USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland > Part 70
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The birth of our subject took place upon the old farm near his present home, January 2, 1850. He was a lad of scarcely nine years when he was deprived by death of his father's loving care and council, but he had a wise and thoughtful mother, who did all that was in her power to di- rect and guide her children. His education was such as was to be had in the common schools of this county and of New Jersey, where he attended school for one year. When in his twentieth year he took charge of the old homestead here and carried it on very well until 1876, when he came to this district and bought out the interest of Dr. William J. Bowdle in the drug store at Church Creek, and has conducted the store ever since. He also owns the old farm and derives a good income from both enterprises.
Mr. Colston has always taken a commendable interest in whatever he has considered to be con- ducive to the upbuilding and prosperity of this community and the public in general. In his political relations he is strongly in favor of the Democracy. In 1891 his interest in our school sys- tem being well known, he was elected to serve our people in the capacity of school commissioner. Three years later he was chosen to be one of the county commission, and was president of the
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board for two years. In 1896 he was a candidate for the position of judge of the orphans' court, but was defeated.
In 1882 Mr. Colston married Miss Adela Graham, an accomplished young lady of Church Creek. She is a daughter of John E. and Mary Graham, who are numbered among our best citizens. Two daughters have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Colston and are named respectively, Elizabeth L. and Mary Anna. The family are regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Church Creek, and give liberally of their means to the furtherance of worthy causes, whether religious or charitable in tendency.
ON. ROBERT F. BRATTAN, who departed this life May 10, 1894, at his home in Prin- cess Anne, Somerset County, Md., when in the prime of manhood, but forty-nine years of age, left a record of statesmanship of which his friends may well be proud. At the time of his demise he was a member of the house of repre- sentatives in Washington, but this high position was only the climax of a long and useful political career which began at the time he attained his majority. As early as 1873 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to fill the unexpired term of Dr. G. R. Dennis, in the Maryland senate, being by some ten years the youngest member of that honorable body. He served acceptably on several important committees and his ability was recog- nized by his re-election in 1879 to the same assembly, and again in 1887. His course was ever marked with a due regard for the advance- ment of the rights of the people, and his life was pure and upright in all its motives. It was a matter of the deepest regret to his hosts of friends and colleagues that he was not permitted to re- main longer in the place which he so ably filled, and to carry into execution the prophecies of greater renown with which his future was accredited.
The birth of Robert F. Brattan took place in that part of Somerset County now included in
Wicomico, May 13, 1846, his parents being Jos- eph and Elizabeth Brattan. The father was a merchant and later a farmer, and the mother was a daughter of Robert Venables. The grandfather, Joshua Brattan, was the first Democratic sheriff of Somerset County, and was a member of the house of delegates. The father of the latter was a captain in the Revolutionary war, whose wife was an aunt of President Polk. R. F. Brattan graduated second in the class of 1866, from Washington College in Chestertown, and was ad- mitted to the bar in July, 1867. While reading law he served as deputy register of wills in Somerset County for about three years. In Jan- uary, 1868, he entered into partnership with Hon. James U. Dennis, and in the intervals of his public service was an enthusiastic practitioner.
In December, 1884, Mr. Brattan married Nellie H., daughter of his old law partner, ex-Senator J. U. Dennis, and niece of ex-United States sen- ator Dr. G. R. Dennis. This worthy couple be- came the parents of three children: Cecilia H., Nellie Dennis and Robert F., Jr. Mr. Brattan has but one brother who survives him, J. Y., of Baltimore; a sister, the wife of Dr. L. D. Collier, of Salisbury, Md .; and five half-sisters.
A loyal member of the Masonic order, Mr. Brattan was connected with Manokin Lodge No. 106, and was worshipful master for years of the same; he was also a Knight Templar. He was a trustee of his alma mater, Washington College, and was a director in the Salisbury National Bank. Religiously he was associated with the Presbyterian Church of Princess Anne, being one of the board of trustees.
