Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 32

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 32

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It was in 1888 that our subject was married in Baltimore to Miss Emma N., daughter of James and Mary E. Orem, well-known people of that city. Four children have been born to the young couple, viz .: Mary E., Ida Orem, Charles

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Franklin and Lurene. The parents are quite active workers in the Methodist Protestant Church, and Mr. Smith has served on its board of officers. In his political relations he is a stanch Republican.

HOMAS R. EMORY is a citizen well and favorably known in Queen Anne's County, Md., his beautiful homestead, Fairview, be- ing nicely situated in the third district. He is one of the native sons of this county, his birth having taken place in Centreville, on the Chester River, December 21, 1837. His father, Williamn, and his grandfather, Robert Emory, were also born on this same farm, and the family have long been identified with the upbuilding and advancing of civilization in this portion of Maryland. The founder of the family in America came here from England at a remote date, during the first settle- ment of the colony, and from that time to the present his descendants have been remembered in the annals of the county and state.

William Emory, alluded to previously, was a very successful business man, but did not make that his main object in life. He was an earnest worker in the Methodist Church, and was a brother of Bishop Emory, who won distinction for his great ability as an executive officer in the de- nomination, and whose life was an exemplary one in every respect. William Emory was summoned to his reward in 1860, at the close of a most noble Christian career. He was three times married and was the father of eight children by tliese al- liances. The mother of our subject was a Miss Elizabeth Ruth. Her father, Robert Ruth, was a hero of the war of 1812, while his brother fought for the liberty of the colonies in the war of the Rev- olution. The children of William Emory are named, as follows: Rebecca, wife of Benjamin Perkins, of Kent County; Robert, of Kent Coun- ty; John, a resident of this district; Thomas R .; Frank A., whose home is in this community; Ad- dison, of Centreville; and Stewart Orr and Will- iam, both deceased.

Having finished his elementary education in the district schools, Thomas R. Emory entered Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pa., and pursued a two years' course. He then returned home and resumed agricultural work, lending his assistance to his father for several years. It was in 1863 that he bought his fine property, Fairview, which has about three hundred and twelve acres within its boundaries. He carries on general farming, raising the crops common to this section, and usually reaps good financial returns in reward for his time and labor. In matters of political bearing he is quite independent, using his ballot as he thinks best under the circumstances.

In February, 1862, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Emory and Miss Fanny, daughter of Henry Annels Wright, of Wild Cat, Queen Anne's County. Their union has been blessed with nine children, who are named as follows: Elizabeth, Thomas, Lottie, Mary, Howard, Florence, Nellie; and Fanny and Rose, deceased. Thomas is a flourish- ing farmer of this neighborhood; Lottie is the wife of Benjamin Beck, of Kent County, and the others are living with their parents. They are members of the Episcopal Church and are active in all benevolent enterprises.

OHN E. GEORGE. Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Queen Anne's County is the subject of this sketch. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with various business enterprises has been a decided advantage to the community, pro- moting its material welfare in no uncertain man- ner. In partnership with his brother-in-law, James Merritt, Jr., he has been engaged in busi- ness in Sudlersville since 1881, as a dealer in fer- tilizers, agricultural implements, lumber, grain, etc., and enjoys an excellent trade.

Mr. George was born on the old home farm where his father still resides, July 23, 1859, and pursued his studies in the common schools and under private tutors until 1878, when he took a

TILGHMAN SHAFER.

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course in the Bryant & Stratton's Business College, of Baltimore. In 1881 he and his brother-in-law took charge of his father's business in Sudlers- ville, and have since successfully carried on oper- ations there. Mr. George was married on the Ist of November, 1881, the lady of his choice being Miss Elvira Anderson, of Sudlersville, and three children now brighten their home by their pres- ence: Elsie L., Joseph M. and Madeline M.

