Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 64

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

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ILLIAM J. WOODFORD, who is engaged in the livery business in Centreville, was born in this town February 17, 1863. His father, J. W. W., who was a son of James Wood- ford, a clockmaker by trade, was born in Elkton, Cecil 'County, and in early manhood removed from there to Queen Anne's County, in May, 1860. While residing in his native place he was employed as clerk in a store, and he was also similarly engaged in Middletown and Georgetown1 Cross Roads. On coming to Centreville he estab- lislied a mail route and stage line between this point and Queenstown, being the first man to operate a stage line in the entire county. In ad- dition, he also ran a transfer line for the town, and a line of stages from here to Easton and Chestertown. In 1895, however, he sold the business to his son.

Firm in his allegiance to the Democratic party, J. W. W. Woodford has for years been one of the local party leaders. Honoring his party, he has in turn been honored by it with election to posi- tions of trust. In March, 1895, he was appointed postmaster of Centreville by President Cleveland, but by reason of the opposition of Senator Gib- son the appointment was not confirmed by the senate. The people of Queen Anne's County considered that a great injustice had been done Mr. Woodford, and as a consequence Senator Gibson lost many who had hitherto been his friends. In April, 1897, Mr. Woodford was ap-

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pointed tax collector for this district. His wife, Anne H. Reaves, was a daughter of Thomas Reaves, of Bridgeton, N. J., and the granddaugh- ter of a Revolutionary patriot. She is still sur- viving and is now about sixty years of age. Of their four children, three are living: William J .; Marion J., in Centreville; and Thomas R., a stu- dent in the Western Maryland College.

When ten years of age our subject began to assist his fatlier in business, and during the inter- vals of school drove wagons. At eighteen years lie left school and gave his entire attention to the business for six years, when he took a position as purser on a river steamboat. There his work was hard and required his attention almost con- stantly, day and night. After six years, in Oct- ober, 1894, he returned home and bought the livery business of John A. Scotton. In January of the following year he bought the ' bus and stage line from his father, and now runs two stage lines to Queenstown and a'bus and transfer line in town. December 12, 1888, he married Miss Ida Cole. They have four children: John Wallace, Elmira, William T. and Walter E. Fraternally Mr. Woodford is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Home Forum. He is a genial, jovial man and counts his friends by the score among those whom he meets in business and social circles.

OHN C. MONTAGUE is the fortunate owner of the very pretty homestead of Juniper Hill, which is situated in the fourth district of Talbot County and contains within its boundaries some one hundred and twenty-eight acres. Since the organization of the Republican party, Mr. Montague gave it his loyal support, but of late years has been in greater sympathy with the Prohibitionists. He was nominated by the party last-mentioned for the position of sheriff and was once a candidate for the post of county commissioner on the Republican ticket, and, though he was both times defeated by the larger majorities of the opponent's side, his own popu -

larity is unquestioned. Ant earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, he has been a steward and superintendent of the Sunday-school for several years, and his heart is sincerely in the cause.

Jesse Montague was born in Caroline County, Md., and by his marriage with Hettie, daughter of Martin K. Ford, of Delaware, had seven chil- dren, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth. The paternal grandfather of this worthy man was a native of France, as the name implies, and was an early settler in this state. For gener- ations the family have followed agricultural lives and their traits of industry, persevering efforts and uprightness have been handed down from father to son, an invaluable inheritance. Jesse Montague was an old-line Wliig, and in religion was a very devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a trustee at one time. He secured a good competence for his family, and was a kind and helpful neighbor, friend and citi- zen. He was summoned to his reward in 1882, and was ready and glad to join his wife, who had crossed the river about five years before. Their eldest daughter is Anne, widow of George Ross, and she, with her sister Elizabeth, Mrs. Nathaniel Green, are both living in Delaware. William Henry is a resident of Queen Anne's County and Daniel is in Easton. Helen, wife of Thomas Hutchins, lives on the western shore of Mary- land.

J. C. Montague was born in Hazelville, Kent County, Del., February 28, 1838, and was a " student in the schools of his home. neighborhood until he was nearly eighteen years of age. Being desirous of seeing something of his own great country before settling down for the really serious labors of mature life, he went to the west and traveled around considerably, but ultimately re- turned, as he had not faltered in his allegiance to his own beloved county. Since that time he has attended solely to general farming and has been quite successful.

