Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 84

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

USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland > Part 84

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The marriage of James S. Harris to Margaret Grier, of Baltimore, was solemnized in 1866. Four sons came to bless their union, namely: James G., who operates a farm of four hundred acres near the old homestead; Carson W., who cultivates one of his father's farms; Arthur L., who is principal of a Kennedyville school; and Walter, who is a student in the local schools.

ILLIAM B. USILTON. The connection of this gentleman with the newspaper interests of Chestertown date from 1852, when, a mere boy, he entered the office of the Kent News in the humble capacity of printer's "devil." Through his industrious and perse- vering efforts he acquired a thorough knowledge of the business and was promoted from one posi- tion to another until he understood every detail connected with the work of publishing a paper. In 1860 he formed a co-partnership with James H. Plummer, under the title of Plummer & Usil- ton, and the two continued together for thirty years, until the death of the senior member in 1890 broke the tie that had so long connected them in business. The interest was then pur- chased by Fred G. Usilton, since which time the two, father and son, have combined their efforts. The Kent News, which they publish, is a recog- nized exponent of Democratic doctrines and is also a guide of public opinion in matters pertain- ing to society, business and the world of finance.

The subject of this sketch was born in Kent County, Md., September 26, 1837, and was named after his uncle, William Barger, who was one of the influential Masons of Philadelphia. The father of our subject, Robert, was born in Kent County and spent his entire life upon a farm, in addition to the cultivation of which he engaged in teaching school and served as magis- trate. His death took place in 1850. In politics a Democrat, he was active in local matters and co-operated in the promotion of enterprises for the benefit of the people. He had two brothers, Joseph and Francis, the former a land owner, the latter an extensive farmer. The three brothers married three sisters, Joseph marrying Sarah Lamb, while Robert chose Mary Lamb as his wife. The latter survived her husband fifteen years, passing away in 1865.

The family of which our subject was fifth in order of birth comprised eight children, namely: Robert, a farmer and carpenter, whose home is in Smithville, Kent County; Samuel, a car- penter, residing in Philadelphia; Adaline, wife of Thomas A. Hudson, of Kent County; Ed- win L., who has been for many years lieuten- ant of police in Philadelphia; William Barger; Gustavus, a mechanic, whose home is in Camden, N. J .; Albert, a mechanic, living in Plano, Ill .; and Washington, who died in Plano in 1894. In 1852, having previously received a common-school education, our subject entered the composing room of the Kent News, in which he rose from the most humble position to that of proprietor. In addition to the management of the paper, he served from 1890 to 1892 as county treasurer, under the new system. In 1883 he was the Democratic candidate for state senate, but was defeated by four votes. For more than thirty years he has been superintendent of the Chester- town Methodist Protestant Sunday-school and at the same time he has taken a warm interest in the success of every department of the church work.

In 1862 Mr. Usilton married Mary F., daughter of Samuel Frazier, a merchant of Chestertown, and one of a family of three children, her sister and brother being Martha, wife of Milton Baker,

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and Samuel M. Frazier, both of Chestertown. Mr. and Mrs. Usilton are the parents of six chil- dren, namely: Miriam, wife of P. T. McFeely, a furniture dealer; Frederick G., his father's part- ner in business; William B., Jr., who is also con- nected with the newspaper office; Clara; Milton Earl, who is a student in Halinemann Medical College of Philadelphia; and Louise, a bright and talented child, the pride and pet of the family, whose death, in April, 1895, at the age of twelve years, was deeply mourned.

LARENCE L. VINCENT, a practical news- paper man and member of the firm of Pur- nell & Vincent, of Snow Hill, is a son of Thomas H. and Caroline (Toadvine) Vincent, both natives of Worcester County. He is a de- scendant, upon the paternal side, of a French- Huguenot family that suffered persecution for their religious belief and upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes were obliged to flee from France. His father engaged in merchandising in Salisbury for some time before and during the war, as a member of the firm of Toadvine & Vin- cent, and it was there, February 5, 1861, that the subject of this sketch was born. His childhood years were passed in Salisbury. From early boy- hood he had a passionate fondness for reading and was a regular patron of the Salisbury circu- lating library. His father's death, which oc- curred about 1868, had the effect of forcing him into business activities when yet quite young.

