USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 26
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on the old homestead formerly the property of his father, and at his death, which occurred July 12, 1890, in his eighty-second year, left all of his property, including the farm and some real estate in the town of Jefferson, to his surviving sisters. Samuel, who had settled in Indiana, carried on a farm there until his death. Elizabeth became the wife of William Maught, of this county, and died some years ago. Julia Ann and Margaret died when in girlhood. Sarah, who married Jacob Stine, a farmer of this county, is still living. Cath- erine and Sarahi have never married, and they con-
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tinued to make their home on the old farm in this district until 1862, when they removed to the village. Here they have long been honored and respected citizens, being identified with the Luth- eran Church, as have been all the other members of their family. They have considerable property, and have shown excellent judgment in their in- vestments, and in the management of their funds. They are ladies of good education and general attainments, and their leisure time, when not given to the visiting of the sick and afflicted, is spent in reading and study. They are well posted upon all of the current events of the day, and are entertaining hostesses and conversationalists. They have hosts of sincere friends in this com- munity and are eminently deserving of the love and respect which are theirs in unstinted measure.
EORGE W. CRUM, M. D. A man who faithfully performed every duty, whose whole life was a daily repetition of good works, of kindly ministry to the sick and suffer- ing, of aid and encouragement to those in trouble, of sympathy and timely consolation to mourning ones-such is the history, in brief, of the loved and honored physician whose name begins this slight tribute to his genuine worth. Few, indeed, leave such memories behind them when they are called upon to lay down their earthly work, nor is it the portion of many to be enabled to success- - with a vigorous constitution he was active in fully labor at their chosen vocation for three- score years uninterruptedly. Dr. Crum was, undoubtedly, the oldest physician in years of act- ual practice in Frederick County at the time of his death. His fame was not merely local, for he was called into consultation far and wide, his judgment and experience being counted of ines- timable value in complicated cases.
The father of our subject, Henry Crum, was a native of Virginia, his birth occurring the year that the American colonies declared their inde- pendence of the mother country. Dr. Crum came to Frederick County at an early day, and pur-
chased a tract of land about two or three miles from the town of Jefferson. This property, which he greatly improved and cultivated for many years, is now in the possession of the son of our subject, who, in turn, owned the place. Henry Crum departed this life in 1846, loved and re- gretted by all who knew him. His wife was a Miss Hoffman, of one of the old Frederick County families. They were the parents of two sons and six daughters, not one of whom survive. They all married and settled down to pass their lives in this region, and have gone to their reward.
Dr. George W. Crum was born in IS11 on the old homestead just mentioned, and with his broth- er and sisters grew to maturity there. With them he laid the foundations of later knowledge in the primitive district schools, and subsequently it was his privilege to enter the celebrated old Frederick College as a student of the higher branches of learning. He early determined to devote his life to the work of healing the sick, and in due time was graduated from the medical de- partment of the University of Maryland. Return- ing to his native village he began his noble mis- sion, and with the exception of thirteen years spent in Washington County, his life was spent here. He purchased the old homestead, which property is now managed and owned by his son, George W., Jr., elsewhere represented in this volume. For many years he held official positions in the Reformed Church of Jefferson and gave liberally to its maintenance. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Republican. Being blessed body and mind to the last, long after most men of his age liad succumbed to the land of time. He entered into rest March 15, 1896.
The loved wife, friend and companion of Dr. Crum for forty-five years survives him, and is now making her home in the village of Jefferson. Her maiden name was Susan Remsberg, her parents having been Sebastian and Eva ( Feaster) Rems- berg. The former was a well-to-do farmer of this district, his home being about two miles from the village. Dr. and Mrs. Crum were married in 1851, and five children came to brighten their happy home. Dr. Henry, the eldest, married Emma Long
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and had one child. He was a graduate of the medi- cal department of the University of Maryland and took up liis father's practice. He was succeeding remarkably well, and the outlook for the future was most promising, but death wrote "finis" across his life when he was in his thirty-second year. George W., previously mentioned, is the next in order of birth. Dr. Charles William, married a Miss Ritchie, of Mercersburg, Pa., recently a professor in the Woman's College in Frederick. Kate became the wife of Alpheus Thomas. Annie married Edward Herring, a farmer of this section. Mrs. Susan Crum is quietly and happily spending her declining years in her pleasant two-story brick residence in Jefferson. She has hosts of warm friends, who delight to listen to her interesting stories of other days, and with both the young and old she is very popular. She has eight grandchildren, who are very fond of her, and it is needless to add that she loves to have them visit her quite as much as they do.
