USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland > Part 87
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In Lakesville, Dorchester County, Md., the the subject of this article was born October 28, 1838, and there he was reared upon the home farm. After attending the common schools for some years he entered Dickinson College in Car- lisle, Pa., where he carried on the regular course of studies for two years. Overwork, however, undermined his health to such an extent that it was four years before he recovered sufficiently to engage in mental study. He then entered the law office of Charles F. Goldsborough, with whom he studied law until his admission to the bar. Prior to this, however, he had in 1867 pur- chased the Dorchester News, a paper that gained a good circulation and was a recognized Demo- cratic authority. This paper he consolidated with the Democrat under the name of the Democrat and News. As an editor it was his aim to pro- mote the welfare of enterprises for the benefit of the people. He favored the public-school system, and enthusiastically worked for better schools and a higher grade of teachers. He also was a friend of home industries. By inciting a greater love for temperance, schools and churches, he en- deavored to establish a higher grade of morals among the people.
Especially has he been a friend to the laboring men. At one time he purchased two acres in Cambridge, which he laid off in squares, improv- ing the same with cottages suitable for laboring
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men, and in a year from the date of purchase there were one hundred and fifty persons occupy- ing these dwellings. In 1877 he built a marine railway and ship yard in Cambridge that gives employment to a large number of carpenters, sailmakers, calkers, etc. Doubtless no citizen has done more than he for the benefit of the labor- ing classes, and he is always interested in plans for their benefit. Through his work as an editor he was enabled to materially advance their wel- fare, and he always fostered plans for their pros- perity. Finally, in 1882, he sold his paper to John G. Mills, who now conducts it.
October 12, 1881, Mr. Johnson married Fannie W., daughter of Rev. Jacob Mann, of the Vir- ginia Conference. They became the parents of four children, of whom two are living, Henry and Joseph Marvin. An older son, Wallace, died August 28, 1897. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a Master Mason and it was largely due to his efforts that the three-story building, known as the Masonic Temple, was erected. In religious be- lief he is identified with the Episcopal Church.
ILLIAM G. SMITH, D. D. S., succeeded his father as a dentist in Salisbury some seventeen years ago, and has built up a fine practice, liis reputation having extended through- out this region. He stands very high among the Republicans of this locality, being a good worker and enthusiastic partisan. His numerous friends brought his name forward for the position of clerk of the circuit court of Wicomico County in 1897. He served for four years very acceptably to all as a member of the city council, but aside from that has never held public positions within the gift of the people. However the election should turn, there is no doubt of his universal popularity among all classes, for he is a good citizen, and ever endeavors to do his share as a voter in the maintenance of good government and the ad- vancement of the best interests of Salisbury and the county in general.
The birth of Dr. W. G. Smith occurred in this
place, July 30, 1858, lie being the eldest in a fam- ily of three children born to Dr. William T. Smith and wife, whose girlhood name was Mar- garet Garrison. The father was a native of Dela- ware, while the mother was of New Jersey, but both grew to maturity in the first mentioned state. Dr. William T. Smith was the first dentist to locate in the town of Salisbury, and here he continued, actively engaged in practice, until shortly before his death, which took place in 1880. Dr. Edgar W. Smith, brother of our sub- ject, is in partnership with him, and makes his home in Salisbury, where he is very well liked by our citizens. The sister, M. Virginia, is now the wife of George R. Collier.
The early years of the life of William G. Smith passed uneventfully in Salisbury, and he almost literally grew up in his father's dental office. Watching his senior, and gathering wisdom from his experience, was of great assistance to the young man later on. He entered the Pennsyl- vania College of Dental Surgery at the age of twenty-one, followed the prescribed course, and graduated in the class of 1880. His father died a few months after that event, and he took up his practice here. He is well received in the best social circles of the place, where he has been known during his entire life.
AMES BLACK MERRITT, M. D., of Easton, was born in Odessa, Del., October 28, 1858, being a member of one of the old families of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. His father, Rev. James Black Merritt, D. D., was born in Kent County, Md., in 1826, and in youth received the advantages of study in the best insti- tutions of his locality. For some years he was a student in Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pa., from which he graduated. Entering upon the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he became a member of the Wilmington conference, and at different times held pastorates in Chester- town, Centreville, Cambridge, Md., and Wilming- ton, Del. Though now superannuated, he still
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preaches frequently and shows the same interest in the Christian work that characterized him in younger years.
