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 70
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 70
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When two years of age, the subject of this sketch was taken by his parents to Fairview, where he received his education in the common schools. He was a youth of seventeen when his father was elected sheriff of Cecil County, and, though so young, he served as deputy sheriff with the greatest efficiency. In fact, he proved so helpful in the office that he was retained as dep- uty under three sheriffs. In this way he gained thorough familiarity with every duty connected with the office, and as a natural result he became the people's choice for sheriff. In 1895 he was nominated, on the Democratic ticket, for the po- sition, and was elected by a fair majority. Since boyhood lie has taken an active part in local poli- tics, and his influence as a politician reaches to all parts of the county. In personal appearance he is striking, possessing a fine physique, and be- ing in height six feet and four and one-half in- ches. He entered upon the discharge of the du- ties of his office with the best wishes of a host of friends, and has acted in this capacity with credit to himself. He is a very energetic man, quick to see an emergency, and equally quick to devise
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means of overcoming it, in fact, this energy is one of the most noticeable traits of his character. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of . American Mechanics. His marriage took place November 12, 1896, and united him with Mar- . garet M. Biles, daughter of Charles R. Biles, a prominent farmer residing near Fairview.
AMES H. KENNEDY, M. D. To those who wish to make a success in any business or profession, the most thorough preparation is absolutely necessary. Especially is this true of the medical profession. The day has gone by when the "quack" of great pretensions but no learning can cope with the growing demands of the science, which calls for the most careful study and training on the part of its members. It may with justice be said of Dr. Kennedy that he pre- pared himself for his profession by most careful study in the university and has since kept abreast with every development in the science, having spared neither time nor pains in the acquirement of knowledge.
In looking up the genealogical history of the Kennedy family, we find that their first repre- sentative in America was the doctor's great- grandfather, John Kennedy, who came from the north of Ireland and settled in Harford County some time in the eighteenth century. It is probable that he rendered service as a patriot in the Revolution. His son, James, was born in this county and became a large land and slave owner here, his possessions including some valu- able property that made him well-to-do. He served in the War of 1812 and was present at the battle of North Point. While he led a busy life, he found time for some recreation, and was known for miles around as the champion fox hunter in the neighborhood. Silas Baldwin Kennedy, the father of our subject, was born and spent his entire life in Harford County, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1834 he was appointed captain
of the state militia, which position hie filled for several years. In political belief he was a typical Democrat, true to the free-trade policy adopted by the party in its platform. Feeling that the institution of slavery was unjust, prior to the war he set free the many slaves that he owned. He possessed a splendid physique, and was active and strong until shortly before his death, which occurred when he was eiglity-nine. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Cory, was a daughter of James and Hannah Cory, the former of whom was killed when in middle life. She is still living and is now about eighty years of age. Of hier five children, two died young; the others are Elmina and Samuel L., who is a farmer and stockraiser of this county.
At Upper Cross Roads, IIarford County, the subject of this sketch was born September 3, 1848. From an early age he displayed an apti- tude for learning and a love of study that plainly indicated a professional bent of mind. The com- mon schools furnished him with his primary edu- cation. At the age of sixteen he entered the Bethel Academy, where he took a course in Latin, Greek and mathematics. He then entered Washington University College of Physicians and Surgeons and conducted his inedical studies there until his graduation with the class of 1874. For a few months afterward he was engaged as resi- dent physician in a hotel at Afton, Va. In the fall of 1874 he opened an office in Aberdeen, where he has since been in continuous practice. For several years he has been president of the Harford County Medical Association and he is also a member of the state faculty. In things political he is a Democrat, but not active in pub- lic affairs. Fraternally he is identified with Aberdeen Lodge No. 187, A. F. & A. M.
