Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 89

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

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The political views of Mr. West bring hini into sympathy with the Republican party, whose principles he supports. From the age of sixteen he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as trustee, steward and treasurer. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and Heptasophs. His marriage united him with Miss Anna, daughter of James and Jane Pippin, of Caroline County, their union being solemnized December 26, 1863. One child was born unto them, Thomas K., whose death at the age of eighteen months was a deep bereave- ment to the parents.

OBERT W. MEDFORD. For several gen- erations the family of which the subject of this review is a worthy representative las been numbered among the best in Dorchester County, for its members have been peaceful, law- abiding citizens, industrious, energetic and pro- gressive, and honest and upright in every par- ticular. The gentleman of whom we write is a very public-spirited man and has served as col- lector of the twelfth district for the past eight years and has been register of voters in this lo- cality also. His home is pleasantly situated near the town of Hurlock, upon a valuable farm in the twelfth district.

The birth of Robert W. Medford occurred in the northern part of this county, December 12,

1845, his parents being Nathaniel and Rebecca (Payne) Medford. The father was born in the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Dorchester Coun- ty, in 1822, and always resided within the county boundaries. His life was mainly given up to the pursuit of agriculture and at the time of his death lie was the owner of some three hundred acres of well-improved land. His father, Nathaniel Med- ford, Sr., was a native of this county, and died a short time prior to the birth of the son. The great-grandfather and the great-great-grandfather (who also bore the Christian name of Nathaniel) were likewise natives of this county.

In 1874 Robert W. Medford married Miss Saralı Harper, and nine sons and daughters have blessed their union. Dora A. is the wife of James Martin Covey, of American Corners. The others- are named as follows: Edith, William, Daisy, Lovey, Nathaniel, Ottis, John and Watson. The family are regular attendants upon the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church and several of the older ones are members of the denomina- tion. The children have all been given good educational advantages and are bright, useful young people, bringing great credit upon their parents, who may be justly proud of them.

In his political affiliations Mr. Medford is a Democrat. Socially he is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Improved Order of Heptasophs. He is now the owner of about four hundred acres of fine farm land, all of which he personally supervises. He is highly regarded by his neighbors and has hosts of sincere friends in the community.

ILLIAM H. CASHO. In perusing the history of this worthy citizen of the first district of Caroline County we find yet another instance of the success that can be accomplished by a young man who starts forth in the world with a strong determination to win success, if possible, by right methods, even though he is empty-handed in the beginning

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of his career. To his own unaided efforts our subject may attribute his wealth and prosperity, for he has had to rely entirely upon himself and by his struggles with adverse circumstances he has become strong, sympathetic toward others in trouble, and able to cope with difficulties as they present themselves, and these are the great les- sons of life after all for each of us, if we view the question aright.

The paternal grandfather of the above-named gentleman was one Jacob Casho, who was born in France, and became an American citizen prior to the colonial war for independence, for it is known that he fought under the leadership of his fellow-countryman, General Lafayette. In his native land he had learned the baker's trade, but after locating here he followed agricultural pur- suits and became a large land owner. He lived to reach an extreme old age. His son Isaac, father of our subject, was born in Cecil County, Md., and was a millwright and blacksmith in that section, and also owned a farm there. He served in the war of 1812 and was commissioned lieutenant. He married Nancy Ash, who was a native of Delaware, and ten children were born to them, the six who survive at this time being: Jacob, George, William H., Joseph, Eliza and Lovina.

William H. Casho was born January 15, 1833, in Cecil County, and remained upon his father's farm until he reached his majority. He obtained a good education, amply sufficient for practical purposes, and was for years engaged in the lum- ber business, running a sawmill, etc. November I, 1870, he first settled in Caroline County, and took up his abode upon a small tract of twelve acres, a part of the large homestead which he now owns here, and this, together with an old saw- mill, constituted his available assets. A detailed account of the intervening years might be given, but suffice it to say that to-day he is the owner of five hundred acres of fine land in this neighbor- hood, and he has a large sawmill and a grist mill and basket factory besides, all in running order and bringing in a good income to him. In po- litical affairs Mr. Casho is a Republican, and from 1877 to 1879 he served in the office of county

commissioner, but with that exception he has never been persuaded to accept of public posi- tions. Socially he is identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows.