G EORGE LOWE, a retired farmer residing in Salisbury district, Wicomico County, was born within a mile of his present place of residence, March 4, 1807. He is of direct Eng- lish descent, his grandfather, John Lowe, having come to this country from England and settled in Wicomico County, while his two brothers who accompanied him settled respectively in Delaware
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and Dorchester County. Samuel, father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Salis- bury district, and engaged in farming throughout his active life, dying at the home place in 1845. For many years he was sexton of the Spring Hill Episcopal Church, which position his father had also held. He was a successful man, and of a generous, accommodating disposition, kind to all with whom he was thrown in contact. His wife, Ruth, was a daughter of William C. Mills, and died in 1864. Of their eight children our subject is the sole survivor.
When a boy Mr. Lowe attended the country schools, which, however, were far inferior to those of the present age, and his education was therefore obtained rather from experience than front text-books. After leaving school he worked for his father until the latter's death in 1845. In that same year (January 15) he married Mary Ann Bounds, of Pontico, and settled down upon a farm, Humphreys Chance, comprising four hundred acres, which came to him by inheritance. Here he has since resided, but advancing years prevent him from taking the active part in the management of the place he formerly maintained. However, he still superintends its cultivation. Notwithstanding his great age, ninety years, he is still in excellent health, hale and vigorous, and seems stronger than inany men twenty years his junior.
November 12, 1895, Mr. Lowe was bereaved by the death of his wife. She was the mother of four children now living, namely: Lizzie, wife of John Trader, of Baltimore; Lydia, Mrs. Whitely Woelford, also of Baltimore; John S., who lives one mile from his father's home, and Whitely, who resides on the old homestead.
ILLIAM N. WILLIAMS, a very well- known citizen of Caroline County, is the owner of a valuable homestead compris- ing sonie four hundred acres. Since arriving at his majority he has always attended solely to agriculture and the management of this particular
farm, with the exception of a period of about nine years, when he was interested in running a gen- eral store and dealing in lumber, in Henderson, Md. He is an ardent Republican, and was the only man, it is believed, who voted for Abraham Lincoln in this whole county the first time our martyr president was a candidate for election. He was honored by being elected county sur- veyor twelve years ago, and has held the office continuously since with great credit to himself and his friends. In his business ventures he has been very successful, for he is the happy possess- or of those qualities of unremitting industry and perseverance which should and usually do bring rich rewards.
George Newlee, the maternal grandfather of our subject, is the man to whom he owes a great deal, perhaps more than to any other person who has influenced his life. William was born in this county, July 20, 1823, and was left an orphan when but five years old, and was at once taken to the heart and home of his kind grandfather, who cared for him, trained him in useful habits and supervised his education with almost a parent's love and care. The boy was the only child of Richard and Elizabeth( Newlee) Williams, who were both natives of Caroline County. George Newlee was likewise boru in this county, and was the first justice of the peace appointed here. He was an extensive land owner, at one time having over four thousand acres within the boundaries of Caroline County. He fought in the war of 1812, and was a noted patriot and loyal citizen. In the Methodist Episcopal Church he was always considered one of the pillars and held the office of class-leader, etc.
William Williams had very good educational advantages for his day, and is thoroughly well informed upon all of the leading questions and issues that have engrossed the attention of the great minds of this half-century past. He in- herited over four hundred acres of land and de- termined to follow the example of his forefathers in the choice of a life vocation. He was married on the 16th of May, 1844, to Miss Jane L. Clen- denning, a native of this county. She has been a devoted helpmate and a loving mother, and is
JAMES R. PHILLIPS, M. D.
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a most estimable lady in every respect. They became the parents of twelve children, only seven of whom are now living, viz .: Angie L., Mary S., Elizabeth E., Carrie, Alcade, George N. and James M. Alcade is a ticket agent in Indianapo- lis, Ind .; George N. holds a like position in St. Jo, Tex .; and James M. is in the commission business in Philadelphia. They are all young people of whom their parents may well be proud, for they are bright and ambitious, and at the same time have excellent grounding in upright principles of conduct and correct business methods and are sure to succeed in life.
