USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 40
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d OHN P. SILLMAN, M. D. The medical profession has a representative in the subject of this sketch, who has liis office and en- gages in practice at Kemptown, Frederick Coun- ty. While the duration of his residence in this village has been brief he has already become known as a well-informed physician, one who has a thorough knowledge of the profession in its every detail and who is abundantly able to cope with disease in its every form. He is meet- ing with good success, which his talents justly merit, and there is little doubt but that future years will bring him an ever increasing promi- nence in his chosen calling.
In the village of Comus, Montgomery County, Md., Dr. Sillman was born June 16, 1874, being a son of Jolin P. Sillman, Sr. In boyhood he was given the best educational advantages liis locality afforded. Primarily educated in the pub-
Going next to Browningsville, Montgomery County, Mr. Turner operated a flouring mill, .lic schools, where "he obtained a fair knowledge where he remained for five years. In 1890 lie of the common branches, lie afterward became a pupil in the academy at Leesburg and carried on the regular studies of that institution. On the completion of his course there lie went to Wash- ington, D. C., and secured employment in a drug store, it being then his intention to learn phar- purchased the Ijamsville flouring mills, of which he has since been the owner and manager. He has introduced the latest improvements in the mill and largely increased its value. During the past year (1897) he has handled about two hun-
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inacy. But after a year in that occupation he decided to enter the medical profession and ac- cordingly entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, taking the regular course in that well-known institution and remaining a student there until his graduation in 1896, with the degree of M. D.
After having graduated Dr. Sillman was given the position of clinical assistant in a hospital, where he remained for a year, the position en- abling him to gain a valuable fund of practical knowledge that is of the greatest assistance to him in his practice. Upon leaving the hospital he came to Kemptown and embarked in the prac- tice which he has since conducted. He has al- ready met with a large degree of success, which may be attributed to his knowledge of his pro- fession and his conscientious work as a physician. As a citizen he has the respect of all his acquaint- ances. In deportment he is affable and compan- ionable; in fact it may be said that not a little of his success as a physician is due to his popularity as a man. He possesses the social qualities that easily win and retain friends, and his genial dis- position is one of the most marked traits of his character. He keeps himself thoroughly posted upon the events of the day, gives his support to the Democratic party and pledges allegiance to its principles. Upon questions of a public nature he is well informed. In his religious views he is an Episcopalian.
12 ANIEL EDWIN STONE, M. D., a wealthy and representative physician and surgeon of western Maryland, has been located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Frederick County, for a quarter of a century, and is higlily thought of by the people of this community. His beautiful home is situated on a fine site, a natural elevation of about twelve hundred feet, from which the delighted observer may behold a most charm- ing landscape stretching for miles in every direc- tion. This lovely residence was erected by the
present owner about fifteen years ago, and it is acknowledged to be one of the best in the county, both in general surroundings and structural beauty. It is situated just outside the boundary of the town of Mount Pleasant, and is convenient- ly near the churches, stores, etc.
Dr. Stone comes from a good old Virginia family of the faith of the Society of Friends. His great-grandfather, with three brothers, came to the United States from England at an early day, and while he took up his permanent residence in Loudoun County, Va., the others settled on the eastern shore of Maryland. Grandfather Daniel Stone was born, reared and always lived in that county, and was strongly in sympathy with the Union during the war, nevertheless. He was a Whig politically, and in religious belief followed the faith of his fathers. He married a Miss Hough, of Waterford, Va., and had a family of three sons and several daughters, among whom were James, William H., Samuel, Ellen, Eliza- beth, Sarah and Rachel. Sarah married a Mr. Wood, of Pennsylvania, and Rachel married a Mr. Hollensworth. She is now the only survivor of the once large family.
