Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 9

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

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November 25, 1851, General McKenney mar- ried Eleanor Ridgely, daughter of Dr. Robert Goldsborough. She died in 1877, and of her eleven children six are now living, namely: Ella, wife of Rev. James A. Mitchell, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Centreville; Maria Merritt, · who is unmarried; Annie, wife of Dr. James K. Harper Jacobs, of Kennedyville, Kent County; Henrietta Goldsborough, who married W. L. Holton, of the Centreville National Bank; Will- iam, who married Miss Madge Meteer, daughter of Dr. Meteer, of Chestertown; and Harriet, who is unmarried. Two years after the death of his first wife General McKenney married Evelyn (Taylor) Wright, widow of Thomas Wright and daughter of Charles R. Taylor, of Baltimore.

The family of General McKenney possess a fine home in the heart of the town, surrounded by eleven acres of land. Among the many in- teresting relics to be seen therein are a small chair in which five generations of the family have sat, and a clock which has indicated the time for a century and a-half.

OHN P. AHERN, agent of the Philadel- phia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad at Millington, is as energetic, busy and " hus. tling " a business man as can be found in Kent County. Not content with one line of activity, he has always several enterprises and ventures on hand, and meets with a fair measure of success in whatever he undertakes. His good judgment and correct business methods rarely fail of bring- ing him his expected returns, and if he is disap- pointed in this, he is not cast down, but renews his efforts with redoubled vigor.

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Born December 6, 1859, Mr. Ahern is a son of Dennis and Ann ( Alworth ) Ahern, natives of County Cork, Ireland. They grew to maturity in that country and were married, afterwards com- ing to America. The father located in New Jersey, and for about thirty years was a section supervisor on the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad. He was faithful and punctual to all his duties, and kept the respect of all who knew him. Both he and his estimable wife lived and died in the faith of the Catholic Church. They had eight children who grew to adult years, viz .: Mary, wife of Samuel Hibbard; Patrick; Dennis, who died at thirty-seven years; Daniel, who died in his twenty-sixth year; John P .; Maggie, wife of Andrew Lockerman; Eugene, and William A.

John P. Ahern was born and reared in Black- bird, Del., remaining at home until he had reached his majority, and receiving a good edu- cation. When about twenty-one he went into the office of the local railroad to learn telegraphy, and after six months becaine telegraph operator at Tenth street station in Camden, N. J., on the Camden & Atlantic Railroad. In a short time, however, he resigned, in order to accept a position at Seabrook, and was an operator there about fourteen months. From October to November, 1884, he was stationed at Bowie, and was then transferred to Townsend, Del., in the employ of the same corporation he is now with, and was there up to December 15, 1885. Since then he has been a resident of Millington, agent for the rail- road, telegraph operator for the Western Union, and agent for the Adams Express Company. He deals largely in peaches and other varieties of fruit, buying, selling and shipping the same to various points. He is also interested in lumber transactions, principally dealing in cross-ties and piles for railroads. For some time he has been a stockholder and director in the building and loan association of this place. He is a Democrat, and is now serving his fourth term as town commis- sioner, to the satisfaction of all. Heis a member of the Millington Democratic Club, and is secre- tary and treasurer of the same.

September 20, 1883, occurred the marriage of

Mr. Ahern and Clara M. West, of Queen Anne County, Md. They have six children, in order of birth as follows : Anna Pearl, Ruby Catherine, Clara Elma, Sadie L., Mary and John H. They are bright, happy young people, and the older ones are now attending the local schools. Mr. and Mrs. Ahern are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is a steward and trustee of the congregation.

MARION HUNTER, a well-known repre- sentative of the agricultural interests of

Queen Anne County and a resident of the sixth district, was born June 28, 1858, on a farm about two miles from Centreville. He is a mem- ber of an English family long identified with the history of the Eastern Shore. His father, Will- iam, and grandfather, Nathan Hunter, were natives of Caroline County, from which in 1857 the former moved to Queen Anne County, settling in the sixth district, where he purchased one hundred and ninety-six acres of land. To the cultivation and improvement of this tract he de- voted his energies until his death, in 1895 .. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man whose character commended him to the confidence and respect of all with whom he was brought into contact. His first wife was Sarah Anne Coursey, of Queen Anne County, who died in 1879; of their nine children only two are now living: Sue R., wife of Edward F. Green, of this county, and F. Marion. The second wife of William Hunter was Molly R. Bar- wick, by whom he had three children, two living, Zada A. and James Milton.

