Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 95

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

USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland > Part 95

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In Middletown, Del., the subject of this sketch was born in 1836, being a descendant of English anicestry. His father, Nathaniel, was born in Delaware and there engaged in agricultural pur-

suits, being the owner of a farm near Middle- town. During the latter part of his life, how- ever, he owned and occupied a farm near St. Georges. In public affairs and in political circles he was well known and among his fellow-citizens he wielded considerable influence. While still in the prime of life, at the age of fifty-six, his earth life ended, in 1853. Two children, George W. and James H. (now of Virginia) were born of his union with Maria, daughter of Daniel Haines, of Delaware. The wife and mother died in 1840, when a young woman.

The boyhood years of our subject's life were spent in Kent, Dorchester and Talbot Counties, and his education was obtained in public schools and in Newton Academy, Baltimore. After he was sixteen he ceased to attend school and turned his attention to active work. As before stated his residence in Still Pond dates from 1851, when he came here as a clerk for his uncle. In 1859 he married Helen E. Busick, of Kent County. They are the parents of five children, namely: E. Lester, of New York; Helen M .; Irene L., wife of J. C. Alston, a farmer residing near Middletown, Del .; James C., whose home is in Philadelphia; and Ethel, who married Dr. William E. Banard, a dentist, of Middletown, Del.

The cause of temperance has. enlisted the sup- port of Mr. Covington perhaps more than any other measure for the public weal. In earlier life he was a Democrat. He voted for James Buchanan for president and under his administra- tion held the office of postmaster at Still Pond. He also held the same office at Lynch in 1871. He continued to be identified with the Democratic party until 1884, when, after giving careful study to the evils wrought by the sale of intoxicants, he determined to cast in his lot with the Pro- hibitionists and support by his ballot the prin- ciples in which he has always believed. Since then he has been prominent in the party. In 1892 he was a delegate to the national convention at Cincinnati and four years later attended the con- vention at Pittsburg as a delegate. The Order of Good Templars numbers him among its leading members. In 1869 he was elected a member of the county school board and labored faithfully

826

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for the interests of the schools while holding that position. In 1860 he was nominated for congress from the first district, but failed to secure the election. For some years he has been steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife, who died in 1886, at the age of forty-five, was also an earnest member of and worker in that de- nomination.

I SAAC T. HEARN, a well-to-do farmer of Snow Hill district, Worcester County, Md., is a native of Wicomico County, born January 4, 1867. He is a son of Hon. Isaac N. and Mary H. (Hayman) Hearn, both of this state. The former was a member of the state legislature and is a man of considerable wealth and influence in his own community. At one time he had over twenty-three hundred acres of land, and still possesses over two thousand acres. He has been engaged in the lumber business in Whitesville for several years, while his children look after his property.

Grandfather William Hearn was a native of Delaware, and there he carried on large farms. His father, Thomas Hearn, was also a native of that state and was a farmer by occupation, and his father, in turn, whose Christian name was William, was a native of England and came to Maryland in 1681, where he had extensive grants of land under one of the Lords Baltimore. The Mason and Dixon line afterwards was surveyed and located through his land. While the greater part of his property was on the Maryland side of the division line between this state and Dela- ware, he saw fit to place his residence upon the Delaware side. He was a practical man of bus- iness and was very successful. He lived to at- tain a ripe age.

Isaac T. Hearn is next to the youngest in a family of seven brothers and sisters, three of whom are deceased, viz .: Olivia E., William and Harriet A. Those who are living are: Cordelia, Mary, Isaac T. and George E. The early years of our subject were spent in the usual manner of

farmer lads, and such education as he obtained was gained in the public schools of his home dis- trict until he was about fifteen years of age, when it was his privilege to enter the schools of Salis- bury and there pursue higher studies for a year and a-half. As soon as he had completed his studies he turned his attention to the mastering of the various duties pertaining to farm manage- ment, and also became interested in milling to some extent. These two occupations he still continues, with good results. He is an ardent advocate of the principles and nominees of the Democracy.