Dr. Kennedy married a daughter of Dr. Thomas and Elizabeth (Hunter) Elliott. For many years Dr. Elliott was engaged in active practice in Aberdeen and here he died in 1872; Mrs. Elliott is still living and is seventy-five years of age. The three children of Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy are Elise, Ethel and Douglas Elliott. While professional matters have taken the principal portion of Dr. Kennedy's time and
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attention, he yet maintains close sympathy with all enterprises for the publie good. Possessing the tastes of a naturalist, many of his leisure hours have been devoted to a study of birds and animals, and his knowledge eoneerning the fowl native to its locality is perhaps exceeded by none. He is an interesting writer and frequently writes for papers and magazines. Harper's Magazine, of April, 1897, contains an article from his pen, entitled, "Wild Things in Winter," which shows that he has been a thoughtful observer of the habits of canvas-back ducks, squirrels, crows, blue-jays, and inany other species of wild fowl and birds known in this seetion of country.
ABAN LOW. Harford County is well known for the energy, enterprise and push of its farmers, and Laban Low stands in the van in this industry, and has shown much wis- dom and good judgment in the conduct of agri- cultural affairs. He lias led a quiet unobtrusive life, but he has done fine work in his own eom- munity and has devoted the greater part of his time and attention to the cultivation of his fine farm of two hundred acres and development of the resources of his vieinity. Sueh men deserve more mention than they ordinarily receive, and it is a privilege to here give a brief notiee of the life of this wide-awake man of affairs. His entire life has been spent within the confines of Har- ford County and Distriet No. 4, his birth having occurred here April 4, 1838, to Jeremiah and Rebecca (Fife) Low, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, for history of whom see the sketch of Rufus Low elsewhere in this volume.
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The liome farm was the scene of Laban Low's early labors, and a thorough and practical knowl- edge of agricultural affairs was acquired under the guidanee of his father, who was a thrifty and intelligent tiller of the soil. Agricultural life was eongenial to him and upon commeneing life for himself he wisely chose it as his future work,
and to it he has ever devoted his attention. He has wisely inereased the value of his property by making many improvements, and the neatness of his buildings and fenees shows that lie has not inistaken his ealling. His finaneial prosperity has been due to liis own efforts and his farm has been made a garden spot in the great eom111011- wealth of Maryland. At the age of thirty-four years lie married Miss Margaret A. Taylor, a native of this district, and to this union thirteen ehildren have been given: Cora (deceased); Rebecea, Maud, Bessie, Clayton, Brittie, Ora B., J. Blaine, L. Ross, Anna, Martin, Milton and Chauncey. John Taylor, father of Mrs. Low, was a native of Harford County and here followed the oeeupation of farming for years.
Mr. Low has always been a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party and though he has never, in any sense of the term, been an offiee seeker, he has held the office of eensus enumerator and at the present time is the efficient postmaster of Corea. He has also held the position of sehool trustee in School No. 11, Distriet No. 4. He discharges his duties in a capable and praiseworthy manner, as he has ever met all his responsibilities, and to the satis- faetion of all concerned.
ILLIAM A. BRICKLEY. Many of the prominent citizens of Ceeil County have spent their entire lives within its borders, and from the cultivation of the soil have accumu- lated a competency. One of this number is Mr. Brickley, an influential citizen and capable farmer residing in the northern part of District No. 5. The farm on which he resides consists of seventy-eight aeres and he has two other farms of fifteen and thirty acres, which were purchased by him after the war. The property has been brought to its present cultivation through his un- tiring efforts, and is deservedly classed among the valuable estates of the district. It is provided with a set of buildings, each of which is adapted
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to its special purpose. . Improved farming ma- chinery has been introduced and the agricultural operations are conducted upon the basis of mod- ern appliances and developments.
The Brickley family came to America from Germany and has been represented here for many . generations. William, father of our subject, was a son of Joseph Brickley, both natives of this county. The former was a blacksmith by trade and carried on a shop for many years near the . old homestead. He was seventy-six years of age at the time of his death. Politically he was a Republican after the organization of that party. Among the local offices which he held were those of road overseer and constable. A member of the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, he was ordained a local preacher and frequently had charge of services in his neighborhood. He was a member of the order of Knights of Pythias and held all the offices in his lodge. By his first wife, Margaret McMullen, he had five children, but two alone survive: David G. and William A., both residents of District No. 5. His second wife was Mrs. F. Lee, by whom he had six chil- dren, three living: George, in Virginia; Frank- lin, in this district; and Mary Elizabeth, wife of James Armour.