William H. Stone, father of the doctor, was born in Loudoun County, and in his youth went to Baltimore, where he learned the trade of a cab- inet-maker, which he followed during his active business life, a period extending from IS4S to 1862. In this time he carried on his business ventures in his native place, in Fayette County, Pa., and in Sandy Springs, Montgomery County, Md. In 1862 he removed to Mount Pleasant, where he lived retired until his death, in 1875, at the ripe age of seventy-five years. During his whole lifetime he was prominently identified with the Quaker denomination. In politics he gave his allegiance to the Whig party, and later to the Republican organization, and during the war lie was loyal to the Union. His devoted wife, wlio died at the home of our subject when in her eighty-fourth year, was a Miss Cordelia Norris in her girlliood days, and came from one of the fine old pioneer families of this county. Her father, Joel Norris, was a farmer of New Market District. To the marriage of William H. Stone
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and wife, four children were born. Llewellyn, who died at the age of thirty-five years, was a dentist, and later a physician of Baltimore for many years; Charles G. is a prominent physician in Washington, D. C .; Eugenia married Dr. Houck, of New Market District, and died. leaving one son, E. S. Houck, now engaged in the livery business in Frederick City, Md.
Dr. D. E. Stone, the eldest son, was born in Loudoun County in 1839, and passed several years of his boyhood there. Then with his parents he removed to Montgomery County, where he at- tended private schools, and subsequently he read medicine there with Dr. Charles L. Richardson, a well-known practitioner of that county. He at- tended lectures in various medical colleges up to 1862, when he became an assistant surgeon in the Union army. During the year that followed his experience was thorough and general, and he be- came expert as a surgeon. In 1863 he came to Mount Pleasant, where he has since been steadily occupied in practice. He is especially noted as a surgeon, being called for the most difficult opera- tions to all parts of the county, and at the same time he enjoys a very large and lucrative practice in his own community. He is very well posted on all of the leading questions of the day, being a great student and thinker. He makes a point of searching out all political matters of national importance, preferring to form his own opinions, rather than to take those of others. After the formation of the Republican party he was an ex- ponent of its principles, and during the war he was loyal to the Union. In the campaign of 1896, however, he supported the silver standard. He has given considerable attention to farmning and raising fine blooded stock, and at one time owned a hundred head of high-grade horses. He employs several men upon his homestead.
In 1869 the doctor married Rebecca Owings, of this district. She is a daughter of Washington and Hannalı Owings. The former was a life-long farmer of this section, and came from a wealthy" family which had formerly owned large tracts of land in the Green Spring Valley, Baltimore County, Md. Mrs. Stone is a very well-educated and cultured lady, and is a charming hostess.
The eldest son of the doctor and wife is Hat- bert, who has been in the United States army five years and is now serving in the ordnance depar :- mient at Fort Sumter; Daniel Edwin, Jr., is now i= the medical department of the University of Mary- land, preparing to follow in the footsteps of his worthy father. From his boyhood he has mani- fested a strong interest in his chosen field of en- deavor, and often ably assisted his senior in dit- cult surgical cases. Lenore O., the elde: daugliter, is a graduate of the Western Maryland College, and is an accomplished young lady. Carrie W., the younger, is also a graduate of the same institution, and vies with her amiable mother and sister in entertaining the many friends of the family, who are always welcome at their home.
LINTON A. RIDDLEMOSER, a well-to- do merchant of Mount Pleasant, Frederick County, was the postmaster of this town four years, from 1883 to 1887, having been ap- pointed to that office by President Cleveland. He has always voted the straight Democratic ticket since he became a voter, and has held several local positions of responsibility and honor. In 1876 he was appointed register of voters in this district, and acted in that capacity for six years, or until 1882. From that time until ISSs he was a county magistrate.
The birth of C. A. Riddlemoser took place on his father's homestead, about two miles north of Frederick City, this county, in the year 1835. The father, Jacob, was born in Pennsylvania, and followed the tailor's trade during his whole iife. He came to this county in young manhood, and spent his remaining years here. He died in 1850, at the age of sixty-five years. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and was a stanch ally of the Democratic party. He was of German extraction, members of his family having been among the pioneer settlers of Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject was Amelia Campbell
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before lier marriage, and was a native of Woods- boro District, this county; her father was a farmer of that region.