In February, 1860, Mr. Montague and Emma Williams were united in marriage in Kent County, Del. She is a daughter of John Will- iams, of Delaware, and was born and reared

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to maturity in Kent County. Of the six children born to our subject and wife four are living. Harvey is a citizen of Ridgely, Md .; Correna is the widow of Edward Carville, of Kent Island; she became the mother of one son, J. Denny, who makes his home with his grandfather; Allie is the wife of Harry St. Clair, of Baltimore; and Fannie is the wife of Thomas P. Roe, a farmer of this locality. Through the efforts of Mr. Mon- tague he had a postoffice established near his home and the village bears his name.

AMES W. SAULSBURY, who formerly held the office of sheriff of Caroline County, and at various times was tax collector, county committeeman, supervisor of the poor house, etc., and was a candidate for the legislature in 1875, though defeated, is one of the native sons of Caroline County, and has always been deeply interested in whatever affects her prosperity and advancement. He is an honored old citizen of the third district, where he has owned as much as four hundred acres of land at a time. His life has been an exemplary one-an embodiment of the golden rule, and all who have come within the sphere of his influence have been benefited thereby. For the extremely long period of sixty- three years he has held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has donated generously to the work of that denomination, and has not neglected to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy who came across his pathway.

The paternal grandfather of the above, William Saulsbury, was born and died in this county, his demise occurring when he was in his eightieth year, or thereabouts. Eli, father of James W., was likewise a native of this county, and fought in the war of 1812. His chief vocation in life was that of farming. He married Rachel Smith, whose birthplace was in Kent County, Del., and their only child was James W., of this sketch.

The birth of J. W. Saulsbury occurred August 8, 1817, in this county, and from his earliest

recollections he has been accustomed to living upon a farm. He was initiated when quite young into the several departments of agriculture, and has long been a practical farmer. He gradually accumulated a competence, and has amply pro- - vided for all his own and family's necessities. He was identified with the Whig party until 1871, at which time he became a Democrat. In 1841 he was made tax collector, in 1861 was elected sheriff, and four years later he was elected a county commissioner. In the numerous offices of public trust and honor which he held, he was prompt and faithful in discharging his duties, and won the commendation of all concerned.

August 7, 1855, Mr. Saulsbury married Ann E. Hitch, who was born and grew to womanhood in this country, and of their two children, one died in infancy. Vashti, the other child, became the wife of Robert J. W. Garey, who died April 12, 1895, at the age of fifty-one years. His widow resides in Williston. Their six children are as follows: Robert S., bookkeeper with the Cochran Ice Company, of Baltimore; Mary E., Enoch B., V. Louise, Lena R., and James A. H. Mrs. Ann E. Saulsbury was a daughter of Garey Hitch, an extensive land owner and respected citizen of this county. She died in 1857.

OSIAH S. TAYLOR was born in Barren Creek district, Wicomico County, November 8, 1828, and has spent his active life in gen- eral agricultural work here, having since 1877 owned and operated the Taylor farm of two hun- dred and fifty acres, situated near the center of the district. The family of which he is a mem- ber emigrated to America from England. His father, Elias, and grandfather, Horatio Taylor, were born on the place where he now resides. The former, who was a farmer, died in 1835, and nine years afterwards his wife, Polly, daughter of Lowdy Gosley, passed away. They were the parents of seven children, of whom three sons survive: John C., of Baltimore; Josialı S .; and Isaac T., of Dorchester County.

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When quite young our subject began to work upon the home farin and by practical experience gained a thorough knowledge of agriculture in every department of the work. He is an ener- getic, lard-working man, who toils early and late in order to secure a competence for his family and the comforts of life for his old age. He has never been active in politics, though voting at all the elections. During the existence of the Whig party he advocated its principles and upon its disintegration he became a Democrat. In re- ligious belief he is connected with the Episcopal Church.

