Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 83

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

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to engage in the sawmill business. He built a mill upon his farm, which he has since conducted and from the public he receives a liberal patron- age, of which he is justly deserving. In his business methods he is systematic, methodical and honorable, and commands the respect of all with whom he has dealings.

Mr. Jedson was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Coombs, of Baltimore, and they have one child, Arminie, wife of G. M. Hadaway, a mer- chant in the seventh district, Kent County. Mr. Jedson is a Republican and is deeply interested in the success of his party, but has neither time nor inclination to seek public office, preferring to give his attention to his business interests, in which he is meeting with good success.

ON. GEORGE W. BISHOP, M. D. Promi- nent among the citizens of Snow Hill, Wor- cester County, has long been numbered the worthy and respected gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He needs no introduction to the inhabitants of this portion of the Eastern Shore, for his public services are well known here and for years he has been looked up to and consulted in political and social circles. He comes from one of the old and representative families of this county, and is a man of wide information, numer- ous acquaintances and general experience. Though now past three-score and ten years his bearing is as erect, his step as light and his mind and body as active as in his prime, and in place of youth the compensations of a well-stored mind and the wisdom acquired by travel, study, ex- perience and observation make him a charming friend and companion to young and old alike.

Dr. Bishop, who is at present the county treas- urer of Worcester County, was born on Seaside Farm, at Duer's Neck, in Worcester County (five miles from Snow Hill) June 9, 1826. His father, Capt. John Bishop, died when the doctor was an infant. He had followed the sea for sev- eral years. The mother died about twelve years later, thus leaving George W. an orphan in the

care of George Bishop, his mother's brother. His two elder brothers are now deceased, and thus he is the only survivor of the family. He was a student in the Snow Hill high school and later Jefferson Medical College, whence he gradu- ated in 1848. He soon located in Sandy Hill, now called Stockton, and continued to dwell there for the following eighteen years, his time and attention being given to his professional duties.

During this period the doctor - married Cora A. Lindsay, who survived their marriage but four years, her death occurring in 1862. Both of their children have passed away. In 1870 Dr. Bishop married Miss Z. Ellen Rowley, who departed this life in 1887. Seven of the children born to them are living and are named in order of birth: George, John, Mary, Sallie, William, Dorinda and Charles. They are all at home with the exception of John, who is a graduate of the medical department of the University of Penn- sylvania and is now at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. William is a student in Rock Hill College, Howard County, Md. Mary and Sallie are graduates of Winchester Female Semi- nary, and Dorinda is a student in the high school of Snow Hill.

Since 1865 Dr. Bishop has not been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, but has found his time fully occupied in handling numer- ous trust funds in this county which he has been called upon to look after and in discharging the duties of the various public positions which he has been honored with from time to time. In 1863 and 1864 he was treasurer of the county school fund and for two terms, from 1865 to 1873, was register of wills here. During 1863 and 1864 he was post-surgeon at Pocomoke City, Md. He was elected register of wills in 1865, the first to serve under the new state constitution, and occu- pied the office six years satisfactorily. His next political position was that of state senator, as he acted in that capacity during the sessions of 1882 and 1884. Governor McLane recommended that he be sent as a United States commissioner to the New Orleans Cotton Exposition of 1884-'85, and he was accordingly appointed to that post by

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President Arthur. Later Grover Cleveland ap- pointed him to the office of United States sub- treasurer in Baltimore, which responsible trust lie held for four years, acquitting himself admir- ably of the duties which rested upon his shoulders. Among the many enterprises in which he has been interested is the Fidelity and Deposit Com- pany of Maryland, which he helped to organize and liad incorporated by special enactment of the legislature in 1869. He was the first treasurer of the company, serving as such a year and a- half. He was also prime mover in the founding of the old Worcester Railroad, of which the late George S. Richardson was the first president. When that gentleman resigned the doctor was elected president of the corporation and continued as such until the road was consolidated with the Junction Breakwater and Breakwater & Frank- ford Railway, by act of legislature, in 1882, the style being changed to the Delaware, Maryland & Virginia Railroad. He is a director in said railway company and is a stockholder and di- rector in the First National Bank of Snow Hill. Religiously he is an Episcopalian, being a mem- ber of All Hallows Church of Snow Hill.

