Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 92

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

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1 885-86 he was tax collector and for many years he has been school trustee. October 26, 1851, he married Susan L. Townsend, of Baltimore, by whom he had three children, Margaret A., wife of Dennis F. Rhodes; S. N., Jr., and James T. S. S., deceased.

EVI T. VOSHELL owns a splendid farm of three hundred acres in Caroline County and another place comprising over two hundred acres in Talbot County, his home being on the former estate, which through his oversight and excellent management has been brought to rank among the best farms of the fourth district. Farming has been his life work and of it he has made a noticeable success, which is especially creditable when we take into consideration the fact that he began with absolutely nothing.

The grandfather of our subject, William Voshell, was born in Delaware, to which state his father, William, Sr., came from France. The latter was a son of Obadiah Voshell, whose fa- ther, Levi Voshell, accompanied Lafayette to America and served in the war of the Revolution. Two other brothers also took part in the war with England. Our subject's father seemed to inherit the soldierly qualities of his ancestors, for we find him enlisting in the war of 1812, where he rendered brave service. He was the third in direct line who bore the name of William, and was a native of Delaware, where he engaged in farming until his death, at the age of sixty-three. His wife, Anne, was a daughter of David Lynch, who emigrated from England to Delaware; five children were born to them, namely: William H., of Oxford; Levi T .; John W., of McPherson County, Kan .; Samuel, who makes his home in Monterey, Cal .; and Ruth A., deceased. After the death of William Voshell his widow married John Young, and of their union a son was born, Robert E., now of Easton.

In Kent County, Del., our subject was born in 1835, and there he grew to manhood upon a farm. In 1860 he married Miss Frances, daugh-

ter of William S. Vane, and a consecrated Chris- tian woman, whose death, February 21, 1897, was a heavy loss to Mr. Voshell, whose loving companion she had been for so many years. The children born to their union were named as follows: William, a resident of Talbot County; Mary, who married Harry W. Snow and at his death left one son, Henry W. Snow; Sarah E., wife of John B. Dulin; Ulysses G., Ira S., Levi, Frances F., Rebecca C. and Lida R.

Locating in Talbot County in 1866, Mr. Voshell made his home upon a farm near Easton until 1892, and then came to Caroline County, where he owns a valuable place near Choptank. For nine months during the war he was a mem- ber of the Union army, having enlisted in 1863 as a member of Company F, Sixth Delaware Infantry. Politically he favors Republican prin- ciples and always votes the ticket of his party. In religious belief he and his family are con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ILLIAM T. DARBY is engaged in general farm pursuits near Riverton, in Barren Creek district, Wicomico County, where he owns and operates the old Darby homestead of one hundred and fifty acres. He was born near his present place of residence March 20, 1837, and is a son of John T. and Elizabeth (Harris) Darby, natives of Maryland. John T. was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Phillips) Darby. The father of our subject spent his active life as an agriculturist in Wicomico County and was one of the leading farmers of this section, being well-to do and highly respected. There had come to him by inheritance a portion of the tract of one thousand acres purchased by his father and occupying the present site of River- ton and much of the surrounding country. In disposition he was liberal and accommodating, and in character honest in his dealings with all. His deatlı occurred in 1873; his wife passed away six years later. They were the parents of five

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children, of whom the survivors are our subject and Sallie, wife of Capt. C. R. Dashiell, residing at Green Hill, Wicomico County.

At the age of nineteen our subject became a clerk in his uncle's store at Riverton. On the death of his uncle in 1881 he went to Baltimore, but shortly afterward returned to Wicomico County and purchased the interests of the other heirs in the home farm of one hundred and fifty acres. Here he has since resided, devoting his attention industriously to the cultivation of the land. Politically he is a Democrat. In 1887 he was elected a member of the board of school com- missioners, serving six years, and in 1893 became judge of the orphans' court, in which capacity he served until 1895. In religious belief he is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. February 28, 1880, he married Annie B., daugh- ter of Henry C. Vickers, of Baltimore. Three children were born of their union, and two of these are living: Richard J., who is a student in the Baltimore schools, and Mary E.

