Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 31

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

USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland > Part 31

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The latter spent his early life on the old estate, receiving his rudimentary education in the public schools. Later he went to West Nottingham Academy, where he completed his education. Choosing the life of a farmer, he returned to the old homestead, where he remained until Septent- ber, 1888, when he was appointed register of wills to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Thomas A. Bryan. He was elected to the same

316

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

office in 1889 and again in 1895, since which time he lias been its incumbent. He has been a Democrat all his life, but enjoys the good-will of both parties.

December 2, 1875, Mr. Roberts married Miss Arra Price, daughter of James Price, of Cecil County, Md., a member of one of the old families of that county. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, namely: Lemuel, now at- tending school in New York City; and Ella, Austin, Hilda and Scott, at home. Mr. Roberts lives in Centreville, but still carries on his farm, finding its management both profitable and pleasant.

ILLIAM ARMSTRONG, deceased. The life of this gentleman was closely identified with the history of Galena for many years prior to his death. When a youth of eighteen years he embarked in the mercantile business in this village, and for several years was success- fully engaged its management, but the death of his father left him in possession of a valuable property. A keen, capable business man, honest in every transaction, he accumulated a fortune and at his death left a large estate.

A native of Kent County, our subject was a son of William Armstrong, who was born in Newark, Del., served in the war of 1812, and for many years carried on a farm and store in Galena. He was a strict, conscientious member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he served as an elder. His death occurred when he was very old. He married Sarah Medford, a native of Kent County and, like himself, a devout member of the Presbyterian Church.

Our subject was a successful business man, and in the conduct of his affairs exhibited the energy of purpose and firmness of character that almost in- variably bring success. He was twice married, his first wife being Araminta Johnson, of Kent County. She died when quite young and her five children are also deceased, namely: W. Josiah, who died in infancy; John M., Sarah Adelia, Araminta and William. The last-named

married Miss Emily T. Miller and at his death left a daughter, Ida, now tlie wife of Rev. Allison Palmer Prettyman, of Cecil County, Md., and the mother of a son, Raymond Allison Armstrong.

The second marriage of Mr. Armstrong united him withi Miss Elizabeth Ann W. Johnson, a sis- ter of his first wife, and an estimable lady, whose affections were concentrated upon her husband and children. She was a sincere Christian and an earnest member of the Episcopal Church. Her death occurred when she was about fifty years of age. Her family consisted of two daughters, of whom Elizabeth Ann W. is de- ceased, and A. Louisa resides on the old home- stead. The latter is the sole surviving repre- sentative of the family. She is a lady of refine- ment and also possesses much business ability, being able to personally and successfully conduct the management of her four large farms in Kent County. In religious belief she is identified with the Episcopal Church. Upon the death of her father, which occurred when he was seventy years of age, she inherited the valuable posses- sions that she still holds, as well as the old home- stead in Galena where she resides.

M B. NICHOLS. To a student of human nature there is nothing of greater interest than to examine into the life of a self-made man and analyze the principles by which he has been governed, the methods he has pursued, to know what means he has employed for advance- ment and to study the plans which have given him prominence, enabling him to pass on the highway of life many who had a more advan- tageous start. In the history of Mr. Nichols there is food for deep thought, and if one so de- sires he may profit by the obvious lessons therein contained.

He was born in the city of Baltimore, Septem- ber 5, 1854, a son of Patrick and Mary Nichols, who were born, reared and married in County Mayo, Ireland, and continued to make their home there until after the birth of three of their chil-

317

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dren. The father was born in 1823, received a moderate education, and became quite well-to-do. In 1852 he brought his family to America and lo- cated in Baltimore, where for two years he worked in a lumber yard. The following year was passed in Caroline County, and in 1856 he took up his residence in Talbot County upon his present homestead, which comprises seven acres of valu- able land within the corporation limits of Easton. He has met with a well-deserved success in his business ventures and has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. In religious belief he is a Catholic, to which church his family also belong. He had five children, of whom William E., the third son, went to Birmingham, Ala., at the age of nineteen years, and died after his return to Maryland in July, 1893. Mary, the only daughter and young- est child, died March 30, 1895. Thomas C. and Henry A. are successfully engaged in business in Easton under the firm style of Nichols & Brother.

