USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 30
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influence on the side of progress and improve- ment. He takes great interest in the cause of education, as every patriotic citizen of our loved commonwealth should do, and has taken special pride in affording his children the best possible advantages along this line. For the past eigh- teen years he has resided in a fine brick dwelling, situated in a good location near the center of the town, and within its hospitable walls his friends, who are legion, are always accorded a most cordial welcome.
The Thomas family, of which our subject is a most worthy representative, originated in Ger- many several generations ago, but have dwelt in this county since its pioneer days. His grand- father, George Thomas, died before the birth of Charles F., who consequently has but little data in regard to him. He was a farmer, as was al- so his son William H., father of our subject. That sterling man followed agricultural pursuits in this district, where he was born, all through life, his later years being passed on the Manor farm, about two miles from this town. He was a strong Union man during the war, although he owned several slaves and was a member and gen- erous contributor to the Reformed Church. He died in 1864, as the result of the accidental ex- plosion of a shell in a black-smith shop, and was buried in Urbana District Cemetery. His wife bore the girlhood name of Mary Harding, her father having been Lewis Harding, of Urbana District, and her paternal grandfather a patriot of the Revo- lutionary war. William H. and Mary H. Thomas had two sons and two daughters: Charles F .; Franklin C., who was in the lime and stone busi- ness until his death, which occurred in Martins- burg, Va., in 1890; Sarah Ella, who died at the age of eleven years; and Annie, who died when fifteen.
The birth of Charles F. Thomas occurred on the old Manor farm in 1848. He attended the district schools and afterwards was a student of Calvert College. Sorrow came to him when he was quite young, as he lost his father in 1864, his mother in 1865 and a sister the following year. Daniel Baker was appointed his guardian, and he lived with his family until he was twenty-
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four years old. He then engaged in farming for five years, after which he embarked in merchan- dising for three years in Buckeystown, being very successful. He then entered the firm of William G. Baker & Co., since known as the Standard Lime & Stone Company, and has been connected actively with the same ever since. He is now general manager and superintendent of the extensive business, which is one of the larg- est in the country. They employ several hun- dred men and have branch houses in all parts of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
In 1873 Mr. Thomas married Sarah C. Baker, daughter of his former guardian, Daniel Baker. They have had two sons and three daughters: William H., who is a student in the Western Maryland College; Annie M., wife of A. W. Nicodemus, Jr .; Catherine F., now in the West- eri Maryland College; and Carrie H., at home. The eldest daughter was educated in the West- ern Maryland College, and completed her studies in Germany.
In politics Mr. Thomas is quite liberal, choos- ing to vote for the best man, regardless of party lines, though he usually stands by the candi- dates of the Democracy. He is one of the influ- ential members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and lent his able assistance toward the building of the fine church edifice on the hill.
sif. HARLES EDWARD CRUM, one of the leading farmers of Mount Pleasant District, Frederick County, comes from one of the oldest families of this region, as his ancestors, who were Germans, settled hereabouts fully two hundred years ago. Each succeeding generation has been more and more influential and prosper- ous, and many of the best families of the state have intermarried with them. The subject of this narrative is a self-made man in the truest sense, as he started out to fight the battle of life without capital, save a good strong constitution and a brave and willing heart. He had been
trained to regard labor as the rightful and surest road to wealth and success in life, and he was not afraid to enter upon the hard pathway. The re- sult is most gratifying, for he is to-day a man who is thoroughily respected by all who know him, and in the rough school of experience he has gained wisdom and broad sympathy with those who are less fortunate than he has been.