In 1887 Mr. George was elected town commis- sioner of Sudlersville for a two years' term, at the end of which he was re-elected, so acceptably had he filled the office, and during his incumbency the streets and sidewalks were greatly improved. Under the new law he was also honored, in 1893, with an election to the office of county commis- sioner for a term of six years and serves as treas- urer of the board. He is a progressive public- spirited citizen, taking a deep and commendable interest in the welfare of his county. He is a lover of fine horses, of which he has several, and in Sudlersville owns a training stable for his own and others' use. The Democratic party finds in him a most earnest advocate, and for some time he has been an influential member of the state cen- tral committee. Religiously he belongs to the Protestant Episcopal Church of Sudlersville.

ILGHMAN SHAFER. In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environ- ments we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of character which can not only endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. The following history sets forth briefly the steps by which our subject, now a substantial business inan of Kennedyville, overcame the disadvantages of his early life.

Mr. Shafer was born in Allentown, Pa., August 7, 1839, a son of John and Theresa (Roeder) Shafer, also natives of the Keystone State, the latter born in Northampton County. The Shafer family is of German origin and was founded in Pennsylvania as early as 1750. There

occurred the birth of John Shafer, Sr., our sub- ject's grandfather, who was a large land owner and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits near Hellertown throughout life. He died at the age of fifty-eight years. John Shafer, Jr., also spent his life there and previous to the building of the railroad engaged in teaming between Phila- delphia, Allentown and Fitchburgh, and also devoted some time to farming during his early manhood. His political support was ever given the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he was recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of his community. He was called to his final rest in 1841, at the early age of thirty-three years. There were only two children in his family: Tilghman, of this sketch, and Elizabeth, wife of John J. Roeder, of Allentown.

As our subject lost his father when only three years of age, he was reared by his maternal grand- father, George Roeder, who lived upon a farm near Kennedyville, in Kent County, Md., where Mr. Shafer grew to manhood, receiving a good public-school education. At the age of eighteen he began learning the blacksmith trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship with his half-brother in Harmony, Kent County, and has since worked at that occupation. December 27, 1861, he located in Kennedyville, succeeding to the busi- ness of C. B. Krusen, and in 1870 also embarked in the wheelwright business. Seven years later he admitted John Medders to partnership and that connection was continued until 1895, when Mr. Shafer again became sole owner. In con- nection with work at his trades he also sells car- riages, machinery and farm implements, and is agent for the American Philadelphia Fire Insur- ance Company, having in 1893 purchased the machinery, carriages and fire insurance books belonging to J. H. Ireland. In 1888 he also established a creamery, and is now successfully engaged in the manufacture of butter. H. L. Davies was later admitted to membership in the firm, but November 1, 1897, he retired by mutual consent, Richard Haggerty becoming a member of the firm now known as T. Shafer & Co. Mr. Shafer is a wide-awake progressive business man, upright and honorable in all his dealings, and

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certainly deserves great credit for the wonderful success that he has achieved.

On the 8th of October, 1868, Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Rachel J. Kelly, of Kent County, a daughter of William Kelly. The two children born to them are both deceased and the wife died in March, 1872. He was again married, December 16, 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Annie E. Parsons, a daughter of Thomas Parsons, and two children blessed this union, but only one is now living, Annie M. E. The sec- ond wife passed away August 26, 1877, and two years later Mr. Shafer wedded Miss Emma Copenhaver, of Baltimore, a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth Copenhaver. To them were also born two children, but Emma C. is the only one now living.

Politically Mr. Shafer is an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, which he always supports by his ballot, and from 1879 to 1882 he most creditably served as county com- missioner. He has passed all the chairs in the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Kennedyville and is eligible to membership in the grand lodge. He has also filled some offices in Galena Lodge, I. O. O. F., to which he belongs. The family all attend the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he was steward for some time, and he has always taken a great interest in church and Sun- day-school work, serving as superintendent of the latter for a number of years. He is an ardent worker in the temperance cause, doing all in his power to put down the liquor traffic. He pos- sesses to a high degree the confidence, respect and esteem of all who know him, and he has hosts of warm friends.

HOMAS HENRY WILLIAMS, M. D., after a busy professional life, has retired from active practice and is spending his declining years quietly in his native village of Cambridge. Though no longer under the neces- sity of earning a livelihood, he still maintains a deep interest in everything that pertains to the

medical profession and keeps in touch with its every development. For years he has been a member of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, among whose members he has a wide acquaintance.