When twelve years of age he entered the office of the Salisbury Advertiser to learn the trade of a printer and remained there for a number of years. He then went to Dover, Del., where he worked as compositor on a paper for one year. Going next to Philadelphia, he worked in various printing offices. In 1883 he married Miss Virginia L. Pain, of Berlin, Worcester County, Md. Two years later he returned to Salisbury and engaged in newspaper work. In January of 1887, having formed a partnership with O. M. Purnell, he pur- chased the Snow Hill Democratic Messenger, and

lias since been actively engaged in its manage- ment. At the time of purchase it was a seven- column, four-page weekly. After a year the owners began the work of enlarging the sheet, which they changed to an eight-column weekly. In the fall of 1895 it was changed to nine columns, its present size, 31×44 inches.

The Snow Hill Democratic Messenger was founded in 1867 by Col. John Handy and has since been conducted as a Democratic organ, being to-day recognized as one of the strongest Democratic sheets in this locality. From Colonel Handy it passed into the hands of Hon. George M. Upsher and T. H. Moore, and upon the deatlı of Mr. Moore, his interest was purchased by John Walter Smith. Afterward it was run as a leased paper up to the time of its purchase by Purnell & Vincent. Printer's Ink, published in New York, in its issue of July 28, 1897, says: "The Snow Hill Democratic Messenger, weekly, is credited with the largest circulation accorded to any paper in Snow Hill or Worcester County."

Fraternally Mr. Vincent is a member of Ocean Lodge No. 61, I. O. O. F., at Snow Hill. With his wife and daughter Beulah, aged thirteen years, he holds membership in the Presbyterian Church, and is a member of the church committee and secretary to the committee of the Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church. He is strong in his allegiance to the Democratic party and has been a delegate to a number of important con- ventions, but has never sought nomination or ap- pointment to office. He was three times elected secretary and treasurer of the Peninsula Press Association and was at the same time a member of the executive committee.

APT. HEDGE THOMPSON, commodore of the Chesapeake Yacht Club and for years in command of the oyster navy, having been appointed by the governor of Maryland to look after the Eastern Shore oyster fishing, is a prom- inent citizen of Longwoods, fourth district of Talbot County. He possesses great influence in

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the Democracy, and has been repeatedly urged to accept of one office or another, but has always refused. In 1857 he purchased the place of seven hundred acres known as Forest Landing, and has since made his home here. It is a beautiful home- stead, and is one of the best in the county for gent- eral cultivation.

The captain was born in Salem, N. J., Septem- ber 13, 1834, and is a son of Thomas and Rebecca (Johnson) Thompson, natives of the same local- ity. The Thompsons were of English extraction, and the father of Thomas, who bore the name of Hedge Thompson, was a physician, and was a hero of the war of the Revolution. He, too, was a native of the vicinity of Salem. In his early manhood Thomas Thompson was a druggist, but his health failing he turned his attention to agri- culture and sought in the purer air and arduous exercise of a rural life renewed strength. His death occurred in 1844.

Capt. Hedge Thompson attended school in his native state until he was sixteen years of age, when he went into a store as a clerk. This es- tablishment, a large wholesale grocery in Phila- delphia, was owned by his uncle, and was situated on Water street. The young man was industrious and economical and in a few years had laid aside a good sum of money for investment. In 1857, as previously mentioned, he had sufficient funds to buy the farm, Forest Landing, and has given his chief attention to its management since, with good success. His prosperity is well merited and his friends are legion here, where he has passed over four decades. Socially he is a Mason. For a number of years he has been a vestryman in All Saints' Episcopal Church, in Longwoods, and is liberal toward religious and charitable enter- prises.

The captain has been twice married. His first marriage was with Miss Acksah Peterson, of New Jersey, whose death took place in 1865. Subse- quently he married Mary R. Wrightson. There were no children by either marriage. The mother of the captain, Rebecca, was a daughter of Will- iam Johnson, and was born and reared near Salem, N. J. She departed this life in January, 1887, having survived her husband forty-three years.

Her father bought eighteen hundred acres of the old Lloyd estate in 1845, and was a rich and in- fluential man in his community. He was acci- dently drowned while crossing Chesapeake Bay, on his way to Baltimore.

