USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 35
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schools of Libertytown. Afterward he attended Gettysburg College. At the age of eighteen he turned his attention from college studies to read- ing medicine, which he began under the pre- ceptorship of his father, afterward attending the regular course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in April, 1860, with the degree of M. D. On his return to Libertytown he entered into practice with his father, the two remaining together until the latter's death, in the spring of 1869. Since that time our subject has carried on practice alone. Interested in all organizations pertaining to his profession, he holds membership in the American Medical Association. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, but his time being closely given to professional duties he has had little leisure for matters relating to politics. He was united in marriage, January 15, 1863, with Miss Mary W., daughter of Rev. Josiah Varden, of Libertytown. The success he has attained in his profession may be attributed to his determination and ability, and to his sound common sense, which is a commodity as valuable in medical practice as in other lines of labor. In manners he is affable and genial, and as a citizen he has the respect of all his acquaintances.
( OHN L. JORDAN, county clerk of Fred- erick County, was elected on the Democratic ticket to this responsible position some six years ago, in 1891. Few have ever given better satisfaction to the people of all classes and po- litical parties among those who were his prede- cessors in this office, and his record is one of which he may justly be proud. To the least of his duties he is faithful to a marked degrce, hold- ing his own interests secondary, as should every servant of the public, but as too few really do.
A native of Washington County, Md., born February 10, 1847, Mr. Jordan is the youngest son of John L. Jordan. The latter was born and lived until he was about seventeen years of age
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in Virginia. At that time he was living with an uncle, and he ran away from home to seek his fortunes and earn an independent livelihood. Locating in Montgomery County, Md., he found employment on the construction of the Chesa- peake & Ohio Canal, then being built. Later he engaged in the grain and milling business at Berlin (now Brunswick), Md., and success soon crowned his enterprise. Ere long he commenced to enlarge his investments, and established a wholesale commission house in Baltimore, with resident partners. He was a Democrat in poli- tics, but would never accept office. In the Odd Fellows' society he stood high, and enjoyed the respect of the whole community in which he dwelt. He died in Berlin, Md., in 1889. His father, also a native of Virginia, left him a fine plantation in Jefferson County. He was con- nected with the well-known Thorton family. The Jordans were among the early and honored settlers of Virginia, going there from England. The wife of John L. Jordan was Eliza, daughter of Henry Buckels, who owned a large and valu- able estate in Virginia. He was from one of the old and highly respected families of that state, and was a man of means and influence in his district. The three living children of John and Eliza Jordan are: William H., who is in the government employ in Washington, D. C .; John L. Jr .; and Mary, widow of a Mr. Walker.
The boyhood of the subject of this review was passed at home, in Berlin, Md., his preliminary education being that of the district schools. Later it was his privilege to attend the Rock Hill Academy. In 1868 he went to Baltimore to assist in his father's business there, and remained in the metropolis some three years. In 1870 he returned to Berlin and took charge of the affairs of his senior there for the following seven years or so. In 1879 he purchased a one-third interest in the same, and devoted his whole energies to the development of the business. About IS89 a new and lively interest in the town of Berlin awakened, and he became a dealer in real estate there. In IS91 he was elected on the Democratic ticket as clerk of Frederick County, as previously stated, and, through his duties keep him here the
greater part of the time, lie still has his home in Berlin, or Brunswick, as it is now called. For two years he was the collector for the Chesapeake & Oliio Canal, at Georgetown.
In 1879 Mr. Jordan married Miss Amanda Lyons, of Washington, D. C. Her father was one of the prosperous business men of that city and was quite influential in municipal affairs there at one time. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Jordan is Miss Evelina, who is at home. Socially our subject is a Mason of high standing, he having joined the order a quarter of a century ago. He is a charter member of Brunswick Lodge No. 191, A. F. & A. M., and is a Knight Templar. He is also associated with the In- proved Order of Red Men, the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Ancient Essenic Order and several minor ones. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Brunswick.