November 5, 1856, Mr. Taylor married Hester P. Bennett, daughter of Elisha Bennett, of Barren Creek district. Ten children were born of their union, of whom the following survive: Nancy Virginia, wife of George T. Wilson, of Barren Creek district; Mary E., wife of Perry J. Brown, of Virginia; Elisha S., who makes his home in Baltimore; Letitia E., Mrs. Robert B. Bailey ; John B. and Andrew J., at home; Kate M., wife of W. B. Bailey, of Mardela Springs; and Calvin M., who married Minnie Alberta Goslee, of this district.

AMES M. ANDREWS is the fortunate possessor of about four hundred acres of valuable, well-improved farm land in Hur- lock district of Dorchester County. His beau- tiful home is situated just within the village limits of Hurlock, and under its hospitable roof many a friend or passing traveler has been entertained in true southern fashion. He is a very enterprising business man and has in- vested money in a number of industries that have indirectly benefited the neighborhood or county. Among others, he is now financially concerned in the flouring mill at Williamsburg, and in the Hurlock creamery. He practically believes in upholding home industries and in lending one's influence toward the support of whatever tends to advance the public good.

Born June 14, 1848, James M. Andrews is the eldest son of Stephen Andrews, of whom we

shall write an account later in this sketch. Our subject attended the district schools in his boy- hood, and from the time that he was strong enough to be of any real assistance in the work of the farm he helped his father dutifully. Thus he became well equipped to fight his own battles when he had set forth to make his way independ- ently in the world. He has always been an agri- culturist, and by degrees he purchased land until he is now the owner of a large estate. He person- ally looks after the departments of work upon his place, and to this method much of his success is due.

January 13, 1876, Mr. Andrews married Sallie, daughter of William Noble, of Caroline County. They have the following-named children: William N., Carrie, Mary, Stephen, Helen and James E. For several years Mr. Andrews has been a stanch Prohibitionist. He and the other members of his family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Stephen Andrews, father of our subject, was a native of this county, born in 1801, and resided here during his whole life. His father, Medford Andrews, was also born within the limits of this county (as is supposed) and was a son of one Stephen, who was a native of Maryland. The latter was a son of Isaac and grandson of Maj. William Andrews, who came to America from England in the year 1711, settling at first in the eastern part of Virginia, and subse- quently removing to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. For generations the Andrewses have been farmers and have been prosperous and in- fluential people in their communities. Stephen Andrews commenced his business career a poor youth, working for the munificent sum of $40 a year at first. Later he bought a tract of timber- land in the northern part of this county, about five hundred acres, and from that time forward he worked very industriously to clear enough land for a large homestead. He was a consci- entious Christian, faithful in discharging his du- ties to his fellow-men and to his family. Though he was fully aware of the value of money, as he had always made his by hard labor, he yet was liberal in his benevolences and in support of

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worthy charities. In early life he was an old-line Whig, but subsequently became a Republican. He married Rebecca Carroll in 1839, and to them were born: Sarah E .; Margaret M., wife of James H. Williams; James M., Joseph B., Annie R., Stephen S .; William, deceased; and another Stephen, who died.

ILLIAM F. HALL, M. D., has had a suc- cessful professional career and is now one of the leading physicians of Somerset County. Formerly he devoted his attention ex- clusively to the drug business, and the knowl- edge he there acquired has proved of the greatest value to him in medical practice. Since 1885 he has engaged in the practice of his profession at Crisfield, where he is also proprietor and owner of a drug store. Aside from duties immediately connected with his business and professional life, he maintains a warm interest in matters relating to the welfare of the people and the prosperity of Crisfield. He was one of the original promoters of the Crisfield Ice Company and served as its president for two years. He also took an active part in the establishment of the Crisfield Building & Loan Association, of which he was the first president and held that office for two years, since which time he lias been a director in the concern.

Near the village of Marion, in Somerset County, the subject of this biography was born January 25, 1857, being a son of Robert H. and Harriet E. (Holland) Hall, also natives of this county. His father, who spent his life here, fol- lowed the trade of a carpenter, combined with work at farming, and was an industrious, perse- vering man, whose death at thirty-three years was a heavy loss to his family. He was a sin- cere Christian and an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a son of Richard Hall, a native of this county; where he engaged in farming until his death, at fifty-seven years. About six months after the death of Rob- ert H. Hall his wife also passed away, leaving four orphan children. Of these, John W., the eldest,

is a farmer and resides on the old homestead at Marion; Robert H., his father's namesake, assists his older brother in the cultivation of the home farm; H. Emma makes her home with William F., who is the youngest of the family.