C ENJAMIN TAYLOR, deceased, formerly a resident of Easton district of Talbot County, was a man of exemplary life and noble char- acter. It is not too much to say that everyone who came within the sphere of his influence was insensibly uplifted and made better for having known him. He was conscientious, just and up- right in his dealings with all mankind, and the number of people whom he helped in a more or less practical manner was legion. In the home circle, however, it was that his most amiable qualities shone forth unobstructed, for he was not one of the kind of men who reserve their most disagreeable moods for their own dear ones. On the contrary, he was noted for his uniform kindness, unfailing courtesy and consideration for others in his home. He put into constant, daily practice the high and lofty principles of the re- ligion that he professed, and for many years was a vestryman in Christ Episcopal Church, of Eas- ton. Toward the church and all local charities he was a liberal giver, and he was justly respect- ed by all classes of his fellow-citizens. His death occurred February 11, 1892.

The birth of Benjamin Taylor occurred in 1819. He was engaged in merchandising in Hillsbor- ough, Caroline County, for several years and was prospered in nearly everything that he undertook. He made wise investments of liis money, and at the time of his death owned a number of well-im- proved farms and was quite well-off. As he had commenced life at the foot of the ladder his suc- cess was the more remarkable. He possessed those splendid qualities of perseverance and in- dustry which deserve a rich reward, and from ad- versity he won strength for new conflicts.

June 29, 1869, Mr. Taylor married Ann E. At- kinson, daughter of Thomas Atkinson, of Caroline

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County, and four children came to bless their union. Two of the number have been called from earth and but two daughters remain, viz .: Ida May, wife of James Locke Erwin, of Burlington, N. C .; and Anna, who is unmarried and resides at lionie.

ACHARY W. WEBSTER, who was post- master of Deal's Island, Somerset County, from 1882 to 1886, having held his appoint- ment under President Cleveland, is a well-known merchant tliere, where he has been located in business for over twenty-two years. Besides car- rying on his general store, he has always given considerable time and attention to farming and market-gardening, in which latter branch he is especially successful. He enjoys the free life of the country thoroughly, and doubtless inherited this taste from a long line of ancestors who have led pastoral lives.

The parents of our subject were earnest, God- fearing people, and endeavored to the best of their ability to rear their children in righteous princi- ples of conduct. William J. Webster, the father, was a native of this island and in his young days followed the sea. Later he devoted his energies to the cultivation of his little farm here. He died when past the allotted age of man, being eighty- one when death summoned him from his labors. His father, Jacob, also lived to a ripe age, being eighty-three at the time of his demise. He also was a seafaring man and a farmer, and was of English extraction. William J. Webster married Mary P., daughter of John Webster, and ten children came to grace their union. The follow- ing are still living: Jacob W .; William J .; Julia, Mrs. L. L. Shores; Melissa J., Mrs. Hampton B. Walter; Isabel, Mrs. Lazarus Wilson; and Z. W. The faithful mother departed this life in hier seventy-eighth year. Both she and her hus- band were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Z. W. Webster was born on Deal's Island in 1841, and spent his boyhood in the usual pursuits of farmers' lads. He had the benefits of a public-

school education, and when he was about eight- een commenced to earn his own livelihood. For twenty-two years or thereabouts he was occupied in the oyster fisheries, and was fairly successful from a financial point of view. In time he be- came owner of several substantial vessels and had a number of men in his employ. In 1875 he em- barked in merchandising and has since managed his general store on the island.

Mr. Webster has always taken quite an active interest in Democratic politics. He is a member of Tangier Lodge No. 59, F. & A. M., and is connected with Aurora Lodge No. 69, K. of P. In the Masonic order he held the offices of senior and junior warden. For several years he was treasurer of the Knights of Pythias. His marriage with Miss Emily J., daughter of George A. Gibson, of this place, was solemnized in 1867. They have six children, namely: William C .; Edward Z .; John W .; Ada E., wife of John W. Horner; Sadie V. and Eugene Brown, and all of them reside upon the island. The Websters at- tend the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Webster being a member of the same.

