Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 11

Author: Chapman Publishing Company
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: New York, Chapman pub. co.
Number of Pages: 906

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In the house of representatives the death of Governor Hicks was announced February 15 by Mr. Webster, of Maryland, who said in part: "Governor Hicks was entirely a self-made man. He toiled up the mountain side unaided and reached height after height through his own manly exertions; but never did he break the bond which bound him to the people on the plain. He was essentially a man of the people, of them and from them; his instincts, his sympathies, affec-

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tions, were all with them, and his exertions and labors in their behalf. The poorest and most friendless boy received from him as kindly a welcome as the men who held the most influen- tial and important stations. The last note I ever received from him, only a few days before his death, was written to ask my aid for a poor man, a sailor disabled in the service of his country, and in it he regretted that his health would not per- mit him personally to render him as such assist- ance as he desired. *

"That, however, which has most distinguished him and endeared him to the people of Maryland, was his unselfish and unyielding patriotism. In him was illustrated the patriotism that burned so purely in the hearts of the men of '76. There was no personal sacrifice which he deemed too great to be made for his country. This was particu- larly illustrated in his course on the question of emancipation. Though holding a considerable number of slaves at the breaking out of the Re- bellion, and entering into the war with the im- pression that it ought to be so conducted as not to interfere with slavery, yet when he became convinced, as he afterward did, that the most vulnerable point in the rebellion was slavery, and that if we would crush the rebellion we must strike at and crush slavery, he did not hesitate to favor this policy both by the general government and by his own state. A year ago he favored the constitutional amendment lately passed abol- ishing slavery throughout the United States, and was the earnest friend of immediate emancipation in Maryland, voting himself for the free constitu- tion and urging others to unite with him in its support."

In the address of Mr. Creswell, of Maryland, was the following tribute: "Notwithstanding the many disadvantages under which he labored, it is safe to say that no man exerted a greater influ- ence on the politics of Maryland, or has accom- plished more for the good of his state and fellow- citizens in his day and generation than he. He chose his party because of his approval of the principles which it proclaimed, and then gave it his entire and cordial support. A disciple of Henry Clay, he accepted the teachings of the

sage of Ashland as the axioms of his political creed. He was first a Democrat of the old school, then a Whig, then an American, and on the formation of the Union party he threw his whole soul into that movement and labored unceasingly to promote its success. To all the parties to which he was successively attached he rendered the most important services. He was always looked up to as a leader and always did the work of a leader."

The city council of Baltimore passed appropri- ate resolutions, which were printed, together with the address of Samuel T. Hall, who al- luded eloquently to the patriotic spirit of the governor, his affection for state and nation. Suitable resolutions were also passed by the gen- eral assembly of Maryland, before which body Mr. Carroll bore witness to the worth of the gov- ernor's character. Among other things he said: "The outbreak of the present rebellion found him in the gubernatorial chair of this state. Then it was that the character of the man was fully developed. Then it was that his incorrupt- ible integrity, his devoted patriotism and his lofty courage were subjected to the most severe tests. But no persuasion, however winning, no entreaties, however earnest, 110 threats, however violent, could divert him from the path of his duty to his country. There he stood, faithful among the faithless. And while one after an- other of the border states were driven into the whirlpool of secession and ruin, Maryland alone stood firm and unshaken amid the storms that assailed her, with the nation's flag still floating over her, and vowed her determination to stand under it and by it. The immense results which hung upon his decision and bearing in this fear- ful crisis, results affecting not Maryland merely, but the destiny of the whole nation, it is impos- sible even now, sir, properly to estimate. When the passions and prejudices and jealousies of the hour shall have passed away, when the actions of men can be viewed in the calm, steady, truthful light of history, among the names prosperity will delight to honor and cherish few will be remeni- bered with more gratitude than that of Governor Hicks."