When his father died our subject was only three months old, and shortly afterward he was wholly orphaned by his mother's death. He was cared for by relatives and was given good educa- tional opportunities in the local schools. In January, 1872, he came to Crisfield and secured a position as clerk in the drug store of Drs. Rob- ertson and Atkinson, remaining in the same po- sition about eight years, when he purchased Dr. Robertson's interest in the drug store, and this business he and Dr. Atkinson have since con- ducted. In 1883 he entered the medical depart- mient of the University of Maryland, from which he graduated in 1885. At once after graduating he began the practice of his profession at Cris- field, where he has since built up a valuable pat- ronage among the people of the village and sur- rounding country.

In 1886 Dr. Hall married Miss Maggie Car- man, of Crisfield, and two children bless their union, Agnes and Cecil. Politically the doctor is an independent Democrat, but does not take an active part in politics. Fraternally he is con- nected with the local lodge of Odd Fellows. He is now in the prime of his usefulness and vigor, with every prospect of continuing for years in his successful career as a physician and business man.

OSEPH W. DISHAROON is an enterprising and deservedly successful business man of Crisfield, in which place he began his finan- cial career a few years ago without capital or any favoring circumstances. To-day, as a result of his well-applied industry and excellent commer- cial methods, he transacts a business amounting to about $30,000 a year in his wholesale and retail grocery trade alone. In the summer of

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1897 he built a fine large hotel here known as the Crisfield Hotel, it being completed and ready for business July 14.

The father of the gentleman of whom we write was Joseph Disharoon, of French descent. He was a native of Salisbury, Md., and there grew to manhood. He was engaged from that time until his death in farming and milling in Wicom- ico County, near Salisbury. He was only forty-five years of age when death claimed him, yet he had already acquired a comfortable fortune, though he had begun the battle for a livelihood empty-handed. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and con- tributed liberally toward the building and main- tenance of the first large church of that denomin- ation erected in Salisbury. His father, William W., was also a native of Salisbury, and was a wealthy man, owning several large farms and a great many slaves. The mother of our subject is Sallie E., daughter of Henry J. Dashiell, of Wicomico County, Md., formerly a prominent farmer and slave owner there. He lived to be eighty-three years old. Mrs. Sallie Disharoon, now about three-score years of age, is making her home in Philadelphia, and is connected with a Methodist Episcopal Church there. Of her eleven children six died in infancy. Woodland A. is in the professional advertising business in New York; Lawrence D. is in the livery business here in partnership with our subject; Annie is the wife of George W. Pierson, of Philadelphia, auditor of the Pennsylvania Railway Company; and Mary H. is unmarried and also a resident of the.Quaker City.

Joseph W. Disharoon was born February I, 1860, in Wicomico County, and received a good general education in the district schools and in Salisbury. In 1878 he went to New York and ob- tained a clerkship with the firm of Olivit Brothers, staying with them for two years or more. He then came to Crisfield and was a clerk in a hotel here until it was burned, a twelvemonth later. The fol- lowing year he was employed in a grocery, and at the end of this period, as he found that he had saved up the sum of $150, he concluded that he would go into business upon his own

account. Of course he began upon a very small scale and with a meager stock of goods, but he was made of the metal that would not be discour- aged and he triumphed at length. In 1895 he branched out into the wholesale trade in connec- tion with the retail and is prospering finely in this direction as well. In 1890 he started a livery business and, as previously mentioned, he built the Crisfield Hotel in 1897, and besides that owns fourteen houses here that he rents to re- sponsible tenants. He owns four large oyster boats and three smaller ones, hiring men to sail them. He was one of the organizers and is now a director in the Bank of Crisfield. Following his father's example he is a Democrat, but not an office seeker. He was president of the city council of Crisfield for one term, and is earnest in his efforts to secure good local government and laws. Socially he belongs to Somerset Lodge No. 28, I. O. O. F., of this place. September 13, 1883, Mr. Disharoon married Susie M., daughter of Seth D. Venable, of Crisfield. He was a hotel- man here for several years and was favorably known for his many excellent qualities. He died June 30, 1897. His wife, Susan A., departed this life in February, 1894. Mrs. Disharoon is a member of the Methodist Church.