Our subject was but two years old when he came with his parents to Easton, and in its public schools he acquired his education. At the age of fourteen he laid aside his text books and began life for himself as a clerk in the dry goods and grocery store of J. J. Jump & Co., at $100 per year and board himself. He remained with that firm until its removal from the Odd Fellows' hall to the Groom building in October, 1876, when he embarked in business at the old store as a mem- ber of the firin of Jarrell, Nichols & Cox, his cash capital at the time being only $300. Thirty- two hundred dollars of the forty-five hundred with which they began business were borrowed, but they successfully carried on operations until 1885, when the partnership was dissolved, Messrs. Jarrell and Nichols selling their interests. Each had about $4,000, which they decided to invest in the store of Thompson & Kursey, whose stock was valued at $24,000. Soon afterward Mr. Nichols' partner was taken ill and wanted to give up the business, forfeiting $1,000, but this our subject would not agree to. Prosperity, however, soon crowned their efforts, and on the Ist of Jan- uary, 1893, Mr. Nichols purchased Mr. Jarrell's interest in the business for $14,000. He now has

one of the largest mercantile establishments south of Wilmington, and is doing an extensive and profitable business. Besides his valuable property, including his store, he has three fine farms: one five miles from Easton, valued at $10,- 000; one a mile and a-half, valued at $3,000; and the third one and one-half miles from Easton, valued at $7,000.

In 1878 Mr. Nichols was united in marriage with Miss Kate F., daughter of William D. Rob- erts, a prominent architect and builder, who at one time was judge of the orphans' court. The only child born of this union died at the age of one year. A warm friend of our public school system, Mr. Nichols was for six years a most efficient member of the school board, with two more years to serve, and while serving as presi- dent of the same was instrumental in securing the erection of a fine new school building, and made many other useful and valuable improve- ments in the school property. His political sup- port is always given the men and measures of the Democratic party. In advancing his own welfare he has never overlooked the interests of- others, and has contributed liberally to all enter- prises for the public good. He is vice-president of the Telephone Company, and is one of the origi- nal three persons who comprised the investing committee of the Talbot County Savings Bank, and is now the only one of the three still occupy- ing that position. In 1889 he was appointed by the county commissioners to act as one of the trustees of the Talbot County Almshouse, and while serving in that capacity he was instrumental in getting many desirable changes and improve- ments inaugurated. The building was remodeled, furnace and bath rooms put in, and a dining room for the white, and one for the colored inmates arranged. In accordance with his suggestion, a number of lady trustees were appointed, their special duties to be providing good reading mat- ter for the inmates and attending to the beautify- ing of the grounds with flowers and shrubbery ; in short, to give some of the attractiveness of a home to those who are dependent upon the public for support by reason of poverty, old age or ill- ness. Before he had completed his work, our

318

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

subject was appointed school commissioner, and was necessarily compelled to resign his former position. By lis honorable, straightforward con- duct, lie lias gained an excellent and enviable reputation in the business world, and is equally popular in social life.

J JOHN DAILY. For many years this gentle- man bore a prominent part in the develop- mient of the agricultural resources of Caro- line County, where he owned a fertile and highly cultivated farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres. He was also the owner of several farms in Queen Anne's and adjoining counties and the state of Delaware, and at his death left a large estate. His fine farm near Dover, Del., was called Cassonia. His success speaks volumes for his industry and unceasing application, he having commenced for himself without any capital. When he passed away, February 21, 1888, he left many frends to mourn his death.