AMES R. PHILLIPS, A. M., M. D., is a leading and successful physician of Preston, Caroline County, where he has made his home and engaged in practice since 1875. After coming to this place, he erected a commodious and attractive residence, and this, with its cozy furnishings and air of delightful comfort, com- prises one of the prettiest homes in the village. To this place the doctor removed after having engaged in practice at East New Market for five years. As a physician he is careful, accurate and thorough, and his skillful treatment has brought him a place among the leading physicians of the county.
Born in Dorchester County in 1844, the doctor is a son of James R. and Elizabeth (Smith) Phillips, the former a farmer who died in middle age, leaving a valuable estate. In his family there were five children, of whom Susan and Sarah died in childhood. Elizabeth married Hon. A. S. Percy, and Mary V. became the wife of William James Payne, of Dorchester County. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Levin Smith. The paternal grandfather was Richard Phillips, who was born in Dorchester County in 1770 and spent his entire life as a resident of that county. Twice married, his first wife was a Miss Jones, and his second a Miss Percy. By his second union he had a daughter, Elizabeth, who married William Percy, and to
them was born one daughter, Sarah E., now the wife of Dr. Phillips. Richard Phillips was a son of Edward Phillips, who was probably a native of England and settled in Dorchester County in 1750, where he married and reared his family of six children, Samuel, John, Edward, Richard, Sarah and Annie.
The literary education of Dr. Phillips was ob- tained in Princeton College, and he was gradu- ated from that institution with the class of 1867. Immediately afterward he entered the medical department of the University of Maryland, from which he was graduated in 1869. During the same year he married Miss Sarah E. Percy, and established his home in East New Market, where he remained until his removal to Preston. He resided in Laurel, Prince George's County, Md., from 1878 to 1884, when he again returned to Preston. He and his wife have four children liv- ing; Mary P., wife of Elbert Douglas; Elizabeth, Nellie and James Richard. Two died, viz .: W. Percy, at the age of fourteen, and Agatha H., who died in childhood. The family are identified with the Episcopal Church and are attendants at its services. While the doctor has never been active as a politician, he is well posted upon sub- jects pertaining to public affairs, and always casts his ballot with the Democratic party. In fraternal relations he is identified with the Masons.
ILLIAM TRYSTRAM STEVENS, an in- dustrious young farmer of the fourth district of Queen Anne's County, is one of our most successful agriculturists. He is public-spirited, and made a good record for himself and party dur- ing the time he acted in the capacity of county commissioner in 1894-95. He was further honored by being elected county treasurer, and met the responsibilities of that important position with fidelity, promptness and an exact regard to every detail which was very creditable. He is a fine financier and uses excellent judgment in all affairs of business.
That a man may become worthy of all respect
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and a grand, noble character, despite adverse en- vironment finds exemplification in the life of our subject's esteemed father. He was a poor boy, whose birth occurred in Virginia, but much of his early history is uncertain, as his parents both died in Virginia while he was yet a child. He went to Baltimore, and from that city to Kent Island, where he found friends in the family of liis uncle, Trystram Weedon, and under their hospitable roof lie grew to manhood. He was always noted for his bright mind and lovable qualities and it is not strange that lie developed into a useful, earnest man. He took for a middle name the given name of his kind patron and was known as William Trystram Stevens. He mar- ried into a good family, that of Jacob Legg, and to himself and wife, Annie, two children were born. He died in 1868, when his son William was but a few months old, and his little daughter, Georgia, died the same year. The young widow afterwards became the wife of William T. C. Norman, and of their three children only the eldest survives.
William T. Stevens, Jr., was born in the same locality where he dwells to-day, in 1868, and re- ceived almost a father's care at the hands of his step-father. His common school education was supplemented by a course of training in practical business methods at Eaton-Burnett Commercial College, in Baltimore. Then he was given a position as bookkeeper for A. J. W. Stevens, commission merchant, and remained in his employ about four years. Returning to the island, he started in business for himself, but later sold out and has since given his energies to farming. From time to time he added to his original pur- chase until he now owns nearly four hundred and fifty acres of land, all of which he personally superintends and cultivates. He raises both wheat and corn and has a large and fine orchard, where an extensive crop of peaches is garnered each season.
In January, 1892, Mr. Stevens married Miss Catherine, daughter of Peter Cockey, who comes from one of the oldest families of Maryland. The young couple have two bright, interesting little ones, William Elliot and Katherine Valerie.
