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 65
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 65
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father's deatlı. He is now following that pursuit near Creswell, where he has a good tract of land under a high state of cultivation. Following in the footsteps of his father, lie became a Republic- an, and to the principles of that party his sound judgment gives a hearty sanction. In 1896 he was appointed magistrate and is creditably dis- charging the duties of that office. As a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, he has been very active in its work and upbuilding, and has served as trustee and as secretary of the quarterly conference.
On the 2d of February, ISSI, Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage with Miss Anna, daughter of Amos Gilbert, of District No. 1, and they have four children: James Amos, Mary, Robert Chan- ning and Helen Ann.
(IACOB GROSS, who owns and cultivates a farm in District No. 4, Harford County, was born in Germany, September 6, 1820, and was the third among eight children, the others being Catherine, Margaret, George, John, Ellen, Mary and Julia A. His father, Jacob, Sr., was born, reared and married in Germany, and in his native land, when a young man, served for seven years in the army. After his marriage to Catlı- erine Cooper, he operated a small farm and also followed his trade, that of a manufacturer of hemp. When his son, our subject, was a child of seven years, in the fall of 1827, he brought the family to America and at once purchased a farm in District No. 4, Harford County. Here his re- maining years were busily passed, and at the time of his death he was quite well-to-do.
Of his native land the subject of this sketch: has little recollection, as his life has been passed principally in the United States. He was reared on the farm that he now owns, and has always fol- lowed farm pursuits. At the age of twenty-six he married Keziah Bryley, a lady of many noble attributes of character and a faithful member of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Her entire life was spent in this district, and here her deathi occurred
531-532
JAMES T. GRAHAM.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in February, 1896, when she was eighty years of age. Her body was laid to rest in Bethel cem- etery. The six children born of her marriage are all living and are intelligent and prosperous. They are by name, William, Thomas, Richard, Frank, Luther and Martha J. All are married but Richard, who remains at home; the others oc- cupy adjacent farms and are in good circumstances. 'They have been given good starts in life by their father, each son being presented with a fine farm, while Mr. Gross himself retains the owner- ship of one farm comprising four hundred acres. In religious belief he is a member of the Evan- gelical Association. Though not active in politics, he is a firm Democrat, true to the princi- ples for which the party stands.
HEODORE GRAHAM was numbered among the leading citizens and native-born sons of Cecil County. At his death he left to his family the rich legacy of an untarnished name and the memory of an upright, honorable life. He was born in District No. 7, in 1829, and on the farm where his eyes first opened to the light of day he passed the years of boyhood and youth. It was his playground and also the field wherein he was trained for business cares. He secured a fair education in the common schools, and after attaining to man's estate he began farm- ing on his own account. He made his start in life, however, by working as a farm hand by the month, and his industry, economy and persever- ance enabled him to engage in the same pursuit on his own account at a later date. Through good management his land was placed under a high state of cultivation, and the well-tilled fields always gave evidence of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. In addition to farming he also dealt in hay and grain. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose were among his chief characteristics and led to his success, making him one of the prominent business men of his district.
The marriage of Mr. Graham and Miss Eliza J. Caldwell was solemnized in IS51. They became the parents of a large family, concerning whom we note the following: Mary is now deceased; Addie died in infancy; Ella M. is also deceased. James T., who was but ten years of age at the time of his father's deatlı, was, however, an exceedingly manly and bright boy, and from that early age hie assumed control of home affairs and the protection of his mother and sisters. His opportunity for study was therefore limited, but by close applica- tion and observation he acquired a practical edu- cation. He becanic a member of the Eureka Fertilizer Company of Perryville, and in 1890 was elected clerk of the courts of Cecil County, continuing to fill the office until his death, which occurred in 1893, at the age of thirty-threc. Fra- ternally he was connected with the Masonic lodge at Port Deposit and in politics supported Demo- cratic principles. His death, when in the prime of usefulness, was deeply mourned by all who knew him. The other members of the Graham family are as follows: Catherine, wife of John Green, of Rowlandsville; Alice, who married Charles Burke, of Philadelphia; Rose, wife of Lucius G. White, of Port Deposit; Elliott, of Conowingo; Roberta, at home, and Matilda, de- ceased.