December 26, 1866, Mr. Casho married Ma- tilda E. Kennedy, a native of Chester County, Pa. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was called to her inheri- tance above August 26, 1884, aged fifty years. November 24, 1887, Mr. Casho married Emma, daughter of Simeon Blood, who was from Con- necticut and a successful farmer. He departed this life August 29, 1897, wlien in his eighty- eighth year. Mrs. Casho was born and reared in Kent County, Del., and with her husband is a member of the local Methodist Episcopal Church, and an earnest worker in the various departments of its activity.

EVIN J. GALE has served miost efficiently as register of wills for Wicomico County for the past twelve years and was re-elected for another term of six years in 1897 on the Demo- cratic ticket. His first public service was when he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of W. H. Farington (who was shot) as county commissioner. After acting in that position very acceptably two years his friends brought his name forward in 1885 for register of wills and he was duly elected. At the end of his tenure of office, in 1891, he was re-elected for another term of six years. He has proven himself to be reliable and faithful to the trusts reposed in him, and to the public in general he has been thoroughly satis- factory. His home is situated upon his well-im- proved farm in Quantico district, seven miles west of Salisbury, the county seat.

Mr. Gale was born November 27, 1837, in Quantico district, Wicomico County, and was reared upon his father's farm. His parents were Henry and Susan (Goslee) Gale, both likewise natives of that district and now deceased. Their only daughter, Clara, became the wife of J. W. Turpin and died in Quantico, leaving several

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children. Levin J. is the only son. He was a student in the public schools of his home neigh- borhood in his youth and learned the various duties pertaining to a farmi before he arrived at his majority. He is justly considered to be a practical, progressive farmer, and has made sub- stantial improvements upon the homestead which he owns liere. It comprises two hundred and twenty-six acres, most of which is under a high state of cultivation.

In 1861 Mr. Gale married Virginia, daughter of W. P. Rider, of Quantico. They have two children, viz ..: William H., who is a farmer of Quantico district, and whose wife was formerly a Miss Collier; and Susan M., who is still at home with her parents. Personally Mr. Gale, of this sketch, is a man who is the soul of honor and in- tegrity, and whose word is considered as good as his bond.

7 OL. PHILIP WORTHINGTON DOWNES, deceased, the first president of the Denton National Bank, was born in Greensborough, Caroline County, Md., November 13, 1837. He was the son of Hon. William H. Downes, who for many years conducted a mercantile store in Greensborough and in 1848 represented the dis- trict in the house of delegates. When a boy he attended the public schools and later entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1857. Shortly afterward he commenced the study of law in the office of Col. Samuel Hambleton, an able attorney of Easton. Admitted to the bar in 1860, he at once began the practice of law in Denton and from that time up to his death he continued legal practice in the same office, adjoining his residence.

Not only was Colonel Downes successful in his profession, but in public life as well. He possessed sagacity combined with energy, which traits brought him prominence and aided him in the accumulation of a competency. For many years he was a conspicuous figure in political gather- ings, where he was known as a forceful and elo- quent speaker. In 1871 he was the Democratic

candidate for state's attorney, but was defeated by George M. Russum, his opponent, who was later chosen circuit judge. He was appointed the first fish-commissioner by Governor Groom, just after that important branch of the state serv- ice was inaugurated, and was continued in the office by Governor Carroll, but declined further reappointment. His name was mentioned for the congressional nomination at several conven- tions and in 1884 he was Senator Gibson's most formidable opponent before the Cambridge con- vention, his canvass being conducted by Hon. Jesse K. Hines, of Chestertown. In 1885 he was appointed general appraiser of merchandise at tlie port of Baltimore, his jurisdiction extending from Baltimore to the gulf ports, and he was also often called north. With several other of the general appraisers in the fall of 1888 he was de- tailed on a very important case at New Orleans. Prior to this he had made many trips to the south, visiting points not so far distant. Early in the administration of President Harrison he was displaced.