- EV. E. R. ESCHBACH is the pastor of tlie Reformed Church of Frederick, one of the largest, wealthiest and most influential con- gregations of western Maryland. For nearly a quarter of a century he has labored among his peo- ple here, and is beloved, looked up to and rever- enced more than it is often the lot of ministers of the gospel, but not more than he richly deserves. Not only in his own congregation, but among those of the other denominations and the public in general is he deeply respected and held in high regard, and his influence for good in this community is beyond measure.
The parents of the above-named gentleman were David and Elizabeth B. (Rishiel) Eschbach. The fatlier was born on the old homestead of his ancestors in Paradise Township, Northumberland Comty, Pa., October 27, 1802, and died Febril- ary 15, 1879, while his wife, born November 18, 1806, died upon the anniversary of their mar- riage, October 14, 1844, they having started on the journey of life together just twenty years
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before. The father was a well-to-do farmer and a representative man in his own community. He was a Republican and thoroughly alive to the best interests of the majority of the people. The cause of education found in him a sincere friend, and, as he was never willing to hold office, the only public position held by him was that of school director. For years he was an official member of the Reformed Church. His father, Anthony, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was a farmer and mechanic. He was accidentally killed when about forty years of age by being thrown from a horse. His father, John, born in Germany September 15, 1747, came to America when young, settling in Bucks (now Lehigh) County, Pa., where he engaged in farming. His wife, Catherine Bush Eschbach, was also a native of the Fatherland, having been born there in 1749. They were the parents of five sons. The wife of Anthony Eschbach was Miss Barbara Roemig, of Allentown, Pa., in her girlhood. After the death of his first wife he was married, in 1845, to Sarah Eschbach. By his first marriage he had two sons and two daughters. David J., a Phila- delphia commission merchant, died in 1878. Mary C. married B. Schaffer and lives in Ne- braska. Elizabethı B. became the wife of William S. Clapp, of Milton, Pa. The children of the second union numbered seven, but four are de- ceased. Albert carries on the old homestead in Pennsylvania. Henry Clay is a physician of Albia, Iowa. David Elmer is in the insurance business at Des Moines, Iowa.
The birth of Rev. Mr. Eschbach occurred in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Coun- ty, Pa., November 9, 1835. In his boyhood his parents removed to Turbot Township and there he grew to manhood. He was but nine years old when his mother died, and was the eldest of her four children. Very early in life he mani- fested that fondness for study and literature that has been one of liis notable characteristics up to the present time. His desire to enter the Chris- tian ministry came to him while he was a miere lad, and the conviction that his duty lay in that direction became more and more fixed in his mind year by year. At the age of eigliteen lie
commenced his theological studies and graduated with honor in the class of 1859 from Franklin and. Marshall College, of Lancaster, Pa. Continuing his research into the truths of Christianity and the doctrines of the Reformed Church in the Mercersburg (Pa.) Theological Seminary, he was licensed to preach in the summer of 1861 by the synod of his denomination. Prior to this, however, he was unanimously recommended by the faculty of the Mercersburg Seminary to be assistant pastor of the First Reformed Church of Baltimore. The minister of that congregation, Rev. Elias Heiner, was in failing health and it was deemed advisable to relieve him of many of his duties. The young man concluded to locate in Somerset County, Pa., for several reasons, and entered upon his first pastorate in October, 1861. That same month he was regularly ordained by a committee of the Westmoreland Classis of the Reformed Church. But little more than a year had elapsed ere he was again urgently pressed to become assistant to Rev. Elias Heiner, and he reluctantly yielded to the advice and wishes of his elders. From November 1, 1862, to October 20 of the following year his duties became more and more arduous as the regular minister's healthi rapidly declined, and at the date last mentioned his earthly labors ended. On New Year's day of 1864 Mr. Eschbach was chosen as the suc- cessor of Mr. Heiner, and for ten years he faitli- fully ministered to the large congregation there. He won the love and genuine esteem of the peo- ple, and it was to their great regret that he was induced to leave them in 1874, and it is needless to say that on his part their relations were sev- ered with the deepest sorrow, as a question of right and duty, not of preference.