The father of the above was Solomon Crum, who was born in this district in 1826, and passed his whole life in this county. He was likewise a poor boy when he embarked on the voyage of in- dependent life, and, though he was obliged to work out as a farm hand by the day for some time, he at last gained a foothold and gradually laid aside a fund, which, when the proper time came, he invested in a good farm, though a small one. By strict economy and attention to busi- ness he at last was the owner of three of the finest farms in the county, besides valuable personal property and houses and lots in Walkersville. He was active and energetic up to the time of his death, which took place in the town just men- tioned in 1895. He always voted the Democratic ticket, and during the war his sympathies were with the south to this extent, that, though he believed that slavery was wrong, he thought that the government should pay the owners for the slaves. His father was also a native of this county and followed farming as a means of gain- ing a livelihood. The wife of the latter was a Miss Row before their marriage, and they had four sons and four daughters, all of whom settled in this district, the sons being farmers. The .. inother of our subject was Catherine, daughter of Jacob Kanode, a well-to-do farmer of Washing- ton County, Md. The following are the children born to Solomon Crum and wife: Jacob, whose valuable homestead is near that of our subject; Josiah, a farmer of Liberty District; Solomon, who carries on one of tlie old homesteads owned formerly by his father; Ezra, twin-brother of Sol- omon, for a number of years a merchant in Bal- timore, but has recently retired from business, though yet a resident of that city; Alcinda, wife of Theodore Zimmerman, a retired farmer living in Walkersville; Florence V., wife of Luthier
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Wachter, of Walkersville; two sisters who died when young; and Charles Edward.
The birth of C. E. Crum occurred on his father's farm on the Water street road in this district, July 20, 1858. He acquired his educa- tion in the public schools, and upon arriving at his majority commenced working for his father at $100 a year and his board. He continued to do this way for six years, then starting out on his own account. He rented a farm for several years, and when his father bought the farm that he now owns himself, some seven years ago, the young man operated it for his senior for four years and then purchased it. This homestead is certainly one of the finest and most productive farms in the valley. It comprises one hundred and seventy-three acres, 'is well stocked with good horses and cattle and is equipped with substantial buildings. The owner has made many desirable improvements and additions to the place, greatly increasing its value. By a patent of his own he has arranged a novel and reliable way of pumping water for his stock in the barn-yard, and also pumps water into the house by the same process. He is an adherent of the Democracy, but though he has often been urged to accept official positions he has declined.
Point of Rocks, Frederick County, "is one ·of the representative young inen of this section and is deserving of special mention in the annals of the county. Since he arrived at ma- turity he has been particularly interested in the upbuilding and development of this beautiful lit- tle town, and when serving as mayor he favored all improvements that would accrue to her lasting benefit if not proving too severe a tax upon prop- erty holders.
The birth of our subject occurred November 20, 1869, at Point of Rocks. His parents are Andrew J. and Mary ( West) Colbert, both of whom are living, their home having been in this
place for over thirty years. The father is a well- known contractor and builder, and has con- structed numerous public edifices and private residences throughout this portion of the county. His standing as a business man and citizen is of the best, and all with whom he has had dealings are unanimous in speaking well of him and of the fidelity with which he carries out his contracts. He has been quite a factor in local affairs, and is a pronounced Democrat in his political views. His estimable wife is a daughter of William West, who was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his long and useful career. His homestead was situated in Washington County, Md., and there Mrs. Colbert was reared to womanhood. She is the mother of two manly sons, of whom she may well be proud. John A., the younger, has not yet completed his education and is a pupil in the public schools of this town. Andrew J. Colbert, the father, is a native of Prince William County, Va. He removed with his brother's family to Point of Rocks when he was about eight years of age, since which time he has been identified with the life of this section.
William T. Colbert received his education in the public schools of Frederick County, and it was his privilege to attend the state normal af- terwards, where he graduated in 1890. Then, in -. order that he might be better equipped for the "actual duties of @commercial career, he went to Baltimore and took a course of practical instruc- tion in a business college." Subsequently he en- and in the town Of Brunswick for several years, and met with success in this field .of endeavor. In 1896 he decided to start into business upon his own account, and the venture has proved a pay- ing one in every respect. The present firm, known as Colbert & Wright, was organized in 1896, and under their judicious management the business is constantly increasing. They have a handsome store, well stocked with a general line of merchandise, and their customers are always sure that they will be courteously treated, and that every effort will be made by the proprietors to meet their wishes.
In political matters W. T. Colbert is a Demo-
ILLIAM T. COLBERT, ex-mayor of gaged in teaching schools in Frederick County
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MCCLINTOCK YOUNG.