ACHEL DOWNS is the proprietor of a very fine homestead in the sixth district of Queen Anne's County. This property, long known as Hogg Harbor, is a tract of one hundred and sixty-five acres, and was willed to the present owner by his paternal grandfather. He is a mall of most industrious, persevering characteristics, and has won the high regard of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He carries on gen- eral farmning, raising the usual lines of grain and fruit common to this region, and makes a good competence for his family.

The above-named gentleman was given the same peculiar Christian name that his grandfa- ther Downs bore, and in consideration of which fact he was always a particular favorite of the old gentleman. Our subject was born on this farm May 12, 1864, and passed his early years in the manner common to country boys. He received a district-school education and owes to himiselt chiefly the fact that he is to-day a man of wide

information; for by private study and reading he gained more knowledge, twice over, than he could obtain in the schools of his boyhood here. Believing that "it is not good for man to be alone," he chose as the sharer of his life's joys and sorrows Miss Martie Willoughby, of Caro- line County, and they were married in January, 1896. They have one child, to whom they have given the name of Arthur John.

John A. Downs, fatlier of our subject, was a native of the fifth district of this county, and was a successful farmer, and for years was a con- stable, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. He was a stalwart worker in that party, as is also his son. His death occurred in 1895, when he was in his sixty-eighth year. He was three times married, his first wife, Emily, daugh- ter of John Chambers, dying in May, 1872. To them were born several children, of whom the following survive: Mary G., wife of Harry Mon- tague, of Philadelphia; Vachel; Emma C., Mrs. W. G. Turner, of this county; Alice V., wife of Allen Cherry, of Caroline County; Minnie A., unmarried; Glenville M., whose home is in Penn- sylvania; Jessie L., at home; Norman, of Caroline County; and Annie P., at home. The second wife of John A. Downs.was Annie Cooper before their marriage and his third wife was Ellen T. Starkey.

LIVER T. BEAUCHAMP, the popular young clerk of the Somerset County court, of Princess Anne, was elected to his present office in 1895 and is meeting all of the require- ments of the position with skill and fidelity. He is not the first of his name to occupy the office, as in the early records of the county it may be seen that one Edmund Beauchamp (supposed to have been a distant relative of our subject) was the first clerk of the courts here, which held their first session in 1665.

The father of Oliver T. Beauchamp was a life- long agriculturist and was interested to some ex- tent in merchandising. Levin H., for such was

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his name, was a native of Westover, Somerset casions since. In 1887 he was a candidate for County, and spent his life in that locality. He the office of county commissioner and two years later was elected sheriff, serving to the entire satisfaction of all concerned for one term. Though he was a young man for that responsible position he received the largest majority (five hundred and fifty-three votes ) ever tendered any candidate for the place in this county. In 1890 and 1891 he was tax collector for the first district, and for four years he was the postmaster of Westover. A man always in favor of improvements and better advantages for the public, he was one of the most influential in the matter of building the new fine school and city hall in Westover. November 14, 1895, the People's Bank of Princess Anne was organized, and he was one of the most interested promoters of the enterprise and was one of the original directors in the institution. Formerly he operated a steam sawmill and he owns two farms besides the one he inherited from his father. So- cially he is a member of the Heptasophs and the Improved Order of Red Men of Westover. was fairly successful as a financier and was be- loved and respected by all of his associates. For over half a century he was a faithful member of the Methodist Protestant Church and helped ma- terially in its prosperity. At the good old age of eighty-one years he entered into his reward, and left to his children a heritage of a spotless name and the memory of a life well spent in the service of God and man. His father, Thomas Beau- champ, was also born in this county, and followed the same calling, farming, as a means of obtaining a livelihood. He died when about the allotted three-score and ten years of man. At one time he served as deputy sheriff of this county in the early days of its history. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Margaret E. White. She is a native of Fairmount district, Somerset County, and is now in her sixty-seventh year. She is, like her husband was, an earnest member of the church, and is beloved by all with whom she comes in contact. Of her five chil- dren, L. Wesley, Oliver T., Helen A., Virginia and Francis T., the three latter have been sunt- moned to the better land. L. Wesley is a pros- perous farmer near the town of Westover, this county.