They are members of the Methodist Church of the town of Stevensville. Mr. Stevens has always adhered stanchly to the principles of the Demo- cratic party, and endeavors to advance the suc- cess of the same in every honorable manner.
ON. ISAAC THOMAS COSTEN, M. D., was the first mayor of Pocomoke City, Wor- cester County, having been elected to that office in the fall of 1892 for a term of two years. He has been a member of the state central Demo- cratic committee for fifteen years, and in 1881 was elected to the Maryland house of delegates, where he served to the satisfaction of his party friends. He has made his home in this city since soon after the close of the war and is in thorough sympathy with all efforts to increase our advantages, pro- mote the cause of local education or enlarge our industries.
The doctor is a son of William and Rosa Costen, and was born upon his father's farm in Somerset County, about two miles from Pocomoke City, October 10, 1832. He grew up as a farm- er's boy, much of his time and energies being given to the general work of the place. After leaving the common schools he entered Washing- ton Academy in Princess Anne and began teach- ing school before he was twenty-one. While he was engaged in teaching for two years, he was also himself a student in medical lore. In 1855, he entered Penn Medical College, of Philadelphia, and graduated in the class of 1857. Going to Rehoboth, Somerset County, the young physi- cian opened an office and was there engaged in practice until 1863, when he removed to Virginia and was located near Modest Town two years or more. This brings his history down to 1863, in which year he became a citizen of this town. He was trustee of the high school here for several years and is an elder and trustee in the Presby- terian Church. He has been a member and also an elder of the congregation for a number of years and is very active in support of the work in its various departments. He owns a valuable farm
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of two hundred acres and superintends its culti- vation. The doctor is a member of the state board of the Maryland Deaf and Dumb Asylum.
In 1866 Dr. Costen married Miss Olivia Adams, of Somerset County, Md., and their seven children are named respectively: Rose, Ellen, Mary, William A., Addie L., Olivia and Lizzie. The eldest daughter, Rose, is the wife of William J. Young, of Easton, Pa., he being the superin- tendent of the Lehigh & Newington Railroad Company. William A., the only son, is a drug- gist in Norristown, Pa. The others are at home.
ILLIAM F. BYRD, postmaster of Crisfield, Somerset County, has acted in this capacity since February, 1895 ,having been appoint- ed by President Cleveland. He has been quite active in the support of the Democratic party since he became a voter and in 1891 was elected commissioner of this county. He was the young- est man who ever held that important office in the history of Somerset County and during his term, which ran for two years, he gave universal satisfaction. The secret of his success undoubt- edly lies in the fact that he is sincerely conscien- tious in his endeavors to fulfill his office to the last iota, and does not spare time nor toil in car- rying out the wishes of the public.
William F. Byrd is a native of this locality, his birth having taken place December 9, 1865, in what is now Asbury district. His father, Will- iam T., who was born in the same district, was an oyster man and mariner during his entire life. At the time of his death, which occurred in his fifty-seventh year, he held a state position, that of oyster inspector for this vicinity. He was a Democrat, and religiously was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a trustee of the congregation. His father, David Byrd, was likewise a native of this county and was a life- long farmer hereabouts. He was born in 1804 and was about seventy-four years old at the time of his death. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family dates back to the
time that two brothers of the name settled in this portion of the Eastern Shore, having come here from England at an early day in the history of Maryland. William T. Byrd married Mary S. Lawson, a daughter of Isaac Lawson, of this county. She is still living and is an earnest mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The education of our subject was obtained in the excellent schools of Crisfield. He graduated from the high school here when he was about six- teen and the same fall, before he had reached his seventeenth birthday anniversary, began to teach in the school from which he had just emerged. He was second assistant in the primary depart- ment and taught for one term only, then embark- ing in the mercantile field of enterprise. He con- tinued as a merchant for about eleven years or until February, 1895, when he sold out his busi- ness in order to give his undivided attention to his public duties.
