was born here February 25, 1831, the son of Abel and Sarah (Devoe) Durham. The family of which he is a member originally comprised six children, namely: David, Sarah A., John D., Elizabeth F., William A. and Mary E., of whom he and his sister, Sarah, are the sole survivors. His grandfather, David Durham, a native of this county and a farmer by occupation, was a son of Samuel Durham, whose father emigrated to this country from his native land, England, in an early day and settled near Bel Air, becoming the owner of large tracts of land. Members of the family participated in the Revolution and the War of 1812.
At the age of seventeen our subject left school and began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years. At the age of twenty- seven he married Rachel A. Gladden, who was born in Harford County, was identified with the Episcopal Church, became the mother of two children, and died in 1865, at the age of twenty- six. Their daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth F. McNor- ris, became the mother of two children and died at the age of thirty-three. The son, Jacob, mar- ried Evalina Hannah, of this county, and they have a daughter, Mabel. In 1868 our subject was united with Matilda E. Lowe, a native of Maryland. Five children were born of this union, namely: John, C. Howard and F. Pierce (twins), M. Alice and Sarah A. (twins). Mrs. Matilda E. Durham died in November, 1874, aged thirty-
nine years. In 1880 Mr. Durham married Martha S. Richardson, who was a lifelong resi- dent of this county, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and who died in 1884, at the age of thirty-nine. The only child of this union, George S., was accidentally killed by the upsetting of an ox cart when he was six years of age. The present wife of our subject, whom he married in 1894, was Mrs. Marion V. (Forwood) Bull, widow of John E. Bull, of this county. One son, William F., blesses this union.
For thirteen years Mr. Durham was interested in the canning business, but with this exception, since he abandoned work at his trade, he has de- voted his attention entirely to farming. He has met with his share of misfortunes, losses through placing confidence in those unworthy of it, losses through droughts and through floods, losses through the depreciation of the value of land, losses through the prevalence of hard times and financial depression; but in spite of discourage- ments, he has worked patiently and industriously, and is now well-to-do, his farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres being as well improved as any in the district. Politically a Democrat, on that ticket, in the fall of 1895, he was elected county commissioner to serve for a term of six years, and his efficient service in this capacity has won the commendation of all.
W ILLIAM E. DAVIDSON owns and occu- pies a farm lying in the northern part of District No. 5, Cecil County. He is a native of this county, born in District No. 3, February 14, 1843. His father, John W. David- son, was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and upon moving to Cecil County, in 1825, settled upon a farm, where he afterward dwelt, devoting his attention exclusively to the raising of cereals and stock. He was an industrious and hard- working man, but never became wealthy, obtain- ing, however, by honest effort, an amount suffi- cient to provide well for his family. In early life
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a Whig, he became a Republican on the organiza- tion of the party and ever afterward voted that ticket. He was a public-spirited citizen and kept intelligently posted regarding both local and national issues. His death occurred in this county in 1868.
. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza Weaver and was a daughter of John Weaver, of Bucks County, Pa. She long survived her husband, her death occurring in 1887. Of her family of eight children five are still living. They are named as follows: John, whose home is in District No. 9, Cecil County; William E .; Hannah, who is married and lives in Wilmington, Del .; Mrs. Rachael Wildy, also of Wilmington, and Susan, who married William Hall and lives in Chester County, Pa.
Educated in the local schools, at an early age, the subject of this sketch entered the employ of Hugh M. Cameron, with whom he remained for the long period of twenty years. In 1873 he purchased the Stony Chase place of forty acres and here he has since engaged in general farin pursuits. He has never desired to enter public life and does not care to hold office. Politically he favors the policy of the Democratic party. February 16, 1873, he married Letitia Lynch, daughter of Harrison Lynch, of this county, and, like himself, an earnest member of the Methodist Protestant Church. Their four children are named as follows: Martha, who is married and makes her home in Wilmington, Del .; Rachael L., Mrs. Thomas Van Pelt, of Cecil County; William H. and M. Vernon, who are with their parents.
