Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 43

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

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ILLIAM NICHOLS EARLE WICKES was born near Fairlee, Kent County, Md., June 2, 1823, and was the fourth child of Capt. Simon and Elizabeth (Blake) Wickes, who resided upon a farm called Tulip Forest. His edu- cation, begun in the common schools, was supple- mented by a course of study in Washington Col- lege, then in charge of Richard Williamson Ring- gold. At about the same period the college build- ings were destroyed by fire and the students met for recitation in a building that stood on the site now occupied by the residence of Capt. William D. Burchinal. At an early age he displayed those qualities of industry, perseverance and determin- ation that were among his most marked charac- teristics in manhood, and it was the testimony of his preceptor when he left college that no student more faithful or capable had ever been under his care.

In the spring of 1839 Mr. Wickes went to Bal- timore, destitute of friends in that city and equal- ly destitute of capital, but with a determination to succeed in life, if success could be obtained by

energy, honesty and perseverance. Entering the employ of Marcus Dennison, a successful mer- chant, he continued in the same place until the spring of 1845, meantime gaining a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the business in which he engaged. His salary, except the amount necessary for actual living expenses, was careful- ly saved and after a time he felt it would be possible for him to embark in business for himself. Accord- ingly he returned to Kent County in 1845 and opened a store at the present stand with his older brother, the late Simon Wickes, the firm title be- ing Wickes & Bro., with himself as managing member of the firm. In the spring of 1848 his brother withdrew and he continued the business alone from that time until August, 1856, when the firm of Wickes & Bro. was re-established by the admission of his brother, Thomas Stockton Wickes, as junior partner. In 1866 our subject withdrew, leaving the business entirely to the brother.

Upon the death of Samuel W. Spencer, in Jan- uary, 1869, Mr. Wickes was called to the position of cashier of the Kent National Bank, of Chester- town, and the duties of that position he discharged with the greatest discretion and intelligence. In the spring of 1878 he resigned as cashier and re- sumed his connection with the firm of Wickes & Bro., of which he remained a member until his death. As a business man he was keen, shrewd and penetrating, quick to see an opportunity and equally quick to grasp it. His dealings with all were honest, and no feature of his character was more prominent than his uprightness. From 1863 he was a member of the board of visitors and governors of Washington College. In 1867 he became a member of the vestry of Chester par- ish, and in 1881 was made a member of a commit- tee to superintend the repair and remodeling of the parish church. For twenty-four years prior to his death he was vice-president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Kent County, a most substantial institution, and one that is largely patronized by people in the county. At different times he held a number of trusts of importance and the beneficiaries can testify to the sound judg- ment and strict fidelity with which their interests

ROBERT H. MILBOURNE.

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were protected. His own interests and those of his brother, Thomas Stockton, he managed witlı efficiency and discretion.

June 2, 1857, Mr. Wickes married Anne Eliza- beth Wethered, daughter of Peregrine and Louisa Maria (Wickes) Wethered; and they became the parents of four children: Anne R., Lewin W .; William Nichols Earle, Jr., who died in the sum- mer of 1863; and Louisa, who passed away in 1864, at the age of four years. Had he been am- bitious to secure wealth he undoubtedly would have attained his desire, for his business faculties were strong, and he possessed the requisites of success so far as energy and intelligence were con- cerned. However, the mercenary spirit was the farthest removed from him; on the contrary, his generosity to others was one of his principal characteristics and his benefactions were very large. He died suddenly, of apoplexy, Septem- ber 21, 1895, and was buried from St. Paul's Church, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. S. C. Roberts, D. D.

OBERT H. MILBOURNE is one of the hon- ored old residents of Brinkley's district, Somerset County, and for over three decades has been financially interested in a general store which he established in Kingston before the railroad was built through the town. For a few years his son, Lewis M., has had the manage- ment of the store, he being a member of the firm which is to-day known as R. H. Milbourne & Son. In political matters our subject is a Demo- crat, and was register of voters of this district for twenty-three years. For about nine years he was station agent at Kingston.