December 20, 1887, Mr. Beauchamp married Miss Ida Davis, of Shelltown, this county. They have three sons and two daughters, of whom one died when about three years old, and those who survive are named as follows: Levin Creston, James Roger, Mildred and Oliver T., Jr.

Oliver T. Beauchamp was born November 9, 1860, hear Westover, Somerset County, and re- mained with his parents until he was past his majority. He attended the public schools and managed to acquire a liberal education, and what- ever time he could spare from his studies he gave to his father in the work of the old homestead. About 1884 he started out independently, and carried on a farm in connection with merchandis- ing in the neighboring village of Westover. He was thus occupied up to 1895, when he was elected to his present office, whereupon he sold his store and removed to this place. Though his father was a Democrat, he studied into the great questions bearing upon the national welfare, looked into the principles of the differing parties, and finally made up his mind that the Republican platform most nearly coincided with his views, therefore he has warmly seconded it upon all oc-

ILLIAM M. FLETCHER for many years was one of the finest jewelers and watch- makers of Dorchester County, and has the reputation of being one of the most progressive and energetic citizens and business men of Cam- bridge. To him, perhaps more than to any other, is due the credit for the upbuilding of East Cam- bridge, which now has a population of about seven hundred persons. In 1872 Mr. Fletcher purchased one hundred acres there and three years later com- menced in earnest to erect homes and sell town lots. He has sold off about sixty acres and the village is in a most thriving condition. He also owns two good farms within three miles of Cambridge, and one farm near East New Market, in the ad-

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joining district. His own family residence is a beautiful one, of modern architecture, and was completed in 1888. By many it is esteemed the finest brick dwelling in Cambridge, and its in- terior decorations and furnishings are of the most elegant style and bespeak the refined taste of the owners.

To the people of this community Mr. Fletcher is probably best known as a jeweler, for lie was engaged in that business for more than forty years liere and in East New Market, but has re- cently retired, in order to more thoroughly de- vote his attention to his other enterprises. A native of this county, born March 8, 1828, our subject is a son of John H. Fletcher, who was a well-to-do farmer here, and lived to be eighty- one years old. He was married three times, his first union being with Elizabeth Bradley, who was born near Gales Town, this county, and died when young, leaving three children who grew to maturity, William M., Major S. and Kilby B. The second wife was a Miss Bramble, and their two children, Jeremiah and Mary J., are both living in Preston, Caroline County. The last wife was Sarah Andrews before their marriage, and their only child, John, is the present register of wills in Dorchester County ( see his sketch ). The own brothers of our subject, Major and Kilby, were prosperous merchants, the former of East New Market and the latter of Cabin Creek, where he operated a mill, but both are now deceased. Major left two children and Kilby six to mourn a father's loss.

In his youth Mr. Fletcher of this review did not have the opportunities of obtaining an educa- tion that every child of this period so freely en- joys, but he made the best of such advantages as came in his way, and has certainly had sufficient for all practical purposes of business life. He was taught that he must be a worker in the world's fields of effort, and he has always kept that principle in mind, with the result that he now has a fortune ample for all his needs during the remainder of his career.

April 28, 1858, Mr. Fletcher married Sarah C. Keene, of Taylor's Island, Dorchester County. She is a daugliter of Robert B. Keene, a promi-

ment and respected citizen, who lived to attain the ripe age of seventy-four years. In 1864 Mr. Fletcher voted for Lincoln, there being compar- atively few in these parts that did so. He has always been either a Whig or a Republican in national affairs, but he wisely prefers to be un- restricted by party in matters of merely local import.

M C BLAIR LLOYD, a worthy representative of one of the best and most influential old families of Talbot County, is a young man of recognized ability and executive skill. He is now manager in charge of the fine, large home- stead in the fourth district, Wye Heights, the proprietor of which is Dr. I. R. Trimble, of Bal- timore. He is energetic, industrious and pos- sesses rare common sense and good judgment, and it is a fact plainly to be seen that few could carry on the varied interests and plans for this place with better results for the amount expended.