March 27, 1888, the marriage of Mr. Hearn and Jennie E. Rodney was solemnized. She isa native of Sussex County, Del., and comes from a fine old family in that state, three of her relatives having distinguished themselves by occupying the gubernatorial chair. Her peo- ple were agriculturists and stock-dealers for the most part. Two bright children have come to grace the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hearn and are respectively: Mary H., eight years old, and Isaac J., six years old. Mrs. Hearn is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

APT. DANIEL FRIEL. The farm where for many years this gentleman made his home was called Heathworth and consisted of three hundred and forty-five acres situated in the third district of Queen Anne's County. It bore many improvements which represented his earnest labor and wise management. Farming was his principal occupation in life, though for a time he was employed as captain of a boat that brought lime from Pennsylvania for sale among the farmers of this locality.

The captain's father, Bernard Friel, was born in the north of Ireland, whence he emigrated to America about 1823 and settled in Gettysburg, Pa. Of his family only two sons ever came to Maryland, they being Capt. John and Capt. Daniel, both of whom settled in Queen Anne's County. Daniel was born May 10, 1821, and in

827

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

boyhood had limited opportunities for obtaining an education. The knowledge that he acquired was mostly the result of experience and observa- tion. From an early age he was obliged to sup- port himself, which was an advantage because it trained him to habits of steady industry and perseverance.

By his marriage to Annette De Swan Captain Friel had two daughters, namely: Annie, the widow of James B. Hess, of this county; and Mary, who married Charles Middleton, of Phila- delphia. The captain's second wife was Christi- ana Kavanagh, who bore him six children, namely: Jane Maria, wife of Harry L. Boyd; Elizabeth R., who is unmarried; Daniel J., of Baltimore; Catherine V., Mrs. John H. Stokes, of Kent County; John A. and Elva C., at home. The captain's widow bore the maiden name of Rebecca Gardner. In 1882 he came to the farm where the closing years of his life were passed. Though an active politician he did not care for office. He held the position of county commis- sioner for one term, but with that exception was not an incumbent of local offices. Both in his church, the Catholic, and among the poor and needy he was very liberal, and his death, June 26, 1892, was a personal loss to many people of the county.

AMES M. H. BATEMAN, M. D., is one of the prominent and successful physicians of Talbot County, and has built up a fine practice in and around Easton. The talents he has exhibited as a professional man have brought him a deserved prominence in the medical frater- nity. He has filled the responsible position of president of the state board of health, and is also a member of the state board of medical examiners. In addition to the management of his private practice he is physician to the Pennsylvania Railroad at Easton.

The Batemans are among the old and lionor- able families of Maryland. The doctor's father, Henry E. Bateman, descended from William

Bateman, of Anne Arundel County, Md .; was born in the city of Baltimore in 1808, and received excellent advantages in youth. With a natural desire and taste for newspaper work, he rendered efficient service as editor of the Easton Star. Later he was clerk of the court of ap- peals for the Eastern Shore. The principles adopted by the Democratic party and presented in the platformn of that organization were in accord with his personal views, and these he has always supported by his ballot and influence. For some time he was state librarian and comp- troller of the state. He was also chief of the de- partment of commerce and navigation in the treasury department at Washington, and in 1867 he was a member of the constitutional convention. Among the local offices he held was that of com- missioner of Talbot County. He was a trustee of the Cathedral and was frequently a delegate to church conventions. His character combined qualities of a high order, integrity, persistence, fidelity to duty, unwavering honesty and kindness of heart, and these characteristics brought him the esteem of all with whom he was associated in public or private life. He passed away Novem- ber 30, 1893.

The mother of Dr. Bateman was Ariana, daughter of James Morrell and Mary (Lowe) Hopkins. Her ancestors were among the early settlers of Maryland, and her father was descended from James Morrell, of Calvert County, Md., who married Elizabeth Sedgwick. The doctor's motlier was noted for her gentleness, refinement and strength of character. She died December 21, 1871. Of her six children four are living viz .: James M. H .; Henry A., assistant general superintendent of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad relief department at Baltimore; J. Frank, who has been state's attorney of Talbot County; and Wilfred, of Easton, and formerly clerk of the circuit court.

The eldest son of the family, just enumerated, forms the subject of this sketch. He was born in Easton, November 9, 1844, and attended school in Washington, D. C. In March, 1867, he graduated from the medical department of the University of Maryland, and immediately after

828

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

completing his studies came to Easton, where he began his medical practice. During the years that have followed he has built up a large prac- tice and gained a reputation as a skillful physi- cian.