Robert H. Milbourne is a son of William and Mary (Peyton) Milbourne, both natives of Som- erset County. The father was reared to maturity in Dublin district and there passed the remainder of his career. He was a successful farmer and dealt in lumber (mostly square lumber) to a considerable extent. In his early life he was a Whig, but later became affiliated with the Dem-

ocracy, and was a magistrate and constable for several years. His death took place in 1868, when he was in his sixty-second year. His father, Nathan, was also a native of Dublin district and there was occupied during his mature years in the management of his large farm. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a patriotic citizen. He died when past the allotted years of man, being in his seventy-sixth year at the time of his departure. The Milbourne family is of English descent, and the Maryland branch of the same was founded by one of two brothers who left their home under kingly rule to seek a new dwel- ling place in the western continent. William and Mary Milbourne were pillars in the local Methodist Episcopal Church, the former often holding such official positions as class-leader, steward and trustee. Mrs. Milbourne, who was a sweet, lovable Christian lady, lived to be seventy- eight years old.

Of the eight living children of William and Mary Milbourne the subject of this narrative is the eldest. The others are as follows: Samuel J., a resident of Pocomoke City; Sarah, widow of Joseph Stephenson; Nathan, of Crisfield; - Mary, widow of Lycurgus Stephenson; Sidney F., whose home is in Crisfield; and Margaret, wife of John C. Mills, of Pocomoke City. Robert H. was born in Dublin district April 6, 1831, and he grew up on his father's farm. In 1854 he went to Princess Anne, where he opened a general store, and during the suc- ceeding twelve years he was engaged in the mer- cantile business in that place. It was in 1866 that he located in Kingston, where he established a new store, and since that time has carried a gen- eral line of household supplies, clothing, etc. His estate, which comprises about four hundred and fifty acres, is divided into four farms, all in the vicinity of Kingston postoffice.

April 1, 1861, Mr. Milbourne married Mary Wilkins, who died, leaving one child, Mary E., now the wife of John E. Gorsuch, of Baltimore County. February 8, 1865, Mr. Milbourne wed- ded Louisa, daughter of Samuel S. and Eleanor (Ballard) Miles. Two children came to grace their union: Addie, who is at home, and Lewis,

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who is now an active, energetic young business man, and in addition to running the store, as previously mentioned, is financially interested in planting and dealing in oysters. He is a vestry- man in the Protestant Episcopal Church, to which his parents belong, and is upright and thoroughly honorable in all his transactions. In these and many other worthy respects he adheres to the teachings and example of his father, whose name is above reproach.

R OBERT A. DODSON, M. D. Since gradu- ating from the University of Maryland Dr. Dodson has devoted his attention to the practice of his profession. Through diligence in study and practical experience in hospital work, he was prepared for the successful practice of the occupation which he chose for his life work. In addition to his professional duties he gives some time to the supervision of his property, including two well-improved farms near the village.

Dr. Dodson was born in the city of Baltimore, June 27, 1836. (For his family record the reader is referred to the sketch of his brother, Hon. Henry Clay Dodson.) When he was about two years of age he was brought by his parents to St. Michael's, where his education was carried on in the public schools and under a private tutor, Dr. Spencer, a former professor in Dixon College. At the age of nineteen he began to teach school and in this occupation he continued for four years, the intervening vacation seasons being devoted to the study of medicine. Later he entered the medical department of the University of Maryland, from which he graduated in 1859. Immediately after- ward he returned to St. Michael's, where he re- mained until the outbreak of the late war.

In the spring of 1862 Dr. Dodson enlisted as a surgeon in the First Maryland Cavalry of the Union army, and remained in the service until August, 1865, when the war was brought to a close. During a large part of this time he was engaged in hospital work, devoting his attention to those who were wounded on the field of battle.

At the close of the war he opened an office in Bal- timore County, but after a few years removed to Chestertown, Md., and resided near that place for six years, engaging in practice. On the death of his wife he came to St. Michael's and has since engaged in practice in this place, in connection with professional work also carrying on farm pur- suits.