The boyhood days of the subject of this sketch were spent in the home of his parents. In the local public schools he acquired a practical edu- cation. On laying aside his text books to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experi- ence, he became his father's assistant on the home farm and devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of the place for three years. Afterwards he rented land and began to farm on

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his own account. On the death of his father he returned to the homestead and is now operating the farmn for the other heirs. He is progressive and practical in his methods, careful in his super- vision, and energetic in the prosecution of liis labors, and is managing the farm in a profitable manner.

February 10, 1886, Mr. Hunter married Mrs. Susie Harrington, daugliter of George Sparks, of Queen Anne County. They are the parents of four children, namely : Justina, William W., Edward N. and Margaret A., who are bright and interesting, and to whose education and training the parents gave careful attention. In his politi- cal views Mr. Hunter is a Democrat, and at this writing holds the office of tax collector for his district. He is true to every trust reposed in him, is energetic and faithful in the performance of every duty, and his well-spent life has secured for him the esteem of his associates and the affec- tion of his intimate friends.

D OLIN F. TAYLOR. During the entire lifetime of this sterling and respected citi- zen of Galena, he has taken an interested part in all movements along the line of progress and in whatever has promised better advantages for the people of this locality. A little over twenty years ago he purchased his pretty home- stead, situated within the borders of this place, and has since made substantial improvements upon it. It contains about fourteen acres, a part of which is laid out in garden, orchards, etc. The well-kept appearance of the place is very creditable to the owner, who takes great pleasure in making changes and repairs that will aug- ment the usefulness and beauty of the spot.

The father of the above-named gentleman was Isaac Taylor, who was probably born in this county, or just across the line in Delaware. In his youth he learned the tanner's trade, and after- wards worked at that occupation hereabouts and in Baltimore. He was considered an expert in the business, and always commanded high wages.

His ancestors were from Virginia. He married Miss Ann Eliza Ferguson, who was one of two daughters who had inherited a large and valu- able estate, and several slaves as well. Her fa- tlier, Colin Ferguson, was a native of Scotland, and, as is common among that people, was given a fine education. He was ordained to the Epis- copacy as early as 1785, and was also a successful teacher. At one time he was pastor of St. Paul's parish, South, of Chestertown, and was principal of Washington College, of the same place. In whatever he undertook he was prospered, and his name was held in honor long after he had passed from the world's stage of action. After his marriage he settled upon the homestead which had been handed down to his wife, and here they continued to dwell several years. He then exchanged the farm for another one near Galena, and here death came to summon him to his reward, when he was about fifty-two years of age. His wife survived him a number of years, dying when in her eightieth year. They were both very active members of the Episcopal Church, and were more zealous in promoting religious enterprises than in the management of their own affairs. They had five children, viz .: Charles Albert; Martha R., Mrs. E. C. Miller, of Kent County; C. F .; Hyland Frederick, who died at the age of fifty-nine years; and Sarah E., who never married and who died when about fifty-one years old. C. A. went to California in early days, and made a large fortune, which he afterwards lost in mercantile pursuits. He was in the treasury department at Washington, serv- ing under the administrations of Grant and Hayes. He was a man of fine education, of brilliant intellect and polish of manner. Though he had been admitted to the bar, he never en- gaged in practice, as he got the gold fever and was one of the forty-niners, and after his return with considerable wealth he went into business in New York. His death took place when he was sixty-five years old. H. F. was a leading politician of Kent County, and much concerned in Democratic campaigns, but, though he was an enthusiast, he was never an office-seeker. In spite of this feeling he was nominated and elected

HON. HENRY LLOYD.

