USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 31
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John C. Stone was reared upon a farm about four miles south of Middletown and received his elementary education in the local schools. In 1873 he started out to make his own way in the world, having already laid the foundations of fu- ture success by being thoroughly master of the business of agriculture. For ten years he carried on the farm which had formerly been the prop- erty of his maternal grandfather, and in 1883 was in possession of sufficient funds to enable him to purchase the farm where he lives to-day and has since cultivated. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres, well adapted to general farming purposes.
In 1872 Mr. Stone married Emma O. Reins-
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burg, whose father, Samuel Remsburg, was a prominent farmer of this district. He departed this life in 1880. Four sons and six daughters have come to bless the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stone. Fred, the eldest, died when eight years old, and the others are all at home and are named as follows: Elias B., Susan M. O., John S., Julia M., Charlotte C., Lucy Emma, Lena Elsie, Blanche Remsburg and Joseph C.
A valued member of St. Paul's Reformed Church of Middletown, Mr. Stone has acted as one of its officers for years and is liberal in his support of its work. Socially he belongs to Ca- toctin Lodge No. 113, I. O. O. F., Valley En- campment No. 34, and Heptasoph Conclave No. 425. In his political faith he is a Republican.
LEXANDER REMSBURG is the owner of several hundred acres of land which is justly considered of the best in Frederick County. His beautiful home and fertile homestead is situated about one mile from Lewistown, in Lew- istown District, and is as desirable a country- place as can be found in this section. In all his undertakings Mr. Remsburg has manifested great business ability and forethought, and his success in life is due to his application of princi- ples of sound common sense, diligence and perse- verance. Once having weighed a matter and adjudged its merits in his cool, clear-minded way, he outlines a policy and adlieres to it to the end. He has been one of the leading promoters of the proposed Frederick & Emmitsburg Railroad, which has recently been granted a charter, and having been so prominent in its inception he is unquestionably just the one to take an official part in the management of the enterprise, whichi is destined to prove of incalculable benefit to the sections which it passes through. Heis now act- ing in the capacity of vice president of the company.
The Remsburg family is of German origin, the progenitor of the American branch having set-
tled in Virginia at an early day. Grandfather Henry Remsburg was the owner of a large and valuable plantation in Berkeley County, Va. His son, the father of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was Jacob Remis- burg. His mother died when he was a mere child, and early in life he left home to make his own way in the world. Locating in Frederick District, Frederick County, he became one of the influential and wealthy farmers of that sec- tion. In politics he was a Democrat, and very aggressive in its support, though he was not an office-seeker, and the only public position which was ever held by him was that of judge of elec- tions. He died when in his sixty-fifth year. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Henry Snook, a farmer and miller of Frederick County. She died in young womanhood, leaving four sons and one daughter, namely: Alexander, Lewis P., Nelson D. and Thomas C., all farmers of this vi- cinity, and Elizabeth, now deceased, but formerly the wife of J. E. Michael.
Alexander Remsburg was born in Frederick District, Frederick County, in 1838, and in liis youth he acquired practical experience in the various duties of farm work. When a little past his majority he started out to make his own live- lihood, and the first land which ever came into his possession was the fine farin which adjoins the present homestead, and this place he still owns. Soon after the close of the war lie purchased the valuable farm on which he has since resided. It comprises four hundred and eighty-five acres, and is situated on the line of the Frederick & Emmitsburg pike. At the time of his par- chase, this farm was badly run down and had no buildings upon it. In the year 1883 Mr. Remsburg erected a fine brick residence, two stories in height, of modern plan, and costing over $6,000. It stands upon an elevation which commands an excellent view of the surrounding valley. The same year that the house was put up Mr. Remsburg raised a crop of wheat, burned sufficient brick, and then erected the house, all within the twelve months. The fine barns upon the place are among the best in the county, and the water needed on the place is furnished by an
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excellent wind-mill and well, which was drilled two hundred and thirty-nine feet deep, mainly througli solid rock. Altogether Mr. Remsburg owns upwards of six hundred acres of land in one body, besides smaller tracts of woodland, etc.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Han- nah, daugliter of Frederick Cronice, was cele- brated in this locality in 1860. They have had five children: Luther L., now carrying on the adjoining farm to the old homestead; Belle, wife of William Getzendanner, of Montgomery County, Md., and Daisy C., Mattie S. and Dana Florence, all at home. The parents are members of tlie Reformed Church, and give liberally to religious and benevolent enterprises.