A member of the independent order of Odd Fellows, Theodore Graham was highly regarded by his brethren in that fraternity. In all local enterprises he took a warm interest, aiding in their progress in every way that lay in his power. He died in 1871, and the community mourned the loss of one of its most valued citizens.
ATRICK CALLAHAN, who resides in Dis- trict No. 1, Harford County, is one of the successful farmers and canners of the com- munity. At an early age he started out in life for himself and has since been entirely dependent upon his own efforts; he has mnet obstacles and difficulties, but has overcome these by determined
23
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
purpose and has worked his way steadily upward to prosperity. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the community, and is well de- serving of the success that lias come to liin1.
One of Ireland's sons, Mr. Callahan was born in that country March IS, 1831. His father, Timothy Callahan, was a cattle dealer, and in 1845 crossed the Atlantic to America, taking up his residence at Harford Furnace, where he made his home until his death, in ISS5. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations and a Catholic in religious belief. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Lynch, was also a native of Ireland, and is still living, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. They had a family of five children: Patrick; Mary, wife of Jolin Lynch, of Harford Furnace; Farrell, who resides in Level, Harford County; Daniel, of Kansas City; and Terry, deceased.
Mr. Callahan, whose name introduces this re- view,, began his education in the schools of the Emerald Isle, pursuing his studies there until he was thirteen years of age, when he came to America, prior to the emigration of his parents. Here he supplemented his early training by attendance at the public schools at intervals for a few years, and at the age of sixteen he be- gan life on his own account. He worked for others until he had accumulated a small capital, after which lie 'purchased a little place and began selling milk. He soon built up an ex- cellent trade and at one time kept forty cows. At length abandoning that industry he turned his attention to the canning business, in 1877, being one of the first to embark in the enter- prise in this section of the state. He has since been engaged in canning tomatoes, and has met with signal success in his undertakings. Owing to, the excellent quality of his goods he readily finds a market, and lias now a large trade. In 1880 he purchased a farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres, and has made it one of the valuable and productive places of the neighbor- hood.
Mr. Callahan married Miss Ann Ready, of Baltimore, who died in 1896. They had the fol- lowing-named children; Daniel, who is living in
District No. 1; Jolin, deceased: Joseph, at home; David, who has served as tax collector: Timothy, who is studying medicine; Mary and Ann, at home.
Mr. Callahan votes with the Democracy, but has never sought or desired political preferment. He is a communicant of the Catholic Church. His life has been well spent, and among his lead- ing characteristics are unflagging industry and enterprise. He has been the architect of his own fortune and has builded wisely and well.
Joseph Callahan, who now has the management of the home farm, was born January 29, 1868, in Harford County, and is indebted to the public schools for his elementary education, which was supplemented by an academic course in Bel Air. At the age of twenty he became his father's active assistant in the cultivation of the home farm, and some years afterwards, owing to his father's ill health, he assumed the management of the farm, and has since superintended it. He is a young man of excellent business and executive ability, possessing those traits which always insure suc- cess. He lias the progressive spirit of the age and. will undoubtedly work his way steadily up- ward. He was married in December, 1896, to Miss Josie, daughter of Ed Johnson, of Hopewell, Harford County.
OHN H. BAKER. The varied occupations in which Mr. Baker has engaged with suc- cess prove him to be a man of resources. As an agriculturist he has been energetic and in- dustrious; in the canning business, a pioneer; as a merchant, progressive; and as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Churchi, earnest, sincere and conscientious. His home has been in Aber- deen since 1893 and his business interests are centered in this locality.
On the old Baker homestead, situated two and one-half miles from Aberdeen, John H. Baker was born in 1849, a member of a well-known
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD.
family which is referred to in the sketch of his brother, George A. His boyhood and youthful years were speut on the home farm and in at- tendance at the local schools. When about twenty-one years of age he went to Baltimore and secured employment in a factory for the manufacture of tin cans. After a few months in that position, he formed a partnership with his cousin, Charles H. Baker, and embarked in the milk and ice cream business, but eleven monthis later he sold liis interest in the business and re- turned to Harford County. From that time he remained at home, engaged in farming and the .canning business, until the death of his father, when he purchased a farm, and to the cultiva- tion of the property gave his attention until his removal to Aberdeen in 1893. He still owns the estate and continued its management until 1897, since which it has been rented.