HOMAS H. JENKINS. Honored and re- spected by all, there is no man in Easton who occupies a more enviable position than Mr. Jenkins in mercantile and financial circles, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved, but also on account of the honor- able, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution; and his close ap- plication to business and his excellent manage- mient have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his.

In the city where he still makes his home, Mr. Jenkins was born May 9, 1859, a son of Dr. Edward Jenkins, whose birth occurred near Trappe, in Talbot County, in 1820. The latter prepared for his chosen profession in New York

School of Medicine under Dr. Mott, and for some time successfully engaged in practice in Talbot County in partnership with Dr. De Courcey, now of Queen Anne's County, who spent several years in Panama and is quite a prominent physician. Dr. Jenkins married Miss Elizabeth Dawson, a native of Talbot County, and a daugliter of Thomas H. Dawson, who as a member of the firmi of Thomas & Dawson owned the store of which our subject is now proprietor. The fam- ily was also connected with the Easton National Bank, Edward M. Dawson being teller and M. M. Dawson a stockholder and vice-president. Mrs. Jenkins died April 17, 1894, leaving five children: Edith D., a resident of Easton, who is the widow of the late Robert P. Gillingham, a coal operator; Edward, a prominent business man and the partner of our subject; Elizabeth, wife of C. D. Valk, of Baltimore, who is agent for the Pillsbury Mills; Thomas H., of this review; and Mary.

Thomas H. Jenkins completed his education in the Easton high school, and at the age of seven- teen entered the store of which he is now pro- prietor as clerk, and has since been connected with it, he and his brother Edward purchasing the place in 1892. He is now one of the most enterprising and wide-awake business men of the city.

On the 8th of October, 1892, Mr. Jenkins was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliza- beth Causey, of Milford, Del., and they now have two interesting daughters, Elizabeth Cau- sey and Frances Hunter, named for Mrs. Jenkins' grandmother. Her father was P. F. Causey, a prominent and influential man, who was for some time connected with the government service and his father served as governor of Delaware. The Causey family has been quite prominent in the political affairs of that state; Mrs. Jenkins' uncle, John W. Causey, is at present a congress- man. Her sister married McBlair Lloyd, son of Col. Edward Lloyd, whose father was at one time governor of Maryland.

The Dawson family were all members of the orthodox branch of the Society of Friends, and the maternal grandmother of Mr. Jenkins was a

DAVID HURLOCK.

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leader and often held meetings at her own home, but the Jenkins family were Methodists in re- ligious belief. Our subject did not join either one of these organizations, but is an active and prominent member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in which he is now serving as vestry- man. Fraternally he belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is a popular, genial gentleman, whose friends are many throughout his native county, and he is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

12 AVID HURLOCK. Queen Anne's County has many well-to-do and successful farmers who have accumulated what they have of this world's goods through individual effort. Among this class the name of the subject of this notice is entitled to a place. He is residing in the second district, where he is industriously en- gaged in the prosecution of his noble calling and is meeting with far more than ordinary success.

A native of Maryland, he was born on the 14th of October, 1824, in the first district of Kent County, near Massey Cross Roads, a son of Sanı- uel Hurlock. At the age of fifteen he went to Kent County, Del., where he worked with a brother until 1847, when he returned to his native county and took charge of his uncle John Har- rington's farm, near his birthplace, remaining there until 1849. He then purchased the farm on which he has since made his home with the ex- ception of one year. It comprises one hundred and ninety-three acres, besides which he owns three other places, one in the second district, of one hundred and eighty-five acres, another near Bridgetown of three hundred and four acres, and the third comprising one hundred and thirty-five acres in the third district of Queen Anne's County.

. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Hurlock chose Miss Mary Amanda Benson, of Cecil County, Md., and they have three chil- dren: Sarah, wife of Charles Palmatary, who operates a grist mill at Church Hill; David T.,

who assists his father in the management of his property and resides at home; and Arrana, Mrs. George Tatman.

Politically Mr. Hurlock affiliates with the Democratic party and has always kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day. He has accumulated a handsome property and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through industry, perseverance, good managment and a determination to succeed. He has made the most of his opportunities, and by straightforward, honorable dealings has secured the public confi- dence and the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact, either in social or business life.

OSEPHUS A. WRIGHT, M. D., a physician of wide experience and fine attainments, has been located in Sharptown, tenth district of Wicomico County, for the past five or six years and enjoys a large and lucrative practice. For several generations the family of which he is a worthy representative has been associated close- ly with the development and increasing civiliza- tion of the Eastern Shore, and members of it have been remarkable for traits of industry, integrity and justice to all with whom they had dealings in any way.

The founder of this branch of the Wright family in Wicomico County was one Edward Wright, who came here from England about 1700, locating upon a tract of land near Mardela Springs. Upon this historic spot was born his son, Jacob, and grandson, Benjamin. The last- mentioned was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was the grandfather of the doctor. Levin W., father of our subject, was also born on the old homestead of the family, and became a very prominent man in the community. By occupa- tion he was an agriculturist like his forefathers, and also followed milling to some extent. He was a successful business man and left a large estate at the time of his death, which event took place in 1883. Years ago he owned a large num- ber of slaves. He was noted for his liberality and

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public spirit, and in company with his brother, Josephus, built the first Methodist Protestant Church on the Eastern Shore, it having been erected about 1825. At one time lie served as county commissioner, though he was not an aspir- ant for public office, and met all of the responsi- bilities that devolved upon him with credit to himself. In the Methodist Protestant Church he was an earnest and zealous worker and occupied many distinctive offices in the denomination. His good wife, whose maiden name was Lizzie Bradley, and whose father was Eli Bradley, of Delaware, is still living, and is now in her seventy-seventh year. Her paternal grandfather, Richard, lived to the extreme age of one hundred and two years.

Dr. J. A. Wright is one of five children, four of whom survive. Louisa H. is the wife of C. English, of Vienna, Dorchester County, Md. Levin E. is a resident of Mardela Springs, as is also John A., the next younger brother. The doctor was born in Mardela Springs August 2, 1854, and was a pupil in the district schools in his boyhood, later attending Salisbury Academy, from which he graduated in 1873. The succeed- ing five years he taught school in the county with success and during a part of this period was also occupied in his leisure time in the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. S. P. Dennis, of Salisbury. In 1878 he entered the medical department of the University of Maryland for a finishing course of lectures and graduated in March, 1881. While there he had the honor of being under the tutelage of Dr. Allan P. Smith, a noted surgeon of this coast. Soon after his grad- uation he was appointed physician and surgeon to the Confederate Soldiers' Home in Baltimore, and practiced there for six years, gaining invaluable experience, such as does not fall to the lot of many young doctors. In 1892 he came to his present home and established himself in a practice that has steadily increased. He is an active worker in the Democratic party, and socially is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has held about all of the offices in the local lodge, and has been a member of the grand lodge of the order for a number of years.

Two marked events in the life history of Dr. Wright occurred upon the third day of March, 1881, his graduation front college, and in conse- quence his start upon his professional career, and an event no less important, his marriage, which was celebrated during the afternoon of the same day. His wife was formerly Miss Jennie Holmes, her father being Rev. William G. Holmes, a prominent minister in the Methodist Protestant Church in this locality. Two bright children grace the union of the doctor and his wife, their names being, respectively, Berkley H. and Arthur L.