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Within one-half mile of his present place of residence, the subject of this article was born July 22, 1833. In youth he learned the trade of a blacksmith under his father, but afterward turned his attention to farming. In September, 1861, he enlisted as a member of the Parnell Legion from Baltimore and served for two years and seven months, afterward re-enlisting in the First Maryland Infantry, and serving until he was discharged, in July, 1865, at the close of the war. While taking an active part in the battle of Five Forks, in September, 1864, he was wounded in the hip, but not seriously. When the war was over he bouglit the place where he has since engaged in general farmning.
The political issues of the day receive the ear- nest attention of Mr. Brickley, who is a thoughtful student of current events. . He lias inade some- what of a study of politics, and gives his prefer- ence to the Republican party, the principles of
which are, in his opinion, best calculated to pro- mote the welfare of the people of the United States. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he contributes liberally to religious and benevolent enterprises and his sympathies are with all Christian efforts. March 5, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Maxwell, daughter of David Maxwell, and a resident of District No. 6, this county. They are the parents of three children, two of whom are living, Nettie E. and Howard Newton, both at home.
R. CROTHERS, M. D., has for twenty years been numbered among the leading physicians of Cecil County. Ability and energy have won him high rank in his profession, and his genuine personal worth has gained him the csteein of a large circle of friends. He was born in Rock Springs, Cecil County, in IS45, and of a farm was reared to manhood. He attended the district schools, where he familiarized hini- self with the elementary branches of learning, after which he became a student in West Notting- ham Academy, and then entered the normal school in Millersville, Pa., where he was grad- uated in 1873. Desiring to enter the incdical profession, he began his preparatory study in the office and under the direction of Prof. N. R. Smith, of Baltimore, and a year later en- tered medical college, where he graduated in the class of IS74. The following year he con- tinued his medical studies in Bellevue Hospital College of New York City.
Dr. Crotliers began the practice of medicine in Rowlandsville, Md., where he remained for three years, after which he spent eleven years as a suc- cessful and able practitioner of Colora. He re- mained at Vinegar Hill for one year, and then purchased his present farm of one hundred and seventy acres in District No. 6, Cecil County, where he has since maintained his residence. He is excellently qualified for the practice of medi-
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cine; his professional knowledge is extensive and accurate, and in his work he has met with gratify- ing success. His ability has secured to him a : liberal patronage and his professional brethren accord him a high place in the ranks of the ' medical fraternity.
In 1883 the doctor married Miss Fannie Chris- tie, and they have two interesting children, Roman R. and John C. Dr. Crothers belongs to the Presbyterian Church, to the Odd Fel- lows' lodge at Rising Sun, to the Oxford Medical Society and to the Cecil County Medi- . . . cal Society. He is a man of pleasant address, genial in manner and kindly in disposition. . His sterling qualities of mind and heart have - won him high regard and he is a welcome ad- dition to the best circles of society.
RED EMMORD. The old saying that "There is no excellence without great labor" has proved true in very many instances, and particularly so as regards the husbandman, for if he be successful in this line of human endeavor it necessitates earnest and persistent effort on his part extending over many years, as well as econ- omy and prudence in his expenditures. A de- scendant of thrifty German stock and a farmer by inheritance, Mr. Emmord also possesses those principles of industry, integrity and determina- tion that have ever been characteristic of the Teuton, and as a natural sequence his reward has been of a substantial nature, and he is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred acres, which he carefully tills.