SBURY H. HUNT. No one in the city of Frederick is held in higher honor and uni- versal esteem than this worthy old citizen, whose life almost spans this wonderful century, as he was born July 21, 1811. He has witnessed great changes in this, his native city, and has been foremost at all times and in every possible, manner to aid in the advancement of her best in-"- terests. For over sixty years he has been a trustee and official member of the Methodist Church, in the faitli of which denomination he was brought up from a child.
The father of our subject was Job Hunt, a native of Baltimore County, Md., born in July, 1785. He becanie a resident of this city in liis young manhood, and for a number of years was actively engaged in the foundry business, and turning out brass and copper work. He died when but thirty-eight years of age. In the Methodist Church he was one of the honored
early members, and in local enterprises he was always prominent. His brother, Jesse Hunt, was a leader in the political world; served as mayor of Baltimore; was in the legislature and congress and was city registrar in the Oriole city. He was president of the Eutaw Savings Bank. His father, Job Hunt, Sr., was a native of England, and was an early settler of this state, coming from Talbot County to Green Springs Valley, Baltimore County, in 1761. His brother, Samuel, became an extensive farmer of Talbot County. Mayor Jesse Hunt established the harness busi- ness in Baltimore which has ever since been car- ried on by some of the family, and at present is in the hands of the nephews of our subject, sons of his brother, Samuel Hunt. The mother of Asbury H. Hunt was a Miss Mary Ann Boyd in her girlhood. Her father was a native of Scot- land, and was a highly esteemed merchant of Frederick. Elizabeth H., one of her daughters, lived in the home of our subject for over forty years, and when death claimed her, in September, 1897, it was a very hard blow for him to bear.
A. H. Hunt was a lad of but twelve years when his father died, and three years later he be- came a clerk in a store in this city. He had re- ceived a good education, and was a student in the old Frederick College. In 1833 he started out in an independent career, and from that time until he retired from active cares a few years ago he was numbered among the substantial and en- ergetic business men of this place. Nor did he retire until after lie had passed threescore and ten years, for lie was of too active and industrious a nature to desire to rest in idleness in the prime of his manhood, as so many seek to do nowadays. His life has been characterized by sterling integ- rity and love for the right, the true, the pure and the just. He has never sought public office, thoughi often urged to do so. In politics he lias been a Whig and a Republican, and during the Civil war was a decided Union man. For years he has been an Odd Fellow, and passed through all the chairs. For a man of his years he is re- markably well preserved, and his mind is as clear and briglit as in the days of liis youtli.
In 1836 Mr. Hunt married Zeruiah McLana-
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han, who died in 1844, leaving one daughter, now Mrs. John E. Sifford, of Baltimore. Subsequently Mr. Hunt married a Miss Herring, by whom he had two daughters. One is deceased and the other, Mary A., married Rev.I. P. Wright, of the Baltimore annual conference of the Method- ist Episcopal Church.
ROF. EDWARD E. CATES, A. M. In the fall of 1897 the old and honored Frederick College, in the city of the same name, was opened to students for the one hundred and first year of its usefulness, with the gentleman of whom this article is written as president of the institution. Many of the best citizens of Fred- erick County and western Maryland have gone forth from these classic halls in days gone by, and the influence it has liad for good in the com- munity is inestimable. It was charted in 1763 and reorganized in 1797, thus having completed its centennial of actual continuous service as an academy for the instruction of youth.