EORGE E. BIBBY. Many of the old friends and associates of this worthy man, who died in 1879, cherish his memory and will be glad to peruse an account of his life's history, and will echo in their hearts the tribute to liis genuine, noble manhood. His was a comparatively hum- ble, unostentatious career, but into his life, cover- ing less than half a century, was crowded a multi- tude of good deeds, and the building up of a grand character whose far-reaching influence for good cannot be measured. In these days when the golden calf is worshipped so universally, and is especially bowed down to in this country, it is a pleasing and elevating circumstance to be thrown into the companionship of a man who has higher ideals and who daily strives to put them into practice in his own life. Such a man was the subject of this review, as his friends can testify.

The father of the above, Henry Bibby, was a native of Lake district, Dorchester County, and was by trade a ship-builder. He also followed agriculture to some extent, and throughout his life he dwelt in the neighborhood of his birth- place. Formerly a Whig, he later became an ally of the Democratic party, and was quite a worker for its success. At one time he held the important position of sheriff of Dorchester County, and was a faithful and trusty officer. He died about 1860. His wife was a Miss Sarah Graham

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before her marriage, she being a native of Lake a Miss Love of Virginia at the time of her mar- district also. She died in 1863, and of their riage with Mr. Insley, and was noted especially for her exceptionally fine penmanship. Of her twelve children but two are now living, while three of her grandchildren and ten of her great- grandchildren survive at this writing. twelve children but four are now living, viz .: John, Matthew, Frank and James R. The father of Henry, and grandfather of George E. Bibby, was one John Bibby, who left his native country, England, at an early day, and took up his resi- dence in Lake district, Dorchester County.

The birth of George E. Bibby occurred in 1833 in Lake district, and there he passed his boyhood and later years as well. As soon as he was old enough to be of assistance upon his father's farm, he lent him his dutiful aid, and, being of a quick and receptive mind, he had mastered every detail of the necessary work in the management of a farm long before he was out of his teens. When he began farming upon his own account he located permanently in his old home district, and also conducted a general store in Golden Hill for sev- eral years. He won the esteeem of all with whom he had business dealings, for he was uni- formly just and fair in his treatment of customers. At the same time he was quite successful in a financial way, and left his family well provided for at his demise. Death claimed him June 10, 1879, when he was forty-six years of age, and just in the prime of vigorous manhood. He was not in any sense a politician, and was not willing to occupy public positions, but he discharged his duty as a voter along the lines set forth by the Democracy.

In 1861 the marriage of Mr. Bibby and Miss Angie Insley, a daughter of Joseph Insley, was solemnized in her home at Crapo. They became the parents of two sons and one daughter, of whom the only one now living is Mark Ottaway. Mrs. Bibby removed from Golden Hill to the city of Baltimore shortly after the death of her hus- band. In 1893 she located permanently in Cam- bridge, and has since made many warm friends here. She became a member of the Catholic Church a short time after her husband's death, and takes a deep interest in religious matters.

The father of Mrs. Bibby, Joseph Insley, was born in Dorchester County, Md., in November, 1798, and his wife, Matilda, was also born in the same year, on the 26th of November. She was

INFIELD WEBSTER. The farm upon which this gentleman is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits embraces three hundred acres situated in Vienna district, Dorchester County. In addition to superintending its culti- vation he is interested in other enterprises, in- cluding the sale of machinery, carriages and phosphate. He is one of the active Democrats of the district, and has frequently represented his party in conventions. In 1895-96 he held the position of tax collector.

Near East New Market, in the county where he now resides, Mr. Webster was born May 3, 1862. His father, Samuel L., and grandfather, John Webster, were also born in the same neigh- borhood, and were descendants of one of two brothers who came together to this country from England. John, who was a man of great energy and a successful farmer, left a large estate at his death. He took a prominent part in the affairs of his community, but would not accept public office. For some years he served as president of the Dorchester & Delaware Railroad.