The doctor's mother, Hannah, was a daughter of Dr. Samuel Webb, of Kent County, Del., and a member of a family long and honorably identi- fied with the history of that section. Her two sons are James Black and Samuel Webb. Our subject, being a son of a Methodist minister, at- tended school in the various places where the family resided and had all the advantages that come from contact with different people and education under the instruction of different peo- ple. For a time he was a student in the Wil- mington high school, later received academical advantages in Pennsylvania. Wishing to study medicine he entered the University of Vermont, where he remained until his graduation in 1879.
Returning to Maryland, the young doctor opened an office at Hanesville, Kent County, where he built up a good practice and remained for ten years. In 1889 he came to Easton, where he has since attained a position among the suc- cessful physicians of the place. He is a Meth- odist in religious belief, active in church work. Fraternally he is identified with the Heptasophs and Shield of Honor. He married Georgetta, daughter of Alexander Parks, of Kent County, Md., and they have two children, James Black and Adeline Carr.
ILLIAM H. KNOWLES, senior member of the wholesale hardware firm of W. H. Knowles & Co., and junior member of the firm of A. W. Robinson & Co., resides in Sharp- town, Wicomico County, where he was born No- vember 8, 1862. He is one of the principal busi- ness men of the place and his energy has given an impetus to the industries of the town. His first business venture was in connection with W. W. Selby, the two in 1885 organizing the firm of Knowles & Selby, undertakers, contractors and builders. His interest in this enterprise lie sold in 1893 to W. D. Gravenor & Bro.
The wholesale hardware company, organized in March, 1895, is one of the important industries of Wicomico County. It is composed of W. H. Knowles and A. W. Robinson, of Sharptown, and J. Dallas Marvil, son of ex-Governor Joshua H. Marvil, of Delaware. They are wholesale dealers in nails, tacks, wires, crate hinges and hasps, and manufacturers of crates and baskets. Their posi- tion enables them to put on tlie market a line of goods especially suited for the crate and basket manufacture. The energy of the proprietors has resulted in a growth of business, until the con- cern now has orders from many of the eastern and southern states. In their large storage ware- house in Laurel a full stock is carried ready for immediate shipment, so that no delay need be ex- perienced in the filling of orders.
The berry crate and basket factory is the chief industry of the town, and has doubtless con- tributed more to the prosperity of the people than the other industries combined. It was established in 1872 by the late John Robinson, whose brother, James, became associated with him soon after- ward, thus organizing the firm of John Robinson & Bro. On the death of the senior member, in 1893, his brother retired, and the property was bought by A. W. Robinson & Co., the com- pany consisting of A. W. Robinson, Williani H. Knowles and J. Dallas Marvil. The products of the factory are of the best quality, and in the com- petitive markets command excellent prices by reason of substantial construction. From a small output the amount has increased until the ship- ments made by the firm form an important feature of the shipping trade on the Nanticoke River. Meantime the markets for these products have also increased, extending in every direction. The crates, boxes, peach baskets, pony baskets, bush- el, half-barrel and barrel baskets, and the adjust- able-bottom apple baskets are the leading products of the factory.
Much custom work is done, besides the mantı- facturing. The firm buys large amounts of pine lumber and gum timber, the lumber being sup- plied by adjoining mills, while the gum timber is brought from other sections. In addition to the factory, the firm owns considerable real-estate in
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town, including the two principal wharves here, one of which is used for sail vessels, wood and lumber, and the other for the steamboat landing of the Baltimore, Chesapeake & Atlantic Rail- road Company. These two wharves represent also the entire river front accessible at all tides and embrace a long frontage. On the upper cordwood wharf are two warehouses and a landing that extends far back, giving good space for gen- eral use. On the steamboat wharf is a large warehouse for the convenience of the company and its patrons, and a still larger warehouse for the storage of the products of the factory, so as to be easily accessible for rapid shipment. Orders are filled so promptly that often the steamer that brings the order carries away the shipment, this dispatch in filling orders largely promoting the success of the business.