For thirty-eight years Rev. D. Zacharias had filled the pulpit of the Frederick Reformed Church and after his death a division in the church seemed imminent, as the members could not agree upon a successor and partisanship threatened to destroy all harmony forever. At last the name of Rev. E. R. Eschbach was pre- sented to the congregation as a possible candidate (this without his consent) and he was elected. A very strong pressure was then brought to bear
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upon him, and, as previously stated, he accepted the position. It was well known that few, per- haps no one, could better bring order out of the chaos and make peace and harmony to once more reign supreme than he, and certainly his loving care of his new flock soon restored right feelings among them. Long since they willingly surren- dered themselves to his kind, yet firm, guidance, and everything is now in a most gratifying con- dition. Among the numerous improvements that have been carried on by the church in the past two decades might be mentioned additions to the granite steps, skylight in the dome reopened, new pipe-organ purchased, steeple repaired, Trinity Chapel built, new parsonage erected at a cost of $6,000, and new furnishings placed in the audience room, Sunday-school and chapsi, etc. A monument was also erected to the memory of the former faithful pastor, Dr. Zacharias.
In the general work of the denomination Mr. Eschbach has been prominent during thirty years or more. For that length of time he has been continuously chosen as a member of the board of home missions by his synod, and much of this time lias filled the office of secretary of the board. He is one of the board of visitors of the Theologi- cal Seminary of Lancaster, Pa., and is an officer of the society that has in charge the welfare of disabled ministers and the widows of deceased ministers of the Reformed Church. For a quar- ter of a century he has been chosen to represent the Maryland Classis in the General Synod, the highest judiciary of the church. In IS88 he was honored by being sent as a delegate to the gen- eral conference of the church at London, Eng- land; was again called upon to go as a delegate to the general convention at Toronto, Canada, in 1892, and there delivered an able address upon the unemployed resources of the church. In 1893 he was the representative of his denomina- tion in the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, and gave a scholarly address. He is president of the board of directors of the Woman's College of Frederick, and since 1883 has been one of the trustees of Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa. In 1868 he joined the Masonic order, and has attained the thirty-second
degree. In 1869 he was made a Kuiglit Tem- piar, and for four years, or until 1873, was grand chaplain of Maryland, and in 1872 and 1873 was grand chaplain of the grand lodge. June 18, 1878, the honorary degree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by Heidelberg College of Tiffin, Ohio.
November 9, 1864, Mr. Eschbach married Mary Susan Doli, of Martinsburg, W. Va. She is the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Wolf ) Doll. The former was a prominent citizen of Martinsburg, W. Va., and the Wolfs were of Revolutionary war fame. Two daughters were born to our subject and his estimable wife, Mary S. and Catherine E., both graduates of the Woman's College of Frederick, and now living at home.
EWIS M. HAMILTON, superintendent of the Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad, was born in Baltimore in 1852, and received his education from private tutors. Under com- petent instructors he studied engineering, and his first work in that line was done in the service of the Baltimore & Ohio, when that road was ex- tended to Chicago in 1891. At that time he was resident engineer with headquarters in Tiffin, Ohio. When the road was completed he became interested in other constructive work in the en- ploy of the company.
In 1882 Mr. Hamilton came to Cumberland as assistant engineer for the Consolidation Coal Com- pany, and with T. L. Patterson as chief made the first complete survey of the holdings of real estate owned by that company. From their cal- culations the map of the company was completed. In 1885 the Cumberland & Pennsylvania road selected Mr. Hamilton as assistant superintend- ent of that company, and in 1889 promoted him to the superintendency, which position he still holds, together with that of assistant resident agent of tlie Consolidation Coal Company.
The railway company have erected stations at Mount Savage, Frostburg, Lonaconing, Tan- .
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nery, Midland, Barton and roundhouses at Mount Savage and Westernport. The road-bed has been improved over its entire length, and the track from Cumberland to Mount Savage Junc- tion has been laid withi eighty-five pound steel rails, which are the heaviest to be found in this part of the state. An iron bridge has been built across the Potomac at Westernport, and other important improvements have been made. Mr. Hamilton superintended the construction of a branch of the road connecting the mines of the Barton and George's Creek Valley with the main line. The road has prospered, and vast improve- ments have been made in its equipment and rolling stock under his personal supervision.