In June, 1865, Dr. Dodson married Miss Lucy J. Skinner, a native of Queen Anne's County, who died in 1875, leaving two children: Rowena, wife of Prof. Charles H. Grace, of McDonogh In- stitute, Baltimore County, Md .; and Robert S., now a student in the law department of the Uni- versity of Maryland. The doctor's second mar- riage united him with Miss Mary Adelaide Skin- ner, a sister of his former wife. Two daughters, Lucy and Helen, bless this union. The family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the doctor is a trustee. In politics he supports the Republican ticket. He is interested in educational matters and is a member of the county school board. Fraternally he is connected with Granite Lodge No. 177. A. F. & A. M., at St. Michael's, and takes an interest in Masonry. While a resident of Baltimore County he was act- ively connected with the Baltimore Medical Asso- ciation and a regular attendant at its meetings.

HARLES W. CLAYVILLE, ex-sheriff of Worcester County, officiated in that responsi- ble position for a two years' term, dis- charging the duties that rested upon him with promptness and fidelity. He was also tax collect- or for the extremely long period of twenty years, having been elected and retained in the office by the influence of his Democratic friends. He is a thorough, practical farmer and for years has been occupied in managing his fine homestead, which is situated in Snow Hill district, Worcester County.

A native of this immediate locality, Mr. Clay- ville, of whom we write, was born July 31, 1827, and is a son of Eli and Mary Clayville, who were

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both natives of the Eastern Shore and were the owners of an extensive farm. Their other chil- dren were three in number, viz .: Emeline, Esther and Priscilla. Charles W. was reared to maturity upon the very farm which he now owns and cul- tivates and in his boyhood was a pupil in the lo- cal schools. Later he attended the Snow Hill Academy, from which well-known institution of learning he graduated in due time. He had always been fond of his studies and was a very apt scholar, and so, after completing his educa- tion, he tried his hand at teaching for some six months. At the end of that period he went into a general store in Salisbury, where he was em- ployed as a clerk for a year and a-half. From that time on he has given his time to agricultural pursuits with good results, and now is the pos- sessor of about two hundred and twenty acres of arable and improved land.

On the 5th of December, 1878, Mr. Clayville married Emma Smith, who was born and grew to womanhood upon the Eastern Shore. She is a daughter of John W. and Charlotte (Whitington) Smith, and granddaughter of Judge Whitington, of Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Clayville have never had any children. They are valued members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Mr. Clay- ville has held several important official positions in the congregation. He possesses the entire respect of his associates, those who have known him well during his whole life, and without ex- ception his acquaintances are always his well- wishers.

EORGE W. MEZZICK, a well-to-do and respected citizen of the second district of Wicomico County, has resided at his present home but five years, having purchased the place in 1892. It is a valuable tract of land, compris- ing one hundred and seventy-five acres, improved with good farm buildings and fences, and well suited for raising a general line of cereals and products common to this portion of the state. Twice has Mr. Mezzick served as commissioner

.of Wicomico County, his first term being for 1885 and 1886 and the second for 1894 and 1895. In 1896 he was assessor, and in both positions he gave satisfaction to his political opponents, as well as to the people of his own party. He has been an active worker in the Democratic party, and is recognized as an important factor in local politics.

The family of Mezzicks have been numbered among the inhabitants of Maryland for many generations, and have been noted for traits of in- dustry and integrity in all their dealings with their fellow-men. The father of our subject, Nelson Mezzick, was a native of Quantico district, Wi- comico County, and in his early days followed the trade of a ship-carpenter. Later he devoted his whole time and attention to agricultural pur- suits, and became well-off financially. He was a member and a trustee in the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and was a most worthy and upright man, beloved and esteemed by his associates. He married Miss Susan Taylor, daughter of George Taylor, of the town of Rockawalking, Wicomico County. She died, leaving six chil- dren, only two of whom are now living, George W. and Elijah T., of this vicinity. The second wife of Nelson Mezzick was a Miss Margaret Phillips in her girlhood, and to them two chil- dren were born. After her death, Mr. Mezzick married Margaret Venable, who has also been called to the home beyond.