Mr. Knowles, whose name is so intimately as- sociated with this business, is a descendant of Scotch ancestry, but the family has been repre- sented in America for a number of generations. His father, George R., was born in Sussex Coun- ty, Del., as was also the grandfather, John Knowles. The former, who was a sea captain, traded along the coast until 1865, when his vessel was lost and he was drowned. He was an economical man and saved his earnings, so that he left a valuable estate. In religion he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Generosity was one of his principal attributes. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of Alger Russell, of Riverton, Wicomico County; she is still living, being now fifty-six years of age. Of her three children, our subject is the only survivor. He was educated in the schools of Sharptown, but at the age of sixteen discontinued his studies and began to learn the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked for eight years, until organizing the firm of Knowles & Selby.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Knowles is a member of the county central committee and sub- fish commissioner for Wicomico County, having been appointed to the latter position in May, 1896. He has been a delegate to the local con- ventions of his party and is active in its affairs. In the Methodist Episcopal Church he is serving
as steward, and has also been president of the Epworth League. February 4, 1885, he married Lizzie E., daughter of Capt. J. W. Bennett, post- master of Sharptown under President Harrison's administration. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man of splendid business ability and the success which he has already achieved is an indication of the increased financial prosperity which will come to him in future years.
OHN H. TOLSON is the owner of more than twelve hundred acres of valuable land lying in the lower part of Kent Island. Through judicious management he has acquired financial success; this, too, in spite of the fact that he be- gan for himself without capital. His first em- ployment in life was as a school teacher, for which he received $250 per year, paying $60 of the amount for board. For three and a-half years he continued in that occupation, after which he embarked in business in Stevensville and for a number of years was proprietor of a general store there.
On Kent Island, near Stevensville, the subject of this sketch was born in 1829, being a son of Benjamin and Anın (Legg) Tolson. His father was born on Kent Island about 1784 and grew to manhood here, beginning as a farmer near the place where he was born. For his capital he had 110 money, only strong hands and a determined heart. When he married and started to keep house, he established his home in a cabin that had no floor other than one of earth. However, as the years passed by he became better fixed fi- nancially, and was enabled to surround his family with the comforts of life. His children were named as follows: Mary, who was first the wife of Arthur Carter and afterward married Charles Downs; Benjamin, who died, leaving a family who reside in Queen Anne's County; Ann, wife of James M. Stevens, of Kent Island; Caroline, who married Joseph Bright; Elizabeth and John H. (twins), the former of whom married Luther
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W. Bryan, of Kent Island. The Tolson family is one of the oldest in the state of Maryland, and has been identified with the history of Kent Island for a number of generations.
In 1864 the subject of this sketch married Mary Victoria, daughter of James S. Cockey. After- ward he located in Stevensville and engaged in merchandising until 1881, when he removed to the country. His family consists of three sons: J. Harry, at home; James Sudler, who married Miss Minnie Lowe, of Centreville; and William Denney. Since early boyhood Mr. Tolson has worked constantly and energetically, and the re- sult is that he is prosperous and well-to-do. Stanch in his allegiance to the Republican party, he may always be depended upon to cast his vote for its principles and to uphold its candidates.
OBERT JARRELL, whose postoffice address is Goldsborough, Caroline County, is a na- tive of Queen Anne's County, Md., born October 23, 1849. His great-grandfather on the paternal side of the family was a native of Ire- land and settled in America before the Revolu- tionary war. Grandfather Richard Jarrell was born in Delaware, and was a prosperous farmer in that state in the prime of his life. Our sub- ject is one of the eleven children of Robert and Mary (Temple) Jarrell, who were both natives of Caroline County and were numbered among her most worthy and respected citizens.