Of the children born to Jacob and Amelia Riddlemoser, William A., who died in 1881, was a practicing physician of Woodsboro District; James L., whose death occurred in 1888, was forty-four years the proprietor of the store now carried on by our subject, and was quite a factor in the politics of this vicinity; Dr. Charles F., who died when twenty-seven years of age, had been practicing liis profession in this county for several years; Dr. Jacob E. enlisted in the Con- federate army, and was shot in a battle in the Shenandoah Valley; Annie E. married Allen Stambaugh, now deceased, and is now living in Liberty District; Margaret S. is the wife of D. W. Bowers, a well-to-do farmer of this county ; Mary B. married Nathaniel Routzahn, a successful farmer, whose home is near Winchester, Va .; Ann Louise, who died in Hagerstown, Md., was the wife of Louis C. Cookley; and Amelia and Martha live with our subject, none of the three having married. The first wife of their father was a Miss Diffendall prior to their marriage, and they were the parents of four children, viz .: Ephraim, Samuel, John and Maria, all of whom are deceased.
The entire life of Clinton A. Riddlemoser has been spent in this, his native county, and in its district schools he received his education. He helped in the management of the old farm until he was seventeen, when he left home and went to Frederick City, and there learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, under the instruction of G. J. Doll, with whom he continued for two years. He then went to Baltimore, and was employed by a Mr. Hall for about two years. Returning to Mount Pleasant in the autumn of 1856, hie en- gaged in business as a general merchant during a period of eight years, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits some twelve years. Upon the death of his brother in 1888 he purchased the store and stock of goods, and has since conducted the business with success. He has won the confidence and custom of many.of the leading families of this town and the sur-
rounding country, and is always courteous and obliging. His residence is on a lot adjoining his store property, and his comfort and interests are well looked after by his two sisters, who are de- voted to him. He, like the whole family, is a Catholic in religious creed.
ROF. CHARLES H. JOURDAN, professor of mathematics in Mount St. Mary's Col- lege, Emmitsburg, was born and reared in France, receiving the advantages offered by the best colleges of that country. From an early age he displayed a fondness for mathematics, and his talent in this direction was carefully culti- vated. In 1861 he came to Montreal, Canada. where he resided during the war, teaching in some of the best schools there. At the conclusion of the war in 1865 he accepted the chair of mathematics and science in Mount St. Mary's College; he continued in that capacity for twenty- three years, the scientific course of that college being one of the best of the country. The boys who were trained under his guidance have since become men occupying positions of responsibility in the world, their success in life reflecting credit upon their alma mater.
In 1888 Professor Jourdan went to Mexico and established a prosperous college in the city of Parras, in the state of Coahuila, but on account of the death of one of his daughters and the ill health of his family he determined to leave: and for that reason liis residence in Mexico was of short duration. On his return to the United States he became the professor of mathematics and science in Seton Hall College, New Jersey, where he continued until 1895, and since the latter year he has been at the head of his former department in Mount St. Mary's College, Em- mitsburg.
The marriage of Professor Jourdan mited him with Miss Addie Dielman, whose father was pro- fessor of music in Mount St. Mary's College for nearly forty years. They became the parents of
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three daugliters, but one of these, Frances, died during the . family's residence in Mexico. The others are Flora and Edith. Politically Pro- fessor Jourdan is a Democrat, but is not a partisan in his views; on the other hand, he is liberal, conceding to others the same liberty of thought he demands as his own right. He owns and oc- cupies a comfortable residence, one and one-half miles from the college, and here, in the oversight of his gardens and well-kept grounds and in the enjoyment of the family circle, he spends his hours of freedont from his college duties.
ATRICK E. LONG, the genial and popular proprietor of the Carlin Hotel in Frederick, is also the manager of the opera house liere. He is a young man of good business ability and both of these resorts of the general public have inet with well-deserved appreciation. But little over a decade has passed since he cast in his lot with the enterprising inhabitants of Frederick and he has never had reason to regret his choice of a permanent location. He has won the high regard of all who have come into contact with him, whether in the course of business or in society.