EVIN B. DISHAROON is one of the most successful agriculturists in Snow Hill dis- trict, Worcester County, and is a man who has been the architect of his own fortunes. He possesses that self-reliance, industry and un- wavering persistence in any course of action which he has planned that, sooner or later, must meet with reward in a fitting manner. At pres- ent he owns in the neighborhood of five hundred acres of valuable and well-improved land, almost all of which is suitable for purposes of general cultivation and yields abundant harvests annu- ally.

The gentleman of whom this is a brief sketch was born October 17, 1856, in Worcester County. His parents, William and Hettie A. (Bailey) Disharoon, were likewise natives of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and they had a family num- bering eight children. Levin is the eldest and

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the others in order of birth are as follows: Charles R., William A., Emory L., B. Ella, Mary A., James and Henry W. Their grandfather, Levin W. Disharoon, was a wealthy farmer of Wicomico County, and was at one time a sheriff there. His father was a resident of the same county and owned large estates there.

From his boyhood it seemed evident that Levin B. Disharoon was to be a tiller of the soil, for he has always delighted in the free out-door life, even though it has its hardships and decided drawbacks. While yet a mere youth he had learned what things are necessary to keep up the work of a farm, and with enthusiasm he entered into every detail in connection therewith. His property is located in two places, one tract hav- ing one hundred and fifty acres in it and the other being a farm of three hundred and twenty- five acres. Fraternally he belongs to the Im- proved Order of Heptasophs. For years he has been a member and contributor to the work and expenses of the Methodist Protestant Church. Politically he is associated with the Democracy.

On the 20th of October, 1880, Mr. Disharoon was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Carmean, a native of this part of Maryland, and four children have been born to them, viz .: Essie L., Lillian B., Marion B. and L. Wilson.

ILLIAM J. HALL, of Brinkley's district, Somerset County, is one of the representa- tive young business men of the county. He owns and operates a grist-mill, saw-mill and planing-mill, and manufactures all kinds of build- ing material. On the 6th of September, 1897, he met with a severe loss in the burning of his mills, but he is of the kind of men who are not easily dis- couraged and soon he had rebuilt the mills and had them again under way. When he was a youth of eighteen years he embarked in the commer- cial world here as a merchant and has since carried on a thriving trade. He was about twenty-four when he first erected his mills here. In addition

to these enterprises he owns and manages the Glendale stock farm, a tract of one hundred and forty-three acres, making a specialty of rais- ing market vegetables, which are shipped to the cities.

Our subject has always been identified with the growth and development of Brinkleys district from his earliest recollections. He was born here upon his father's farm, April 19, 1867, and is one in a family of ten children, of whom two are de- ceased, while the others are named as follows: Corinne E., Mrs. W. E. Miles; I. Henry ; Jennie; Clara, Mrs. Charles H. Speightes; Florence, Mrs. Luther T. Miles, Jr .; Ethel and Gertrude. Socially Mr. Hall is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Fraternal In- surance Union of New York and of the Improved Order of Heptasophs. February 18, 1890, he married Miss Susan, daughter of Lewis and Mary (Lankford) Lankford, of Fairmount district. The couple have a sweet little son and daughter, Lewis and Mary. They attend the Trinity Methodist Protestant Church, and enjoy the friendship and esteem of all who know them.

The father of the above-named gentleman is Henry W. Hall, a prominent citizen of this dis- trict, within whose boundaries he has always dwelt. He was born here in 1827 and is a son of Richard and Martha (Lankford) Hall, and the only survivor of their eight children. Richard Hall was also a native of this locality and followed farming and shoe-making as a means of making a livelihood. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but his wife was identified with the Presbyterian denomination. His death occurred when he was in his sixty-second year. Henry W. Hall commenced following the sea when he was sixteen years old and was a sailor for seven years, in the meantime making several long voyages to distant lands. He then engaged in the oyster trade up to the breaking out of the Civil war, and while that struggle was in progress had the misfortune to have his ships burned by Federal troops in Virginian waters. Since then he has devoted his energies to agriculture and has been quite successful. He chose for his wife Elizabeth Whittington, who was a trne helpmate,

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companion and sharer of life's joys and sorrows. She was summoned to her reward in 1885. The family have long been regular attendants of the Baptist Church.