A son of the well and favorably known Col. Edward Lloyd, of Wye House, our subject was born in that historic residence November 12, 1862. This old family mansion is situated in the first district of this county, near Easton, and is still occupied by the colonel and his estimable wife, his sketch appearing in this work. In 1881 young Lloyd graduated from the Winchester (Va.) Academy, after which he spent about twelve months in Clarkstown, W. Va., as a clerk. Then returning to Easton he found employment as assistant station agent there, and retained the place five years. The four following years he was a resident of Baltimore, and the next two years he was in the general freight office of a railroad company in Philadelphia. He then came to his present situation, which is a desirable one as well as one of responsibility. This year (1897) the crop of peaches to be harvested from the ex- tensive orchards on the place is estimated at about two thousand bushels, and as high as sixty-four hundred bushels of wheat have been raised here also in one season.

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January 8, 1896, Mr. Lloyd married Miss Vir- ginia B. Causey, of Milford, Del. Her father, Peter F. Causey, is a very prominent and re- spected citizen of his community.

OHN LEWIS RHODES is an active young politician of Queen Anne's County, and is a valued worker in the ranks of the Democ- racy, which platform he supports. He was ap- pointed to the position of tax collector in 1884, and is now serving another term of two years, 1896-97, in the same office. On several occa- sions he has been sent as a delegate to county and state conventions, and his enthusiasm and energy have had a marked influence upon his associates. He is now the owner of the old homestead on which he was born, and has always resided here. The place is located in the fifth district and con- tains three hundred acres.

The Rhodes family is of Irish origin, John L. being of the fifth generation removed from the founder of the family in America. William Washington, the honored father of our subject, was a son of Dennis and Charlotte (Hutchinson) Rhodes. He was born in Talbot, and from boyhood followed farming as a means of obtain- ing a livelihood. At the time of his demise he was well-to-do and had become so largely through his own indefatigable efforts. He was a devout Catholic, and was a man of upright character and sound sense. His word was considered as safe to rely upon as his written word, and all who had any business dealings with him were ready to extol his fairness. His wife was a Miss Sarah Matilda Long.

The birth of J. L. Rhodes occurred in 1860, and when he was of suitable age he commenced to attend school in the neighborhood. He laid the foundation of success at that time, for he was a good student and was by nature quick to take up new ideas, and the discipline and mental training were what he needed. He was always industrious, and while a mere lad was of great help to his parents in their daily round of duties.

In 1878 he fell heir to the paternal estate, his father dying November I of that year, and has since carried on the farm with ability and good judgment. In addition to raising a general line of the crops grown hereabouts he has given some attention to the raising of blooded horses and keeps several fine specimens on his farm at all times.

In 1881 the marriage of Mr. Rhodes and Mary C. Skinner, daughter of Robert C. Skinner, took place at St. Peter's Catholic Church near Queens- town. They have two sons, William Washing- ton and Lewis K. They are all members of the Catholic Church.

EVIN P. WILLIAMS, who is engaged in farming upon his finely improved home- stead just outside the corporate limits of Preston, Caroline County, is a native of this lo- cality and has passed his entire life, a period of over three-score years, hereabouts. He is there- fore fully identified with, and interested in, every- thing which has gone to make up the growing prosperity of the Eastern Shore. Like his fore- fathers, he possesses sterling traits of character, prominent among them being strict integrity, justice and honor in all dealings with others, and such men deserve and generally achieve success sooner or later.

Madison Williams, father of our subject, was a descendant of one of the fine old families of Maryland who were long associated with her history. He was born in Caroline County in 1810, and started out in his business life a poor man. But by thrift and well-applied energy he acquired a goodly competence and owned several hundred acres at the time of his death. He was wise in his choice of a helpmate, for in the per- son of his wife he ever found a true friend, a sharer of his joys and sorrows. She was Ann, -daughter of Levin Poole, and by her marriage she became the mother of several children, viz .: James, now deceased; Levin P .; Mary, who first married Canon Charles and had two children,

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and after the death of Mr. Charles became the wife of Robert P. Taylor; Ann E., Mrs. Jesse Wright, of Preston; and Lydia, Mrs. Curtis A. Wright, of Harmony, Caroline County.

