Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 51

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

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EV. GEORGE F. BEAVEN has a record that has rarely been surpassed, for forty years have gone by since he preached his first sermon to the congregation of St. John's Epis- copal Church of Hillsborough, Caroline County, and he yet occupies its pulpit, and is enthroned in the dearest affections of his people. His life has been marked by uniform kindness and love toward all, and for wide, sincere sympathy extended to every unhappy or unfortunate mortal who comes across his pathway. Few pastors enjoy such entire confidence, harmony and co-operation in all plans as it is his lot to possess, but he is justly en- titled to such distinction, as he is a man of rare ability, talent and excellent judgment, and has a wide knowledge of human nature.

The Beaven family has long been numbered among the representative ones of Maryland, as they have been identified with its annals since 1730, when the great-great-grandfather of our subject located here in Charles County and made settlement upon land which he took up under

grants from the English crown, for he was a Brit- ish subject. Upon this plantation the births of several succeeding generations in the direct line of descent occurred, and with few exceptions they were agriculturists. Great-grandfather Bea- ven bore the Christian name of Blandford. His son John was the grandfather of our subject, and he was the owner of about four hundred acres of land.

The parents of G. F. Beaven were John and Anna (Pagett) Beaven, both natives of Charles County, and three of their four children are de- ceased. The father was a hero of the war of 1812 and was a very prosperous business man. He was the proprietor of extensive estates and also was interested in various commercial ventures. In principle and action his life was above re- proach and he made a point of training his chil- dren to be strictly honest, upright and reliable citizens and of use in the busy world.

The birth of Rev. Mr. Beaven took place Oc- tober 15, 1824, on his father's old homestead in Charles County, and there he was educated and grew to maturity. Having decided to dedicate his life to the service of God and his fellow-men, he entered the theological seminary at Nashotah, Wis., and after thoroughly preparing himself for the arduous work before him, graduated in 1855. His first pastorate was in Ellicott City, Baltimore County, but scarcely two years had elapsed ere he was called to his present charge. Prior to entering the ministry he was a very successful teacher for a period of fifteen years and after- ward was county school examiner for fourteen years. In his political affiliations he is a Dem- ocrat, and, as every good citizen should be, he is much interested in the great public questions of the day.

In 1848 Mr. Beaven married Virginia L. Waters, a native of Charles County, and eight children came to bless their happy home, viz .: Words- worth Y., rector of All Saints' parish, Talbot County; John M., Grace A., George H., Mary V., Arthur R., H. Lay and J. M., a merchant of Hillsborough. Grace died when thirty-seven years of age, and the others are respected and useful citizens of the several communities in

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which they dwell. The devoted wife and mother of these children was summoned to the better land in 1881, at the age of forty-eight years. In 1885 Mr. Beaven married Mrs. Ama De Rauch- brune Wilson, who was born and reared to womanhood in Caroline County. Her maiden name was Wilkinson, and she was a descend- ant of Rev. Christopher Wilkinson, one of the colonial clergy of Maryland, and a graduate of Oxford University, and is a lady whom all love for her sweet, amiable qualities.

ARRY L. DODD, M. D. In the present age of the world there is no profession that calls to its practice men of greater talent than does that of medicine. Men of acknowledged ability, keen discrimination, depth of discern- ment, with every resource which careful training and close study can give, have devoted their lives to the relief of the sufferings of humanity. Nor have their efforts been in vain, as an unnumbered host could testify who owe to them their restora- tion to health and strength.

The medical fraternity of Chestertown has an able representative in Dr. Dodd, who stands high in the ranks of the profession he has made his life work. Since his graduation he has engaged in general practice in this place and has given his attention and thought undividedly to his chosen line of work. The result is that he is building up a large practice, having in his care patients both in Chestertown and throughout the surrounding country. By the reading of medical journals he aims to keep abreast with the latest developments in the science of therapeutics and it is ever his aim to keep posted concerning all details of the profession.