In 1892 Mr. Baker opened a ladies' furnishing store, under the firm name of Baker & Ivins, but after two years the junior member sold liis inter- est to Mr. Baker and it has since been conducted by G. P. Pyles, a son-in-law of Mr. Baker under the firm name of G. P. Pyles & Co. When twenty-two years of age Mr. Baker united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which, about 1883, he was licensed as an exhorter, and two years later became a local preacher. For the past ten years he has been superintendent of the mission Sunday-school of the Aberdeen Church, at Boothby Hill, and for three years superin- tended the Aberdeen Methodist Episcopal Sun- day-school. He is interested in the work among young people and rendered efficient service as first vice-president of the Epworth League, which office he held for three years. For some years he has voted the Prohibition ticket, believing it his duty to support principles that tend to the bet- terment of mankind and the extermination of the liquor traffic. In 1893 he received the nomina- tion for state senator, but withdrew in favor of his brother, William B., who was the successful candidate and the Republican nominee. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Senior Order of American Meclianics.
The marriage of Mr. Baker took place in Feb-
ruary, 1872, and nuited him with Elizabeth Smith, of Baltimore. She was an estimable lady, and her death, May 29, 1892, was a lieavy bereavement to the family. Four children were born of the union, namely: Viola Estelle, wife of G. P. Pyles, who is connected with Mr. Baker in business; Margaret L., an accomplished young lady; Warren L., a student in the Medical Col- lege of Baltimore; and William Reid, who died at fifteen months.
HOMAS J. AYRES is a well-to-do citizen of District No. 4, Harford County, where he is engaged in farming and dairying. He is a splendid type of our best American manliood. He comes of the sturdy Scotch race, characterized by reliability and firmness of purpose and with these qualities he combines the energy and pro- gressiveness of the typical American. Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Harford County who occupies a more enviable position in business circles than Mr. Ayres, not alone on ac- count of the success he has achieved, but also be- cause of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has followed. His present farm was his birthplace, and his natal day was March 9, 1833.
His grandfather, Thomas Ayres, was a native of Scotland, and, crossing the Atlantic to the new world, took up his residence in Harford County, where he became owner of a large estate, includ- ing the farin which is now the property of our subject. He at one time owned more than one thousand acres of land, and conducted his farming operations on a very extensive scale, deriving a handsome profit therefrom. When the colonies proclaimed that they were henceforthi to be a free and independent nation, he and two of his sons went forth to establish this statement by the force of arins, and valiantly aided in the war whereby was ended English rule in the United States. Thomas J. Ayres, father of our subject, and his wife, Elizabetli (Albany) Ayres, were both natives of District No. 4, Harford County,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD.
where they reared their family of seven children, as follows: John, Elizabeth, Darkness, Thomas J., Anna, Mary and Benjamin.
. Thomas J. Ayres, whose name introduces this review, lived upon the home farm through his minority and his choice of a life work fell upon the occupation to which he wasreared. He was here educated and was trained to the labors of field and meadow. He now owns over five hundred aeres of the original Ayres homestead and earries on general farming and dairying. He is an excellent financier and his well-managed business interests are evidenced by his handsome ' property. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is de- termined in their execution; and his close appli- cation to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosper- ity which is to-day his.
When thirty-two years of age Mr. Ayres was united in marriage with Alice A. Norris, a native of Baltimore County, and their union has been blessed with six children, namely: John T., E. Elione, Mary A., B. Franklin, J. Upton and Nicholas M. Mrs. Ayres and her children are members of the Methodist Episcopal or Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Ayres gives his political support to the Democracy, and during the years of his life he has been looked upon as a model of honor and an example of the truly honest busi- ness man.