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in 1889 as a member of the state legislature, and immediately rose to the responsibilities of the po- sition. His career was cut short by death, his age being fifty-nine years. He was a very prosperous man, from a financial point of view, and left quite a fair-sized fortune. For a great many years he was a member of the Episcopal Church, and was a vestryman.

The birth of Colin F. Taylor occurred in 1867, in this district, and here he and his brothers were reared to manhood. When still young, he concluded to leave the farm and learn the carpenter's trade, and having carried out his plan he became an adept in the business, which he has followed ever since. In 1874 he purchased the property in Galena, and has since lived here. In his political preferences he keeps in mind the training of his childhood and adheres to the doctrines of the Democracy.

In 1875 a marriage was celebrated in Balti- more, the principal parties thereto being C. F. Taylor and Emma Ridgley Chapman, of Balti- more County, Md. Their union has been graced by two amiable and accomplished daughters, now young ladies. Susie C. is a graduate of the state normal school of Baltimore, and is now well launched upon her career as a teacher. Belle Everett is still at home with her parents.

ON. HENRY LLOYD, associate judge of the first judicial circuit of Maryland and ex-governor of the state, is a highly re- spected and public-spirited citizen of Canı- bridge. In all communities there are certain men who naturally take the lead in all important matters and are looked up to by the people for guidance. The latter seem to know instinct- ively in whom they may safely trust, and, in the case of the worthy man of whom this is a brief record, such trust has never been misplaced. He was richly endowed by nature with the essential qualities that go toward the making of a great and good man, and his varied experiences in the battle of life have given him a hearty sympathy

with the poor and downtrodden ones of earth. He has assisted in fostering many local industries here and has been president of Dorchester Na- tional Bank almost since its organization, in 1889. His beautiful home in Cambridge is modern in architecture, spacious, and in excellent taste, and its broad, cool verandas, on two sides of the house, are especially inviting on a summer's day to the passer-by.

Judge Lloyd is a native of this county, having been born February 21, 1852. His father, Daniel Lloyd, was born in Talbot County, in July, 1812, and was of Welsh descent. His ancestors first settled in Virginia, after coming to America, later removing to Maryland. Edward Lloyd, who is a lieutenant in the United States navy, is the eighth Edward in the direct line of descent who has resided in the old family mansion of Wye House, in Talbot County, Md. The judge's grandfather, Edward Lloyd, was governor of this state from 1809 to 1811, and just one hundred years before, another Edward Lloyd served in the same exalted position from 1709 to 1714, he being called a "royal governor," as he held his office under appointment of the king and one of the Lords Baltimore. Thus, three times has this branch of the old Maryland Lloyds been called upon to fill the gubernatorial chair, and ex-Governor Lloyd Lowndes is also a cousin of our subject, and a grand-nephew of the second Governor Lloyd.

Daniel Lloyd, father of the judge, received his fine education under private tutors, as in his boy- hood the present excellent system of public schools had not been evolved, and his classical studies were completed at Princeton College. He then pursued the life of an agriculturist as long as his health would permit, and, though not what is properly termed a politician, he was greatly concerned in legislative affairs, and was chosen by the people of his community to repre- sent them in the house of delegates. He was soon compelled to resign his post and retire from active life altogether, and died in January, 1875. He was first married November 22, 1832, to Miss Virginia, eldest daughter of Arthur Upshur, of the eastern shore of Virginia, and of their four

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children, two are living, Daniel and Upshur, who are engaged in a fertilizer business. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Lloyd married, on February 3, 1846, Kittie, eldest daughter of John Campbell and Mary (Steele) Henry, of this county. To them were born Mary Campbell, Kate Henry, and Henry, of this sketch. Mrs. Kittie Lloyd was a granddaughter of the first United States senator, John Henry, from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. (He served with Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.)

