USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 29
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
i
The subject of this article is in the prime of manhood, as he was born just prior to the con- mencement of the Civil war, January 29, 1861. He is the fourth son in the family of Frederick and Clotilda Wertheimer, natives of Pennsylva-
nia. The father was engaged in the grocery business in the Keystone state, and later fol- lowed the same occupation in this city. He re- moved to Frederick in 1863, and opened a store on East Church street. Here he passed the remainder of his life, being one of the best and most respected citizens of Frederick. He had the honor of being one of the oldest Masons here and was affiliated with the Democracy. He never held any public office, but gave his whole time and attention to the management of his business affairs. His widow, who was a Miss Karley in her girlhood days, is still living, her home being in this city.
The two elder brothers of our subject, Francis and Marcus, are in the cigar and tobacco busi- ness in Frederick. David, the next younger, is employed by the house of which his brother Charles is a member, as is also Meyer, the last- mentioned being head of the cutting department. The sisters, Sarah, Rose and Emma, are all at home. Charles Wertheimer was educated in the public schools here and in the old Frederick Col- lege. He was only twelve years old when he was first employed in the clothing establishment with which he has since been associated, and worked his way up by absolute merit. He was a clerk for over twelve years, being finally ad- mitted into a partnership in the firm in 1885. This house is one of the largest of the kind in western Maryland and in its various departments affords employment to some twenty-five or more hands. There are two well-built brick buildings, each three stories in height, and provided with all modern appliances for comfort and successful work. There is a department for boots and shoes and a very full line of these is carried. The business is reduced to a fine system and the annual sales of this house, whose reputation is steadily on the increase, have reached an amount not ordinarily attained by any firm outside a few of the large cities of the country.
Like his father before him Mr. Wertheimer stands high in Masonry, and has taken the Knight Templar degree. He is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 58, A. F. & A. M., of Fred- erick. In politics he is affiliated with the Democ-
273-774
HON. HENRY CULLER.
275
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
racy, and is an active worker in its interests, but, though often urged to do so, he has never consented to having his name presented as a can- didate for office. He is a director in the Central National Bank, and has money invested in numer- ous local concerns. He is a friend to the poor and needy and has been liberal in his donations to worthy charities and to religious organizations. He is very popular with all who enjoy his ac- · quaintance and his friends are legion.
LON. HENRY CULLER. The Culler family . be expected, for he never did anything by halves. has been numbered among the representa- tive ones of Frederick County for several generations, and it would indeed be difficult to find in any section of the country more peaceful, law-abiding, worthy citizens. One and all, they have stood for good government, progress, lib- erty of thought and religion, good schools and everything which goes toward the making of an ideal republic.
Michael Culler, grandfather of our subject, was the owner of an estate in Frederick County and was energetic and successful in his business career. His son, Capt. Henry Culler, father of our subject, was born on the old homestead near the village of Jefferson, and lived there altogether some thirty-five years. He was a man of a very bright, quick mind, was a great student, and kept well informed upon topics of general inter- est and importance. He was reputed to be one of the best financiers and farmers of his day, and certain it is that he accumulated an extensive estate and was a wealthy man for that period. Altogether lie owned upwards of twenty-seven hundred acres, four hundred of which, situated near Frederick, was his home place during a part of liis last years. He died in Jefferson Feb- ruary 1, 1861.
The town of Feagaville is built upon a portion of a four-hundred-acre farm which Captain Culler owned in that region. Stores belonging to him were located at various enterprising towns, such
as Leesburg, Sheppardstown and Jefferson, and he also followed agriculture. He owned numerous slaves, and was noted for his kindness toward them, as well as to all persons of the poorer class. Schools were built and almost entirely supported by him, and the first Lutheran Church erected in the Fourteenth District was founded and sustained by his generosity. The old Frederick & Jeffer- son pike received his substantial encouragement at the time it was being constructed, and all public enterprises found in him an earnest advo- cate and contributor. At several periods in his career he was concerned in the milling business, owning three different mills, at widely distant points. In politics he was aggressive, as might His vote was deposited in favor of nominees of the Whig party, and he was elected to the state legis- lature by his hosts of friends. In the War of 1812 he rose from the ranks to a captaincy; participated in the gallant battle of North Point and was an eye witness of the death of the sturdy General Ross.