Through the efforts of Colonel Downes the Denton National Bank was founded. He was made its first president and was re-elected every year from that time until his death. To the management of its interests, the conduct of his practice and the oversight of business matters pertaining to his property, his closing years were given, inasmuch as the condition of his health would permit. One of his most cherished plans was the building of a railroad to Denton and through central Caroline County. After the passage of a railroad bill years ago it was thought that a railroad would be built at once, but with all his efforts the plan failed and he never lived to see a road through Denton. He died June I, 1895, and his aged mother passed away on the 16th of January of the same year. He had sev- eral brothers and sisters: Reynor, Stephen R., Ernest, Emmett, Eldridge, Mrs. Annie Carter, Mrs. John E. Wilson and Miss Clara Downes.

In 1863 Colonel Downes married Annie Hard- castle, only child of Hon. Edward and Sallie (Dukes) Hardcastle, of the fourth district of Caroline County. Her father was a man of

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prominence and served in the Maryland legisla- is progressive and ambitious, and is sure to make ture. She is still living and has two sons, J. Dukes, teller of the Denton National Bank, and Ormond.

M ARION V. BREWINGTON is one of the popular editors of the Wicomico News and is the junior member of the firm of Brew- ington Brothers, who purchased the paper in 1888 and have since published it. The journal has a · large and constantly increasing circulation, this fact being due to its excellence in every particular. Its special aim is the endorsement of all industries and enterprises calculated to benefit the county in general, and thus it claims the support and con- fidence of all of her citizens. In a bright, breezy manner it presents the current news and topics of universal interest, and at the same time, under local headings, relates the happenings within the county borders. The editors are young men of good judgment and sound financial sense and are possessed of enthusiasm and firm faith in the fu- ture opening before the people of the county.

The parents of Marion V. were Henry and Orinthia (Long) Brewington, whose history is more fully given in the sketch of Harry L., brother of our subject, it being printed elsewhere in this work. Suffice it to say here that the father was one of the most successful business men of this town, where he lived for about fifty-five years. He held the office of crier of the court for twenty- five years, and was very active in the Democracy. When he was claimed by death the community in which he had dwelt so many years felt that it had indeed suffered a great loss. He died in 1892, but his good wife had preceded him to the better land nearly a quarter of a century.

The birth of M. V. Brewington occurred in Salisbury in 1867, he being one of twelve chil- dren, four of whom are deceased. When he ar- rived at a suitable age he entered the schools of this place, and completed his education in the high school. With his brother he worked in the printing office of the Salisbury Advertiser, and there learned the rudiments of the business. He

his mark in the field of journalism, having al- ready made rapid strides in that direction. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Royal Arcanum and belongs to Wicomico Lodge No. 91, A. F. & A. M., and Chesapeake Royal Arch, Chapter No. 17. Following the leadership of his esteemed father, he endorses the platform of the Demo- cratic party.

In April, 1893, a marriage ceremony united the destinies of Marion V. Brewington and Miss Madge Fulton, one of the accomplished young ladies of Salisbury. She is a daughter of Rev. William Fulton, rector of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church of this place for several years, and a native of Scotland. The young couple have a very happy home and take great pleasure in entertaining their many friends within its hos- pita ble walls.

DUKES DOWNES, teller of the Denton National Bank, was born in Denton, Novem- ber 19, 1870, and is the older son of Col. Philip Worthington and Annie (Hardcastle) Downes. The latter was born September 18, 1842, being the only daughter of Edward and Sallie A. Hardcastle, the latter of whom was a daughter of James Dukes. Edward Hardcastle represented Caroline County in the Maryland legislature in 1850 and 1851. When a boy he was a student in the military and naval academy at Oxford, Md., and afterward carried on his studies in an academy in Pennsylvania. In 1887, when only seventeen years of age, he became a bookkeeper in the Denton National Bank and one year later was promoted, being given the position of teller.