Mr. Emmord was born in Magnolia, Harford County, Md., November 27, 1854, and was nained in honor of his father, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1813. In his boyhood days the latter accompanied his parents to this country, and the first home of the Emmords was established in the city of Baltimore, where Fred Emmord, Sr., secured employment on the Balti- more & Ohio Railroad when work was commenced
on that line. He was an intelligent, well-educated German, who had previously practiced the pro- fession of law, but after the lapse of a few years turned his attention to other pursuits. For about nine years he was overseer of a large fanın in District No. 1, Harford County, but eventually purchased a tract of one hundred and one acres, in the same district, the interests of which he was actively engaged in looking after until his death, which occurred in ISS3. Besides this farm he purchased the Collrain place, con- sisting of one hundred and thirty-five acres, in 1875. He always supported the principles of the Democratic party, but was never a political aspirant.
In his religious views Mr. Emmord was a fol- lower of Martin Luther, was a liberal contributor to and a worthy member of the Lutheran Church, and for years was president and a member of the board of trustees. The upright life which he led won him universal respect, and in his own immediate neighborhood he wielded great influ- ence for good, for in precept and example his aims were high and noble. In his early manhood he led to the altar Miss Louisa Bauersfeld, a daugh- ter of John Bauersfeld, a native of Saxony, Ger- many, the result of which union was the birth of eight children: Henry, a merchant of Perry- man, District No. 2; Fred; Molly, wife of Charles Kammer, a farmer of Harford County; Amelia, wife of Herman Hanson; Louisa, wife of Rev. A. R. Kuldell, of Allegeny, Pa .; and three de- ceased. The mother of these children is still living and has reached the age of seventy-four years.
The subject of this sketch received his initia- tory training in the public schools of District No. I, but later was placed in the public schools of Baltimore and still later attended a business col-' lege for some time. Having learned telegraphy, he secured a position as operator at the age of nineteen years, and followed this occupation suc- cessfully for four years. At the end of that time he returned to the parental roof and has since had charge of the home farm, which he con- ducts in a most satisfactory manner. The place is devoted to general farming, but much attention
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is also given to dairying, the milk being shipped to Baltimore. Mr. Emmord is a wide-awake, pro- gressive young man, and to one of his tempera- ment success is a fore-gone conclusion. He is unmarried.
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ILLIAM S. NOBLE. Among the lead- ing, wide-awake and successful business men of Harford County is the subject of this sketch, a well-known miller of Darlington. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in car- rying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with various business enterprises and industries has been of decided advantage to his section of the county, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner.
Mr. Noble first opened his eyes to the light in 1853, in Stafford, and his father, Benjamin Noble, also a native of Harford County, was born at Swansburg, near Havre de Grace. The family, which is of English origin, was founded here at an early day by Mark Noble, who located near Aberdeen; and James Noble, tlie grandfather of our subject, was born near Havre de Grace.
. Throughout his entire business career Benja- min Noble followed milling at different places, including Wellington and Brandywine, Md., the old city mill in Baltimore, and also at Montgomery, . Ala. In 1860 lie came to Darlington and began operating the mill which his son William S. still conducts. He married Susannalı Silver, a daugh- ter of David Silver, and to them were born two .children: Mary E., now the wife of David Han- way, of Bel Air, and William S. The father died in 1894, at the age of seventy-four years, honored and respected by all who knew him. The mother still survives, making her home with her son.
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early age began assisting his father in the mill, where lie soon mastered the business in all its de- tails. In 1869 they purchased of Jarrett Gover the milling property which our subject still owns, known as the Deer Creek Mill, it being situated on Deer Creek, near Glenville and Darlington, in District No. 5. For many years it was an old- fashioned burr mill, but in 1888 rollers were put in and the plant was entirely remodeled, so that it is now one of the best grist mills in the local- ity. It now has a capacity of forty barrels every twenty-four hours, and the product turned out is first-class in every particular. It is run by water equal to forty horse power, and is successfully operated by Mr. Noble, who is one of the most thoroughi, practical and reliable millers in this section of the state. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in religious belief is a Presby- terian, holding membership in Harmony Church. His life has been one of industry and persever- ance, and the systematic, honorable metliods he has followed have gained for him the confidence and esteem of the entire community.