The captain lived to attain liis seventy. fifth year, and lies sleeping his last sleep in the peace- ful cemetery at Jefferson. By lis side rests his loved wife, whose maiden name was Annie Feaster, and wlio departed this life in 1857. Of their seven noble sons, Philip, a farmer and owner of a mill, died at seventy-two years of age; Daniel, who was a wealthy farmer and lived upon the old homestead, died when in his eighty- fifthı year, David, also a farmer, died at the age of threescore and ten; Michael, a farmer, died in 1898, in his seventy-seventh year; Dr. J. J. is mentioned at length in this volume; and William, formerly a member of the state legislature, is now managing one of the farms belonging to the sub- ject of this article.
Col. Henry Culler was born upon his father's old home place about a mile from the village of Jefferson, May 29, 1817. He was a pupil in the old district school and in the Mountain Road school house, and was but sixteen years old when his father entrusted to him the management of a fine farm of five linudred acres, situated in the vicinity of Feagaville, where the senior owned
9
276
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
three other farms. Gradually he assumed more of the responsibility of his father's extensive financial interests, and even in his early man- hood gave abundant evidence of inherited busi- ness energy and talent as a man of affairs. The years rolled rapidly away, and he became a wealthy man, owning large landed estates in this county and in Virginia. In 1863 he invested some of his available funds in high-priced land near Frederick, and within a few years was offered $30,000 for one of the farms lying con- veniently near the county seat.
In 1845 Colonel Culler married Ann Eliza Warfield, a gentle, charming and lovable lady, daughter of a merchant of Jefferson, and step sister of Col. Cost Johnson and William Cost Johnson. Mrs. Culler died in 1873, at her lioine near Frederick and was buried in Jefferson Cemetery. She was a devout member of the Reformed Church, and was loved and revered by all who knew her. But one child was born of their marriage, William Clayton, who lived to be thirty-seven years of age and died in Rich- mond, Va. In 1883 Colonel Culler married Mrs. Harriet L. Sowers, daughter of Joseph and Louisa (Holliday) Hollensworth. She was born in Virginia on her father's plantation and when she arrived at mature years became the wife of Col. James Sowers, who was a division quartermaster under Gen. Robert E. Lee during the Civil war, and died in 1865.
Following in the footsteps of his revered father, the colonel is very liberal to religious, benevolent and educational enterprises. Recently he gave · a handsome donation to Roanoke College, and the Lutheran Church at Feagaville was practi- cally built by him, as he gave the land for a site and a large sum toward the building. Reared in all the precepts of the south, and a true south- erner at heart, his sympathies were strongly with them in the late Civil war. For years he served on the staff of Governor Bowie, having the rank of colonel bestowed upon him. For- merly a Whig, he became a Democrat about the time of the war, and has since given the party his earnest support. He owned many slaves at one time and few men have done more for the
colored inen of a community than he; he has erected schools and churches for them, and has always been very generous in lending timely as- sistance when they were sick or in trouble. In short he puts into daily practice the faith that he has professed from boyhood-practical, large- hearted Christianity. For years he has held an honored and official position in the Lutheran Church. Out of the goodness of his heart he has brought up and provided for several children of relatives, and the poor know to whom they can apply for sympathy and aid when they are in need. Rich and poor, high and low, join in say- ing naught but words of praise for this true and noble man.
-
AVID M. DEVILBISS, M. D. During the years in which he has engaged in the prac- tice of his profession, Dr. Devilbiss has es- tablished a reputation as a conscientious and skill- ful physician, whose knowledge of the science of medicine is thorough and comprehensive, em- bracing the many ills to which the hunian flesh is heir. His preparation for practice was as good as the medical colleges furnish; but, in addition thereto, he has ever been a student of the science, carefully reading current medical literature and endeavoring to keep himself posted concerning every advance that is made. He has practiced at Woodville, Frederick County, for many years, and no physician in his section of the country is better known than lie.