The Dodds are among the old families of Ches- tertown. The doctor's grandfather, John T. Dodd, who died in 1873, was for years one of the most prominent workers in the Methodist Prot- estant Church and his home was always the headquarters for visiting preachers of that de- nomination. The father of the doctor, Thomas

S., was born in Chestertown, and there engaged in business as a carpenter and builder, following that occupation until his death, in early man- hood. He married Sarah A. Lambert, who was born in Chestertown and is still living here. Three sons blessed their union: Harry L .; Charles L., who is engaged in the mercantile business in Chestertown; and Thomas S., ex-sheriff and an influential resident of Kent County.

Chestertown has been the life-long home of Dr. Dodd and here he was born September 18, 1865. At the age of twenty years he concluded his liter- ary studies with his graduation from Washing- ton College. Shortly afterward, in 1886, he com- menced the study of medicine, and in the spring of 1889 graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia. Returning to Chester- town, he at once opened an office and has since engaged in professional practice. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Protestant Church and prominent there and in general society. The success which he has already achieved indicates that his future will be a prosperous one and that he will win distinction in his chosen profession.

HARLES T. RATHELL is a wealthy farmer of the fourth district of Talbot Coun- ty, his postoffice address being Wye Mills. His beautiful country home is named Dolvin and is one of the finest pieces of farming land in this section of the state. It comprises six hundred and thirty-five acres, and was formerly owned by the father of the present proprietor. Some twelve years have passed since it came into his possession at the death of the elder Rathell, and he has made an excellent showing as a financial manager of the property. From his boyhood he was accustomed to the practical duties of agri- cultural life, and is thorough and business-like about his work.

The father of our subject, Charles Rathell, was a native of Delaware, and followed the call- ing of a farmer nearly all of his life. He met with distinct success in his various enterprises

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and accumulated a goodly fortune. For his companion and helpmate he chose Miss Sarah Draper. They became the parents of five chil- dren, but three of the number died in infancy or youth, and only one, C. T., survives, his sis- ter, Mrs. Thomas Dudley, having died about five years ago. The mother departed this life in 1878, and the father, after surviving her a few years, died in 1885. They were most noble and upright citizens, and commanded the love and respect of all who knew them.

The birth of C. T. Rathell took place near Easton, Talbot County, February 10, 1861, and as soon as he had arrived at a suitable age he started to attend the public schools. When he was about sixteen he began farming in earnest, under his father's instruction and supervision, and gave him his services from that time on. After the father's death Dolvin fell to him. The same year he removed to his present home and has surrounded his family with many of the luxuries and comforts of life. In politics he is affiliated with the Democratic party.

January 28, 1885, Mr. Rathell married Miss Minnie Donaldson, of Newcastle, Pa., and their four children are named as follows: Charles, Warren, Mary and Donald.

HOMAS J. WILLIS, a prosperous farmer of the third district, Kent County, has re- sided upon his well-kept and very desirable homestead but six years or so, but has owned the same for nearly ten years. Wherever he has dwelt he has been found a power for good in the community, and all worthy endeavor finds in him a friend and earnest advocate. Long since he be- came convinced that life is destined to be much more than a material existence, and that one ob- tains the highest good, and enjoys most, when his chief delight is to uplift the unfortunate and cheer and comfort the afflicted. He strives to lead a humble, consistent Christian life, full of busy usefulness, uprightness and content. The influ-

ence of such a character in a community is far- reaching, and every one receives some benefit, directly or indirectly.

In the very first days of the history of Mary- land two brothers came here from England, their names being respectively, John and William. They settled in Caroline County, and within its borders several generations of their descend- ants were born. Our subject's grandfather, John Willis, was a prominent man in his time, and two of his uncles were soldiers in the Revolu- tionary war. He was a patriot himself, having served in the coast defense in the war of 1812. For years he was a merchant in Vienna, Dorches- ter County, Md., and was afterwards a revenue collector at Oxford, Md., for some time, being succeeded in that office by his son Nicholas. He was summoned to the home beyond in 1838, when in his seventy-first year.