After his marriage Mr. Byrd removed fromn under the parental roof where he had always lived to a pretty little home in the suburbs of Crisfield. This place is one of about two acres, located in Asbury district. In 1887 the marriage of Mr. Byrd and Miss Sallie, daughter of Alger S. Sterling, of this county, was solemnized. They have three children, namely: H. Clifton, Warren F. and Athol Lynde. Mr. and Mrs. Byrd are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former being now one of the trustees and also a steward, and is president of the Epworth League.
F EN. BENJAMIN CHAMBERS, who years ago was one of Kent County's most dis- tinguished citizens, was born in Pennsyl- vania October 16, 1749, the son of James and Sarahı (Lee) Chambers. June 11, 1783, he mar- ried Elizabeth, daughter of Ezekiel and Augus- tine Forman, and granddaughter of Thomas Marsh. From Pennsylvania he removed to Chestertown, Md., where he continued to reside until his death. During the war of 1812 he held the commission of brigadier-general and was in command of the troops in that part of tlie state.
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The only civil office ever held by General Chambers was that of clerk of the court in Kent County, to which he was appointed by the governor and which he held for many years. At that time the clerks of the courts were appointed by the governor of the state and were not, as at present, elected by the popular vote. Men of the highest character were selected to fill the office, which was regarded as a position of honor and trust. For decision of character and good judgment he was noted. He took an active interest in every enterprise which was calculated to promote the public welfare. Through his long and useful life he enjoyed the respect and confidence of the community in which he lived.
General Chambers died January 10, 1816, leaving the following children: Augusta, who married James Houston, judge of the United States district court; Thomas Marsh, Ezekiel Forman, James, David, Benjamin Lee, Elizabeth Caroline, who married Col. Joseph Wickes, and William Henry. Two other children, Benjamin and Margaretta, died in the lifetime of their father.
ON. EZEKIEL FORMAN CHAMBERS. Maryland boasts of many distinguished men in the annals of her history, and among these Judge Chambers bears 110 inconspicuous place. He was born in Chestertown, Kent County, February 28, 1788, being the son of Gen. Benjamin and Elizabeth Chambers and a grandson of Ezekiel and Augustine (Marsh) Forman. Hisgreat-grandfather, Thomas Marsh, was a lineal descendant of Augustine Herman. When he was a boy Washington College was one of the most prominent seats of learning in the country, and in that institution it was his priv- ilege to receive his education. Immediately after graduating he began the study of law in the office of James Houston, who was subsequently appointed United States district judge. In 1809 he was admitted to the bar and began the prac- tice of his profession, in which he soon acquired a large practice and gained a great reputation as
a trial lawyer. During the war of 1812 he raised a volunteer company, of which he was commis- sioned captain. With his company he participa- ted in the battle of Caulksfield in the summer of 1814, and his coolness and bravery were so con- spicuous that he was specially commended by Col- onel Reed, the commanding officer, in his official report of the battle.
February 11, 1817, Judge Chambers married Sarah J., daughter of Maj. James Bowers, of Kent County. He continued in the active prac- tice of his profession and soon became one of the most distinguished lawyers of the state. In 1826 the legislature of Maryland elected him to the United States senate to fill the unexpired term of Edward Lloyd, who had resigned. He served five years of Mr. Lloyd's unexpired term, and in 1831 was re-elected. Having been ap- pointed in the year 1834 a judge of the court of appeals of Maryland, he resigned his seat in the senate and entered upon the judicial career in which he subsequently became so eminent. At the time he was elected to the United States sen- ate he was in the state of New Jersey with two other commissioners to represent Maryland in settling with the authorities of New Jersey, a question then pending between the two states. In those days gentlemen who aspired to the high position of United States senator did not make a personal canvass in Annapolis among the mem- bers of the legislature, much less descend to those low and degrading schemes which have more recently characterized such contests. Many of the most distinguished men of the country were members of the senate at the time he was a member of that body; among them, Daniel Web- ster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Thomas H. Benton and John Randolph. He took an active part in the deliberations of the senate and in de- bate was regarded as one of the most ready and able members of that body. He began his judicial career in 1834 and remained on the bench until 1851, when a new constitution was adopted, under which the judges were elected by the popular vote. He was a member of that con- vention in which were assembled many of the most eminent men of the state. He took an
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