APT. QUITMAN S. J. BECKLEY, for a great many years one of the most respected citizens of Frederick City and for twelve years the law librarian and court-crier for Frederick County, is one of the native sons of this place, his birth having occurred February 22, 1848. In 1868 he enlisted in the militia company commanded by Chief-Judge James McSherry, but the organ- ization did not long continue in existence. Some thirteen years later, however, it was reformed by Captain McSherry and Lieutenants Thomas and Besant, and within a few years Capt. J. B. Hart- sock was placed in command, with our subject as lieutenant. He held this position, being commis- sary on the staff of General Douglass, with the rank of captain, until May 15, 1885, when he was elected captain of the company, a position he has held ever since. Thus he is the oldest man in point of years of service, of this rank, residing in Frederick.
The father of our subject, Capt. Gabriel Beck- ley, was captain of the United Guards, under Governor Hicks. He was born in Little York, Pa., and won a reputation throughout this country by his celebrated cough drops and confectionery. He spent his early years in his native state and in the southi and in 1842 came to Frederick, where
he established a factory on North Market street, just opposite the city hall. Later he removed to South Market street, but in July, 1868, the build- ing was entirely swept away by a freshet. He. then located once more on North Market, and his two daughters, Regina and Sabrina, are still car- rying on the flourishing business that he built up prior to his death, which occurred in 1872, at the age of sixty-six years. He was well and favor- ably known to the people of the older generation, and took an active part in all local affairs and enterprises.
In 1861, at the outbreak of the war, he was in command of a company of state troops, but, though offered a commission by both the Confederates and Federals, he would side with neither. He was inclined to favor the principle of state rights, but preferred to keep out of war, in which he did not believe. He gave his ballot to the Democratic party, and religiously he was a member of the Catholic Church. His father was a prosperous merchant in the Quaker city, and originally came from Germany, but the mother was a native of Switzerland. The wife of Capt. Gabriel Beckley bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Haller, and she came from the well-known old Haller family of this section. Her parents died when she was a little girl, during the cholera epidemic of 1832. Mrs. Beckley died at the age of seventy-four years, in 1893. Of her five children Lawrence S. is a successful manufacturer of confectionery in Wash- ington, D. C .; Constantine is a tinware manufact- urer in Richmond, Va .; Regina and Sabrina are residents of this city, as previously mentioned.
"Capt. Q. S. J. Beckley was educated in St. John's College, of this city, and for some years afterwards he was in business with his father here. He then entered the hardware store of N. J. Wilson and at the close of a year went into the employ of Hugh McAleer (father-in-law of Judge McSherry ) and continued with him-for eight years. Then, in partnership with Charles W. Tabler, he purchased the store and the firm name became Tabler & Beckley. Two years afterwards the connection was dissolved, the captain starting in the grocery and provision business on South Market street. He built up a large and paying trade during the
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ten years that he carried on the business. In 1875 he was appointed court-crier of this county and officiated in that capacity for about twelve years, or until a change in the administration. Then, when the law library was established, he was chosen the librarian, a place which he has occupied with ability and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1896 he was court martialed on a charge at once absurd and utterly unfounded, and as soon as the matter reached the attention of the governor he dismissed the case at once. The captain is a Democrat of no uncertain standing and for eight years has been register of votes for this county, besides serving frequently as register of votes for this city. He is a member of the Catholic Church and is identified with the Catholic Benevolent Society.