The son of Isaac F. and Rebecca R. (Stuart) Williams, natives of Kent County, the subject of this sketch spent the years of boyhood in Cam- bridge. His education was received principally in Washington Academy, in Somerset County. He began the study of medicine under Dr. Alexander H. Bayly, of Cambridge, and later took a course of lectures in the medical department of the Uni- versity of Maryland, from which he graduated with the class of '48. March 3, 1849, he was commissioned assistant surgeon in the United States army, and was stationed on the frontier of Texas and the Indian Territory, also served as medical director in the Utah campaign under Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, that gifted and heroic man whose death in 1862 was a fatal blow to the Confederate cause.

At the beginning of the Civil war the resig- nation of Dr. Williams from the United States army was accepted by President Lincoln, and he then went to Richmond, where he was coni- missioned surgeon in the Confederate army. He was first ordered to Manassas, where he was medical director of the army under General Beauregard. After the first battle of Bull Run, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was assigned to the com- mand of the Army of the Potomac, and Dr. Will- iams remained with the latter's troops until sub- sequent to the battle of Seven Pines. His next position was that of medical director and in- spector of hospitals in Virginia. He organized the Confederate Medical Corps of brigade and division surgeons, and under his supervision nearly all of the large hospitals in Virginia, out- side of Richmond and Petersburg, were estab- lished. He held the position of assistant to the surgeon-general of the army at Richmond for some time prior to the close of the war and did most noble and effective service. In 1865 he re- turned to Cambridge, but in a few months re- moved to Richmond, Va., there to engage in the drug business. About 1870 he located upon a

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farm in the vicinity of Cambridge, and four years later settled permanently in Cambridge, living practically retired from active enterprises.

The marriage of Dr. Williams, in 1854, united him with Bettie Hooper, daughter of Dr. John H. and Ann C. (Birckhead) Hooper, of Cam- bridge. They are identified with Christ Protest- ant Episcopal Church, of Great Choptank Parish. The doctor is a vestryman and senior warden, and is a regular contributor to the work of the church and its various benevolences. His active life was one of stirring scenes and frequent dan- gers, where the shrewd judgment and unwaver- ing courage that he possesses were needed. To every duty he was true, and the cause he believed to be just and right had in him a loyal friend and supporter. He does not now take an active part in public affairs, but retains undiminished his interest in matters that affect the prosperity of the people and the welfare of the commonwealth.

EVIN L. DIRICKSON, JR., of Berlin, Wor- cester County, was a nominee of the inde- pendent Democrats and Republicans of this district for the state senate in the fall of 1897, but subsequently withdrew. He had always, ere this, been loyal to the Democracy, but recently became disgusted with the methods of some of the leading men of his party and was pursuaded by his friends to allow the use of his name as a candidate on an independent ticket. As a busi- ness man and financier he has been very success- ful and is recognized as a leader along progress- ive lines.

Levin L. Dirickson, Jr., was born in the town of Snow Hill, Worcester County, in 1860, and is a son of Levin L. Dirickson, Sr., and his wife, Elizabeth. The father, having enjoyed superior educational advantages and being a man of fine attainments, spared no effort in the training of the son who bears his name, and was his tutor for years in the higher branches. With the solid foundation of knowledge thus acquired he had a good beginning for his future life, and it has

doubtless been of untold value to him. In 1882 he located in Milton, Del., and three years later he returned to Berlin to engage in the drug busi- ness. He had previously studied pharmacy and had passed the examinations requisite in the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware. After he had carried on his drug store here for a few years he became interested in the organization of a bank called the Private Bank of L. L. Dirickson, Jr., which he has carried on in connection with his other affairs. Recently he was elected to the presidency of the Commercial Savings Bank of Snow Hill, of which he is a large stockholder. He is a member of the State Pharmacy Associa- tion and is also connected with the Bankers' Assocition.

While a resident of Milton, Del., Mr. Dirick- son married Miss Annie L. Russell, the marriage ceremony being performed in 1884, at Berlin, Md. They have a son and daughter, Helen and Conwell Foreman by name. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the Red Men. He and his wife attend St. Paul's Episcopal Church, he being a vestryman in the same. He is a man of high principle and integ- rity of word and deed, and has a multitude of sincere friends and well-wishers.