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The passing away of Governor Hicks was peaceful. He suffered an attack of paralysis Friday, February 10, and three days later the end came. On Saturday afternoon President Lincoln, having heard of his serious illness, visited him and spent some time at his bedside. Many mem- bers of the senate and congress also visited him. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and during his last hours was attended by Rev. B. H. Nadal, D. D., of Wesley Chapel. The latter gentleman, after talking to the dying man for some time asked him if he was aware that his earthly career was about to close, and if so to raise his hand. The hand at once went up. Again the minister asked: "If you rest upon Christ as our Savior, raise your hand." The hand was lifted once more and waved back and forth as if in holy triumph. In half an hour from that time he became unconscious and in a few hours his spirit passed to the God who gave it.

The funeral services were of a dignified char- acter, appropriate to the occasion. The proces- sion included the governor of Maryland, mayor of Baltimore, and the city council, senators and congressmen, the President of the United States, heads of departments, the diplomatic corps, judges of the United States, officers of the executive departments, officers of the army and navy, mayor of Washington, and others equally prominent in public life. The coffin was borne into the senate chamber, where the large audience assembled listened in profound silence to the eloquent address of Dr. Nadal, who chose for his theme, "And the king said unto his servant, know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" The remains were interred for a time in the con- gressional cemetery, and were afterward taken to the old home cemetery in Dorchester County.

The first wife of Governor Hicks was Ann Thompson, of Dorchester County, and his second wife was Leah Raleigh, also of this county. After the death of the latter he married Mrs. Jane Wilcox, the widow of his cousin, Henry Wilcox. Only one of his children is now living, namely, Nannie, wife of Dr. George L. Hicks, of Cam- bridge County. The visitor to Cambridge always

notices with interest the statue in the cemetery, which is a fitting memorial of Governor Hicks. However, the best memorial to his memory is in the hearts of his associates, some of whom still survive, and in the affection of the generation now prominent on the scene of action.

AMUEL BECK, M. D., deceased, was one of the most popular physicians practicing in Kent County, and though he was of a modest, retiring disposition, became quite prominent before his death. As a business man he was re- liable, trustworthy and faithful to his word in the minutest particular. Few men have been more sincerely mourned after death than he has been and we are glad to have this opportunity of paying his memory deserved tribute.

In tracing the doctor's history we find that his birth took place upon a farm in this county, in September, 1839. His early years were the quiet ones common to a farmer's boy, his time divided between work, play and study in the village schools nearby. His higher education was sought and obtained in Dickinson College, Car- lisle, Pa., and in the medical department of the University of Maryland. Having graduated as a full-fledged doctor of medicine about 1860, he at once began practicing, and from 1863 to 1879 was located in Worton. His many friends there prevailed upon him to accept the nomina- tion for clerk of the courts in the year last mentioned, and having been duly elected, he re- tained the office twelve years. During this period he made a reputation for honesty of purpose and general worth that is truly enviable. He was a stanch Democrat, and was elected on that ticket. After retiring from the official position in 1891 he became interested financially in the manufacture of phosphate, as a member of the firm of Beck & Walker, and was thus employed until his death, February 8, 1896.

Dr. Beck was a son of Horatio and Mary M. (Miller) Beck, natives of Kent County, and of old, respected families. The father owned and

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operated a fine farm, and was well thought of in his locality, being sent from that district to the state legislature.

In 1863 Dr. Beck married Miss Ellen Constable, a cousin of his partner, Mr. Walker. She was a native of Kent County, and was reared to woman- hood in Kent County. They became identified with the local Protestant Episcopal Church and Dr. Beck was a vestryman for years. He was also one of the board of trustees of Washington College, and was foremost in the promotion of all educational and religious work wherever his influence was needed.

Eight of the children born to the doctor and his wife are yet living. Hallie R. is the wife of Allan A. Harris, who is in business in this place. Horace W., with the St. Louis Elec- tric & Gas Lighting Company, married Nannie H., daughter of the late Jesse K. Hines. Mary I. is unmarried. William W., after completing his literary education in Washington College, entered the naval academy, where he remained for nearly three years, and then matriculated in the law department of the University of Maryland. He was admitted to the bar in 1892, and for a time was in partnership with M. D. Smith. Since 1895 he has had an office of his own, and is transacting business alone. Samuel is now a resident of Fort Worth, Tex. Sarah E. and Isabel S. are at home. Henry C. is the youngest of the family.