Mİ RS. SALLIE E. CAIRNES is a member of the Jarrett family, one of the oldest and most influential in Harford County. Her parents, Luther M. and Julia A. (Scarff ) Jarrett, were born in this county. After their marriage they removed to Taylor, where the father en- gaged in farming and merchandising for several years. In 1835 he removed to this place and conducted a hotel and store, after whicht he pur- chased the farmn whereon our subject now resides.
Through economy and industry he and his wife gained possession of a competency that enabled them to enjoy every comfort in old age, and also to provide for the temporal welfare of each of their children. In the family there were five sons and one daugliter, namely: James H., M. D .; William B .; Thomas B .; Sarah E .; Martin L., M. D .; and Joshua W. To the sketch of Dr. Martin L. Jarrett, the reader is referred for fur- ther mention in regard to the family history.
Joshua W. Jarrett was born and reared on the old homestead where he still resides. When a boy he attended school at Mount Airy, Carroll County, Md., and his education was thorough and practical. Wishing to acquire a commercial education he entered a business college at Balti- more when twenty years of age and took a course of five months there. On his return home he be- gan active agricultural pursuits, in which he has since engaged. He has never married, but finds a pleasant home with his sister, Mrs. Cairnes. In politics he has never allied himself with party leaders, but has maintained an independence of thought, supporting the best men and measures, irrespective of partisan ties. He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and has striven to lead a consistent, upright Christian life
Across the road from the old homestead where she now resides, the subject of this article was born September 25, 1839, and here her early childhood days were passed. At the age of thir- teen she went to Oxford, Chester County, Pa., and for two years was a student in the female seminary there. Returning home, she remained with her parents until her marriage, at twenty years, to Benton Nelson, a native of Harford County, a man of energetic disposition, in politics a Democrat, and by occupation a fariner. He was only thirty-three when, in IS68, he was called from earth. Of the three children born to this union, Julia, Harry and Laura, the last- named alone survives. The second marriage of our subject united her with C. F. Cairnes, M. D., who was born in this county. He died in Oct- ober, 1895. In religious belief Mrs. Cairnes is a member of the Presbyterian Church. She is of
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD.
a charitable disposition, generous to those in need, never refusing practical assistance to worthy people in distress. From year to year of her life in this locality she has drawn friends around her and is well known for the genial hospitality that welcomes beneath her roof both rich and poor.
ON. PATRICK H. RUTLEDGE, attorney- at-law, Harford County. The first paternal ancestor of our subject of whom we have any definite knowledge was Abraham Rutledge. He settled upon a portion of My Lady's Manor, a tract of about two thousand acres of land in Baltimore and Harford Counties, for which he paid a small annual rental to Lord Baltimore. Next in the line of descent was Jacob, son of Abraham, born in Maryland and a lifelong far- mer of Harford County, near the line of Balti- more County. He married Monica Wheeler, daughter of Col. Ignatius Wheeler, who rendered valiant service as an officer in the Revolution. John .W., son of Jacob, and father of our subject, was born in District No. 4, Harford County, up- on a portion of the landed estate of his grand- father. Upon attaining manhood, he selected agriculture for his occupation and carefully culti- vated his eight hundred acres of good land. Like his ancestors he was an Episcopalian in re- ligious belief, and he and his wife held member- ship in St. James' Church. By his marriage to Julia A. Ward, he had ten children, of whom the following survive: Martha J., Patrick H., John R., Monica A., Dr. Charles A. and Henri- etta M. Of these none is married excepting Charles. All remain at the old homestead, which is divided into six separate farms, and like their forefathers, they have identified themselves with the Episcopal Church.
The best educational advantages which the country afforded were placed within the reach of the subject of this sketch. In boyhood he at- tended the common schools of District No. 4, in the vicinity where he was born and reared. At
the age of eigliteen he matriculated in Princeton College, where he took the regular four years' course of study and graduated with an excellent record as a student. On the conclusion of his literary course, lie cugaged in reading law under the preceptorship of the well-known attorney, Otho Scott, of Bel Air, and in 1857 he was ad- mitted to practice at the bar. Since that time he has been engaged in practice, though not constantly, as his large property interests consume consider- able of his time. In former years he was prom- inent in public life, ranking among the influential Democrats of the county. Elected state's attor- ney in 1867, lie filled that responsible position for four years, and in 1876 he was elected to represent his district in the legislature, where he remained for two years. The honors that he received in the way of official position were unsought by him, but came to him as the natural reward of deserved merit. He is a keen reader and an in- telligent thinker, a man whose faculty of obser- vation has been well cultivated and whose knowi- edge of law renders his legal opinions valuable.