November 7, 1871, Dr. Bateman was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth T. Goldsborough, daughter of James N. Goldsborough, of Easton. Eight children came to bless their union, but only three are now living, Jamies G., Elizabeth T. and Henry E.

D APT. THOMAS J. WALTER, like such a large percentage of the people born along the shores of the beautiful Chesapeake, con- cluded to try life upon the sea in his early man- hood, and like many others ultimately de- cided to turn his attention to another man- ner of earning his livelihood. He has been a merchant and farmer of the Tyaskin dis- trict for a number of years now and is one of the most respected citizens of the town of Nanti- coke. In his store here may be found general merchandise, dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes and clothing. He owns a well-kept and well-cultivated homestead, comprising about one hundred and sixty acres and improved with sub- stantial house, barns and other necessary build- ings. The place bears an air of thrift that is very creditable to the owner, and is considered as valuable as any in the neighborhood.

The captain was born in this county, December 7, 1841, being a son of William and Elizabeth (Porter) Walter. The parents were also both natives of this county and in their family there were four children, one of whom has passed over to the silent land. The others are Thomas J., of whom we write; Margaret and W. A. The father of William Walter bore the same Christian name, William. He was born and reared to manhood upon the Eastern Shore of the Chesa- peake, and settled here permanently upon arriv- ing at the age of mature decision. He lived to a good old age, passing the three-score and ten

years allotted to man by about eight years. Both he and his son and namesake were devoted to the life of agriculture and made a good livelihood thereby for their families.

As previously stated Captain Walter gained his title during the five years which he spent upon the bay as a sailor and master of a ship. He received a common-school education and has always been quite a reader and student. He is a well-informed man upon the current topics of the day and is a pleasing conversationalist. He is loyal in his allegiance to the Republican platform and nominees and cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has never held public office to any extent, having simply served to ac- commodate his neighbors as judge of elections for some six years. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Wicomico Lodge No. 91, A. F. & A. M., of Salisbury, Md.

In May, 1871, the marriage of Mr. Walter and Mary E. Harrington was solemnized. The lady is a native of Wicomico County and is a daughter of Capt. Alfred Harrington, who fol- lowed the high seas during his entire lifetime. Four bright, lovely children came to bless the hearts and home of our subject and his estimable wife, but three of the number were soon claimed by death, as being too fair flowers for an earthly garden. Their names were: Addie, Grace and Willie A. The only child left to the bereaved parents is little Bernice, who is a genuine sun- beam in what would otherwise be a lonesome home.

00 AVID J. HOPKINS, deceased, was one of the most enterprising, energetic business men of Kent County, Del., during his act- ive life, and was a man of such sterling worth and excellent qualities that every one who had the pleasure of knowing him respected him most highly. He was very industrious and persevered in whatever he undertook, carrying it out to a successful issue, and thus won a place for himself among the influential citizens of this community. His career was very short, as he died at the

829

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

prime of early manhood, and when a happy and prosperous future was just opening out before him, and his many friends and sincere well- wishers have deeply deplored his untimely death.

The birthplace of David J. Hopkins was in Kent County, Del., and the date of his birth September 1, 1853. His parents were John and Mary A. (Taylor) Hopkins, who were likewise both natives of Delaware. The grandfather, John Hopkins, Sr., was also born in that state, and was a successful farmer. David J. was one of five children, the others now being respected citizens of the several communities in which they have their homes.

From his first recollections David J. Hopkins was associated with the duties of farm life, and early learned every department of the work of operating a homestead correctly. He was an apt student in the schools of the period, and made such progress in his various studies that at length he took the teacher's examination required and was placed in charge of a school, which he taught quite successfully for two years. Then he turned his entire attention to farming, and gradually accumulated land, until at his death he left an estate comprising over four hundred acres. This property he had improved and placed under ex. cellent cultivation, and it is now managed with remarkable ability by his widow, who has de- veloped unusual talent for business, and wisely superintends all the work upon the place.