A LEXANDER HARRIS, deceased, was the owner of large estates in Kent County, and had a varied and remarkable career, well worth the consideration of any one who is in- terested in the life history of a successful man, whether he was personally a friend or not. His native ability and strength of character carried him through many an ordeal and responsibility that would have made the spirit of most men quail, and, through it all, he bore himself with manly fortitude that commands the higest respect.

A son of Thomas and Henrietta (Ringgold)

Harris, Alexander was born at Rock Hall, for- merly a noted place in Kent County, Md., April 7, 1819. His father came to this section from Calvert County, Md., about 1800, purchasing the estates called Rock Hall. He established a line of packets from that point to Baltimore, then the only means of communication across Chesa- peake Bay between this portion of the Eastern Shore and the western part of the state. His wife was a daughter of Maj. William Ringgold and Mary (Wilmer) Ringgold. The major was one of the committee of safety and correspond- ence during the Revolutionary war, which went to Annapolis, Md., August 14, 1776, for the purpose of drawing up the first constitution of this state and this was carried out successfully.

Alexander Harris went south early in life and became cashier of the Brandon (Miss.) Bank, re- maining there until the financial crisis which wrecked most of the banking institutions of that state. Returning to his native county he gave his attention to farming for a few years, and always retained his genuine love for the peaceful life of an agriculturist. In the early fifties, while the gold fever was raging in California, he with others crossed the plains from Missouri to California on horseback and encountered dan- gers and privations of every sort, meeting each emergency with a courage and quiet determination to overcome it that took him through many a desperate situation. On several occasions he crossed the Isthmus of Panama. In 1859 he re- turned to Maryland and entered the service of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company under John W. Garrett and was given a position which, especially during the war, required a high order of executive ability to carry out the details pertaining thereto, and Mr. Harris was considered an adept in this line. In 1880 he gave up that position to become general manager and secretary of the Baltimore Dry Dock Company, an important enterprise established mainly through his own untiring efforts. This position he continued to fill until his death, which occurred in Baltimore, June 3, 1895. He was a member of the Epis- copal Church.

November 28, 1843, Mr. Harris married Maria

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Louisa Spencer, whose parents were Richard and Sophia (Greshamı) Spencer. The father was a descendant of an English family, who came to America in or about the year 1693, and settled first on Miles River, in Talbot County, Md. Maria L. Harris was born February 25, 1824, at the old homestead, Spencer Hall, in Kent County, Md., and died February 15, 1893, loved and revered by all whose privilege it is to know her. Four children survive her, viz .: Anna Maria, wlio married Daniel Chase Chapman, of Balti- more, November 23, 1869; Emma, who, June 3, 1879, became the wife of James Latimer Banning, now of Wilmington, Del., and has two chil- dren, Henry Geddes and James Latimer; Spencer, who married, October 8, 1879, Mary Rebecca Jones, and has two children, Mary Louisa and Richard Spencer; and Allan Alexander, who married, January 25, 1893, Harriet Ringgold Beck, daughter of Dr. Samuel Beck, and has one child, Allan Beck.

ALTER BOOKER, a reliable business man of Hillsboro, Caroline County, has been engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes for the past thirty-five years, or, in fact, ever since he learned the trade in his youth. It was in the year 1876 that he settled perma- nently in this village, and from that time to the present he has been thoroughly identified with the welfare of the place. He is always to be found on the side of law and order, and advocates whatever appears to him to be for the lasting good of the community and the public at large.

A son of Marcellus and Clementine (Shepard) Booker, both natives of this state, Walter Booker is the youngest of their four surviving children, three others having been called to the silent land. His three brothers are, respectively, Francis M., Thomas A. and John H. The father was a hero of the Mexican war of 1848, and was a wheel- wright by trade, but the last two years of his life he followed farming, providing a good livelihood for his family. He died on the farm near Bridge-

town, Caroline County. Our subject's great- grandfather, James Booker, made his home near Bridgetown, in this county. He became quite well-to-do, owned a valuable farm and cultivated the same until advanced in age. He lived to be one hundred and two years old.