October 18, 1893, Mr. Downes was united in marriage with Anna Isabel, daughter of Col. James Merrick, and granddaughter of Major Merrick, both of Queen Anne's County, and the latter a successful financier. Like his ancestors on both sides of the house our subject is stanch in his allegiance to the principles espoused by the

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Democratic party and takes an active part in furthering the interests of that political organiza- tion. He is a member of the Protestant Episco- pal Church of Denton, a regular attendant at its services, and is one of its vestrymen. Fraternally a Mason, he is identified with Temple Lodge No. 128, A. F. & A. M., of Denton, and is at this writing the junior warden of the lodge. He has already been markedly successful and without doubt possesses the qualities that will bring him further success in future years.

12 ANIEL H. COX is a practical and progress- ive farmer, his home being in the fourth district of Talbot County, and known as White Marsh. Since his boyhood days he has been familiar with every branch of farming, and brings to bear upon whatever he undertakes qual- ities of industry and perseverance which usually yield rich reward. No member of this commu- nity is more generally respected and looked up to than he, for his support is always given to what- ever tends to advance or develop the highest wel- fare of his fellow-men1. He is a class-leader and a steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and carrying out his ideas of temperance in a practi- cal form, as lie believes, he is a strong upholder of the Prohibition party.

Samuel Cox, grandfather of our subject, was a native of England. The father, William A., was born near the Oaks, in Talbot County, and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits as a means of liveli- hood. He died December 23, 1880, when about sixty-six years of age. His good wife, whose maiden name was Henrietta Leonard, and who was a native of Trappe district, Talbot County, survived him but five years, dying in May, 1885. They were the parents of nine children, but all save three of the number have been called to the silent land. James S. is a resident of Caroline County; and J. A. is a merchant of Preston, in the same county.

D. H. Cox was born on a farm not far distant from his present liome, July 26, 1854, and in his

boyhood was a pupil of the Easton schools. At seventeen he returned home and gave his whole time to his father in the work of the homestead until he was twenty-five. Then he went into Caroline County and rented a farm on his own ac- count. This place, called Frazier Flats, he culti- vated successfully for seven years, at the expira- tion of which period he came to White Marsh, a farm of two hundred and fifty acres. It belongs to his father-in-law, Robert H. Jump, who makes his home with the family, and is now seventy- eight years of age, and is a native of Queen Anne's County.

January 27, 1879, D. H. Cox married Clara E. Jump and three children have blessed their union: Percy Leroy, Paul and Dalpha. Another child, Annie, they have most kindly adopted, with the intention of bringing her up as one of their own little ones.

OBERT H. WHITTINGTON, treasurer of Somerset County and proprietor of a general store at Marion Station, is a descendant, in the second generation, of James Whittington, a native of England, who came to this country in young manhood and settled in Lawsons district, Somerset County. Here he continued to reside until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-five. Among his sons was Isaac, who was born in this county and spent his active life engaged in farming pursuits here. He was active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the official board. At the time of his death he was sixty-five years of age.

Our subject's mother bore the maiden name of Sallie Coulbourn, and was one of a family of twelve children, whose parents were William and Sallie (Long) Coulbourn. Her father was born and reared in Somerset County, where at an early age he embarked in farming, and in this occupa- tion his remaining years were busily spent. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a worthy representative of a well-known family. At the age of ninety years he passed away. His daughter, Mrs. Whittington, became

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the mother of ten children, but only four are now living: Stephen H .; Mary, widow of Thomas S. Adams; Robert H .; and Isaac T. Like her hus- band and father, she was a devoted Methodist. Her death occurred when she was seventy.

Born in Somerset County in 1841, the subject of this article attended private schools here when a boy. At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which occuption he followed for tent years. In1 1867 he opened a gen1- eral store at Crisfield, where he conducted busi- ness for two years. Selling out in 1869, he built a new store at Marion Station and here he has since built up a valuable trade in mercantile lines. For a time he was also in the oyster business and still has extensive farming interests. Upon the Republican ticket he was elected county treasurer in 1895 for a term of two years, and his service in this responsible position has been most satis- factory.