William B., father of Thomas J. Willis, was born in Talbot County, and made his home there during the greater part of his career. When a young man he made a trip to the West Indies, but soon returned home. He owned a sailing vessel, and shipped freight from Oxford to Balti- more. He also owned and managed a good farm, and was, altogether, very prosperous. Several years he was sheriff of Talbot County, having been elected on the Democratic ticket, and thrice did he serve the people in the state legislature. He married Mary Spencer, of the same county, and from an old family, who had numerous rep- resentatives in the war of 1812, one being Col. R. Spencer. Mr. Willis died in 1865, aged sixty-one years. His fond and devoted wife survived him ten years, her death occurring when she was in her seventieth year. They had seven children, of whom the eldest, Rev. Jonathan S., a promi- nent Delaware politician, was a member of the fifty- fourth congress of the United States; Alexander died in his twenty-fourth year; Margaret E. mar- ried Alexander E. Bell, and died at thirty-three; Elizabeth married Rev. J. H. Lightbourn; Thomas J. is the next in order; Sallie B. became the wife of Alfred M. Moore; and William com- pleted the number.

The birth of Thomas J. Willis occurred on the

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15th of September, 1836, and the place of the event his father's farm house in Talbot County. He early became familiar with every department of agricultural work, and was of great assistance to his father. His education was confined to the elementary branches which were then taught in the district schools, but since then he has broad- ened his mental vision by private reading and study, as well as by the wisdom that time brings. When he was about thirty-two years of age he left home and went into Delaware, but two years later returned to Kent County, Md. It was in 1870 that he came to this county, and for three years resided near Lynch. Next, going to Bal- timore, lie conducted a produce and commission business for another three years, meeting with fair success. In 1878 he returned to Kent County and farmed near Lynch for a number of years. As this farm was not large enough he sold it in 1884 and bought a very large one. In 1888, however, he sold this also and purchased the James W. Skirven farm, settling upon the same in 1891. He has three hundred acres here, most of it being under good cultivation. Though he has never had aspirations towards political preferment, he is a strong Democrat.

In 1862 the marriage of Mr. Willis and Mary E. Chaplain, of Talbot County, was celebrated. She was from an old, and well-known family there, and was a sister of Dr. James S. Chaplain, of Trappe, Talbot County, Md .; Prof. Alexander Chaplain, of Easton, Md .; and of Rev. John F. Chaplain, of the Philadelphia Conference Meth- odist Episcopal Church. For thirty-five years she was a true and loving helpmate, sharing her husband's joys and sorrows with wifely devotion and self-sacrifice, but she was forced to lay down life's burdens and leave those she had loved so dearly, February 14, 1897, when but fifty-six years of age. Five children are left to mourn her loss: Harry C., who lives near Fairlee; Eleanor S., wife of L. J. Keyser; Annie C., who married Jesse H. Usilton (see his sketch on another page); William B. and May L., both of whom are at home. When he was a young man, Mr. Willis united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been a faith- ful member of the same forty-four years. Thirty-

five years of this period lie has been steward, and for some time he was the superintendent of the Sunday-school, and also a trustee.

OD EORGE D. FREENEY, who has officiated in the responsible position of constable for the past twenty-three years, is a well-known farmer of Quantico district, Wicomico County. He moved upon his beautiful homestead, Bowers Hill, on Christmas day, 1864, and has since given his entire time to its cultivation and im- provement. Success has crowned his labors, and now, as he approaches the down grade of life, he has laid aside a comfortable fortune for his future needs and has no care to trouble his old age. But were he not so fortunate in the matter of wealth, he might still be proud and happy, rejoic- ing in his four noble, manly sons, who have grown to maturity and are taking up the battle of life with brave hearts and ambitious spirits.

Born in Somerset County, Mr. Freeney is a son of Peter Freeney, who was a tailor by trade, and who, though he started forth to make his own livelihood empty-handed, became rich, and at his death left a small fortune. His father, Richard, was a native of Ireland, and was of the old Prot- estant stock. Peter Freeney married Elizabeth, daughter of George Davis, and she is still living, now in her seventy-sixth year. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, of whom the following survive: George D .; Julia, wife of John T. Phillips, of Laurel, Del .; James C., a resident of Virginia; Benjamin B., of Baltimore; Sarah M., wife of Thomas C. Callaway, of Balti- more; and Samuel W., of Spring Hill, Md. Peter Freeney, who was born in the same part of Som- erset County as was our subject, died August 4, 1896.