Walter Booker was born in Bridgetown, Md., April 26, 1846, and was reared there until the age of sixteen. He learned the practical duties pertaining to farming while still a lad, and con- cluding that he did not wish to follow that voca- tion, served an appenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Richmond Lodge No. 140, of Philadelphia, and a member of the Heptasophs, of Hillsborough. In politics he is in favor of the principles set forth by the Prohibi- tion party.

In the fall of 1879 Mr. Booker married Aman- da M. Broadaway, a native of Kent County, Del., and a daughter of Ambrose and Ann Broadaway, farmers of Kent County. Mrs. Booker, who was a most estimable Christian lady, died July 24, 1895, aged fifty-one years. Both she and her husband have been valued members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church for years, and have en- joyed the confidence and high esteem of all who have known them.

ON. GEORGE H. MOORE, who has served for seventeen years in Caroline County as a judge of the orphans' court, and who was postmaster of Greensboro from 1888 to 1892, is now living upon his valuable home- stead in the second district, and is practically re- tired from the busy life he formerly led in the mercantile world. He is a man whose record as a public servant is unusually creditable, for he always kept his own personal interests in the background, and strove zealously to promote the welfare of those whom he represented. It was in 1853 that he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the orphans' court, and two years later he was

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regularly elected to fill the same position. In 1859 he was elected to the office of register of wills, his term to run for six years, but a year before the expiration of that period he tendered his resignation on account of his numerous other enterprises, which then demanded his whole time. Later in life he was again urged to accept the trustworthy position of judge, and at length ac- ceded to the wishes of his friends. He has been a school commissioner and has acted as one of the county auditing committee and in other minor positions, and has ever given universal satisfac- tion. He has lent his earnest support to the Democracy, and has assisted in achieving its vic- tories.

A son of Luther and Nancy (Deshields) Moore, our subject was born to them June 21, 1826, in Delaware, of which state they were also both natives. Their family comprised five children, but three of the number have passed to the home above, and only George and Margaret remain. Grandfather Solomon Moore was born and lived in Delaware, where he owned a large tract of land. Luther Moore was also a farmer, and died when in early manhood, his son George being but six years old at the time of tliat sad event. The lad was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. When he was seventeen he left home, and coming to Greensboro found a posi- tion as a clerk in a general store here. He soon mastered the foremost principles and methods of business, and in 1848 we find him embarking in a commercial venture of his own. He went into partnership with William C. Satterfield, under the firm name of Satterfield & Moore, and car- ried on a store fitted out with a general line of supplies. As the years passed by, Mr. Moore was prospered and in time became well off. He made judicious investments of his capital, and for years has dealt more or less in real estate.

In 1849 occurred a very important event in the life of Mr. Moore, for then it was that he married Miss Anna M. Allen, who has been a faithful helpmate and has shared his joys and sorrows as only a loving wife can do. She is a most estimable lady, and is a daughter of Capt. John Allen, of Delaware. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Moore

there have been born three children, one of whom is deceased, while the others are named, respect- ively, John A. and George C. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HOMAS B. DURDING. The character of the men who are engaged in business in any town is often the determining point of that place's progressiveness and position among the neighboring villages and the surrounding country. If the merchants of a town are noted for unfair- ness and overreaching methods, it redounds to the discredit of the village, and her development will undoubtedly be greatly retarded. In the person of the gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this paragraph is to be found one who is interested in the material advance- ment of Rock Hall, Kent County, and who furthers local improvements in every possible manner, even though it should be to his indi- vidual loss.