ILLIAM B. SELFE, proprietor of a hard- ware store and blacksmith shop at Darling- ton, was born in Havre de Grace in 1857. The family to which he belongs has been identi- fied with the history of England as far back as the genealogical record can be traced. His father, James Selfe, was born in Chiilcompton, England,
and tlicre spent the years of youth, cmigrating to the United States in 1855 and settling in Havre de Gracc. It was, doubtless, an unfortunate time for him to seek a home in the new world, for already the dark clouds of civil strife were hang- ing over the nation, and a few years later war burst in all its fury upon the people, dividing asunder families and bringing sorrow and death into many homes. By occupation he was a ma- chinist. For ten years he held a position as eugi- neer on the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Balti- more Railroad, running between Baltimore and Wilmington. He was not permitted to see old age or even to attain middle life, as his death oc- curred when he was thirty-two, the date being January 6, 1866, shortly after the end of the war. His wife, whose maiden name was Catharine Moon, was also born in Chilcompton, England. She died in Maryland, January 5, 1897, aged sixty- seven, after a life of Christian fortitude and pa- tience under trials, and of kindly deeds toward others, which is an inspiration to those who knew her best. Of their five children, two are living. William B. and Henry E.
In his native village of Havre de Grace the first twelve years in the life of our subject were passed. They were eventful years and he recalls even now, over the chasin of the intervening years, the excitement incident to the war and the later grief occasioned by the death of his father. At twelve he secured employment on a farm near Perryman, where he worked for a period of five years. In 1877 he came to Darlington and learned the trade of a blacksmith (with J. S. Gor- rell), becoming thoroughly familiar with the oc- cupation in which he has since engaged. In 1888, he established a hardware store, and of this he has since been the proprietor. Since exercising the right of suffrage he has been a stanch adher- ent of the Democratic party. In 1884 he married Louise W. Webster, daughter of the late Isaac Lee Webster, of the Harford family of that name. They have had four children, Serena Webster, Catharine, Louise Eleanor, and Lee Webster, of whom three survive, Louise Eleanor having died in infancy.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Selfe is a Mason,
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belonging to Stephenson Lodge No. 135, in which he has been through all the chairs; and is also conpected with Deer Creek Lodge of Odd Fellows, ' in which he has held the office of secretary for some time. He and his family are members of `the Episcopal Church and at this writing he is warden of the congregation. All local enterprises · having for their object the benefit of the people receive his warm sympathy and cordial support.
AMES W. HANNA. £ Those residents of Harford and Cecil Counties who have given attention to the canning industry have found it a source of revenue and a congenial occupation. It opens a field for the cultivation of fruit, to which many farmers are giving considerable at- tention; and not only small fruits, but vegetables as well, may be raised here to advantage, the products being used for canning purposes. Mr. Hanna gives especial attention to the raising of tomatoes, having fourteen acres planted to this · vegetable. His long experience in this line and careful study of the best modes of treatment and quality of soil, make his opinion on the subject very valuable. He does not, however, confine his attention to this business, but is engaged in general farm work upon his farm of one hundred and fifty acres, situated in District No. 3, Harford County.
On the William O. Michael farm, about one mile from his present place of residence, our sub- ject was born in 1830, being a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Jervis) Hanna, also natives of Harford County. The first of the Hanna family to come to America was John Hanna, who crossed the ocean from Ireland and settled upon a farm in Harford County. Alexander Hanna, our sub- ject's grandfather, spent the larger part of his life on the farm now owned by Edward W. Mit- chell, and there his death occurred. Prior to that he divided the place between his three sons, Robert, William and Stephen B. Upon the por-
tion that fell to his share Robert engaged in gen- eral agricultural pursuits, sowing, plowing, har- vesting, storing crops in the granary, etc. He attained an advanced age, dying in 1867, at the age of eiglity-one.
Of eight children comprising the parental family the sole survivor is James W. Hanna. He was reared in District No. 3, where he attended the common schools. For twenty years he oper- ated a part of the old homestead, after which, in 1877, he purchased the St. George farm, where he has since resided. In 1857 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Hanna, a lineal descendant of William Hanna. They have no children; an aunt, Mrs. Hannah N. Hanna, makes her home with them. In religious belief they are of the Presbyterian faith, and take an interest in all the work of their church. In poli- tics Mr. Hanna is always loyal to the Democratic party, to which he unwaveringly lends his influ- ence and gives his suffrage.