Kent County, Del., was the native place of Mr. Daily, and February 19, 1825, the date of his birth. When a young boy he came to Queen Anne's County with John M. Downes, with whom he remained the greater part of the ensuing years until he was twenty-one, meantime gaining a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. On attaining his majority he returned to Dela- ware, where he worked by the month on a farm, but after three years he returned to his former employer, and continued to reside with him until he established a home of his own. January 21, 1851, he married Miss Mary A. Nickerson, an estimable lady, in every way worthy to be his companion in life. After his marriage he resided in Templeville for a year, after which he moved to the farm he had previously purchased, a tract of ninety acres lying in Caroline County, a short distance from Templeville. Here he continued to make his home until called from earth.

Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Daily, one of whom died in infancy. The others were named as follows: Charles E .;

Joseph S .; Annie E., deceased; Jolin T .; Enos, who died at eighteen years; Mary, who died in childhood; Mary L., who passed away at the age of eighteen years; and Harry S., who occupies the old homestead. After Mr. Daily's death his wife was married to Samuel H. Fluliarty, and she now resides in the first district of Queen Anne's County.

Interested in the schools, Mr. Daily for many years rendered efficient service as school director. In politics he always voted the Democratic ticket. In 1876 he was elected county assessor. Elected commissioner of Caroline County in 1878, he served in that position until his death. From the establishment of the Denton National Bank until his death, he held office as one of its direct- ors. The success that he gained proved that he was a man of excellent business ability; at the same time, he was honest in every transaction, and thereby held the confidence of all with whom business transactions brought him into contact. His was a useful, honorable life, and his memory is cherished by all who knew him.

OHN C. HACKETT, an enterprising and progresssive citizen of Sudlersville, now en- gaged in the grain business, was born near that place on the Ist of September, 1833, and was reared to habits of industry upon the home farm. His parents were Gunning Bedford and Sarah (Cacy) Hackett. On leaving Queen Anne's County, at the age of eighteen years, our subject went to Kent County, where he engaged in farm- ing for some time and then returned to the county of his nativity, carrying on agricultural pursuits here until his removal to Sudlersville in 1885. He has since engaged in buying and selling grain of all kinds, which is proving quite a profitable business.

As a companion and helpmate on life's jour- ney Mr. Hackett chose Mrs. M. Cephelia Cacy, and their marriage was celebrated September 1I, 1856. The children born to them are as follows: John C., who is engaged in the practice of medi-

32I

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cine; Annie C., Blanche, Maria W. and Sam- uel W., who is connected with the West Shore Railroad. Mrs. Hackett died in 1885.

During his youth Mr. Hackett attended the public school and completed his education in the Millington Academy. By subsequent reading and study he has become a well-informed man, and his fellow-citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to fill several offi- cial positions of honor and trust. In politics he is a pronounced Democrat, and on that ticket was elected, in 1873, county commissioner for a term of two years, and for ten years he has also creditably served as magistrate. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Masonic order. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business meth- ods he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many.

G JEORGE R. REED was a leading citizen of Kent County and a witness of many decades of her advancing civilization and progress. No one in this portion of the county was better known or more favorably esteemed than he, and we take special pleasure in giving this sincere tribute to his worth. His life was above re- proach, and his uprightness of character, sterling integrity and justice won the approval of his associates and neighbors.

Mr. Reed was born in the third district nearly eighty years ago, December 6, 1818. He was a son of Samuel Reed, who came from Cecil County, Md., to Kent when a young man and spent the rest of his life in this locality. He was a car- penter and builder and a good business man. His wife was the widow of Robert Ashley at the time of their marriage, and was Miss Hosanna Usilton in her girlhood. Of their children but three grew to maturity, Mary, Joseph and George R., all now deceased. The father died when our subject was a small child, and his mother was summoned to her reward in 1826.

The first fifteen years in the life of our subject

were spent in this county, and then going to Wilmington, Del., he began an apprenticeship to the bricklayer's trade, serving for five years, six months and seventeen days. For the seven years that followed he worked at his calling in various parts of the south, and at length, in 1846, came back to this county. Later he bought the Robert Usilton farm and made this his home afterward. As time passed he added to his original purchase of land until he became the owner of one thousand acres. He carried on general farming, raising the usual line of crops grown in this region. His death occurred August 29, 1897.