Judge Lloyd was educated mainly in the Cam- bridge schools and academy, and when about twenty began teaching in the last-named institu- tion. He was one of the faculty for a period of eight years, during which time he took up the study of law, under the direction of his uncle, Hon. Daniel M. Henry, ex-member of congress, and Hon. Charles F. Goldsborough (an uncle by marriage). He was finally admitted to the bar in April, 1873, just after reaching his majority, but continued to teach for a few years longer. He was appointed auditor of the court in 1875 and in 1881 was elected to the state senate. Three years later he was honored by being made president of the senate, and in March, 1885, in virtue of that fact, he became governor of Mary- land, as President Cleveland had appointed Gov- ernor McLane a commissioner to the Paris Ex- position. In January, 1886, he was duly elected to the governorship by the legislature, his term to run until January, 1888. While serving the unexpired term of his predecessor, he met Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee, then governor of Virginia. They had never seen each other before, and by a strange coincidence it transpired that they were grandsons of two sisters, and occupying the same high office at the time. After distinguishing himself and reflecting great credit upon his con- stituents and the Democratic party in general, he returned to the life of a private citizen, and took up the practice of law in his beloved Cam- bridge, where he has since quietly resided. He undoubtedly enjoyed the most extensive practice in this place or in this portion of the county, and his clear, well-informed mind, superior judgment and wise decisions are matters of comment among

those who have occasion to come in contact with him. He stands high in the councils of the Masonic order, having frequently occupied official positions of distinction in the blue lodge and chapter, such as past grand master and senior warden of the grand lodge. He is also identi- fied with the Royal Arcanum. In 1892 he was appointed associate judge of the first judicial circuit of Maryland, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his uncle, Judge Charles F. Golds- borough, and in the fall of 1893 was nominated and elected by the people to fill that office for a term of fifteen years.

October 18, 1886, Judge Lloyd married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of William T. and Virginia A. Stapleforte, of this county. One son has been born to them, Henry Lloyd, Jr., his birth oc- curring in October, 1888. They are members of Christ Episcopal Church, in which the judge has acted in the capacity of vestryman for ten years.

JOSEPH N. WHEATLEY. The family of which the popular postmaster of Chestertown

) is a member ranks among the oldest of Kent County and has for generations maintained a prominent place in its public affairs. Alike for patriotism and business ability its representatives have been noted in their localities. The grand- father of our subject, Arthur Wheatley, was actively identified with local affairs and for a time held the position of deputy sheriff. During the war of 1812, though not an enlisted soldier in the army, he fought in an engagement with the British at Georgetown, and assisted in driving the enemy back from the place.

The father of our subject, A. B. Wheatley, was born in Kent County in 1813 and here followed agricultural pursuits, with the exception of the times when called upon to serve in public office. His sympathies were with the Democratic party and he always voted that ticket, supporting its men and measures. Among the offices which he held was that of tax collector of his district. In 1871 he was elected sheriff and served efficiently

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for two years, retiring at the expiration of his term. His death occurred in 1888 at his home in Chestertown. His wife, who is still living, bore the maiden name of Mary A. Ayres and was born in this county. Her father, John Ayres, was a merchant by occupation and served in the war of 1812. In her family there were four sons and two daughters, namely: Joseph N .; Mrs. M. M. Sherwood, a widow; Miss Kate Wheatley, who is assistant postmaster at Chestertown; J. C., who resides at Annapolis; J. F., living in Edes- ville, Kent County; and W. A., who is in Ches- tertown.

At the family home near Edesville, in the fifth district of Kent County, Joseph N. Wheatley was born August 23, 1857. His early years were spent upon the home farm and in attendance upon the public schools. After taking a short course in Washington College he secured a posi- tion as clerk with T. W. Eliason, with whom he remained for two years, and afterward he em- barked in business for himself, continuing the same for sixteen years. In 1894 he was selected to serve as deputy to the postmaster, James A. Shaw, and upon the death of the latter, in 1896, he was chosen to succeed to the position, which he has since held, though the fact that he is a Democrat and the present administration Repub- lican render his period of service brief. As post- master he is efficient, energetic and painstaking, and every department of the office is maintained at a high standard. He is justly popular among the people as a careful and successful official.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Wheatley is con- nected with the Heptasophs and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the latter of which he has passed the chairs and is a member of the grand lodge. With his family he holds member-

ship in the Methodist Protestant Church. In 1889 he married Miss Fannie G., daughter of T. W. Russell, and they have two children, Joseph N., Jr., and T. W. Russell. His entire life so far has been spent among the people of Kent County and he has gained a warm place in their regard by his manly life and strict integrity. Should the changes of life ever render removal to another place advisable, he would bear with him

the best wishes of many friends and their hope for his continued success, but one and all unite in trusting that the associations familiar to him from earliest childhood and the scene of his ac- tivities through young manhood may be those among which life's prime and its twilight may also be busily and happily passed.