DWARD MIFFLIN WILKINS. Near the banks of the Chester River lies one of the finest farms of Kent County. Situated in the fourth district, in the horseshoe bend of the river, the location is picturesque and attrac- tive. There are three hundred and thirty-seven acres in the farm, of which sixty acres have been planted to peach trees, while the remainder is devoted to gardening and general farming. Here Mr. Wilkins made his home until death and here his widow now resides, managing not only this place, but another farm also, the two aggregating seven hundred and seventeen acres.

April 5, 1843, our subject was born on the York farm, in the fourth district. His father, Col. Edward Wilkins, was a prominent man of

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his district and county, and the son was given good advantages, as the family were well-to-do. He was educated at Washington College, Ches- tertown, and in the Agricultural College of Mary- land. When a young man he was interested with his father in the fruit packing business in Balti- more. On his return to Kent County he began farming operations on the place where he resided until his death, in November, 1881.

The marriage of Mr. Wilkins, May 8, 1866, united liim with Mary A., daughter of Joseph T. and Anna Rebecca ( Brown) Merritt. Her father, who was born in the fourth district, inherited a portion of Godlington manor, and there spent his active life as a farmer. Her mother, who was also born in this district, was a daughter of Capt. Hiram Brown, a prominent man of his day. Mrs. Wilkins was the only child born to the union of her parents. She was given good ad- vantages in girlhood and is well informed upon subjects both of a general and domestic nature. She is the mother of five children, namely: Sue C., wife of William D. Hines, of Baltimore; Fannie, Jennie, Grace and Edward Mifflin, the last-named being a student in the Maryland Agri- cultural College.

ILLIAM D. PENNINGTON. While there is much truth in the strictures made

upon the modern scramblers for the al- mighty dollar who seek to accumulate vast fortunes by selfish and unscrupulous means, there is nothing more worthy of praise than the quiet steady pursuit of some honest calling and the determined exercise of the industry, economy and sagacity which enable a man to acquire a home and a competence. The subject of this biography, now one of the prosperous agri- culturists of the third district, Kent County, is a man who through his own efforts has succeeded in gaining a competence without the sacrifice of principle.

Mr. Pennington was born in 1839, in New-

castle County, Del., and is a representative of a family of English origin, which was founded in this country about 1750. His grandfather, Atkie Pennington, was a native of Maryland, but his father, Fredus R. Pennington, was born in Dela- ware. In early life the latter was a sailor, and as mate of a vessel went to France, being there at the time Bonaparte landed from the Isle of Elba. He followed farming, however, during the greater part of his life and continued to make his home in Delaware until called to his final rest at the age of sixty-three. As lieutenant he served in the Fourteenth United States Regiment during the war of 1812. Politically he was a Democrat and socially was a member of the Masonic order for many years. He married Miss Elizabeth Van Hickel, of Delaware, who passed away previous to his death, and only two of their nine children are now living: E. B., who makes his home near Kennedyville, Md .; and William D.

Our subject is the youngest of the family, and his early life was passed upon the old homestead in Delaware, where he remained until eighteen years of age. He then spent one year in farming in Missouri, after which he returned to his native state and lived near Delaware City until coming to Kent County, Md., in 1868, with his brother E. B., and sister. For three years they resided on a farm at Howells Point. In 1886 Mr. Pen- nington purchased the Grange farm of two hun- dred and sixteen acres, where he is now success- fully engaged in general farming, and makes a specialty of the raising of fruit, particularly peaches, pears and berries. He thoroughly un- derstands his business and is meeting with a well- deserved success.

December 3, 1872, Mr. Pennington married Miss Louisa Kelley, by whom he had three chil- dren. Lena, born September 21, 1873, died Feb- ruary 26, 1890; Edgar Reyland was born July 24, 1875; and William L. born August 6, 1877. Mrs. Pennington died February 25, 1879. Our subject was again married, October 3, 1883, his second union being with Miss Ella G. Sparks, a native of Kent County, and to them have been born two children, May G. and Helen Louise, July 10, 1884, and June 13, 1886, respectively.