Frederick College is pleasantly situated at the corner of Council and Record streets, and of late the building has been greatly altered and in- proved. The college is exclusively for boys, and no better place could be found for their mental, physical and moral training, as the faculty are all men of the highest order of ability and do not believe in the neglect of one of these most im- portant branches in the molding of the youthful character. Under the present management four comprehensive courses of study have been ar- ranged, extending over a period of six years, but it is not the purpose of the faculty to hold pupils rigidly to the line, it being considered more ad- visable to allow them to develop individual talents, when they are found to possess suchi. The immense advantages offered by a college of this kind, located in a quiet, healthful city, away from the temptations and distractions that sur- round the youth of the greater centers of popula- tion, are obvious to all.
Prof. E. E. Cates is a young man in the prime of life, vigor and activity, full of enthusiasm for his chosen work and having had abundant ex- perience in some of the foremost high schools and colleges of learning in this fair land. We are in- deed fortunate, as citizens, in securing his serv- ices, and it is safe to predict a wider and more extended field of usefulness for our beloved old college under his direction than it has ever en- joyed in the past. He is not only a finished scholar and an ideal teacher in the school room, but is a man of fine executive ability, system and wise judgment. His associates and superiors who have been connected with him in formier years unite in his praise and numbers of them corresponded with the directors of Frederick Col- lege in regard to Professor Cates prior to his ac- ceptance of this position, and without exception were strongly in his favor.
A native of Vassalboro, Me., the professor was born in 1860, and is a son of Dr. Charles B. and Margaret B. (Barker) Cates. The father was a very successful physician and was a life-long in- habitant of Maine, where his ancestors had located in 1820. He and his father before him were members of the Society of Friends and were highly honored citizens of the community in which they dwelt. Dr. Cates was an active Republican and was thoroughly interested in church and local affairs, doing his full share as a citizen and patriot. He was summoned to liis reward in 1886, and was survived by his faithful wife, who is now living in California. She was a native of Rhode Island and was reared in that state. Her six sons are all prominent and valued citizens of the widely separated communities in which they dwell, and are as follows: Charles E., a farmer in Maine; David B., who is operat- ing the old home place; Dr. Abraham B., a physician in Minneapolis; Dr. Horace G., a I,os Angeles (Cal. ) physician; Alton M., a lawyer of the same city; and the subject of this article.
Professor Cates is a graduate of Colburn In- stitute, of Waterville, Me., and of Colby Uni- versity. He commenced teaching in the high schools of New York state, remaining within its borders during a period of nine years. In 1892
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R. FRANK SAPPINGTON.
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he went to Los Angeles, Cal., where he occupied the important position of principal of the fine high school there for four years. He received a strong call from Frederick College and concluded to accept it. Of the many letters of commenda- tion which came to the faculty of the college in regard to him we quote a few lines from that of Superintendent Search, of the Los Angeles schools: "It gives me great pleasure to testify to the high merits, faithful, loyal and energetic work of Professor Cates, who has been principal of the high school here. He is an energetic stu- dent, an indefatigable worker, an excellent in- structor and in every way a thoroughly reliable man. To his superiors in office he has been as true as steel, and all his work has been character- ized by the most earnest devotion and true pro- fessional interest."
In 1886 Professor Cates married Maggie B. Wightman, of New York, and two children have been born to them, a son and a daughter. Mrs. Cates is a member of the Episcopal Church, while the professor adheres to the faith of his childhood, that of the Society of Friends. He is quite independent in politics, but prefers the principles advocated by the Republican party, as a rule.
of which Dr. Sappington was an honored representative became identified with the history of Frederick County in a very early day, the first of the name here having been his grand- father, Francis Brown Sappington, M. D., who was born near Ellicott City. He was the first physician in Libertytown, where he settled at a date so early that Indians still roamed unmo- lested through the wilderness, having little to fear from the few white settlers of the locality. Turning from the prow of the advancing ship of state, from which we can see a future bright with promise, to the stern of the boat, from which we can gaze into the land of the past, we are at once impressed by the fact that this pioneer physician
must have endured many hardships in his new home. Called to visit the sick for miles in every direction, and knowing that no other physician was near to relieve him of some of his work, he traveled night and day, in sunshine and storm, over mountains and through the wilderness, visiting those who needed his attention, relieving their wants and cheering them by his unfailing genial- ity. He was a man of strong character, fitted for the trying lite of a pioneer physician. He was an unflinching opponent of everything he thought wrong, but equaily strong in his attachment to those whose work pleased him. His death oc- curred when he was advanced in years. He had married a descendant of Cardinal Richelieu of France, and six children blessed their union, the youngest being Thomas.