From his earliest recollections Robert Jarrell has been associated with the duties and occupa- tions incident to life upon a farm. He is a thor- ough and practical farmer, and now owns over a thousand acres, which are suitable for the rais- ing of a general line of crops and are under the best cultivation. For a few years past he has been especially interested in running a cannery, and by enterprise and good business management has succeeded in establishing an excellent trade in this line. He may justly be termed a self- made man, as he owes it almost solely to his indi- vidual efforts that he has acquired a competence
and a position of influence in the community. He sides with the Democracy, and has been one of the trustees of the Caroline County almshouse for a period of eight years, though he has never cared for public honors of any kind. Fraternally he has been a member of the Heptasophs for a long time, and belongs to the Methodist Episco- pal Church South, and is one of its most valued workers.
In 1877 Mr. Jarrell married Addie Noble, who was born in this county and was a daughter of T. S. Noble, also a native of the county. Mrs. Jarrell was a lady who possessed many very lov- able qualities and fine intellectual endowments. Prior to her marriage she was successfully en- gaged in teaching school in the town of Preston, this county. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and put into daily practice her high ideals of life. She was summoned to her silent rest when but thirty- five years of age, December 21, 1891, leaving many sincere friends to mourn her loss most deeply. Mr. and Mrs. Jarrell became the parents of five children, who are named in the order of their birth: Fannie C., Mary T., Robert, Jr., T. S. Noble and Addie. They are bright, well- educated young people, and are much esteemed in this vicinity.
OSEPH E. HENRY. The business interests of any village or city receive their impetus from those public-spirited, enterprising citi- zens who, while not neglecting their personal concerns, yet maintain a constant regard for the welfare and prosperity of their home town, anx- ious to promote the importance of its commercial, material and agricultural resources and to ad- vance its educational and religious movements. Such a man is Mr. Henry, a well-known and prosperous business man of East New Market, and one who through the years of his active business life has maintained an interest in all matters affecting the development of his locality.
Reared in the village where he still makes his
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home, he has been self-supporting since ten years of age. At that time lie went on a sailing-ves- sel, where the three ensuing years were spent in hard work. The life was not congenial to him, and he resolved to return to land as soon as he could secure employment. When thirteen he began as a clerk in a general store, where he re- mained until he was nineteen, meantime gaining a good knowledge of business methods. He then came to East New Market and secured a clerk- ship in the store he now owns, learning the drug business thoroughly under the instruction of Dr. H. W. Houston. The latter died when Mr. Henry was twenty-three and he then bought the business, which he has since conducted, having largely increased its value by his accommodating manners and reliable methods.
October 31, 1886, Mr. Henry married Miss Nettie W., daughter of Capt. M. S. Fletcher. Four children bless their union, namely: Edith, Clarence, Frank and Edward. Fraternally Mr. Henry is connected with the Masonic order, and for seven years held office as worshipful master of the blue lodge at East New Market. He has attained the Royal Arcli degree. He is also iden- tified with the Improved Order of Heptasophs and the Home Forum. With his wife he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, while in his political belief he is an adherent of the Democratic party.
ON. EDWARD E. GOSLIN. This name is too well known in Federalsburg to require any introduction to the inhabitants, nor to those of Caroline County, indeed, for more than three-quarters of a century have elapsed since the large mercantile establishment which he himself carried on for two decades was founded by one of his name, and the business has been in continu- ous operation since its start. He is a man of miost creditable public spirit, and takes great in- terest in all progressive movements which he deems are calculated to benefit the people. He was called upon to represent his fellow-citizens of
this county in the general assembly of Maryland during the session of 1890, having been elected upon the Democratic ticket. He was placed upon the ways and means committee by the speaker of the house, Hon. John Hubner, who at the close of the session conveyed to Mr. Goslin his cordial and hearty acknowledgments for his tireless committee work and praiseworthy and effective efforts in advancing desirable legislation and holding in check that which was of the opposite character. Among the bills that he framed and introduced one providing for the "selecting, draw- ing and summoning of jurors for Caroline Coun- ty," has given great satisfaction to the residents of the county. He declined re-nomination by his party in 1891.