E WITT C. FOOKS, one of the most worthy citizens of Coulbourn district, Worcester County, is a native of this county, born June 2, 1833. For a number of generations his ancestors have been identified closely with the development and advancing civilization of the Eastern Shore, and, as a patriotic citizen and en- terprising agriculturist, he has himself assisted in the grand result of to-day.

The great-great-grandfather of our subject on the paternal side of the family was a native of England, who sought religious liberty and a chance to found a new home for himself and fam- ily under the favoring circumstances that envi- roned the Maryland colony. His son Jesse, next in the line of descent to our subject, was born upon the Eastern Shore, and in addition to oper- ating a large landed estate he was a very success- ful and extensive dealer in lumber. His son James, grandfather of DeWitt C. Fooks, was interested in running a sawmill and preparing lumber for the markets and was, moreover, a farmer on a large scale. Our subject is the only surviving child in a family which originally com- prised three brothers and sisters, whose parents were Hance and Julia (Howard) Fooks, both natives of these parts. The father was born in 1785, and, following the example of his fore- fathers, lie devoted his chief energies to rural pursuits, and in time became well-to-do.

DeWitt C. Fooks has always resided upon a farm, and doubtless inherited his liking for the free, independent life that is the boon of the agri- culturist, perhaps more than that of men in any other walk of life. He made the best of his op- portunities for obtaining an education and when he was eighteen applied for a school, and, having passed the examinations required, was given charge of one. He taught very successfully for

some two years, then settling down to the quiet routine of farm work. Prosperity crowned his efforts, and, as he used excellent judgment in making investments, he soon became well-off, and now owns about two thousand acres of desir- able land.

Socially Mr. Fooks is a member of the Knights of Honor, his lodge being in the city of Balti- more. He was married in April, 1852, the first time, Miss Mary Fooks, a native of his own coun- ty, being the lady of his choice. Her death oc- curred but two years later, in 1854, when she was in her thirty-first year. February 18, 1857, Mr. Fooks married Mary A. Schockley, also of this county, and to their union eight children were born. Two of the number are deceased, and those who remain are Margaret A., Sallie M., Lucy B., Julie H., E. Hance and De Witt F. Three of the daughters married three brothers of the name of Truit. Mr. and Mrs. Fooks are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, he being a trustee in the same. Politically he is an ardent Democrat, and has held the office of sheriff of Worcester County, when the office covered the duties of sheriff, treasurer and collector.

ENRY S. MATTHEWS, one of the well and favorably known business men of Ox- ford, Talbot County, has always resided in this immediate locality, and has consequently been thoroughly identified with all progressive movements hereabout. For a number of years he has been considered one of the most substantial citizens, and in 1895 was chosen to serve as a trustee of the high school, and has also acted in the capacity of town commissioner. Any new enterprise or industry which it appears will bene- fit the place is certain to find a friend and sup- porter in him.

H. S. Matthews was born on his father's farm on Oxford Neck, third district of Talbot County, September 15, 1859. His father, Dr. Alexander Matthews, was a native of the District of Co- lumbia, having been born in Georgetown, May

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26, 1826, and was there reared to manhood. As he had a decided taste in the direction of the heal- ing art, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Grafton Tyler, of his native town, and eventually entered the University of Maryland, from which he graduated in 1848. He had previously attended Princeton College, and there obtained a good scientific and literary education. After practicing several years as resident physician in the hospital connected with the university, he returned to Georgetown, where he hung out his shingle and started in independent work. Six years passed, and he concluded to seek another field of endeavor. Liking this neighborhood, and being fond of a pastoral life, he bought a farm in the third dis- trict, the one on which our subject was born, and from that time until his death combined agri- cultural duties with those of his profession. He was quite successful, and in addition to his other enterprises, established the drug store in Oxford that is now carried on by his son. He was a Master Mason, and joined the lodge in 1866. In the Episcopal Church he was a valued worker, and a vestryman for years. He died in October, 1890, regretted by all who had ever come under his kindly influence, and was tenderly placed to rest in the beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery, near his native place, Georgetown. His wife, whose maiden name was Anne Spencer, was born in the third district of Talbot County, and is now re- siding with her son, of whom we write. She was the mother of two children, but the other, a son, Albert E., died in infancy.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 84

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