In 1870 Captain Beckley married Caroline Kreh, daughter of John and Christiana Kreh, natives of Frankfort and Berlin, Germany, respectively. The father came to the United States when he was a young man and engaged in contracting and owned large lime- kilns. He laid much of the cobble-stone pavement that still remains in the streets of Frederick, and was very prosperous up to the time of the Civil war, when, on account of interrupted facilities of transporting his lime and supplies, he was obliged to retire from active life. Thenceforth he was a member of the captain's family until his demise, in 1894. One of his sons, Charles F., is employed in Washington, D. C .; another son, George, is in the employ of tlie Western Union Telegraph as an operator. Jolin is a well-to-do merchant of Baltimore; Frank is superintendent of the shipping department of the firm of Mathia, Ingram & Co., of Baltimore; C. Rose is a trained nurse and graduate of the Ger- mantown and other hospitals in Philadelphia, Pa .; Clara is the wife of Thomas V. Young, of Wash- ington, D. C.
Mrs. Beckley was born and reared in Frederick and is a natural musician. Her talent has long been recognized here and she has had large and flourishing classes for years. Formerly she belonged to the Lutheran Church and was the organist, but for over a quarter of a century she has been a member of the Catholic Church and is
now the organist. Three of the children born to the captain and wife died witli that dread disease, diphtheria, and the following-named remain to them: George Bernard, who is a member of com- pany G, First Regiment of Maryland Volunteers United States Army; C. Francis, of St. Francis Xavier College, New York, and sergeant of Com- pany C, College Cadets; Mary and Cecilia, at home; and Quitman, a school-boy of seven years.
- UGUSTUS EBERT has been engaged in business in Frederick since he reached his majority, during the Civil war. He was in partnership with his three brothers in the gun- smith trade until the death of their father, who had established the factory many years previous- ly and under whose instruction they had each learned the business. Subsequently the brothers carried on a carriage manufactory here with suc- cess, but one by one they have died and now our subject is the only survivor of the original firm.
Mr. Ebert is the youngest son of Benjamin Ebert, who was a native of Frederick City, but early in life went to live in Lancaster, Pa. There it was that he became proficient as a gunsmithi, and for ten years or more he kept a shop in that enterprising city. Then returning to Frederick he opened a factory here and continued in the business until death released him from his labors in 1865. His shop was situated just across the street from the present business house of his son and successor. He was first a Whig and later a Democrat and was never a candidate for official distinction, as he preferred the quiet life of a pri- vate citizen. He was a faithful member of the Lu- theran Church, as were his forefathers, and at his demise he was buried in Mount Olivet Ceme- tery. His father, John, was likewise a resident of Frederick and followed the trade of glove- making all through his business career. His son Ely, an uncle of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812.
The wife of Benjamin Ebert was Miss Caroline
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Birley in her girlhood and was reared in this county upon a farm. Her father started the first paper-mill in this region in Myersville and ran it for many years. William, the eldest son of Ben- jamin Ebert, John, Samuel B. and Augustus literally grew up in their father's shop and at an early age gave their assistance to him. During the days of the war they were all kept very busy indeed, meeting the extra demand upon their supplies. John, who died in June, 1897, was a member of the water-works board in this city for several terms. Samuel B., whose death occurred some twelve years ago, was a nieniber of the com- mon council of Frederick and held the position of superintendent of the water-works. Daisy, a sister of the above, died in Lancaster, Pa. Caro- line, another sister, is the wife of Edward J. Winebrenner, a grocer on South Market street; and Emma also is a resident of Frederick. Re- becca is Mrs. Samuel B. Davis, of Fountain Mills, Frederick County.
Augustus Ebert was born in Lancaster, Pa., in 1843, and received his education in the public schools of Frederick City. As already mentioned, the natural taste of the father for mechanics was developed at an early age in each one of his sons, and our subject was no exception to the rule. The works with which he has been so long con- nected here have been counted among our sub- stantial institutions or industries and employment has frequently been given to from fifteen to twen- ty men in the plant. In 1871 Mr. Ebert married Elizabeth Baumgardner, daughter of Thomas Baumgardner, a slioe manufacturer and honored citizen of Frederick for about forty years. Harry, the eldest son of our subject, is now in business with him and is head manager of the works. He is a young man of promise and ability and is a graduate of Frederick College. Benjamin, the younger son, died at the age of sixteen years, in 1895. Emma, Carrie and Mamie, the daughters, are all at home and are all well-educated and cul- tured girls.