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crat and has been active in support of the party. His popularity in this section has been in evidence on numerous occasions, when he has been urged by his friends to accept the nomination for one office or another, and he was but twenty-three years of age at the time that he was appointed a magistrate. In that capacity he served accept- ably to all concerned for four years, and it! 1896 was honored by being elected to the mayoralty of Point of Rocks. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, belonging to Fervency Lodge No. 200, A. F. & A. M. He adheres to the re- ligious faith in which he was reared, and is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
M cCLINTOCK YOUNG, proprietor and one of the owners of the large brush factory in the city of Frederick, is recognized as one of the most talented scientific men in Maryland and ranks next to the famous Edison in patents. He was born in Washington, D. C., in 1836, and is the eldest son of McClintock Young, whose birth occurred in Baltimore in 1801, and who in after years was distinguished as one of the most prom- inent and successful attorneys of his native city, as well as one of the influential public men `of the state. For many years he was a member of the Baltimore city council. Under the admin- istration of Jackson lie was appointed chief clerk to the secretary of the treasury and removed to Washington, where he spent the remainder of his life. After many years of service in his respon- sible position he resigned and the subsequent part of his life was passed in retirement. When the war broke out between the north and south he espoused the cause of the Union and gave his influence to this cause. Dying in 1863, he was prevented from witnessing the triumph of the cause he had championed. Fraternally he was prominently connected with the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows. He was of Scotch-Irish par- entage, his father, Hugh Young, having come to
this country from Londonderry and settled in Baltimore, where for years he was a prosperous merchant.
The mother of our subject was Susan Bird Newman, a native of Charles County, Md., and a daugliter of Col. Francis Newman, who had served as a colonel in the British army prior to leaving England, and held a similar position in the American army during the War of 1812. Upon coming to America he gave up a baronetcy to which he was heir, preferring the independ- ence and liberty of the new world. He was a man of wealth, which he invested judiciously in his new home. At first he went to Massachu- setts, but in later years he came to Maryland and settled in Charles County, where he became an extensive planter and prominent citizen. For years he held office as revenue collector, in addi- tion to which he occupied other positions of trust and honor. Mrs. Susan Bird Young died in young womanhood, leaving two sons, Mcclintock and Alexander.
The latter, a young man of bright intellect and warm sympathies, became an adherent of the Confederacy at the opening of the Civil war. With the fearlessness and determination charac- teristic of him he determined to enlist in the army and fight for the cause he had espoused. Ac- cordingly he enlisted in a Maryland artillery company, from which he was later transferred to the First Maryland Cavalry. He served with distinction all through the conflict between the north and south and was offered a number of commissions, but would accept only that of ser- geant-major of the artillery. He lost his life in a battle near Hanover Courthouse in 1864, being the last of twenty-seven men to fall. His body was interred in the churchyard at Hanover Court- house. In Frederick a camp is named in his honor, being one of the largest in the state.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent in Washington. He was educated in private schools in Washington, the Benjamin Hallowell school in Alexandria and the schools of Frederick. Froni childhood he displayed a fondness for tools and machinery and was constantly attempting to in- vent something new. Among his first patents
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of note was an attachment to a self-binder or harvester, which he sold to the McCormick Har- vesting Company for a large suni. The first bi- cycle invented was one that he constructed direct- ly after the Civil war. It is now on exhibition in Frederick and contains many of the principles of the modern wheel. He has invented appli- ances for sewing machines and machinery for the manufacture of matches now used by the Dia- mond Match Company, the patent having been sold to this company by him some years ago. In use in his large brush factory he has thirty or more patents, all the product of his own mind and all intricate pieces of machinery. His ma- chines are sold only in foreign countries, many of them going to England and all parts of Europe. All of these machines, more than thirty in num- ber, are used constantly in his factory. Here he
gives employment to many hands. The factory is situated in the suburbs of Frederick on the eastern side of the city, and the plant covers twelve acres of land. The building in which the brushes are manufactured is a two-story struct- ure, built of brick, and 300x50 feet in dinien- sions. The firm is known as the Palmetto Fiber Company. The plant was established in 1889 and has grown to its present magnitude in the years that have since elapsed. The bruslies, which are the finest manufactured, are shipped to all parts of this country and foreign countries.