In Liberty District, Frederick County, the sub- ject of this sketch was born April 3, 1845, the son of Adamı W. and Rosana ( Devilbiss) Devil- biss. He was one of nine children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being John H., de- ceased; Hamilton, who resides in Kansas; Henry C., deceased; David M .; Emma E., who married Joshua Kemp and lives on a farm in Woodsboro District; Somerfield, deceased; Clara V., wife of Dr. Oscar Brown; and Annabelle. On the farm where he was born our subject passed the years
277
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of boyhood. On completing the common-school studies he entered Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa., where he was a student for some time. In 1869 he began to read medicine with Dr. Simp- son, of Libertytown, and afterward took the regular course of lectures in the medical depart- ment connected with the University of Maryland at Baltimore, continuing there until his gradua- tion with the class of 1872.
Immediately after graduating Dr. Devilbiss went to Adamstown, Frederick County, where lie opened an office and engaged in practice. After about two years lie removed his office to Libertytown, where he formed a partnership with Dr. Simpson, his preceptor. The connection continued until the spring of 1882, when he came to Woodville and began in the practice to which he has since given his attention. He has little time or inclina- tion for the field of politics, but supports the Re- publican party and is always able to give an intel- ligent reason for his views upon political affairs. In religion he is actively connected with the Methi- odist Episcopal Church South. In April, 1883, he married Miss Lizzie M. Clery, of Woodville, and they are the parents of three children, Mag- gie, Edna C. and Roger M.
RANCIS SCOTT KEY, author of the "Star Spangled Banner" and a distinguished law- yer, was a native of Frederick County, and was born near Pipe Creek, a short distance from Emmitsburg, August 1, 1779. His father, John Ross Key, was a Revolutionary officer, who died in Frederick County, October 12, 1821.
Francis S. Key was educated at St. John's College, Annapolis, and subsequently studied law in that city in the office of his uncle, Philip Barton Key. He commenced the practice of law in his native county at Frederick in 1801, but a few years later removed to Washington City, D. C., where he afterwards became United States district attorney. He became the intimate friend and counselor of the Hon. John Randolph of Ro-
anoke in his last days and of Gen. Andrew Jack- son during his presidency. He was also a stanchi supporter of the African Colonization Society, and served as a volunteer in Major Peter's artil- lery in the War of 1812. At the time of the bombardment of Baltimore, during the War of 1812, Mr. Key was a prisoner on board the British ship Surprise, commanded by Sir Thomas Cochrane, the admiral of the fleet. The presi- dent of the United States had given Key permis- sion some time previous to visit the English admiral for the purpose of trying to effect a change of prisoners or the release of one Dr. Beames, who was a prisoner and whose life was in peril. He was accompanied by John S. Skinner, the government's agent for exchange of prisoners. Admiral Cochrane received them kindly, but declined to allow them to leave the vessel until after his contemplated attack upon Baltimore City. Mr. Key and Mr. Skinner con- tinted on board the Surprise, where they were very kindly treated by Sir Thomas Cochrane until the fleet reached the Patapsco, and prepar- ations were made for landing the troops. Ad- miral Cochrane then shifted liis flag to the frigate in order that he might be able to move farther up the river and superintend in person the attack by water on the fort. Mr. Key and Mr. Skinner were then sent aboard their own vessel with a guard of sailors and marines to prevent tliem from landing. They were permitted to take Dr. Beames with them. They were anchored where they would see the flag of Fort McHenry and watch the bombardment. At this critical time the words of the song, "The-Star Spangled Ban --- ner," were written and the following day the lines were in print in Baltimore, for the British had retired and the prisoners set free. The song was set to the old tune of "Anacreon in Heaven."
Mr. Key was a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife was Mary Taylor Lloyd, daughter of Col. Edward Lloyd, of Talbot County, Md. Mr. Key was a handsome man, tall, erect and of admirable pliysical proportions. He died suddenly of pneumonia, at Baltimore, in January, 1843. He was buried beside his wife in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick City, Md. In
-
278
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
June, 1898, at this writing, the foundation stone of a fine monument to his memory was laid near his grave, and the monument will be completed ere the close of the present year.