In his political opinions Mr. Ebert inclines to the Democracy, but lias never been aggressively active, as he has not found time nor has he had the desire to mingle much in the affairs of state.
He has never been connected with any secret or- der, but is an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. His life lias been spent in industrious labor, his chief aim being to provide well for his family and to do his whole duty as a citizen.
ESSE W. DOWNEY, M. D., wlio for many years has successfully engaged in practice in New Market District, Frederick County, was born on the old family homestead near the village of New Market, March 24, 1848. He was a child of three years when his parents moved into the town, and there the years of his boyhood were spent, principally in attendance at the public schools. He completed his education in the Rockhill College at Ellicott City and Maryland Military Institute. At the age of seventeen, dur- ing the progress of the Civil war, he enlisted as a private in Company D, First Maryland Cavalry, joining his regiment in Virginia. The first en- gagement in which lie participated was at Falling Waters, after which he bore an active part in the skirmishing around Winchester and the valley campaign, also the raid through Pennsylvania, taking part in the battles of Newtown, Cedar Creek and Fisher's Hill.
When the war came to an end he returned to New Market. In 1866 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. E. W. Mobberly, in whose office he studied for a year. Later lie carried on his readings with Prof. Nathan R. Smith, M. D., of Baltimore. He was gradu- ated from the medical department of the univer- sity of Maryland, March 3, 1869, with the degree of M. D. On the completion of his medical stud- ies he returned to New Market, where he lias since engaged in practice. The marriage of Dr. Downey was solemnized in 1876, and united lrim with Miss Mary W., daughter of Maj. Denton Hammond, of New Market. Two children bless the union: Elizabeth, who was educated in private schocls, and Jesse W. In political belief Dr. Downey is an unswerving Democrat, firm in his
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allegiance to the party of his choice. He has never souglit official position nor desired election to places of public responsibility, preferring to give his time to his practice. All matters relat- ing to his profession receive his earnest attention. He is identified with various medical organiza- tions, and in 1894 served as vice-president of the Maryland State Medical and Chirurgical Faculty. He has held the position of surgeon of the First Regiment Infantry, National Guard of Mary- land. In fraternal relations he is a prominent member of the Masonic order, belonging to Phil- anthropic Lodge No. 168, F. & A. M .; Enoch Chapter No. 23, R. A. M., of Frederick; Jacques Commandery No. 4, K. T., of Frederick, and the Scottish Rite Consistory, of Baltimore. For twelve successive years he was master of his lodge. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for twenty-two years has held the position of treasurer in the lodge at New Market. He is a friend to the county in
Subsequent to his acquirement of a common- school education our subject entered the old Mid- dletown Academy, then in charge of Prof. Will- iam L. Avis, one of the leading educators of his time, where he prepared for a course in Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa. On the com- pletion of the collegiate course he began the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. J. E. Beatty, of Middletown, and later entered the medical de- partment of the University of Maryland, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1891. During the latter year of his course he gained valuable experience in his profession while serving as clinical assistant of the hospital con- nected with the university. Subsequent to his which his entire life has been passed, and is rec- . graduation he removed to Thurmont, Frederick ognized and honored as a public-spirited citizen, and a man whose character is above reproach.
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LMER C. KEFAUVER, M. D. A descend- ant of the prominent and well-known pioneer families of Kefauver and Toms, our subject was born on the old homestead in Middletown District, Frederick County, Md., March 18, 1868, and is a son of Richard C. and Laura (Tonis) Kefauver. His early life was passed in acquiring sucli an education as was afforded by the public schools of his native place, as well as assisting in the management of his father's agricultural inter- ests. His father, Richard C. Kefauver, has long been one of the most prominent and successful agriculturists of the Middletown Valley, and one who has been a potential factor in the social and religious life of that locality.