It was on February 15, 1876, that a mar- riage ceremony united the fortunes of D. J. Hop- kins and Mary Tharp, who survives him. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary E. (Flem- ing) Tharp, who were natives of Delaware, and a granddaughter of Llewellyn Tharp, an exten- sive land owner in that state, where he, too, was born. Four children came to bless the hearts of Mr. Hopkins and wife, and were named as fol- lows: Benjamin, John, D. Norman and Mary. Benjamin graduated from a commercial college in Wilmington, Del., two years ago, and is now bookkeeper for C. T. George, of Philadelphia. John is attending Fisk's Telegraphic School, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hopkins was affiliated with the Republican party and never failed to do his

full duty as a patriot and citizen, for he kept posted in all the great questions of the day, and was always prepared to cast his ballot intelli- gently. He was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and gave liberally to the support of its various departments of usefulness. He received the sunimons to leave the scenes of his earthly pilgrimage February 22, 1886, when but thirty-three years of age. Mrs. Hopkins is also a member of the Methodist Church, and is nobly striving to bring up her children in love toward God and man, and with a fitting regard for right principles of conduct. They are bright young people, have received good educational advantages, and have promising futures before them.

AMES W. HARRINGTON is a prosperous and most highly respected agriculturist of Queen Anne's County, Md., his postoffice address being Roe. His valuable homestead is finely situated in the sixth district, and is one of the best in this region. The owner is a skillful farmer and takes great pride in keeping every- thing about his place in a thrifty state. His farm, formerly styled the Duhamel homestead, comprises two hundred and forty acres, and upon it a general line of the crops usually grown in this locality is cultivated. In addition to manag- ing the farm, our subject owns and runs a saw- mill, and had made a goodly sum in this way.

William, father of J. W. Harrington, was born in Caroline County, Md., near the town of Hen- derson, in the early part of this century. His father, Philemon Harrington, was a native of Delaware and became a resident of this state in 1790, while, going backward another generation, it is found that his father was an Englishman who emigrated to America in 1740. William Harrington, above mentioned, was a well-to-do farmer, and was a pillar in the church which he attended. He departed this life in 1867, leaving many warm friends, who deeply deplored his loss. His wife was a Miss Ann Maria Clements, whose father was James Clements, of Delaware. She

S30

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

survived her husband but a few years, dying in 1879. She had thirteen children, of whom the following are now living: J. . W .; An Maria, Mrs. H. R. Cooper, of Wilmington, Del .; George, a resident of Millington, Md .; and Louisa, Mrs. Robert Colgan, of Wilmington.

The birth of the subject of these notes took place upon a farm in the vicinity of Henderson, Caroline County, November 5, 1825. He helped liis father as much as lie could when a boy, and went to the district schools in the winter terms. He decided to learn a trade, and going to Church Hill worked as a carpenter twelve ycars with good financial results. In 1858 he purchased the property that lic has since cultivated, and where he still makes his home. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past fifty- six years, and has held the offices of trustee and steward in the congregation, and has also served as class-leader. He does not take an active part in politics.

Mr. Harrington was married first to Rachel Rebecca Tolson, who died in May, 1854, leaving three children. His second union was with Saralı Maria Spry, whose death occurred in Sep- temiber, 1858, and both of their children are also deceased. January 23, 1862, Mr. Harrington married Charlotte E. Brown, of Church Hill, and nine children have been born to them.

HE EARLE FAMILY. The following his- tory of the Earle family is taken from an old Bible, where almost the entire narrative appears in the handwriting of James Earle, and it is understood to be his composition.

"My grandfather, James Earle, was born upon July 25, in the year of our Lord Christ, 1631, about ten years before the rebellion of Ireland, and died in Maryland the 24th of September, 1684, leaving behind him a widow and many sons and daughters. His aforesaid widow, Rhodah Earle, afterward married and lived in Maryland until the 20th day of October, anno domini, 1714, when she departed this life, without other chil-

dren than she had by her former husband, James Earle. She died about the seventy-fourth year of her age, and came into Maryland with her husband, James Earle, November 15, anno dom- ini, 1683, and brought with them thirteen chil- dren. Their oldest son, John, was then in the country, a captain of a ship, but was afterward taken captive and lived in slavery some years, and was finally murdered by a couple of villains.