It was in the year 1847 that the fortunes of Mr. Reed and his faithful wife were united by marriage. She was formerly Frances Philena Usilton, daughter of Francis and Hannah Rebecca (Lamb) Usilton, old and honored pioneers of Kent County. Manly sons and winning daugh- ters came to bless the peaceful, happy home of our subject and wife, and one by one, as they grew up, they left the old farm and went forth to make homes of their own. They were as follows: Samuel Amos, of Maryland; Joseph Benjamin, of Wilmington, Del .; George Robert, of Charles- ton, S. C .; Hosanna Rebecca Jones and Fannie Janetta Jones, of Maryland; Kate Gale Wenzell, of Melrose, Mass .; and Sidney Usilton Younger, of this state. The family have long been identified with the Methodist Protestant Church, and take genuine interest in all religious and benevolent enterprises. They are noted for warm-hearted hospitality, and their home has always been a place where young and old delight to go, for they feel assured of an earnest welcome.

APT. COLUMBUS A. LEARY. The sub- ject of this sketch, a descendant of a very old American family, is one of the foremost citi- zens of Kent County. He is a native of Galena, in the first district, and was born December 6, 1833. The Learys of this branch have been American citizens since early in the eighteenth

322

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

century, the first of that nanie of whom we have any record in this country being James Leary, who probably came from Ireland. He was the owner of a vessel, and about 1730 was captured by the French during the French war, and died in prison. He married a Miss Owens. A son of this couple, Joseph Leary, was born in Delaware, and took part in the Revolutionary war, most of the time being engaged on the Delaware marshes. After the war he came to Kent County and mar- ried a Miss Redgrave, daughter of Abraham Red- grave. On returning to civil life he took up the profession of school-teaching. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. At the time of his death, in 1821, he was sixty-one years of age, having been born in 1760.

George Leary, son of Joseph and father of the subject of this present notice, was born in 1806, at Georgetown, this county. He was a lad of eight when occurred the memorable burning of the city of his birth in the war of 1812-14, the place being set on fire by the British. He was reared in his native place and served an apprentice- ship as a ship joiner at Baltimore. On return- ing to this county he married Miss Mary Simms, a native of Kent County, who was born in 1808, a daughter of William Simms, a native also of Kent County, who served in the militia. Mrs. Mary Leary died in 1871, at the age of sixty- three years. She and her husband became the parents of eleven children, of whom Columbus A. was the eldest. After him came Joseph, who died at about the age of thirty-seven years; George E., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Henry, who was in charge of one of the vessels of the quartermaster's fleet during the late war, and who afterwards was the owner of several small vessels and tow-boats in Baltimore, where his death occurred; Isaac, a farmer of this county; Susan, who married James Rolison; Christiana, wife of John Blackstone, of this district; James, a resident of this county; and Oregon, a farmer, also residing in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rolison are both deceased. They left one daughter, Eliz- abeth, who married Ralph Taylor, of Sparrow's Point.

George Leary after his marriage carried on a

cabinet-making and undertaking business in Edesville, this district, from about 1840 until the time of his death, which occurred October 13, 1883. He was well known for a great many years as a local minister in the Methodist Episco- pal Church, to which his wife also belonged. He was a regularly ordained minister of that denomi- nation, although he held no regular charge, preaching in different churches throughout the county. His services were in great demand at baptisms and weddings, and in all church work he took a very active part.