OHN FRANKLIN THOMAS, one of the most progressive and well-to-do farmers of Buckeystown District, Frederick County, was born on the farm which lies just across the road from his present residence. He has always lived in this locality, and is thoroughly identified with everything pertaining to its improvement. His father and grandfather before him were agricult- urists in this district and prominent in all public affairs hereabouts.
The grandfather, Philip Thomas, was born in 1765 and died in 1828, after a life spent in the cultivation of the soil in this neighborhood. His son, George Thomas, father of our subject, was born in 1798, and was a life-long resident on the farm known as the Boston homestead, and now the property of his son. He also owned several other large and valuable farms, one near Adams-
town, one in Mount Pleasant District, one in Liberty District, and a small tract of land adjoin- ing the farm of our subject. His success in a financial way was something remarkable, for he started out in life without means and wrought out his own fortune by industry and careful in- vestments. He was very successful as a stock- raiser, as well as a general farmer. In early manhood he was a Whig, but later became identified with the Democratic party. For several years he served as county commissioner and was also school examiner for a terin or more. Though he was privileged to attend school but for a short time, he made the most of his opportunities, and owed to his patient efforts in this line that he
became a well-informed mian. He was quite a student, and was particularly fond of geometry and higher mathematics and philosophy. He taught himself the science of surveying and did a great deal in that direction, at one time or
another. His carefully used library, his chief treasure, is now the property of our subject. When he was sixty-seven years old he united with the Reformed Church, of the Jefferson charge, and for years he was an office-holder in the same. He died in 1883 and was buried in St. Matthew's church yard. He was married three times and was the father of eleven sons and two daughters, the latter dying in infancy.
The mother of our subject was Julia Ann, daughter of John Hargett, a farmer of Jefferson District. The brothers of John Franklin are as follows: Charles, a farmer in the neighborhood of Jefferson; Zachariah G., a farmer; Richard, deceased; Cephus M., a resident of Walkersville; Samuel C., who is engaged in managing his farni near Adamstown; Curtis William, who lives on the farm adjoining that of Samuel C., his place being the old homestead; three sons and one daughter are deceased.
J. F. Thomas, of this sketch, was given a district-school education and left home when a little over his majority to thenceforth make his own way. He took charge of the farm which he now owns and lives upon, rebuilt all of the barns and other buildings on the place and in many ways increased the value of the homestead. The farm contains two hundred and twenty-seven acres, and in addition to this he owns another tract of land near Adamstown, this being now carried on by his son. For some years he has been quite extensively engaged in dairying, shipping milk to Washington, D. C., and other points. For many years he has served as a school trustee, and for a long period he has been - an official member of the Reformed Church. In the latter he is an earnest worker, contributing liberally of his influence and wealth to the cause of Christianity. Politically he has always sided with the Democracy, but has never cared for public office of any description.
In 1865 Mr. Thomas married Mary Ellen Zimmerman, a daughter of Gideon Zimmerman, of this district. Of the children born to tliem, ten are living, nine sons and a daughter. Jolin W., a farmer in the vicinity of Adamstown, mar- ried Miss Remsburg, and has one child. Edgar
279
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lee, Cyrus S., Clayborn A., George C., Elmer E., Ralph G., Russell C. and Paul S. are all at home. Two children died in infancy. Ettie is the wife of William B. Johnson, a teacher, now of Washington, D. C., and they have one son. The lady who now bears the name of our subject was formerly Emily V. Zimmerman, a cousin of his first wife.
LBERT THOMAS RICE. This well-known business man of Frederick is a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His paternal grandfather, William Rice, came to this country about 1700 and settled on the Maryland Track, where he became a prosperous farmer. His wife, who was a native of thenorth of England, bore him seven children, Rebecca, George, John, Thomas, Nancy, Perry and James. Of these, George, our subject's father, was born in Frederick County, January 4, 1774, but afterward removed to the city of Frederick, where he engaged in the fur- niture and undertaking business. His first loca- tion was on North Market street, and was after- ward removed to the William H. Doub property, corner Fourth and Market. In 1822 one of the sons, Perry, took charge of affairs. The business. was again removed, this time to a house occupying the site of the present store of William H. Rhodes. In '1829 another change was made to North Market street, above Fourth. He was a pioneer in the undertaking business and estab- lished a reputation for reliability that was of the greatest value to his successors. In those days coffins were made by undertakers, but in 1869 a Pittsburg firm sent a representative to Frederick, and through him Mr. Rice mnade purchases of factory-made coffins, being the first to introduce them in Frederick. He was a Democrat in poli- tics and was one of the first members of the city council of Frederick. In religion he was con- nected with the Reformed Church. His death occurred in 1829.