AMUEL M. BIRELY, one of the most prominent citizens and business men of Thurmont, Frederick County, has been identified with the most of her industries and various progressive institutions, thus manifesting the genuine interest he has in her prosperity and development. In 1889 the now well-known bank of Birely & Osler was founded here, and though the venture was a doubtful one, and was neces- sarily begun upon a small scale, their business has steadily increased, and it is recognized as one of the stable institutions of Frederick County. The bank was at first located in a small frame building, but the accommodations proving en- tirely inadequate, our subject and his partner erected a substantial brick structure three stories in height. It is one of the best buildings in the town, and besides the bank offices there is a store and postoffice on the ground floor, while there are suites of rooms above for residence or office purposes.
The parents of our subject were Samuel and Barbara A. (Kemp) Birely, respected early set- tlers of Frederick County. The father was a successful agriculturist and owned large tracts of land in Woodsboro District. During the war he was strongly in sympathy with the Union
cause and gave liis ballot to the Republican party after its organization. The poor and needy al- ways found in him a generous friend, and to col- leges and churches he was very liberal. Frater- nally he was associated with the Masonic order. His wife was a daughter of Peter Kemp, of this county, a miller by calling and a man universally respected in this community. Mrs. Barbara Birely is still living, her home being in Thur- mont. The husband and father departed this life many years ago, when in his eighty-second year.
Born in Ladiesburg, Frederick County, in 1859, Samuel M. Birely is the eldest son of his parents, and, as such, was obliged to assume the management of his father's affairs at the time of the senior's death. The youth was about seven- teen years of age and had finished his studies in the local schools and was part way through a course at Gettysburg College. He had the law before him as his pet ambition, but was never able to carry out his wishes in that direction. With a brave heart, however, he took up the duties which devolved upon him as a filial son and elder brother, and now has the satisfaction of seeing his brother and sisters useful members of society, and in happy homes. The brother, who was but four years old when the father died, is Dr. Morris A. Birely, of this place, now en- gaged in successful practice. He graduated from the medical department of the University of Maryland in 1894, and has since been a resident of Thurmont. He is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church and belongs to the Kniglits Templar and the Masonic orders. The sisters are Lillie J., Mrs. Duttera, of Gettysburg, Pa .: Rebecca, Mrs. Kissenger, of Illinois; and Eliza- beth, wife of Robert L. Koons, a son of the late HIon. John A. Koons, of Jolinsville District.
For about four years Mr. Birely of this sketch was engaged in the produce and grain business in the adjacent town of Graceham, after whichi hie embarked in the insurance and broker's busi- ness in Thurmont. When the excelsior works were started here he was actively concerned in the industry and as head of the same has built up a large and paying business. For some time
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he has been superintendent and secretary of the Thurmont water works, which enterprise he as- sisted materially in founding. Politically he is a stanchi Republican, and usually attends the vari- ous conventions of his county and state. A few years ago he was a candidate for the legislature, and though defeated, it was by but four votes. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Acacia Lodge No. 155, A. F. & A. M., Enoch Chapter, R. A. M., and DeMolay Commandery, K. T., of Frederick, and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In the latter association he is a charter member of Colum- bia Council of Thurmont and has served as treas- urer since its organization. He also holds the title of past councilor. Religiously he is a Lutheran, and is a liberal contributor to the church.
In 1882 Mr. Birely married Miss Belva, daugh- ter of William J. Cramer. To them have been born three children, Bessie C., Lester Samuel and Victor Morris. Mr. and Mrs. Birely are mem- bers of St. John's Evangelical Church of Thur- mont and are among its most prominent sup- porters.
OHN WILLIAM BURRIER, a well-to-do farmer and successful business man of Mount Pleasant District, Frederick County, was born in this locality about four miles south of his pres- ent home, in 1841. His desirable homestead is situated on the Frederick and Liberty pike, a mile distant from the village of Mount Pleasant. He deserves great credit for his progressive spirit and for the unfailing energy which he has mani- fested in carrying out his laudable ambitions. He began at the foot of the ladder leading to success and honor, and by degrees climbed step by step to his desired goal. As a result of his courage and industry he finds himself to-day in the pos- session of a competence, and occupying a warn place in the hearts of his associates and neigh- bors.