In 1862 Mr. Young married Louisa, daughter of Dr. E. W. Mobbery, of New Market District, this county. Three daughters were born of their union, namely: Elizabeth Bird, wife of Arthur Williams, M. D., of Elk Ridge, Howard County, and the mother of two daughters and a son; Helen, wife of Baker Jolinson, a prominent at- torney of Frederick; and Eloise, who is at home. The daughters were educated in the Woman's College of Frederick and are refined and cul- tured.
While he is an ardent Democrat, Mr. Young has never sought official honors though taking a warm interest in public affairs. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason. Since the death of his wife, which occurred some years ago, his home has been presided over by his youngest
daughter, Miss Eloise. He is a supporter of the Episcopal Church, with which his daughters are identified. Beginning in business with limited capital, Mr. Young has by the exercise of his re- markable talents won his way to a position among the leading business men of Frederick and the successful inventors of our country.
ILBUR H. DUVALL is a name that com- mands respect throughout Frederick Coun- ty, and wherever known, for the gentleman who bears it has a most enviable reputation for strict probity, high sense of honor and fidelity to duty, and, moreover, has risen by his own efforts to a position of trust and responsibility, by over- coming obstacles that would have appeared almost insurmountable to many. Since December, 1893. he has been tlie cashier of the Farmers' and Me- chanics' National Bank of Frederick, this being one of the most substantial. institutions of the state.
Born. September 29, 1852, Wilbur H. Duvall was the eldest son in a family numbering twelve children. His father, Benjamin W. Duvall, was born near the town of Buckeystown, Frederick County, and followed agricultural pursuits during his whole mature life. He was a strong Union man during the stormy period of the war, and was>a Republican from the time that the party was organized. until his death. He died in 1882, and was buried near his old home. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoyed the high regard of all with whom he came into contact. His father, Grafton Duvall, was also a farmer, living and dying in this county, and was an officer in the War of 1812. The Duvalls were originally French-Huguenot refugees. who sought a home and religious tolera- tion in America, fleeing from the tyranny of the rulers of their own land during one of the perse- cutions there. They were early numbered among the settlers of western Maryland, and have been noted for most worthy traits of character down to
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the present day. One branch of the family is numerous in New York and Florida, and another branch is in Pennsylvania.
The mother of the subject of this article was a daughter of Job Dix Eichelberger, who likewise came from one of the old and representative fam- ilies of this portion of the state. The children born to Benjamin W. Duvall and wife were as follows: our subject, Wilbur H .; Grafton A., a well-to-do farmer of Montgomery County. Md .; Benjamin D., a merchant of Brunswick, Md .; two who died in childhood; Oliver N., a medical stu- dent in Baltimore; Nannie; Emma, wife of Alex- ander H. Doll, of Urbana, Frederick County; Ruth, wife of J. Bell King; Maggie E., a teacher; Cordelia, wife of Dr. George H. Riggs, of Ijams- ville, Md .; and Sarah, a teacher in the Frederick city schools.
In his boyhood W. H. Duvall worked on the old homestead and attended the public schools. Later lie pursued his studies in Westminster Academy, where he prepared himself for Dickin- son College. His father, however, had such a large family to provide for, and, he being the eld- est child, was looked up to for somewhat in the way of support. The youth bravely put his shoulder to the wheel, and reluctantly abandoned his cherished plans of obtaining a college educa- tion. He remained at home, gradually assuming more and more of the management of the farm. In 1879 he took a position as a postal clerk in the railway mail service between Baltimore and Graf- ton. Subsequently he entered the employ of Col. D. C. Winebrener, as a bookkeeper, and stayed with that superior business man for a pe- riod of ten years. In May, 1890, he became con- nected with the Farmers' and Mechanics' Nation- al Bank, though in order to do so he accepted a place as a discount clerk. Later he was ap- pointed teller, then assistant-cashier, and in 1893 was elected cashier. The president of the bank is Col. D. C. Winebrener and the vice-president is Charles B. Trail. The bank was first estab- lished under a charter from the state in 1817, and was one of the first to be incorporated as a national bank after this system came into exist- ence. The public have an increasing confidence
in the bank and its present officers, as appears from the fact that within the past four years their deposits here have gone up from about $173,000 to $465,000. The bank has a capital stock of $125,000 and a surplus fund of $50,000.