AMUEL G. FISHER, M. D., of Chester- town, Kent County, is a very prominent and much respected man in this community. He was elected to the responsible position of clerk of the circuit court for Kent County in 1891, and is still discharging the duties that rest upon him in that office, to the full satisfaction of all concerned. As a public official his record is one of which he may be justly proud, for his own personal interests he holds secondary to the gen- eral welfare, and he is faithful in every particular to his trust.

A native of this county, Dr. Fisher was born September 26, 1831, and is a son of Jacob Fisher. The latter was also a physician, having graduated from the University of Maryland and for several decades was engaged in practice in the southern part of the county. He was born in Sussex County, Del., in December, 1796, and canie to this section of Maryland when he was about twenty-eight years old, being thenceforth in general practice until 1859. From 1851 to 1857 he was register of wills and made a thorough-going officer - one who enjoyed the es- teem of all his fellow-citizens. His brother Abram died while young, and another one, Isaac, was a leading attorney of Huntingdon, Pa., and is now deceased. The wife of Jacob Fisher was Mary Ann Ringgold, a native of this county. Her father, Josias, was a successful farmer of Kent County. Mrs. Mary Fisher departed this life in October, 1880, when in her seventy-second year. Of her eight sons and three daughters only three survive. Jacob F. resides in German- town, Pa., and one sister is now living in Washington.

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Dr. Fisher received his higher education in Washington College and afterwards started in the study of medicine in the University of Maryland, graduating from that celebrated institution in 1850. He then began his career as a pliysician and was steadily engaged in practice until a few years ago. Success long since crowned his efforts, and his clientele was numerous and re- munerative. In his political affiliations he has ever been a stanch Democrat, and lias taken great interest in each succeeding election.

In 1854 occurred the marriage of the doctor and Miss Isabella Constable, and two children came to bless their union, Ellen C. and Samuel G. The latter is a bright, enterprising young medi- cal practitioner of Port Deposit, Md. Mrs. Fisher is a daughter of John S. Constable, who was a well-to-do farmer, much respected in his community. Our worthy subject and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and are always ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy.

ICHARD HARRISON COLLINS, senior editor and one of the owners and publishers of the Transcript, a leading organ of the Democracy in eastern Maryland, is a young man who has a most promising future, and has al- ready acquired an enviable reputation as a jour- nalist. He is practical, gifted, energetic and in perfect accord with the busy, active, progressive spirit of the age. It is his laudable ambition to make his paper a representative one, and he spares no effort toward that end. The journal in ques- tion is a very popular one with the people of this section, and seems to meet their ideal of what a modern newspaper should be.

The paternal grandfather of the above-named gentleman was Salisbury Collins, a native of England, and related to Lord Salisbury, though distantly. He came to Dorchester County with his parents when an infant and became quite a prominent figure in that county in his time, be- ing respected by all who knew him. His son,

John M., father of our subject, was born in Dor- chester County, Md., in 1819, but went to Queen Anne County in his early manhood, there devot- ing himself to an agricultural life. He was a inan of quiet, domestic tastes, and was never desirous of entering the political or business arena. An earnest member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, he led a conscientious, blameless life, and died in 1892, regretted by a large circle of friends. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane Harrison. She was a native of Queen Anne County, and a daughter of Capt. Richard Har- rison, who won his honors in the war of the Revolution, and was in the western branch of the army. He was prominent in the Masonic order, and died in 1831, when Mrs. Collins was but six years old. To herself and husband were born five children, of whom William Salisbury is now a resident of Queen Anne County, and Washing- ton Finley is a hardware merchant of Millington, Kent County, Md. Mrs. Collins was reared in the Harrison family, who are well-known people of Queen Amme. She is now making her home with her son, William Salisbury, near Centre- ville.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 9

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