HOMAS HENDERSON, A. M. Toshow that the subject of this article is a man of versatile talents it is but necessary to state that now (though seventy-five years of age), he is proprietor of a general store at Black Horse. Harford County, postmaster at that place, local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, preaching almost every Sunday, and owner of more than two hundred acres of fine farming land, the supervision of which he personally over- looks. Much of the active years of his life were given to the occupation of a school teacher, and his work in that line has more than temporary value, owing especially to his publication of an English grammar and a new development of al- gebra. In spite of his advanced years, he is very active physically and mentally; in fact, his powers have showed no sign of diminution, but he is as able to discharge his multiform duties as at any time in the past. This is the more remarkable when it is known that at the age of fourteen he
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had strong symptoms of consumption, and at twenty-one he was given up by all the doctors of the neighborhood as a hopeless victim of bron- .chitis, with no prospect of recovery.
. Robert T. and Margaret (Brown) Henderson, parents of our subject, were natives of District No. 4, Harford County, and had a family of nine children, but the only survivor is Thomas. He was born within half a mile of his present place of residence, December 2, 1821, and was reared on the home farm, receiving only such advantages as inferior district schools afforded. Though he never attended college a day in his life, he is an excellent Hebrew scholar, has read the Hebrew Bible through, and prepared a Hebrew grammar, which, however, he has not published. He is also well versed in mathematics and the sciences. At the age of sixteen and a-half he began to teach school; and after having charge of country schools for a time taught for three years in the city of Baltimore. As an educator he was thorough and efficient, and many who gained their first glimp- ses into the wonderful realm of thought under his careful oversight are to-day prominent in business or the professions. In about 1870 he retired from teaching, and after that embarked in the mercan- tile business at Black Horse, which he has since carried on, besides being postmaster of the village.
At the age of twenty-seven Mr. Henderson inarried Alice A. Henderson, of District No. 4, daughter of Thomas and Jane Neely (Lutes) Henderson, natives, respectively, of Harford County and Lisbon, Pa. Three children were born to this union, but one died in infancy; those living are Alfred Neely, a veterinary surgeon, and M. Emma. The wife and mother was a devoted mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, cheered by her Christian faith, she entered the un- known world at the age of about fifty-one years. The second marriage of Mr. Henderson united him with Susan T. Meredith, a native of Baltimore County. This union was childless. For forty years or more Mr. Henderson has been a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and frequently preaches, endeavoring to reclaim the lost and cheer the sorrowing. At funerals his services have often been called into requisition. During
the war he was in sympathy with the Union cause. and many a poor Union soldier was fed and helped by him. His life has been a very active one. Laziness is intolerable to him; he is fond of action and most happy when busy and useful in the serv- ice of his fellow-men and his God.
L HARLES S. M. BESLER. The farmers of Maryland who have come from Germany have invariably brought with them such traits and habits of life as have been of the great- est assistance to them in their new home. Their industry, frugality and perseverance have helped to achieve such a degree of success as enhances the prosperity of their neighbors. Such a one we find in Mr. Besler, who began life a poor boy and is to-day one of the well-to-do citizens of District No. 4, Harford County. His estate consists of one hundred acres of finely improved land, upon which have been placed all the necessary build- ings, including the family residence that is one of the most comfortable homes in the district. The valuable homestead has been secured by the per- sistent industry of the owner, seconded by the efforts of his capable wife.
In Germany, November 27, 1817, the subject of this sketch was born to the union of Christian H. and Rachel J. (Snell) Besler, also natives of that country. He was the older of the two chil- dren, his sister being Johanna S. E. W., who died, unmarried, September 16, 1890, at the home of her brother. Reared in Germany, our subject received his education in the excellent schools of his native land. At the age of fifteen years he accompanied his father to America, landing in Baltimore, August 30, 1832, and upon the 17th of the following month settled upon the farm in Harford County where he now lives. He was un- acquainted with our language and with the cus- toms of the people, but soon became fluent in the use of English and familar with local and nation- al problems. It was necessary for him to work
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hard after settling upon the new place and lie therefore had few opportunities for increasing liis knowledge by attendance at school, but through , self-culture he has largely made up for his early .. lack of advantages. Whatever success he may have had in life is due not a little to the energy and wise co-operation of his wife, whom he mar- ried at the age of twenty-seven, and who bore the maiden name of Christiana Seaman. Like him- self, she was born in Germany and accompanied her parents to America at the age of about fif- teen. This was in the year 1840, and from that time until her marriage slie resided in Baltimore. Though having no children of their own, they have reared four boys and one girl, to wliom they have given good educational advantages, carefully training them for positions of responsi- bility in life.