The records in the office of the land commis- sioner at Annapolis, Md., disclose the fact that the Goslin family on the peninsula sprang from three brothers who came over to America from England, settling in Maryland, Thomas coming in 1654, Matthew in 1655 and William in 1665. Edward R. Goslin, father of our subject, was born in what was then comprised within the limits of Dorchester but is now Caroline County. .He was a son of Margaret, daughter of William and Elizabeth Skinner and sister to Ann Skinner, who was the grandmother of ex-Governor Rob- ert E. Pattison, of Pennsylvania. Edward R. Goslin grew to mature years here, receiving the benefits of a liberal education. For his compan- ion and helpmate through the journey of life he chose Mrs. Emily Hurst (daughter of John and Rose Anna Travers, and sister of Capt. Samuel M. Travers, of Taylor's Island, Md.), who was first married to Stephen Hurst, the father of Bishop John Fletcher Hurst, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died August 2, 1893, aged seventy-four years. The only child of Ed- ward R. and Emily Goslin is Edward E., of this article. Always an enthusiast in the cause of learning, the senior Mr. Goslin has served in the capacity of school commissioner of Caroline and Dorchester Counties for over thirty years, and has assisted materially in getting better ideas adopted and more modern buildings erected, and a finer class of teachers for the rising generation
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secured. Since 1890 he has had the honor of County, Md., August 28, 1835, being one of the being president of the board of county school com- missioners.
The birth of Edward E. Goslin took place in . Queen Anne's County, also, and was one of the 1855, in Federalsburg, and here he was reared to maturity and attended the public schools. He grew up in his father's business and early learned every detail of merchandising. He is unmarried and with his father resides on the beautiful home- stead of one hundred and sixty acres, finely situated within the village limits. In this county in 1894, in the original act, he was named as auditor of the public accounts of the officials of Caroline County, and has since been appointed each year by the judges of the court. The duties of this responsible position he has performed to the smallest detail, in accordance with the best possible methods and he has won universal com- mendation for his efforts. Fraternally he has been connected with the Masonic order many years, and has served as worshipful master dur- ing a long period. Few citizens are held in greater admiration and regard than he and his estimable fatlier.
ILLIAM C. DUDLEY, a well-known Democratic politician of Talbot County, resides upon the farm called Wye Land- ing, in the fourth district. In the fall of 1871 he was elected sheriff of Queen Anne's County and made a good record for himself and constituents. while in that position. In 1891 he was elected to the honored place of judge of the orphans' court of this county, and has since been asked to run for the candidacy of sheriff and state senator. He was also a tax collector in Queen Anne's County during 1866 and 1867. Thus it can be readily seen that he is very popular as a public official, and in fact his record as such is unexceptionable and highly creditable, as he al- ways considers the interests of the people of prime importance, and his own as of secondary moment.
William C. Dudley was born in Queen Anne's
ten children of James P. and Mary A. (Good- hand) Dudley. The former was a native of
leaders in the Democratic party there nearly all of his mature life. When claimed by death in 1873 he was occupying the office of register of wills of his county. His wife, who was born in Kent Island, of that county, was a daughter of Chris- topher Goodhand, and she did not long survive her husband. Their eldest living child is W. C., of this sketch; Georgia is the wife of Joseph B. Haggart, of Queen Anne's County, and the others are: Elizabeth, Mrs. C. G. Lynch; Dr. S. C., of Church Hill, Md .; Mary M., widow of C. Comegys, of Centreville, Md .; Hiram G., who has been clerk in the criminal court in Baltimore and is a very successful commission merchant there; Eugene L., of Queen Anne's County; Sarah Jane, unmarried, and living in Centreville; and Martha, Mrs. H. McFeeley, of Queen Anne's County.
Such education as was secured by our subject was mainly acquired in the common schools prior to his fifteenth year, as at that time he en- tered a store in his native town and was em- ployed there about three years. When seventeen he went to Baltimore and clerked in a wholesale and retail grocery establishment two years. From the expiration of that period until 1871 he was quietly occupied in farming in his native county, then being elected sheriff. In the fall of 1873 he commenced to cultivate a farm near Centre- ville, and was in that locality about ten years. In 1883 he came to this place, a fine farm of four hundred acres, which he rents from a brother. He has been very successful on the whole in his business ventures, and is comfortably well-to-do.
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