AMUEL G. SCARFF. The life of this venerable resident of Harford County covers the greater part of the nineteenth century, and has been spent entirely within the limits of District No. 4. As may be supposed, he has seen many changes in this locality, the cultivation of its farms, the erection of substantial buildings, the introduction of improvements, the building of railroads, and the enlargement of every indus- try through which men earn their livelihood. Starting for himself without a dollar, his only capital being two strong arms, he succeeded be- yond many possessing greater advantages. No one stands higher in the community than he, and his reputation as an upright man is the result of a life of Christian living.
In this district Mr. Scarff was born March 13, 1816, the son of John and Martha (Garrison)
.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Scarff, natives, respectively, of this district and Pennsylvania. He was the eldest of seven chil- dren, named as follows: Samuel G., Sarah A., Edwin and Jolin, who are deceased; Charles T., Eunice and Thomas. The grandfather, John Scarff, was a native of Harford County, and en- gaged in farming. The educational advantages of our subject were very limited, and consisted only of occasional attendance at the common schools. For his life calling he chose agriculture, and to it all his active years were given, the re- sult being that he became well-to-do. At the age of forty-two he married Hannah Walker, who was born in this county, the youngest of seven children, named as follows: Thomas, Mary, Eliza- beth, Eliza, Ellen, Serena and Hannah, of whom Thomas, Elizabetli and Serena are deceased. The parents of tliese children were Thomas and Han- nah (Wise) Walker, natives, respectively, of England and Hagerstown, Md., the latter of Irish descent. The former learned the trade of a piano manufacturer, which he followed after coming to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Scarff are the parents of three children: Josephine, Elizabeth A. and Philip G., but the last-named alone survives. The family are identified with the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Scarff is a trustee and prouiinent worker.
When MI. Scarff began life for himself he had but little of this world's goods, but he had the courage and determination necessary to success, and these qualities, combined with cautious judg- ment, placed him in the front rank of the farmers of District No. 4. That he has been successful as an agriculturist is evinced by the farm on which he resides, one of the best improved and most carefully managed in this locality. In his ven- tures he has made few mistakes, and if he errs, it is on the safe side. In his neighborhood he is regarded as a man of excellent judgment. He has not identified himself with any political or- ganization, but has maintained an independence of views characteristic of him in every depart- ment of life. In 1862 he was elected commis- sioner of Harford County, and held the position for two years, but with that exception he has not been an office holder, nor has he at any time
sought positions of prominence. As a citizen he stands high in the community in which he lias ever resided, being a good neighbor, and a benev- olent man, one who would be trusted implicitly by stranger or friend.
ATHANIEL C. KIRKWOOD. In the twilight of his long and useful life, the sub- ject of thiis sketch is surrounded by the comforts secured through years of industrious toil and is in the possession of an ample competence. While he no longer engages in manual labor as in years past, he is still active and energetic, capable of superintending efficiently the manage- inent of his well-improved farm of two hundred and sixty-five acres that lies in District No. 4, Harford County. His entire life has been passed in this district and here he was born February 28, 1816, the son of Robert and Rebecca ( Bell ) Kirk- wood, natives, respectively, of Delaware and Har- ford County, Md. The family originally con- sisted of seven children, but two died in infancy, the following attaining mature years: Robert, Jolin B., Mary, Jane Ann and Nathaniel C. The maternal ancestors came from Ireland and have been represented in this country since an early day; farming has been their principal occupation and longevity has been a noticeable characteris- tic. The grandfather, John Bell, was a hero of the Revolution. One of the members of the family, Dr. Ephraim Bell, was a celebrated phy- sician and made his home at New Market, Balti- more County, Md., where he died about 1876, aged eighty-two.
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