A native of Virginia, Mr. Long was born in, premises is neat and clean, and shows the con- the city of Richmond, in February; 1861. His father, James Long, was born in Ireland, and. - by-the owner and his assistants.
crossed the ocean to the United States when a small boy, settling in Virginia. For a number of years he was engaged in railroading in that state, but for thirty years or more he has been a resident of Baltimore. He is a Democrat in his political views, but has never given much time or attention to the matter, nor has he ever been an office-seeker. His wife was a Miss Mahoney in her maidenhood, and she, too, is a native.of the Emerald Isle, and she has lived in Amer- ica since she was young. By her marriage she becante the mother of nine children, of whom Michael died in 1897; Jantes died in childhood;
Mary died at the age of twenty; John is employed by the Consolidated Street Railway Company of Baltimore; Annie, Lizzie and Maggie are unmar- ried and at home, and Johanna is the wife of Joseph Kavanaugh, of Baltimore.
When he was but three years of age the family of our subject removed to Baltimore, and in that city he received a parochial and a public-school education. When he was twenty he went to Harper's Ferry, where he was employed for a short time, after which, returning home, he en- gaged in the restaurant business during the next seven years. In this period he became thoroughly familiar with the needs and wishes of the public in this department and is conse- quently well qualified as a "mine host." He met with success in his venture and finally con- cluded that he would try his hand at running a hotel. Coming to Frederick, of which he had heard good reports as a city of promise, he opened negotiations for the Groff Hotel and had charge of it for two years. Then for another year he oper- ated the Central Hotel and for several years he has carried on the Carlin, which is conceded to be one of the best hotels in the city. It is centrally located at the corner of Court and Church streets, and comprises about forty rooms. A large num- ber of the traveling men, salesmen and general public patronize the house, which is moderate in its charges and serves the best fare for one of its rates in the county. Everything about the stant care and attention bestowed upon things
Mr. Long was first married in Baltimore to Miss Winifred Boland, a sister of Rev. Father Boland, of the same city. Mrs. Long died and about a year and a-half ago our subject married Margaret Harvey, of Washington, D. C., and they have one child. Mr. and Mrs. Long are members of the Catholic Church, the former being also identified with the Catholic Benevolent Legion and the St. John's Beneficial Society. He takes an active part in these various societies and has been president of the Catholic Benevolent League for one year. He nses his right of fran- chise in favor of the Democracy.
363.061
EZRA M. THOMAS.
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ZRA M. THOMAS. For over threescore and ten years this honored and loved citizen was a resident of Jefferson District, Freder- ick County, and the place which he occupied so loug in this community cannot easily be filled. He was an honest, God-fearing man, nobly per- forming his duty toward his fellows, and keeping ever in view the fact that "it is not half of life to live," but that our brief waiting time here is but a prelude to eternity. With a heart full of love toward mankind, he did whatever he could to help, comfort and assist them, feeling always that they were brothers and friends. His good- ness and generosity were often and often imposed on; so-called friends proved false; those whom he had aided forgot their obligation to him, but his faith in the inherent goodness of mankind re- mained unshaken-and in brief, hejudged others by his own noble nature, excusing their faults whenever he could.
The Thomas family, of whom the subject of this memoir was so worthy a representative, originated in England, but for many generations have been associated with the upbuilding of this county. The parents of the above were Michael and Eva (Thomas) Thomas, the mother being a second or third cousin of her husband. The father was a prosperous farmer of this district, and was born on the celebrated old Carroll Manor, near the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. He was a leader in the ranks of the local Democracy, and was a pillar in the Reformed Church. His home for a number of years was on a farm near the town of Jefferson, and liere his last days were spent. He owned this property and also another tract of land in the same district. His family comprised eight children, viz .: Ezra M .; Daniel, who was a merchant in Jefferson for years, and is now deceased; Margaret, unmarried and living with her sister Rebecca, who is the wife of Josiah Thomas, and lives near Adamstown; Mary Ann, wife of Samuel Whip; George, who was a well- to-do farmer, and is deceased; Ellen, Mrs. Jacob Dorcus, of Woodsboro; and Eliza, wife of Mr. Shaffer, of this county.