"Michael Earle, my father, the second son of James and Rhodah, married a certain Sarah Stevens on the 14th of October, 1686, which said Sarah departed this life Marchi 7, 1688, not leav- ing any offspring behind her. The aforesaid Michael Earle, my father, afterward, viz., on the 27th of December, 1690, at Trumping Town, on Chester River, married with a certain Ann Carpenter, by whom he had four children. Their oldest son was born the 27th of November, 1692, and died the same day. Their next were twins, viz .: Elizabeth and James (which said James is myself). We were born February 17, 1694, be- ing Sunday, said Elizabeth about five of the clock in the afternoon and said James about half an hour later. We both received private baptism the next day. The fourth child was born the 26th of December, 1697, being Sunday, and was baptized the 7th of August following, by the name of Carpenter, our mother's maiden name. The aforesaid Carpenter Earle married with a certain Mary Thomas, by whom he had one son, called Joseph, and born after said Carpenter died, viz., the Christmas Eve 1720, leaving behind him Joseph, who is now under the care of my uncle, Joseph Earle.

"My sister, Elizabeth Earle, married Maj. William Turbutt and died September 29, 1725, leaving behind her four children, viz .: Michael, Anna Maria T., Mary and Elizabeth T. The said William and Elizabeth Turbutt married in September, 1712. My father and mother, Michael and Ann Earle, died on the 5th of April, 1709, of a violent pleurisy which then raged violently in Queen Anne's County, Md. They were both buried in one grave at the old burying place at Sprigg's Point, commonly called Carpenter's Point.

831

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"Myself, the second son of Michael and Ann Earle, married Mary Tilghman, daughter of Rich- ard Tilghman, Esquire, and Anna Maria, his wife, whose maiden name was Lloyd. We were married at the home of Richard Tilghman, the 12th of October, 1721, and with Richard lived until the 19th of April, 1723, being Friday, when we began housekeeping on our present dwelling plantation in Queen Anne's County. Our first child, Michael Earle, was born October 19, 1722, and received private baptism the New Year's day following from the hands of the Rev. Christopher Wilkinson, rector of St. Paul's parish. Anna Maria Earle, our second child, was born in May, 1725, being Saturday, in the mansion house of her father and mother. She received private baptism the same month she was born. Richard Tilghman Earle, our third child, was born July 10, 1727, and died January 17, 1728. He re- ceived private baptism before death. Richard Tilghman Earle, our fourth child, was born Feb- ruary 10, 1728, being Sunday, and received private baptism the same month. Henrietta Maria Earle, our fifth child, was born November 26, 1730, being Thursday, and received public baptism from the Rev. James Cox. Joseph Earle, our sixth child, was born November 11, 1732, received baptism a few hours afterward, and died the next day. James Earle, our seventh child, was born April 21, 1734, being Monday, and re- ceived private baptism a few days after by the Rev. Mr. Cox.

"January 10, 1736, there departed this life my dear, good wife, Mary, lately called Mary Tilgh- man. She was born August 23, 1702, and I doubt not is mounted up to a blessed eternity. She was buried on the right hand of her two dear babies, Richard Tilghman and Joseph Earle, who died before her. It was a violent cold day. The Rev. Mr. Holt preached her funeral sermon and his text was taken out of the tenth chapter of St. Luke's gospel. There was a great concourse of people at the funeral, notwithstanding the violence of the weather. Great sorrow and mourn- ing appeared on every side.

"My second wife and I were married at her home, November 6, 1738. Her maiden name

was Crapp, the daughter of John Crapp, of Phil- adelphia, at which place she was born. Her name when I married her was Sarah Chetham, the widow of Edward Chetham, late of Queen Anne County, deceased."

(Signed) JAMES EARLE. "May, 1739. The above-named James Earle departed this life of a violent illness, aged forty- five years and some months. He enjoyed several public posts, in which he gained the esteem of all men by his adhering strictly to justice. He was possessed of most, if not all, of the social virtues, and though not without his foibles, yet it is hoped they were counterbalanced by his virtues, and that he is now partaking of (in the mansions of bliss) felicity unspeakable, which that he may I fervently implore the great and tremendous God."

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Part 95

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