When a boy Samuel L. Webster attended the country schools, and on reaching man's estate he began in farm pursuits. He inherited consider- able means and by his energy and good judgment largely added to his possessions, so that he is now one of the wealthy men of East New Market dis- trict, where he makes his home. In spite of his sixty-five years he is quite active and strong, and can compete in work with many men much younger than he. He married Priscilla A., daughter of Benjamin Sheppard, of Berlin, Wor- cester County, and member of an old family. She is still living and is now sixty years of age. Of their eleven children, the following survive:

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John B., a traveling salesman, whose headquar- ters are in Baltimore City; Noah, who lives in Cambridge; Winfield; Sheppard, of Cambridge; Frank, living in East New Market; Charles and Roland (twins), the former residing in East New Market, and the latter in Cambridge; Samuel, of East New Market; and Lloyd, who is with his parents.

The public schools of East New Market gave our subject the education that fitted him for life's responsibilities. At eighteen his studies were discontinued and he began to assist in the culti- vation of the liome farm. In 1884 he removed to the farm, Hoopersborough, the property of his father, and here he has since made his home. The energy with which he has prosecuted his affairs and the excellent judgment he has shown in the management of every detail prove him to be a man of sagacity. In religious belief he is a Baptist and serves his church as a deacon. Febru- ary 6, 1885, he married Ida A., daughter of Levin R. Moore, of Vienna district. Five chil- dren were born to them, three of whom are now living, namely: Guy L., Marion and Nellie.

AMES S. HARRIS. The record of this family shows it was first represented in America by James Harris, a native of Eng- land, who came to Maryland near the beginning of the eighteenth century and settled in Talbot County. During the conflict with Great Britain its members, who had been in this country long enough to imbibe the spirit of liberty and inde- pendence, threw themselves into the struggle and loyally defended the colonies. James, who had a grant to land in Talbot County, settled there and continued to make it his home during the remain- der of his life. He had a son, Richard S , who was a member of the first Methodist Episcopal conference held in America, it being in Balti- more.

John Harris, son of Richard S., was born in Talbot County and spent a portion of his life tliere, but finally removed to Delaware, where he

owned a large tract of land. His death occurred in that state. He had a son, Richard H., our sub- ject's father, who was born and reared in Dela- ware, but after his marriage removed to Kent County, Md., and purchased the farm where James S. now resides. He became one of the pioneers in the peach industry. Believing that the soil here was peculiarly adapted to the raising of peaches, he turned his attention to the indus- try, and in it met with such success that others were encouraged to attempt their cultivation. In early life he was a Whig and later adhered to Democratic principles. At different times he was chosen to occupy positions of trust within the gift of his fellow-men. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was steward or held some other official position through his entire life. By his marriage to Matilda Shep- ard, of Caroline County, he had five children, namely: Dr. John Harris, of Baltimore; James S .; Mary, wife of Henry Crusen; Annie, who married William H. Bowers; and Catherine, Mrs. H. L. Crew. The father died in January, 1867, at the age of fifty-six, and the mother passed away in 1882, aged sixty-nine.

During the residence of his parents in Del- aware, the subject of this notice was born in 1838. He was eleven months old when the family came to Maryland, and he has no recollec- tion of any home other than the county where he now resides. He was educated in the public schools of Kent County, Md., and at the age of twenty-one went to Baltimore, where he was em- ployed for two years. A love of adventure and desire to try his luck in mining led him, in 1862, to go to California, where he spent two years in the mining districts. In 1864 he returned to Kent County, where he has since resided. He is the owner of three farms, aggregating seven hundred acres, and situated in the third district.

In the councils of the Democratic party Mr. Harris has long been active, and upon this ticket he has been elected to various offices. Among the positions he has held was that of chief judge of the orphans' court. For some time he was a member of the county school board. In 1887 he was his party's candidate for the position of state

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senator, but was defeated. For twenty-five suc- cessive years he was trustee of the district schools, and his long retention in this office proves the faithful character of his service. When the Meth- odist Episcopal Church was rebuilt in 1882, he was a member of the building committee, and he has also been a steward and trustee of the congre- gation. For more than fifty years he has been a pupil or teacher in the Still Pond Sunday-school, and is now the leader of the Bible class. In 1886 he assisted in the organization of the Peninsula Horticultural Society, and was its president in 1894.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 83

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