The birth of Ezra M. Thomas occurred January 9, 1824, on his father's homestead near Jefferson,
which place is now owned by G. T. Whip. The lad grew up in this neighborhood, receiving his education in the public schools of Jefferson and Union. As his father's death took place wlien the youth was but fifteen, he was thrown upon his own resources, and for several years worked for the neighboring farmers, or at whatever came to hand whereby he might earn an honest dollar. When he was a small boy he liad watched with interest, not unmixed with awe, the masons at work upon a fine large mansion of brick and stone about half a mile from Jefferson, little dreaming the time would come when he should be the proud possessor of it, but so it transpired, and for half a century its hospitable walls shel- tered him and his beloved wife.
It was in 1844 that Ezra M. Thomas took one of the most important steps in his life, for in that vear hie married Amanda Stockman, daughter of John and Charlotte (Thomas) Stockman. They lived in a fine brick house on the east side of the mountains, and owned a valuable farin there now owned by Mrs. Thomas. Their home was always hospitably open for the entertainment of the pass- ing stranger or friend, and especially welcome were the numerous ministers who found their way to its door. Mr. Stockman was a valued meni- ber of the Reformed Church, was an elder and deacon in the same, and was on the committee which had in charge the building of the Reformed Church in Jefferson, to which cause he was one of the most liberal donators. He had three daugliters: Mary Ann, deceased; Catharine E., now Mrs. Hargatte, of Frederick City; and Mrs. Thomas. He also had five sons: John, Daniel, Harry, William and Nelson, all of whom became well-to-do and respected agriculturists of this section. Every one of them followed the worthy example of his revered father, and was active in the work of the church, holding official positions and striving to promote the welfare of the body.
For seven years after his marriage Mr. Thomas carried on a farm about a mile distant from Jeff- erson. He then became the purchaser of tlie farm known as Locust Grove, still the residence of liis widow. The property was at that time very much run down, and he proceeded to bring
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it into good condition. He made numerous im- provements upon the place, erected all the farm buildings with the exception of the house, to which mention has already been made, and in time made this one of the finest homesteads in the county. There are four hundred acres in the place, and it is very conveniently located, being but half a mile from Jefferson. Around the resi- dence is a beautiful yard, filled with lovely flowers and plants, and shaded with lofty trees. Here may be seen some noble evergreen trees, whose trunks are three feet in diameter, and these were planted here as saplings by our subject, and still breathe anthems to his memory.
Mr. Thomas was a very practical man, and thoroughly investigated the merits of every sub- ject which came before his notice. He was the first farmer hereabouts to test the value of lime as a fertilizer on land, and was in the front ranks of progress at all times. He was a great reader, took the leading- magazines and journals, and kept abreast of the times. Sorrows and reverses came to him as to all, yet he was always brave- hearted and courageous, imparting strength and comfort to others when he himself was deeply bur- dened. In 1894 his great, splendid barn, filled to the brim with wheat and graiu, the work of long months of toil and anxiety, burned to the ground. In the building were all of the imple- ments used on the farm, a threshing-machine, etc., and worst of all, many of the highest-grade blooded horses and cattle, and all were destroyed. For some of the best animals the owner had paid as high as $1,000, and the next morning, when he and his men were dragging out the remains of these noble horses, a committee who were ap- pointed to raise money for the new church, came to him asking him for a contribution to the good work. To an ordinary mortal this would have been a most inauspicious moment to apply for money, no matter how grand the cause, but such was the nobleness of Mr. Thomas' nature that he was equal to this strain, and generously met the committee with a worthy donation. He at once began the work of rebuilding, and replaced the former structure. He very frequently went as security for his neighbors and friends, and
never refused to do this to help others, though he lost thousands of dollars by this means. It was a great pleasure to him to aid young men to a start in business, and to the poor he was a sincere friend at all times. Such lofty and unselfish sontls are met with but once, perhaps, in a life- time, and there is little wonder that all who knew him deeply deplore his loss. For years he was a magistrate, and though active in the Democratic party. he was not an aspirant to official honors. His friends persuaded him to run for county com- missioner twice, and though he was not elected he ran ahead of his ticket .. He was for years one of the official members of the Reformed Church, and dearly loved by all of the congregation.
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