The father of our subject was John Burrier,
who was born, lived and died in this district. He followed farming and was an influential member of the Reformed Church. His death occurred in 1885, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife bore the maiden name of Barbara Nusbaum. They were the parents of six children. James L. made his home with our subject up to the time of his death, in 1888. Mahala died unmarried. Josiah, who died in 1895, was a carpenter by trade, and passed his entire life in this district. George W. owns a farm about a mile from the home of J. W., of this sketch. Sarah C. married Charles Nusbaum, of this district; and Barbara Ellen is the wife of John D. Beard, of this section. Grandfather Jacob Burrier was the owner of large estates in this county, and was concerned in ag- riculture during his whole life. On one of his several farms he had a distillery, where he made peach brandy. He was a Democrat, and in relig- ion was of the faith of the Reformed Church. Of his children, Philip, who died in 1897, was a resident of a western state; Absalom lived on the old home farm, but is now deceased; Daniel is retired from active work, his home being near Walkersville; Jacob owned a farm about a mile from this point; and Mahala was the wife of Jacob Snyder. Grandfather John Nusbaum was a farmer of this vicinity, dying here when about threescore and ten years of age.
J. W. Burrier was a studious lad, for the most part, and made the best of his limited opportuni- ties for an education. Since he reached man's estate he has continually added to his store of knowledge by reading and observation, until he is now well posted on matters of moment. When he was twenty-six he left home, and for several years afterwards he worked by the day or month for neighboring farmers. By strict economy and wise expenditure he managed to save a large por- tion of his earnings, and this he invested in a small farm in 1872. . This land was the nucleus of his present fine homestead. The house on the place was but 12x24 feet in dimensions, and his house-keeping was necessarily conducted in a humble way.
In his early struggles and trials Mr. Burrier was ably assisted and encouraged by his brave
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wife, whom he had married in 1868. She was then Miss Mary Bruchey, a daughter of Freder- ick Bruchey, a farmer of Middletown Vailey. Her paternal grandfather, also a farmer of thiat region, was mustered into the service in the War of 1812. His wife was Anna Mary Derr prior to their marriage. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with three sons and five daughters, viz .: John A., William H., Darwin Denton, Fannie M., Jennie E., Mollis R., Carrie L. and Oda C. The sons are all at home and are of great assistance to their fatlier in the varied duties of the farm. The old home has been sup- erseded by a well-built house of two stories, and with all of the necessities and comforts of life. The house stands well back from the dusty road, and is surrounded by fine fruit trees. The whole family are identified with the Reformed Churchi of Mount Pleasant, and stand well in the regard of every one. The father and sons are Demo- crats in their political faith, and take an active interest in matters affecting the general welfare.
ON. FRANK L. STONER, who was elected to the Maryland legislature in 1885 on the Democratic ticket, and served with credit to his constituents, and who was a candidate for the position of state's attorney in1 1891, is well and favorably known in Frederick, Frederick County. He is a leading member of the legal profession here, where he has been a member of the bar for ten years. His office was at first located on the east side of Court street, and for three years lias been next to that of Judge Motter, on the west side of the street. Mr. Stoner is thoroughly versed in all the intricate details of the law, and is a man of genius and marked ability, as is generally con- ceded by his professional brethren, and those in a position to know best.
Ephraim Stoner, father of our subject, is a na- tive of this county, and is a descendant of one of three Stoner brotliers who came to America in an early day, one of them having located in Virgin-
ia, one in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject was the builder of the old Stoner Mills in Carroll County, but for- merly in Frederick County. Ephraim Stoner, who is now retired from active business and lives in Johnsville, was forced to rely upon himself when quite young, as his father died when he was a boy. He was a miller, farmer and mer- chant during his active life, and was very success- ful. During the war he was engaged in operat- ing a mill on Sams Creek, subsequently lie followed merchandising for two or three years, and after that he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits until he gave up business cares. He did not participate in the conflict between the north and the south in the war, though his syin- pathies were with the Confederacy. Politically he has been a life-long Democrat, and for a long period he has been a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.
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