THOMAS B. WILLSON, M. D.

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The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church and occupy an enviable position in the social circles of the community.

Mr. Pennington uniformly votes the Demo- cratic ticket, and has the reputation of being one of the most straightforward and reliable business men of the third district. He is public-spirited and liberal and there are few men more popular with all classes than William D. Pennington1.

HOMAS BENNETT WILLSON, M.D. The practice which Dr. Willson has built up in his profession embraces a considerable portion of the fifth district of Kent County. Among the people of this locality he is well known as a reliable physician and progressive citizen. To many a family he has come in sick- ness, bringing a cheery smile and hopeful aspect that at once inspire confidence, a confidence that the accuracy of his diagnoses and skill in treatment prove is not misplaced. In connection with his practice, he superintends the management of his property, some of which is quite valuable.

In the district where he now resides, Dr. Willson was born September 13, 1843, a son of Richard Bennett Willson, to whose sketch upon another page the reader is referred for the family history. He was reared on the home farm and gained the rudiments of his education in the common schools, after which he took a course of study in St. Mary's College, Wilmington, Del. From boyhood it was his ambition to become a physician. In everything pertaining to the science of medicine he took the liveliest interest. Believ- ing that he would be able to succeed in this work, he turned his attention to preparation for it. He entered the medical department of the University of Maryland, and after taking a complete course he graduated in March, 1866. Immediately afterward he began in practice, making his home on his father's farm, where he carries on a country practice. After two years he removed to Reese's Corners, his present location. Here he has since been in continuous practice.

January 23, 1872, Dr. Willson was united in marriage with Henrietta M., daughter of John Charles and Anne E. (Brooke) Willson, of the fifth district. Her father, a native of this dis- trict, spent his entire life upon a farm here, dying at forty-three years of age. In religious belief he was a Catholic. In politics he was active in his support of the Democratic party. He was fond of sports and was considered one of the expert riflemen of his neighborhood. His death, which occurred after a very brief illness, was caused by a cold that resulted in pneumonia. His wife, Anne E. Brooke, was born in Kent County, where she has spent her entire life, and is now (1897) seventy-nine years of age. Like her husband, she is a faithful member of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Willson was born in the fifth district, Novem- ber 10, 1848, and has spent her entire life here. Of her marriage eleven children were born, but she was bereaved by the death of five in infancy. Those who survive are named as follows: Thomas Bennett, Jr., who assists his grandfather in the cultivation of the latter's farm; Mary Regina, wife of B. C. Hatchison; Anna E., Julia Rena, Charlotte M. and Maude Agnes, who are at home. The family are identified with the Catholic Church, to the maintenance of which the doctor is a generous contributor. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket at elections, but is not active in public affairs and has no desire to hold official positions. Through his professional work he has accumulated considerable property, which consists mostly of farm lands in the fifth district.

ICHARD C. SMYTH. The splendid farm owned by this gentleman in the third dis- trict, Kent County, is a monument to his industry, perseverance and good management, and he is justly regarded as one of the prominent representatives of the agricultural interests of the Eastern Shore. He was born near Tolchester, Md., February 24, 1831, a son of Richard and Caroline (Stean) Smyth, who were also natives of Kent County. His grandfather, Samuel Smyth,

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was a son of George Sinytli, who came from Eng- land and located in Kent County among its earl- iest pioneers.

At the age of eighteen Richard Smyth, Sr., entered the United States army, and served all through the war of 1812, participating in the battle of Caulksfield under Captain Weeks, grand- father of Lewin Weeks. Throughout his active business career he successfully followed the occu- pation of farming on the old homestead where our subject now resides. Previous to the war he owned a number of slaves, who were employed in the cultivation and improvement of his place. Here he spent his entire life, dying in 1877, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His estimable wife had passed away some time previously. He took quite a prominent part in politics, first as an old-line Whig and later as a Democrat, and for several years served as county commissioner, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In his family were four children, namely: Mary, now the widow of George S. Deal; Harriett M., deceased wife of Lewin M. Usilton; Richard C., of this review; and Jefferson L., de- ceased.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 32

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