Bethel Presbyterian Church is fortunate in hav- ing in its membership such active workers and liberal givers as Mr. and Mrs. Besler, who are ever ready to devote their time, efforts and means to promote its interests and the cause of religion. Althoughi in no sense of the word a politician, Mr. Besler has been stanch in his ad- herence to the principles of the Democratic party, ever since the time he became a voting citizen of the United States. He carefully superintends the management of his property and the neat ap- pearance of his home indicates his intelligent oversight.
21 ARTIN L. JARRETT, M. D. As a phy- sician the success of Dr. Jarrett has been such as to give him an influential position in the medical fraternity of Harford County. Since the completion of his medical studies he has been engaged in professional practice at Jarretts- ville and has built up a wide reputation for skill in the diagnosis of disease and its treatment. His prominence, however, is by no means of a pro- fessional nature entirely. In various lines of bus- iness activities he has proved the possession of discrimination, tact, efficiency and large executive
ability. He is president of the Jarrettsville Creamery Company, an enterprise that has done much for the upbuilding of the place and is one of the most important local industries.
The Jarrett family originated in England and has been represented in Maryland for many gener- ations. Luther M., the doctor's father, was born in Harford County, where his father, Jesse, was a farmer. By his marriage to Julia A. Scarff, of .this county, six children were born: James H., M. D .; William B., Thomas B., Sarah E., Martin L., M. D., and Joshua W. The sub- ject of this sketch, who was next to the youngest of the family, was reared on the farm where he has since resided, and for a time attended Bethel Academy, at Cathcart. Md. Beginning the study of medicine, he was for two years with his brother, Dr. James H. Jarrett, and afterward for two terms was a student in the medical depart- ment of Maryland University at Baltimore, grad- uating in 1864. Since that time he has conducted his practice in and around Jarrettsville. He is now in the prime of life, having been born No- vember IS, 1841, and has many years of useful- ness yet before him. That the reputation which. he has established as a skillful physician shall increase with the passing years and the broaden- ing knowledge acquired by further experience, may safely be predicted of him.
January 31, 1867, when twenty-five years of age, Dr. Jarrett married Sarah F. Glenn, of Har- ford County, the descendant of Scotch-Irish an- cestors who came to this country in an early day, and, as farmers, acquired large possessions. Mrs. Jarrett was reared upon a farm and received a good education in the local schools. She takes an active interest in the work of the Presbyterian Church, to which she belongs. The doctor is a Methodist and is officiating as steward of the church. The political question is one in which he is deeply interested, and he is a stanch Demo- crat, upholding the principles of free trade and free coinage of silver. He is an active friend of the public school system and holds the office of school cominissioner at this writing. Among his interests is that of director of the Second National Bank of Bel Air. Fraternally he was formerly
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connected with the Knights of Pythias and is now identified with Mt. Ararat Lodge No. 44, A. F. & A. M., at Bel Air. He is a man of keen per- . ception, of strict integrity, of great energy and of .more than ordinary ability; a man who is devoted to the interests of his community and has contrib- uted very largely to its development.
OBERT J. GILBERT is devoting his ener- gies to agricultural pursuits in Harford County, which has been the home of his ancestors since colonial days. His great-great- grandfather was a native of England and . sought a home in the new world while this land was still under the domination of Great Britain. His son was born in District No. 1, and was one of the heroes who fought for the independence of the nation in the Revolutionary War. His son, Micah, was born near Avondale, and the latter's son, Michael Gilbert, the father of our subject, was born near Avondale. Thus for six generations the family has been connected not only with the history of Harford County, but has been repre- sented in the district where Robert J. now makes his home.
Michael Gilbert made farming his life work and led a busy and useful life. He voted with the Whig party until the organization of the Repub- lican party, when he joined its ranks. He held the office of both magistrate and constable. An attendant at the Presbyterian Church, he did all in his power to promote its cause and was one of the valued citizens of the community. On the 23d of May, 1839, he was united in marriage with his cousin, Miss Elizabeth Gilbert, and they be- came parents of six children. The father died February 17, 1879, but the mother is still living at the age of eighty-six.
Robert J. Gilbert was born near Carson Run, August 27, 1842, and was reared to farm labor. He attended the district schools until twenty-one years of age, after which he learned the carpen- tet's trade, following that vocation until his
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