Col. Thomas Sappington, father of our subject, was born in Libertytown, Frederick County, Md., and served in the War of 1812, after which for some years he carried on mercantile pursuits in his native town. For a number of years he was a member of the house of representatives and for about twelve years served as register of wills. In early manhood he was a Whig and later affili- ated with the Democratic party. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Sallie R. Cole, he had nine sons and two daughters. Additional facts regarding the family may be found in his sketch, which appears upon another page.
The sixth of nine sons, Sidney Sappington was IDNEY SAPPINGTON, M. D. The family born in Unionville, Frederick County, February 12, 1827. He was educated in the public schools and Frederick College, and studied medicine in the University of Maryland. After his gradua- tion he opened an office in Uniontown, Carroll County, where he remained for a few years. Thence he came to Libertytown and engaged in practice in this place until 1876, when he retired from active professional cares. Politically he was a Democrat, and for several years he served as magistrate. In religion hie was a Catholic. He was one of the largest landowners of Liberty District and an honored citizen of his com- munity. His death, March 20, 1898, was mourned by all to whom he was known.
The marriage of Dr. Sappington united him
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with Margaret E., daughter of Joseph E. Wagner. She was born in this county and died here Febru- ary 20, 1887. Eight children were born of their union, namely: Emma, who is the wife of H. Clayton Trundle, living in Libertytown; Katie and Mary, deceased; R. Frank, who lives in Libertytown, and who served in the legislature from 1892 to 1895; Adelaide, wife of Eugene Ham- mond, also of this place; William C., who is a farmer by occupation; James, whose sketch is presented in this volume; and Sidney S., who for eight years and until recently was engaged in the mercantile business.
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ISK ELGIN, M. D. The successful physi- cian must possess not only wide knowledge and extended experience, but genuine sym- pathy and insight into the needs and sufferings of his brother-men, and these qualities of mind, disposition and heart are undoubtedly the secrets of this gentleman's high standing as a family practitioner. He has always been an intelligent student, an extensive reader and thinker, and that he may keep thoroughly in touch with mod- ern progress in his favorite field of research he takes the leading medical journals and devotes much of his leisure time to their perusal. He has been a resident of Loudoun County, Va., for the past thirteen years, and ranks well in the estimation of all who know him.
The doctor is the fourth child in a family num- bering twelve children. Their parents were James H. and Julia A. (Miller) Elgin, natives of Loudoun County, Va., and Washington County, Md., respectively. The father was for years connected with the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Company, engaged in the transportation of passengers, coal and products of all kinds. Later he was the owner and manager of a large commercial warehouse at Harper's Ferry. Then for some years he devoted his attention to farni- ing, and is still living, his home being in Wash- ington County, Md. Formerly he was an ad-
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herent of the Whig party, and though he owned slaves, lie was a strong Union man during the days of this country's fierce strife. He has cast his ballot in favor of the platform of the Democ- racy since the war, and several times he has been a candidate for the legislature and other posi- tions. A life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, his career is marked by uprightness and just regard for the rights and welfare of his fel- low-men. He is now in the eighty-third year of his age and is loved and revered by his ac- quaintances and associates. His faithful wife died in 1870. Her father was Peter Miller, of Frederick County, Md., and later of Washington County, Md. Grandfather Elgin bore the Chris- tian name of William, and for many years he was a hotel keeper in the town of Aldie, Va. He was likewise a Whig and owned slaves. To himself and wife, Mary, a large family was born. Three of the number were daughters, and one of them lived to be eighty-four years of age. Will- iam S. was in business with our subject's father at one time and was the first superintendent of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Company. Jesse and Charles are deceased.