The date of the birth of George D. Freeney is December 22, 1839. He was a pupil in the public schools until he was about eighteen, when he turned his attention exclusively to agriculture. For a few years he worked for his father upon the old home place, thus getting a start and suf-

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ficient funds to purchase a farm for himself when the proper time arrived. As previously stated, he became the owner of Bowers Hill farm thirty- three years ago, and since then has bought sev- eral other tracts of land as the opportunity pre- sented itself. In his own homestead there are ninety acres, in addition to which he owns three good farms of seventy-five acres each, and a house and ten-acre lot besides, the whole aggre- gating three hundred and twenty-five acres, all within the boundaries of this district. He has used his right of franchise in behalf of the nomi- nees of the Democratic party since becoming a voter. For twenty years he has been a valued member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and has acted in the office of steward several times.

May 7, 1861, Mr. Freeney married Sarah J. Waller, daughter of Jonathan Waller, of Delmar, Del. They have had five children, but one is de- ceased. The others are James T. A., William J., Ernest G. and Edward D., all at home.

HOMAS P. FLETCHER was elected to the position he now occupies, that of mana- ger of the county almshouse, about five years ago, and is giving universal satisfaction to all concerned in the matter. This almshouse is located but a mile and three-quarters north of the town of Quantico, in the district of the same name, Wicomico County. In the county farm there are about two hundred acres, much of which is under high cultivation, and provides a large share of the garden vegetables, etc., used in the diet of the inmates. Under the present manage- ment wise care and supervision of the people's appropriation for the necessary expenses of the institution is maintained, and the farm itself is placed under tribute to the general needs in such a manner that great sums are annually saved.

The father of our subject, John W. Fletcher, was a native of Somerset County. He died in 1888, and left a host of sincere friends to mourn his loss. His wife was Martha, daughter of Charles Rider, of this district. She died in 1877,

and of her seven children four have also crossed the river. John W., Jr., is a resident of the state of Illinois and Mary lives near the town of Quan- tico. Grandfather John W. Fletcher was a tailor by trade, and conducted a profitable business in Salisbury, Wicomico County, and Princess Anne, Somerset County, for a great many years. He was a very liberal, large-hearted man, who was universally respected. At one time he held the appointment of magistrate, though he was not a politician in the ordinary sense. He died, as he had lived, strong in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his demise occurring in 1887.

Thomas P. Fletcher was born near the village of Quantico, October 11, 1856. He attended the district schools of his home neighborhood until he was about eighteen years old, when he turned his entire attention to agriculture. He now owns some property in Hebron, this county, and culti- vates a farm of about sixty acres in Quantico district on his own account. Politically he is affiliated with the Democratic party.

Upon Christmas day, 1885, Mr. Fletcher and Maggie, daughter of Columbus Messick, were united in marriage. They have had two chil- dren, daughters, named respectively Mildred and Rosalie. Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and Mrs. Fletcher is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The former has served as steward of his congre- gation and is now acting in the capacity of Sun- day-school superintendent. Both he and his estimable wife are held in the highest respect by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.

HOMAS A. DUDLEY is a successful and practical agriculturist of Talbot County, his home being in the fourth district. From his boyhood his history has been intimately asso- ciated with the town of Matthews and vicinity, and for the past twelve years he has cultivated and managed the fine place known as Kingston farm, comprising two hundred and ninety acres. He is strongly in favor of the platform and nomi-

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nees of the Democratic party and was commis- sioner of Talbot County in 1894 and 1895. He is public-spirited and progressive, and advocates all improvements and changes in local affairs tending to benefit the people.