The grandfather, Daniel Kefauver, was a pio- neer settler of that region, and for many years closely identified with the growth and develop-
ment of that section of the state. The mother of our subject, Laura Toms, was a dangliter of Sam- nel Tomis, a gentleman who followed agricultural pursuits, in addition to mercantile interests. (For family history see sketch of Edward D. Kefauver. which appears elsewhere in this work. )
County, where he established himself in practice. His possession of indomitable energy, combined with close application, and an inherent love of his calling have served to place him among the lead- ing men of his profession in Frederick County. He is a member of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland and the Medical Society of Washington County. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arcanum and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Politically he is a Republican, and possesses in a marked de- gree the true spirit of Americanisin, broadmind- edness and progressiveness.
September 27, 1892, he married Mary A., daughter of the late Edwin Atler, a prominent financier of Loudoun County, Va. At the time of her marriage Miss Atler was a resident of Hagerstown, Md. To them lias been born one child, a daughter, Lillian S. Dr. and Mrs. Kefanver are among the social leaders of Tlnir- mont, and their refined and charming hospitality is much sought by their many friends. They are also members of the Reformed Church, of which the doctor has served as an elder for ser- eral years.
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RANK HESSON is the general and very popular station agent of the Western Mary- land Railroad Company at Thurmont, which enterprising town has been developed from a mere hamlet within the past few years, and gives great promise for the future. For the past eigh- teen years the young man of whom we write has been a valued employe of the corporation with which he is now connected, and has won the confidence and high regard of his superiors in every instance. The citizens of this place and the traveling public in general find in him a courteous, obliging gentleman, ready to render whatever service he can to others.
Born in Thurmont, Frederick County, Frank Hesson is the only son of Jacob Hesson. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, received a good education in that state, and, coming to this locality in early manhood, engaged in teaching school hereabouts for several years with success. He was a Republican in politics, and in religion was devoted to the teachings of the Reformed Church. Death put an untimely end to his ca- reer when he was in the prime of manhood, thirty-two years old. His wife, whose maiden name was Casandria Favorite, was a native of Frederick County, and, as both of her parents died when she was young, but little is known of their history. The paternal grandparents of our subject were William and Catharine ( Hahn) Hesson. They resided near the town of Han- over, Pa., and were farmers by occupation.
the public schools of Frederick County. When he was eighteen years of age he started out to earn his own livelihood, and, obtaining a position with the Western Maryland Railroad Company, soon made his way into the good opinion of those above him in position by his fidelity to his duties, his general efficiency and his attention to their interests. He has been stationed at various points along the line of this railroad, but always in this state. At present he has full charge of the freight and passenger traffic here, and is al- lowed one assistant, as otherwise he could not easily manage everything. Since he received the
right of franchise he has always given his alle- giance to the Republican party. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, Accacia Lodge No. 155, and to the Junior Order of American Me- chanics, Columbia Council No. 52, both at Thur- mont.
February 22, 1892, Mr. Hesson married Miss Marie Reightler, daughter of David Reightler, a well and favorably known merchant of Baltimore City, Md. The young couple have one bright little girl, Casandria by name. They have a very pretty and attractive home and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
INCENT SEBOLD was born near Emmits- burg, Md., November 29, 1858, and re- ceived his education in Mount St. Mary's College near this place. Subsequently he read law in the office of Hon. Frederick J. Nelson, of Frederick, Md., and after being admitted to the Frederick County bar in 1884, began the prac- tice of law, opening an office in Richmond, Va. In 1890 he returned to Frederick County and was appointed deputy collector for the county, in which office he served for two successive terms. Afterward he served as counsel to the county commissioners for several years.
Now a resident of Emmitsburg, Mr. Sebold is counsel to the principal corporations and institu-
Frank Hesson was born October 29, 1862, and, as soon as he was old enough, became a pupil in . tions of the northern end of Frederick County. He was the leading spirit in the re-organization of the Emmitsburg Railroad Company, of which he is the counsel and a director. Energetic and public-spirited, he takes an active interest in all the substantial industries of his section. In pol- itics he is a Democrat, active in his party, and frequently represents his county in conventions. In 1885 he married Annie I., daughter of Abra- ham F. Roddy, of Roddy, Frederick County, and to them were born four daughters, three of whom survive, Annie L., Vincentia and Mary.
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