Probably one reason that Mr. Durding is more than ordinarily concerned in Rock Hall's welfare is owing to the fact that his birthplace was here, and here it was he passed the happy days of his youth. He was born March 25, 1864, being a son of Benjamin R. Durding, who is represented elsewhere in this volume, his history being given at some length. Remaining at home until he had mastered the elementary branches of his education, he then went to Baltimore, and there took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, thus laying the foundations for a suc- cessful commercial life. When he was about seventeen he had his first actual experience in the business world, as a clerk in a general store in Edesville, a town in this district. In this one place he stayed eight years, which speaks well for his faithfulness, and that he must have been a very satisfactory employe. In 1891 he again went to Baltimore, and soon obtained a good place with the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Company, and with that corporation he might have remained to this day as a trusted clerk

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had he not been more ambitious and possessed of that natural desire of having an independent business of his own that comes to most young men who are not of the plodding, easily satisfied sort. An opportunity presenting itself, he in-

vested his capital in the well-equipped drug store which he has successfully conducted since 1893, when he purchased the interest of the former owner. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Chesapeake Lodge No. 69, also a member of the Junior Order of Mechanics Council No. 149 of this place. In political matters his preference is for the Dem- ocracy.

In 1890 a marriage ceremony was performed by which the destinies of Mr. Durding and Miss Annie True were united. She is a native of Kent County, and is a daughter of William G. True, a prominent citizen of Quaker's Neck. The young couple have one child, a promising boy, Benjamin True by name. Mrs. Durding is a very pleasant and interesting lady, and in company with her husband has hosts of warm friends here. They move in the best social circles, and are of that genial, hospitable kind, whose great delight it is to entertain their many friends in their tasteful, pretty home.

NOCH GEORGE CLARK, M. D. Dur- ing the years in which Dr. Clark engaged in active professional practice in Millington, he built up a valuable patronage in this section of Kent County. However, after years of over- work in attending to the many calls made upon his time, his health became impaired, and he on that account retired from the practice, removing to a farm near the village. In 1893, with strength restored, he returned to this place, but has not resumed his practice, except that he at- tends some of his personal friends and the old families who, attached to him by long acquaint- ance, are loth to exchange his services for those of another physician.

In Kent County, Del., Dr. Clark was born February 24, 1844. His father, James E. B. Clark, was a native of Delaware, probably born in Kent County, and was reared upon a farmi. His active life was devoted to agriculture, in following which he gained a fair competency. In political views he was a Republican, and in religion adhered to the doctrines of the Methodist

. Episcopal Church, in which he was an influential worker and a class leader. His success was due entirely to his own exertions, for he had no as- sistance in his struggles to attain success. At the time of his death he owned three farms, which shows that he was a man of sagacity, en- terprise and perseverance. At the time of his death he was sixty-six years of age.

The mother of our subject was in maidenhood Sarah Moore. She was born in Delaware and died in Maryland at forty-four years of age. Like her husband, she was an earnest Christian and a devoted member of the church. In her family there were eight children. Rachel, the eldest, is the widow of Dr. Marion Dawson, of Ohio; John N. died in 1893, at the age of sixty-three; Anna is the widow of Peter Brooks, who was a promi- nent citizen of Indianapolis, Ind .; Sarah C. mar- ried Mordecai Clark and died when forty years of age; James D. is a resident farmer of Queen Anne County; David S. is a farmer and well- known politician of Kent County, Del .; Enoch George is next in order of birth; and Ephraim died at twelve years of age.

The education of our subject was obtained in the local schools at Burlington, N. J., where he was a student for two years. Later he taught school in Delaware for two years. He then went to Philadelphia and entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in March, 1867, after two years of diligent application to his medical studies. Immediately after gradua- tion he went to Ohio, where he practiced his pro- fession for a short time. However, in January of the next year he returned east, believing the prospects to be as good here as in the further west. He settled in Millington, where he carried on a general practice until January, 1881, but at that time ill health caused him to retire from the

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 11

Author: Chapman Publishing Company Publication date: 1898 Publisher: New York, Chapman pub. co. Number of Pages: 906

Author: Chapman Publishing Company
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: New York, Chapman pub. co.
Number of Pages: 906