A native of Talbot County, Mr. Dudley was born near the village of Matthews upon his father's farnı, March 30, 1853. The latter, Alexander E. by name, was a son of Thomas Dudley, a native of this state. Alexander E. Dudley was born upon the same farm as was our subject, in 1813, and was always interested in agriculture. He died in 1859, at the age of forty-six years. Though he was not a member of any denomina- tion, he was very liberal in his contributions to religious enterprises, and was open-handed to the poor and needy. He owned eigliteen slaves and treated then always with kindness and consider- ation. In politics he was a Democrat, and served for a term as tax collector. By one and all who knew him he was universally esteemed, and his early death was a great loss to the com- munity in which he dwelt. His wife was a Miss Elizabeth Arringdale in her girlhood, and was a native of this district; she became the mother of two children, one of whom is deceased, and her own death took place in 1867.

When his father died T. A. Dudley was but six years of age, and he knew little of that tender care and training that no one can give to a boy as can his own father. His mother, however, was all that a kind and thoughtful woman could be to her children. The lad attended the schools of the district until he was half grown and spent the summer season in the fields and in the gen- eral work of the farm. When he had reached his majority he assumed the entire charge of the farın, which had fallen to him as the only heir. With the exceptions of the years 1877 and 1878, when he was employed upon a steamboat, he has given his whole time and attention to agriculture.

December 3, 1879, Mr. Dudley married Lu- cretia. daughter of Charles Rathell, and was placed in charge of the latter's homestead, man- aging it for two years or more. He then re- turned to the old farin for a time, but March IO, 1885, came to Kingston, which had been left to

his wife by her father, who died a very wealthy man (worth perhaps $75,000), though he began his career as a poor bound boy. Mrs. Dudley died April 29, 1890, leaving four children, viz .: Edward A., Elizabeth R., Carroll T. and Mary L. August 29, 1892, Mr. Dudley married Elma, daughter of Henry P. Hopkins, of the fourth district.

G EORGE W. TRUITT, M. D., of Parsons- burg, Parsons district, Wicomico County, is one of the native sons of this district, and lias always been closely associated with its his- tory since his birth, which event took place No- vember 7, 1854. After having received an excel- lent and liberal education, he taught school for a number of years; during all this time he was a great student and gradually became well posted upon all of the important affairs and topics of interest in the great world. With this sound basis of general knowledge it was at length evi- dent that he had a wide foundation for special training of mind, and he accordingly concluded to enter the medical profession, in which he is now a rising practitioner. Quite naturally he chose to return to his native neighborhood to make his start in his new field of labor, and his wisdom in this matter is apparent. He has suc- ceeded in building up a remunerative practice among his old friends and associates, and has a promising future before him.

Dr. Truitt is a son of our well-known and re- spected citizens, Samuel P. and Eliza M. Truitt. He was born and brought up in the village of Parsonsburg, his early experiences being those which are common to all farmer lads. His time divided betwixt work, play and study, the years rolled away and he had arrived at an age when he must leave home to make his own way in the world, twenty-two years. It had been his privilege to attend the high school of Salisbury and there pursue the sciences and languages, and in 1877 lie applied for a position as teacher. Hav- ing passed the required examinations with credit, he was awarded a school in Dennis district, and

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successfully followed the profession for the twelve years succeeding. Formerly he had operated a sawmill in Berlin, Worcester County, Md., about two years. During the last two years of his school life as a teacher he studied medicine all of his spare time, and then, entering the Uni- versity of Maryland, in Baltimore, he took a course of lectures and graduated in the class of 1889. He immediately returned to his old home in Parsonsburg and established an office. He owns a good farm and is doing well financially. In political affairs he adheres to neither of the great parties, but is a pronounced Populist. Fra- ternally he belongs to the order of the Shield of Honor. He is a general favorite in the best social circles of the town, and is a man of genial, kindly disposition.

? UGENE CROCHERON has spent more than twenty years of his life in Dorchester Coun- ty and is well known among its business

men. In the fall of 1876 he came to Strait dis- trict and two years later he embarked in the mer- cantile business in partnership with his grand- father, upon the death of whom he became the sole proprietor of the concern. In addition to this enterprise, from 1876 to 1882 he was associated with Mr. Anderson in the blacksmith's trade. He now has an interest in oyster vessels, and also has important interests as an oyster planter.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 51

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