Henry Clay, eldest brother of Dr. Elgin, is a prosperous merchant of Sandy Hook, Md .; James L., another brother, is a leading business man of Brunswick; John M., deceased, dealt "in stock and agricultural products; William S. is engaged in merchandising in this place; Joseph T. is a machinist, his home being in Wash- ington County, Md .; May E., the eldest sister, married William M. Clark, of Washington County; Laura K. is the wife of William I. Hinkel, of Frederick County; and Jennie A. is unmarried.
The birth of Dr. Fisk Elgin took place in Pleasant Valley District, Washington County, Md., in 1850. His early years were spent in the usual occupations of a country lad. His educa- tion was gained in the district schools and in the Maryland Agricultural College. Then he studied civil engineering, practicing the same in Marietta, Ohio, for about six months, after which he drifted still further westward, and at last began a course in the St. Louis Medical College. After his graduation in 1877 he engaged in practice in
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Marshall, Saline County, Mo., for a period of ing upon an elevation somewhat back from the five years. The following two years he was located in Kansas City, Mo.
In June, 1877, the doctor married Miss Sallie E. Bretelle, of St. Louis. Her father, J. K. Bre- telle, was a prominent and enterprising business man of the metropolis of the west. To the mar- riage of the doctor and his estimable wife three children were born. The eldest daughter, Mag- gie J., now in her twentieth year, graduated with honors from the Hagerstown high school and is now a successful teacher in Loudoun County, Va. James H., the eldest son, is seventeen years old and Bretelle K. is fifteen. The family are identified with the Reformed Church.
Fraternally the doctor is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Red Men and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He has been president of the Democratic Central Committee of Lovettsville District, Loudoun County, Va., for some time, and is an active worker in the inter- ests of the party.
Frederick County. Genial and courteous, hospitable and cheery, he is the ideal southern gentleman so often read of, but rarely found: His life has been of great service to suffering humanity in this county and his visits have al- ways been looked forward to as those of a true friend, one who was sure to bring comfort and help in time of trouble.
Half a century ago the doctor took up his abode in the fine old mansion that has ever since been his loved home. It is well worthy of a visit from the traveler, as it is a type of the homes of tlie wealthy class of the period to which it belongs. Erected in 1808 by a brother of Johnson, the first governor of Maryland, it contains thirty large rooms, immense halls with painted and wain- scoted walls. The house, which is three stories high, is very imposing in appearance, and stand-
dusty highway, commands a grand view of the valley, and parts of adjoining Carroll Coun- ty may even be seen upon a clear day. Beau- tiful grounds, with luxuriant shade trees, sur- round the mansion, and on one side, a short distance away, is a lovely little lake, fed by mountain springs. At the rear of the house the picturesque mountains rise in solemn grandeur, and lend. to the scene the finishing touch of beauty rarely surpassed.
The parents of the doctor were Dr. William S. and Catherine (Davis) McPherson. The fa- ther was born in Frederick County in 1802, and died when in his eighty-sixth year. He received his higher education in Dickenson College, and having studied medicine he engaged in practice during the period from 1818 to 1835. His home at this time was upon the large and valu- able estates which he owned near Frederick, the county-seat. Not only as a physician was he noted, for he stood equally well as a financier, and was identified with numerous of the in- fant enterprises of Frederick; among these the Frederick Savings Bank, which he practically founded, being its president as long as he lived in the county. When the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was put through this county he sold
ILLIAM S. McPHERSON, M. D., is one of the oldest and best-known physicians of. to the company the land on which the depot
at Frederick is located, owned stock in the road and for years was one of the directors of the corporation. He was also a director in the Cen- tral National Bank of Frederick, and after his removal to Baltimore, where his last years were spent, he became connected with numerous bank- ing institutions of that city. During the War of 1812 he was in the service and fought in the bat- tle of North Point under Captain Stiner, and was colonel of a militia company at one time. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife was a daughter of John N. Davis, of Phila- delphia, and of their children, John spent his ' whole life in this county, being engaged in farm- ing and in the commission business; Edward was killed in the Mexican war, while serving as a first lieutenant; Dr. Maynard is a physician, whose home is now in California; Elizabeth was
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