Mr. Duvall was Arst married in 1877 to Miss Ida Frazier, who died in ISSI. She was a daugh- ter of Luther and Selina (Marman) Frazier. In 1887 he married her sister, Mrs. Lola Renner, and by this union has one son, Newell. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally Mr. Duvall is a thirty- second degree Mason, being a member of Lynch Lodge No. 163. A. F. & A. M., and past master of the same; past high priest of Enoch Chapter No. 23, R. A. M .; Jacque de Molay Commandery No. 4, K. T .; Frederick Consistory No. 20, Scot- tish Rite, and Mystic Shrine, of Baltimore. He has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party.
APT. WARNER G. WELSH. After a life covering sixty active and useful years, the most of which were given to agricultural pursuits, the subject of this sketch was called from time to eternity. He was born at Poplar Springs, Howard County, Md., in 1835, the son of Luther and Juliet Welsh, and grew to man- hood in that locality. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was living in Carroll County and at once enlisted in the service, joining the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, under the command of Col. Harry Gilmore and General Ashby. After a time he was commissioned captain of Company D, First Maryland Cavalry. He served with the fearlessness that was ever a marked trait of his character, and won the respect of the inen of his company as well as his superior officers.
When the war was ended Captain Welsh re- turned to his home in Carroll County, where lie remained for one year. He then removed to Libertytown and purchased the farm in Liberty District known as the Baker farm, which he later sold to James Sappington, by whom it is now
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owned and occupied. To its cultivation he gave Stone, and was born in Haw Bottom, Middletown his attention until 1887, when he purchased the . Valley, February 14, 1846. The father was a adjoining farms of John Hammond and Captain Simmons. He erected a beautiful home where the family now resides, and inade valuable im- provements. At the time of his death he owned three hundred and sixty acres. During the year 1894 he served as sugar inspector of the state of Louisiana, to which position he was appointed by the governor. With that exception his entire active life was devoted to farin work.
In 1882, on the 9th of February, Captain Welsh married Miss Mary C. Knox, an estimable lady residing in Baltimore. They became the parents of four children: Mary G., Warner Wellington, Edith C. and Milton, who reside with their mother on the home farin. In local affairs Captain Welsh took an interested part and in politics supported the Democratic party. He was a member of the Catholic Church and a firm believer in its doctrines, as are all of his family. When sixty years of age he passed away, March 9, 1895, and was laid to rest in St. Peter's Ceme- tery.
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OHN C. STONE, a well-to-do and enter- prising farmer of Middletown District, Fred- erick County, lives upon a valuable and well- improved farm situated conveniently near the village of Middletown, as it adjoins it on the west. The pike runs through his farm and the Middle- town and. Myersville Street Railway, is not far distant from his home. This property came into possession of our subject by purchase some fifteen years ago, and in the meantime he has made nu- merous marked improvements upon the place, thus adding greatly to its desirability and attract- iveness. The residence has been remodeled by him and is now a handsome modern home. Well- kept barns and farm buildings, fences, lawns, shade trees, etc., give character to the place and plainly indicate the care and interest which the thrifty owner takes in his home.
Mr. Stone is the only child of Frederick K.
native of the neighborhood of Frederick City, and spent his early life there. He was a farmer by occupation and for years carried on a homestead in this valley successfully. Loyal to his duties as a citizen, neighbor, friend, he won the genu- ine regard of all with whom he had dealings, and few of the old residents of this community have been more earnestly missed in the past few years. Formerly an old-line Whig, he later espoused the principles of the Republican party, and for two years served acceptably on the board of town commissioners. During the war he stood by the Union and at all times was a patriot, his first thought being his country. He held member- ship with the German Reformed Church of Mid- dletown, and served on its official board for years. Death put an end to his labors in 1893, when he was in his seventy-sixth year. The Stones orig- inally came from Germany, and grandfather John Stone owned the farm now in the possession of Charles H. Coblentz, in this valley. Susan, wife of Frederick K. Stone, was a most devoted wife and inother, beloved by all who knew her. There was but one week's difference between hers and her husband's ages and they were not long sep- arated by death, as she died within a week prior to the death of Mr. Stone and he was buried by " her side in the cemetery of the Reformed Church, at Middletown. Her father, John Coblentz, was a rich farmer and land owner of this valley.
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