Until 1850 Columbus A. Leary spent his boy- hood days at home. About that time he shipped on the vessel Silas Richards, running from Baltimore to San Francisco, which arrived at its destination seven months later. While still in port, during a fire in the city, the captain of the Silas Richards was burned to death, while trying to save some property, and for the return trip Mr. Leary was made third mate. On a subsequent occasion he shipped from San Fran- cisco on a vessel bound on a trading expedition to Puget Sound. On the return voyage the cap- tain was lost overboard, and this time Mr. Leary acted as master of the ship on its return to San Francisco and brought his vessel safely into har- bor. Though only nineteen years of age at the time, his bravery and courage brought him recognition, and he was made master of the vessel, The Franklin, permanently and sailed it for two or three years. Later he sailed the bark Russell to the northwest coast, and then hired as chief officer on the Viking for a trip around the world, which lasted through 1855 and 1856. Subsequently he sailed on the Martin Luther for a time, and on his return home purchased a small vessel, the Elite, and commanded the same until 1861, a period of four years. The vessel made trips to Cuba and South American ports, Mr. Leary owning as a rule about one-third of the cargo; but in the last men- tioned year it was lost on Teba Island, on the coast of Georgia, together with the greater part of the cargo. After this unfortunate venture Mr. Leary purchased a property near Rock Hall and opened up a general store, which he operated

.323

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

very successfully for several years. About 1889 he sold the store and has since made his home on a farm that he had bought several years before.

In October, 1858, Mr. Leary was married to Miss Annie Vickers, daughter of Thomas and Maria Vickers, of this district, and to this mar- riage has been born one child, a daughter, still at home. The homestead consists of about four hundred acres of well-cultivated land, besides which Mr. Leary is the owner of considerable other property throughout the county, having been quite successful in his business career. In politics he is independent, but has nevertheless enjoyed the esteem of both parties, as his election to the office of trustee of the poor and president of the county board will testify. In school matters he takes an active interest.

Mr. Leary's wide and varied experience in life and his extensive travels make his conversation well worth listening to, and few men have traveled more than he. In the early days when he made his trips to California, the voyages took him round Cape Horn, thus making him familiar with most of the Western Hemisphere. Besides this he has traveled through Spain and Italy and has traversed the northern coast of Africa, a journey which he made some three years ago. Intelli- gent and keen of observation, he has picked up much interesting information in his various voyages, and having the happy faculty of telling things in an interesting manner, his conversation is both entertaining and instructive.

HARLES S. SMITH. Among the most enterprising, progressive merchants of Ches- tertown ranks the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review. His financial forethought, fine executive ability and general common sense in commercial ventures make him the admiration of his fellow-townsmen. His enviable reputation for fairness, integrity and just dealing is one of which he may well be proud, and few are worthier the respect of all than he. In everything which relates to the development

of new industries, improvements in our city sys- tem and management or progress, in whatever form it assumes, he is active and prominent from the moment of the proposition of the idea.

A son of S. Frank Smith, our subject was born in Chestertown, May 27, 1860, and was reared in that place. His education was such as the public schools offered, and though he was not privileged to enjoy university life, he is fully abreast of his associates in practical knowledge and on all the current events of the day. By private study and systematic reading he has be- come master of a world of realities that do not often come beneath the notice of the exclusively literary student in our colleges. His parents were S. Franklin and Mary E. Smith, natives of Kent County. They have been residents of this place during their entire lives, and are a repre- sentative old family. (For a full sketch of them and their ancestry see that of S. Franklin Smith, elsewhere in this work.)

C. S. Smith is one of fourteen children, of whom six only survive. From boyhood he seenied to have a natural fitness for trade, and was quite young when he earned his first dollar. After being employed by local merchants to some extent for a few years after leaving school, he started in the business of steamboating on the Chesapeake, and eventually lost all his savings. Nothing discouraged, the plucky young man en- tered the mercantile field in 1888, his store being located under the Voshell House. He had but $200 with which to start business, but so well did he succeed that when two years had elapsed he bought a fifty-foot frontage store building. Since then he has enlarged the same to its present dimensions, 50x 100 feet. The store is conducted on the department plan and commands a large patronage. Mr. Smith is a director in the Kent County Savings Bank, and is usually found on the side of infant industries, encouraging them with both means and influence.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 31

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