D APT. GEORGE TYLER was a resident of Dorchester County throughout his entire life, which began in Lake district May 12, 1812, and closed on Hooper's Island in 1887, when he was seventy-five years of age. When a young man he removed from Lake to Hooper's Island district, and here he afterward resided. At the age of fifteen he began to follow the water, his first employment being as cook on a schooner, and from that humble position he worked his way up to a post of responsibility and trust, finally becoming master of a vessel. After his marriage he bought a schooner and engaged in bay trade until his sons were large enough to as- sume charge of the boats, when he retired. He

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was economical, industrious, persevering and honest, and was fairly successful in his business transactions.

The marriage of Captain Tyler united him with Caroline R. Travers, of Dorchester County, member of an old and honored family of this lo- cality. Her death occurred when she was sev- enty years of age. In her family there were eight children, named as follows: Sarah Jane, Mrs. Sylvester T. Hall, deceased; Matthew T., who is engaged in the oyster business and is also postmaster at Hooper's Island; George W., who is engaged in the mercantile and oyster business here; Robert, who died at forty-two years of age; Solomon, who is in partnership with his brother George; John G., a merchant at Hooper's Island; Caroline, wife of Samuel G. Meekins, of this place; and Elizabeth, who died at twelve years.

Capt. George W. and Solomon Tyler, who are partners in business, own the largest general store on Hooper's Island and carry on an extensive and profitable business. They also own several oyster boats that they let out on shares or hire men to work. Both are enterprising, capable and efficient. Their political views are different, George W. being a Republican and Solomon a Democrat, and both are active and interested in public affairs, but have always refused to accept political office.

A UGUSTUS RITZEL is one of the leading business men of Westover, and has done much toward the upbuilding of the village. Over thirty years have passed since he cast in his lot with our citizens, and during the intervening period he has been successfully engaged in the lumber business here in addition to carrying on his farms. Though he is a native of Germany, he is a thorough and patriotic American in spirit and strives to uphold the principles of the con- stitution of the United States in every possible manner.

The father of our subject, George Ritzel, was born in Germany, and there he grew to man-

hood. About 1849 he set sail for the new world and upon his arrival here located in Dalton County, Pa., where he lived during the rest of his life. He was a stone mason by trade and did considerable contracting after coming to this country. His death took place in 1893, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a Democrat in politics, but never took an active part. During the war he was drafted into the service, but as the struggle was about finished, he was not mustered into service. While in the fatherland he had served the regulation seven years in the army, and had risen to the rank of an officer. His wife was a Miss Mary Moler before their marriage, and she, too, was of German birth. Though she is now in her seventy-seventh year she still enjoys excellent health, and is mak- ing her home in Lykens, Pa., where her two sons, George and John, reside. She is a devout member of the Catholic Church. Of her six chil- dren one, Mary, who died in 1895, is alone de- ceased. Martin is a resident of this neighbor- hood and Charles lives in Chester, Pa.

Augustus Ritzel is the eldest in his parents' family, he having been born in 1845, in the prov- ince of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He was a mere lad when he came to the United States with his father in 1849, and for several years he lived in Dalton County, Pa. He received a good edu- cation in the public schools, which he attended until he was in his fifteenth year. The following four years he worked with his father at the stone masons' trade, but the business not being to his liking he went to Philadelphia in 1866 and there was employed as a machinist for two years. He was then sent by the gentleman for whom he had worked to look after some business interests in Westover, and as the young man believed that there was a good opening here, he remained and finally bought out a lumber concern. Since that time he has given his whole time and attention to the development and enlargement of this enter- prise and has succeeded very well financially. He has invested money in good farm land from time to time, and now finds himself the owner of some five hundred acres, situated in different places. Like his father, he is affiliated with the

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 64

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