The birth of George W. Mezzick took place upon a farm near Quantico, December 2, 1841, and during his boyhood he attended the district schools a part of each year, in time becoming master of the elementary branches. When he was about fourteen he began farming in earnest and in a few years was a practical agriculturist, thoroughly familiar with all kinds of work neces- sary to the proper management of a farm. He cultivated the Farrington farm and others in this district for about thirty years, removing from the Waters to his present homestead in 1892. A member of the Knights of Pythias, he is now holding the office of prelate of the lodge.

November 21, 1865, Mr. Mezzick married Amelia Anderson, whose father, James Anderson,

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was a favorably known citizen of these parts. Two sons came to grace the marriage, named re- spectively, Herbert and George Marion, and both are now enterprising young farmers of this dis- trict. For years our subject and wife have been members of the Episcopal Church, the former being a vestryman in the same. They have hosts of sincere friends among the people of this community, and all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance wish them well.

ILLIAM H. H. HOPKINS is the fortu- nate owner of a beautiful home and farm finely located on Coxes Neck, Kent Island, in the fourth district of Queen Anne's County, Md. He takes great pride in fostering local enterprises and was foremost ini the work of organizing the Methodist Protestant Church of Kent Island, which was dedicated in the 60's. Since then he has been very active in the various lines of its usefulness and has led the choir suc- cessfully for over a quarter of a century.

Mr. Hopkins was born on this island in 1841 and has resided here all his life. His parents were Edward and Annie (Cockey) Hopkins, the mother a daughter of John C. Cockey. Edward Hopkins was born on Kent Island about 1804 and grew to manhood and followed agricultural pursuits all his life in this community. He com- menced his career at the very foot of the ladder, and though he was a man of strictest integrity and justice, became well-to-do, owning at the time of his death nearly a section of land as a result of his industry and good management. His father, James, settled in these parts after his removal from Talbot County, where his birth had taken place, and where he had grown to man's estate. He was a public-spirited man, and was identified with many of the infant industries and improvements of the community wherein he re- sided. The Hopkins family were among the first settlers of Maryland, and were originally from England. A brother of our subject, James B., is now living on Kent Island also.

In 1868 the marriage of W. H. H. Hopkins and Elizabeth Atwell, of this county, was cele- brated. She is a daughter of Joseph Atwell, and by her marriage became the mother of ten children, of whom seven died in infancy. Those living are: E. Atwell, who is married and is en- gaged in business in New York City; Clara and Harrison. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and are daily striving to follow the teachings of the golden rule. Though he did not have the advantages of a musical education, our subject has always had great love for the art, and has been his own teacher. He is a member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs of this island, and has always voted for the platform and nominees of the Democracy.

HOMAS HICKS MEDFORD is cashier of the Dorchester National Bank and one of the leading financiers in Dorchester County, as well as one of the prominent and influential . citizens of Cambridge. He was born May 28, 1845, and is a son of Edwin E. and Hersilla (Hicks) Medford. His father was a prominent merchant of East New Market at the time of his death, which occurred in 1853, when our subject was but eight years of age. His wife had died two years previous. In their family were three children. Mary A., the eldest, became the wife of Francis H. Webb, chief judge of the orphans' court in Dorchester County, but now deceased; Seldon P., who was a member of the regiment commanded by Col. James Wallace, died in camp in Salisbury, Md., in 1862.

Thomas Hicks Medford, who completes the family, upon his parents' death went to live with his uncle for whom he had been named. This uncle, ex-governor Thomas H. Hicks, who was the "war governor" of Maryland and who by his firmness in not acceding to the demands to call an extra session of the legislature for the purpose of seceding, saved the state to the Union. At the time that Mr. Medford became an inmate of his

MONMONIER ROWE, M. D.