ENRY W. GUILFOYLE, justice of the peace, and a business man of Whiteford, District No. 5, Harford County, was born in Ireland, October 16, IS46, and is the son of William and Eliza (Henderson) Guilfoyle, also natives of the Emerald Isle. Of a family of six children, he and his brother, Capt. John F., are the only survivors. Both his father and grand- father took an active part in the rebellion of 1798 in Ireland. In 1848, the father, accompanied by his wife and their two children, Henry W. and Mary E., crossed the Atlantic and settled in Baltimore, where he found employment in a hum- ber yard. In that city he continued to reside until his death. During the Civil War he was a soldier in the Union army.
During his boyhood and youth, William S. The subject of this sketch has no recollection Nobie pursued his studies in both the public and . of his native land, as he was but two years of age private schools of Harford County, and at an at the time the family sought a home in the
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United States. When he was about sixteen his parents died and thenceforward he was de- · pendent upon his own resources. For a time he was employed by Frank Hamway, a woolen . manufacturer of Harford County, but after work- ing at that trade for two years he turned his attention to blacksmithing, which occupation he lias since followed. At the age of twenty-one he married Maggie E. Hildt, who was born in Harford County, and a member of a Pennsyl- vania family. Their three children are John H., Priscilla E. and Mamie E., all of whom are . married and doing well in life.
. A man of excellent habits and fine principles, possessing in a large degree the traits of character that commend him to the confidence of all about him, Mr. Guilfoyle was the choice of the people for justice of the peace and was commissioned to that office by Governor Lowndes in 1896. Po- litically he has always been pronounced in his allegiance to Republican principles. He and his 'wife are active members of the Methodist Protest- ant Church and take an interest in the work of the congregation.
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ANLY DRENNEN. The men who from time to time have been chosen to represent people of Cecil County as their officials have been almost invariably public-spirited citi- zens and men of intelligence. Of Mr. Drennen it may be said that in genuine public spirit, in un- tiring vigilance, in strict integrity and unfailing accuracy, he is the peer of them all. Since he first became connected with his present office, he has discharged its duties in a manner highly satis- factory, even to those who oppose him politically. The same accuracy and energy which character- ized his private life are now manifested in his official capacity as treasurer of Cecil County, and while his influence was apparent in former years, it is naturally more noticeable in his present im- portant and responsible position.
Like many of the well-known citizens of Elk- ton, Mr. Drennen is a native of this village, he having been born here February 3, 1864, the only son of Thomas and Anna E. (Manly) Dren- nen. His grandfather, Jonathan Drennen, was born in Newark, Del., in 1806, and learned the wheelwright's trade, which he followed for many years, and in addition he filled a number of local offices of responsibility. For several years he was postmaster of Newark, and at different times held minor offices. In the Methodist Church he was an active worker. From Delaware lie re- moved to Maryland and his last years were passed in Cecil County.
Thomas Drennen was born in Newark, Del., in 1834, and in early manhood came to Elkton, where for many years he was the proprietor of a large dry-goods establishment, in this way accu- mulating a small fortune. In 1880 he retired from the mercantile business in order to accept the position of secretary and treasurer of the Cecil County Fire Insurance Company, and in the lat- ter capacity he was employed until his death, in May, 1896. He was a man highly respected by all who knew him and had the full confidence of the people. His connections, religiously, were with the Presbyterian Church. in which he acted as a trustee. His wife was a daughter of Capt. Nicholas Manly, who in early life was commander of a vessel, but later retired to a farm near Elkton and there passed the remaining days of his life. (For a more complete history of the family, see sketch of Nicholas P. Manly, in this work. ) Mrs. Drennen and her daughter own and occupy a beautiful home on North Main Street, Elkton. Her other daughter, Annie Highland, is the wife of John M. Tucker, who succeeded his father-in- law as secretary and treasurer of the Cecil County Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
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