Levin P. Williams was born in 1835 and has from boyhood been perfectly familiar with agri- cultural duties. He now owns over three hun- dred acres of valuable farming land, and resides in a comfortable and commodious house within convenient distance of the town of Preston. He has erected all of the substantial buildings to be found on the place and keeps everything up in a neat and thrifty manner. He is liberal in his political views and prefers not to be restricted by party lines. Religiously he is an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1860 Mr. Williams married Miss Margaret, daughter of James R. Nichols, and two children came to bless their union. The elder, Annie, is the wife of Thomas Taylor, and the younger, Ella M., remains at home with her parents, giv- ing them that watchful, loving care that is so grateful to those whose footsteps are upon the downward slope of life's pilgrimage.

2 ATHANIEL W. COMEGYS, who after the labors of a long and busy life is spend. ing his later years in ease and retirement on his farm in the second district, Kent County, was born on the place opposite, November 30, 1825, and is a representative of an old and hon- ored family which was founded here by William Comegys, a native of Germany, in 1707, and has since been identified with her agricultural and business interests. The grandfather and great- grandfather of our subject also bore the name of Nathaniel and spent their entire lives upon the farm which Mrs. Emery now owns.

The father, John M. Comegys, was success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Kent County throughout life, was an ardent Democrat, and a great admirer of General Jackson, whom he supported for the presidency. He was an active and prominent member of the Shrewsburg

Episcopal Church, in which he served as vestry- man for many years, and wherever known was held in high regard. His death occurred in 1874, at the age of seventy-seven years. In early man- hood he married his cousin, Miss Anna Comegys, and to them were born three children: Nathan- iel W .; Hannah, widow of John F. Newman; and Anna, wife of S. R. Emery. For a number of years the father was a member of the state militia.

Upon the old homestead Mr. Comegys, of this review, grew to manhood, and the public schools of the locality afforded him his early educational privileges, but he was later a student in Wash- ington College. At the age of thirty he rented one of his father's farms and began life for him- self, and at his father's death inherited some of the estate. Upon a portion of the home farm he still resides, having one hundred and fifty acres of excellent farming land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings. His son, John M., has now relieved him of the active management of the farm.

In 1860 Mr. Comegys led to the marriage altar Miss Helen Spencer, a daughter of George W. and Margaret C. (Ringgold) Spencer. Her grand- fathers were Jervis Spencer, of Kent County, and Jervis Ringgold, of Queen Anne's County, and her ancestors came from England as early as 1700. Her father was a general farmer, who spent his entire life in Kent County, his home being near Galena. He was a prominent and influential citizen, took an active part in political affairs, served as state representative for several terms, state senator twice, was sheriff from 1840 until 1844, and was judge of the orphans' court for some time. His death occurred in 1884, at the age of seventy years, and his wife passed away in 1854, aged forty-two. In their family were four children: Helen, wife of our subject; Jervis, a resident of Chestertown; Charlotte, wife of Thomas W. Wicks; and Laura, wife of Addison Emery, of Centreville. Two children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Comegys, namely: John M. and George S.

Mr. Comegys follows in the political footsteps

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of his father in giving his unwavering support to the men and measures of the Democracy, and he has served his fellow-citizens as tax collector for the second district for two years. He and his family hold membership in the Episcopal Church, contribute liberally to its support, and lie has served as vestryman in the same for the past forty years and treasurer for some time. His life has been manly, his actions sincere, his manner unaffected and his example is well worthy of emu- lation.

) OL. WILBUR F. JACKSON. One of the most beautiful estates on the Eastern Shore is Castle Haven, in Dorchester County, the summer home of Colonel Jackson, of Baltimore. Its situation on the Choptank River has not only the advantage of picturesqueness, but also of con- venient access to other points in Maryland. During the war of 1812 a British regiment landed here, probably with the intention of proceeding to Cambridge, but something caused them to change their plans and they re-embarked after a short stay at Castle Haven. In the years that followed the land was brought under culti- vation and substantial buildings were erected, but afterwards for a score of years the place was neg- lected and the structures became dilapidated, re- taining little resemblance to their former prosper- `ous appearance. A radical change, however, has been made since 1894, when the property was purchased by the present owner, and Castle Haven is now thought by many to be the hand- somest home on the Eastern Shore. The resi- dence has been repaired and enlarged, a commo- dious barn and other farm buildings have been put up, and the lawn is an example of tasteful adornment.

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Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 92

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