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uncle's home the governor was living on a farin south of Cambridge. The youth attended the academy in Cambridge, and afterward entered St. John's College, at Annapolis, where for two years he remained as a student. On laying aside his text-books he began learning the business of tobacconist in Baltimore, where he continued for one year, when the war broke out and he returned to Cambridge. Securing a clerkship in a general store he was thus engaged until 1873, when he went into business for himself, purchasing the store of his late employer, Josias S. Simmons. For ten years he successfully carried on general merchandising, enjoying a large and profitable trade. He was then appointed to the position of postmaster by President Arthur, filling that posi- tion for four years, in a most creditable and satis- factory manner.

In the year 1889 Mr. Medford became interested in the organization of the Dorchester National Bank, which was capitalized at $50,000. He was elected its first cashier and has since oc- cupied that position, much of the success of the institution being due to his capable management, enterprise and sound business policy. The other officers are: Henry Lloyd, president; James Wallace, vice-president; and the following direct- ors: Judge Henry Lloyd, James Wallace, A. J. Foble, W. F. Applegarth, D. H. Le Compte, J. W. Henry, of Baltimore; R. T. Wright, George W. Woolford and L. S. Dail. This is one of the strongest, most reliable and most popular financial institutions in this part of the state and its success is the natural sequence of the excellent business policy which is followed by its officers.

Mr. Medford was married May 14, 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Hutchin, of Burlington, N. J. They have one child, William H., assistant bookkeeper in the Dorches- ter National Bank. The parents and son are all consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Medford is now serving as trustee. He belongs to the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the order of Heptasophs. He is temperate in his habits, honorable in all business relations and

his influence is ever found on the side of right and order. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and some years ago he served as a member of the city council, but otherwise has steadily declined to hold political office, though often urged by his friends and party to do so.

M ONMONIER ROWE, M. D., of Deal's Island, is a descendant of a Scotch family that has resided in Maryland for a number of generations. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of Aberdeen, whence he emigrated to Somerset County and settled on Deal's Island, afterward engaging in farm pursuits, also for some time serving as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Samuel Rowe, was born here and throughout much of his life engaged in farming. In politics he was a Democrat. He died at the age of about fifty.

Our subject's father, Hon. George T. Rowe, spent his whole life upon Deal's Island. After following the water for a time in early years he turned his attention to merchandising and carried on a general store for some time. Like his father, he advocated Democratic principles. In 1867-68 he was county commissioner, and was appointed justice of the peace by the governor. Int 1877 he was elected to the house of delegates, and again in 1887, serving two terms. He died February 22, 1891, at the age of sixty years. By his mar- riage to Sarah E. Wallace, who died at thirty- eight years, he had four children, but the only one now living is our subject.

Born at Deal's Island in 1859, Dr. Rowe re- ceived his education in the public schools and Glenwood Institute, Howard County. In 1881 he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, and then returned to the old home place, where he has since followed his profession. In 1877 he received, through the influence of Daniel M. Henry, M. C., an appoint- ment as cadet in West Point Military Academy, but afterward resigned, preferring a professional to a military life. Besides other interests, he has

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engaged to some extent in farming and is the owner of three oyster boats. Politically a Dem- ocrat, he was his party's candidate for county commissioner in 1897 and is now chairman of the Democratic central committee of Somerset County.

By his marriage to Emma, daughter of George R. and Adeline Hickman, Dr. Rowe has two children, Elizabetlı Adeline and Georgia. Fra- ternally he is past master of the Shield of Honor and past archon of the Heptasophs, also medical examiner in both orders. All matters in connec- tion with the science of medicine receive his thoughtful attention, especially such as seem to point to improvements in its practice. He is a member of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland and the American Medical Associa- tion, which he represented in the convention at Milwaukee in 1893. During the same year he attended as a delegate of the Medical and Chi- rurgical Faculty the first Pan-American Medical Congress, which met in Washington, D. C.

F EORGE HAYWARD was born and has al- ways resided upon the old homestead, which is located in Snow Hill district, Worcester County. He owns a large and valuable estate, some six hundred acres all told, and is very well off in this world's goods. He has been a witness of over three-score years of the history of the progress of Eastern Shore, and has always en- deavored to do his share in whatever movements seemed calculated to advance the best interests of the citizens of this region.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 43

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