Peter Dofier and a daughter of Thomas Schley, who built the first house in Frederick. Elizabeth Doffer was born in 1780 and died March 25, 1856. She was a woman of great worth and noble Christian character. Her eldest son, Perry, suc- ceeded his father in business and continued in charge until 1837, when Grafton J. Rice was taken into the firm, The latter, however, with- drew in 1844 and became a merchant, opening a store on the corner of Market and Fourth street. He died in 1869. The other children were George, William, Henry, David S., Louisa, Ann Minerva, Ann Elizabeth, Amy E. and Julia Ann. George was an undertaker and superintendent of the water works; David S., a druggist, died at thirty years of age; Louisa married George Coleman, of Virginia; Ann Minerva married John Rhodes; Amy E. married Daniel Gilbert, of Pennsylvania; Julia Ann married William G. Cole, at one time mayor of Frederick.
Albert Thomas Rice was born in July, 1823. He attended the Frederick College, but at the age of fourteen began to learn the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1845 his brother Perry took him into partnership, and they continued together until Perry withdrew in 1880. Upon his withdrawal his interest was bought by the two sons of our subject, Thomas P. and David S., and since then the firm title has been A. T. Rice & Sons:". In 1851 Mr. Rice married Ann Sabina, daughter of the late Gideon Mantz, and granddaughter of Maj. Peter Mantz, who was an early settler of Frederick. She died in 1872. Three of their sons survive, Thomas P., David S. and Lewis A., the latter being a member of the wholesale firm of" Rice & Haller, of Frederick. The family origin- ally comprised five sons and two daughters. Charles M., who was with our subject in the furniture business, died in 1876; Eliza J., who is unmarried, keeps house for her father.
Thomas P. Rice married Miss Lilly, daughter of Frank Steiner; David S. Rice married Orie, daughter of George H. Fout. Their dwelling and business place on North Market street, oc- cupied by the family since 1829, is associated with the history of Frederick from the earliest
In December, 1800, George Rice married Elizabeth Doffer, whose mother was the wife of days of the nineteenth century, and is a land-
280
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mark of much interest. Both sons are leaders in temperance work and David S. has been state secretary of the Good Templars.
Politically our subject is a Democrat. When a deadlock occurred in the board of alderman in 1882, resulting from the death of John H. Brun- ner, Democrat, he was chosen to fill the vacant place and served for fifteen months. Fraternally he has been an Odd Fellow for thirty-nine years, and for eleven years has been treasurer of Adams Lodge No. 35, of which he has been a member for thirty-two years. Fifty years ago he became a member of the junior fire company, of which he was vice- president for ten years. For nineteen years he has been a director in Franklin Savings Bauk, and is now a director in the Frederick Coun- ty National Bank. In the Reformed Church he is an elder and deacon, and has also served as treas- urer, maintaining the keenest interest in the wel- fare of the church. Of him it has been written by one who has long known him: "He is a man of marked business ability, retentive memory and keen observation." He retains lively recollections of the last half century of local events, with all the changes time has wrought during that period. His business has been extended so as to embrace a large share of the best class of trade in the city, and its growth has been due to the integrity, quiet perseverance and unostentatious energy of the members of the firm, in the direction and con- trol of which the wisdom and sagacity of Mr. Rice are constantly consulted. The result of his long and energetic business career lias been the accumulation of a comfortable fortune, much of which is profitably invested in city real estate and bank stock.
HARLES F. THOMAS. Among the citi- zens of Buckeystown, Frederick County, no one is more thoroughly respected or held in higher esteem than this sterling business man. He is one of the moving spirits in every local enterprise and is safely counted upon to cast his
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.