The first wife of Mr. Whittington was a daughter of Smith Lankford, and at her death she left four children, two now living: William R. and Aurelia M. His second wife was Mary E. Jones, a daughter of Thomas J. Jones, and prior to her marriage a resident of the city of Baltimore. In fraternal matters Mr. Whittington is a member of the Heptasophs, in which he has passed the chairs. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic order. He is a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church and one of its leading sup- porters.

ty.

AMUEL L. WEBSTER, a resident of East New Market, is one of the prosperous and successful business men of Dorchester Coun- He is the owner of two mills, one located at Linchester, Caroline County, and the other at Beulah, Dorchester County. His landed interests are large, aggregating nearly two thousand acres of land, some of which has come to him by in- heritance and some by purchase. He is also the owner of a large fertilizer plant in Cambridge. His versatile business capacity enables him to

grasp and superintend various interests, though of a widely different nature from one another, and these he manages with a skill and sagacity dis- played by few.

Near the village of Vienna, in Dorchester County, Mr. Webster was born, February 28, 1830. His father, John, was born in the upper part of this county in 1800, and on attaining manhood embarked in farming, which he made his life occupation. He was a man of less than average height, but though small in statue he was large of heart and brain, and was conceded to be one of the best business mien on the Eastern Shore. Possessing force of character that was noticeable in every transaction, he was neverthe- less, kind and sympathetic, and always befriended the worthy poor in his neighborhood. Every business enterprise for the material advancement of the community received the impetus of his en- couragement. When the railroad was building here he became president of the company, a posi- tion that he held for several years. Through the excellent manner in which he managed his inter- ests he became the owner of several thousand acres of land.

The marriage of John Webster united him with Rebecca, daughter of James Simmons. They be- came the parents of seven children, namely: Winfield, deceased; Samuel L .; Elizabeth, who first married Edward Hardcastle, and after his death became the wife of Francis Turner, deceased; Mary, who married John Nichols; Sarah, wife of A. J. Collins; M. Augusta, who became the wife of John Hurst; and Margaret, Mrs. Elbridge Johnson. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, Thomas Webster, was, it is thought, a na- tive of Scotland, but the greater part of his life was spent on the Eastern Shore.

November 1, 1855, S. L. Webster married Miss Priscilla A. Sheppard, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Lloyd) Sheppard, of Worcester County. Our subject and wife became the parents of two daughters, who died in infancy, and nine sons, namely: John B., Noah, Winfield, Sheppard, Frank, Charles, Roland, Samuel and Lloyd. The sons are all married and engaged in business, with the exception of the youngest, who is in

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school. Mr. Webster has resided in the northern part of the county during his entire life, and is the owner of the homestead formerly belonging to his grandfather, whereon may be seen the old family burying ground, where preceding genera- tions of the name lie buried. In sympathy with the temperance cause, he gives liis support to the Prohibition party. He and his wife and part of his family aremembers of the Baptist Church and contribute generously to religious and charitable movements.

T® SAAC HARRISON MERRILL has engaged in the mercantile business in Pocomoke City for thirty-five years and has met with succees in his undertakings, having built up a reputa- tion as a reliable, efficient and energetic mer- chiant, one who is just and honest in his dealings with all. For some time he was proprietor of a general store, but for fifteen years or more he has dealt exclusively in clothing and men's furnishing goods. He has in stock a full supply of hats and caps, ready-made clothing, and in fact everything kept in a model store of this kind.

The father of our subject, Levin, son of Levin Merrill, Sr., was born in Worcester County, and married Julia Barrett, by whom he had twelve children. Those who attained maturity were: Henry T .; William J., who was a farmer and merchant; Alfred D., a farmer; Levin H., who engaged in farming and the mercantile business; John S., who was an architect; Isaac Harrison; Sallie A., Mrs. Samuel J. Lambden; Julia C., wife of Jerome B. Hall; Mary E., who married Samuel J. Lambden after the death of his first wife; and Harriet, who died at eighteen years. All have passed away except the subject of this sketcl1.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 89

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