USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 1 > Part 44
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On completing his course in the observatory he entered the College of St. Stanislaus, Kings County, Ireland, where he took charge of the course of the civil engineering graduating classes for the Royal University, Ireland, and Sandhurst Royal Military College. Afterward he accepted a position as instructor at Clongowes Wood. Further researchies in chemistry and geology he carried on at Harvard, and paleontology in Jolins Hopkins University. At this writing he is connected with the state geological survey and the state weather service. During the year 1896 he received a special letter from President Gilman, of Johns Hopkins, in relation to his discoveries in the Jura Trias of Maryland, in which that distin- guished educator writes as follows:
"It is a most valuable contribution to our col- lection of illustrations of Maryland geology, and the description of it is a most interesting contri- bution to the geological science of this region." Dr. Mitchell's paper has been embodied in the publications of the Johns Hopkins University.
In 1897, in company with Sir Archibald Geikie, director-general of the geological survey of Great Britain and Ireland, Dr. Mitchell made a geolog- ical excursion beginning at the mouth of the Chesapeake, ending in the western portion of the state of Maryland. He is a member of the National Geographic and Geological Societies of Washington, D. C. In the summer of 1897 he read a paper on the Mississippi at the meeting of the Catholic Congress in Fribourg. It is his in- tention to publish a work on geology in a popular
form, thus making the science accessible to the general reader.
Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Catholic Church, and for these facts in regard to his scien- tific works, the writer is indebted to the "Living Catholic Men of Science."
A
12 AVID FISHER, a most worthy citizen of Graceham, Frederick County, is enjoying the rest to which his many long years of toil and industrious enterprise in the past justly entitle him. In all public affairs affecting the welfare of this community he has been active and interested, doing all within his power to advance local improvements and develop the resources of this section. In 1890 he was elected a member of the board of commissioners of Frederick County, and served most capably in that capacity for two years. During this period nine bridges were con- structed by the county, in replacing a like nun- ber which had been carried away in a great flood some time before, and other important enterprises were carried forward to successful completion.
The parents of the subject of this sketch were Isaac and Sarah ( Rowe) Fisher. The father was born in Littlestown, Pa., and there spent his early life. He learned the milling business but never followed that calling to any extent, instead devot- ing his time and attention to agriculture. Com- ing to this state, he thenceforth made his home in Emmitsburg District, Frederick County. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of that place and in his political views he was a Democrat. He was called to his reward when he was in his seventy-fifth year. His ancestors were English people, and his father, Thomas Fisher, owned and operated a farm in the Keystone state, not far from the Maryland line. The mother of our sub- ject was a daughter of Michael Rowe, a farmer. She lived to reach the seventy-third anniversary of her birth and lies by the side of her husband in the quiet church yard. Of lier eleven children Thomas, a farmer by occupation, went to the
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west and lived there until his death; Nathaniel, Addie married George C. Wilhite, who is the a miller and farmer, is deceased; Jolin is engaged agent for the Western Maryland Railroad at Graceliam. Mr. Fisher is an active and lionored member of the Lutheran Church. in running a farm near Creagerstown, Md .; Van Buren is a well-to-do citizen of Eldorado, Kan .; George is an Indiana farmer; and the daughters, Alice, Agnes, Sarah, Lucy Ann, Susan and Catlı- erine, are all married and live in this state.
The birth of David Fisher occurred in Emmits- burg District in 1825, and his boyhood passed in a happy and uneventful manner on the old home- stead. As this home was near the Pennsylvania state line, he went to Greenbush, Pa., to school for some time, completing his studies there. In 1849, when he was a little past his majority, he started out to make his own way in the world. He settled on a farm about two miles from Grace- ham, and for over twoscore years he continued to dwell there. He built a good residence and two substantial barns, besides making numerous otlier improvements which greatly added to the value and desirability of the property. He still owns that farm and another one adjoining it also. Recently he purchased still another farm, on which he has spent considerable money and pains in improving, and this place he has given to his eldest son. His business enterprise has been almost invariably blessed with success, and the systematic, careful methods he has employed have won him the respect of all.
A few years ago, Mr. Fisher built a very com- fortable and attractive home in Graceham, which he has since fitted up and continued to improve, until now it is one of the prettiest places in thie town. Mrs. Fisher, who became the wife of our subject in 1849, was formerly Maria Stocksleger. She was a native of Pennsylvania and was brought up upon her father's farm there. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, Isaac, who was tax collector for two years in this county, is now in the carriage and farm implement business at Motter's Station; Cornelius is managing the farm which was purchased for him by his father; Irving is also a farmer and is located upon one of the farmns originally owned by the senior Fisher; Newton is cultivating the old homestead; Emma is the wife of Henry Hinea; Clara is the wife of Allen Hoover, a mill owner of this section; and
HARLES H. COBLENTZ, one of the lead- ing farmers of the Middletown Valley, in Frederick County, resides in a beautiful home not far from the Middletown postoffice, on the line of the street railway. He has been a life-long resident of this immediate neighborhood, as his birthplace is in the vicinity of his present home. Thoughi his chief attention has been given to agriculture, lie has many outside inter- ests and investments and can always be counted upon to use his influence and means for the sup- port of local industries and plans for the improve- ment and development of the resources of this section.
The parents of our subject were Capt. Henry and Ann (Routzahn) Coblentz, both deceased. The father was born and reared in this locality, and spent his whole useful and industrious life in this valley. He was a practical and progress- ive farmer, and was enabled to retire in later life and enjoy the competency which he had amassed by years of strict attention to business. During the war with Mexico he drilled a company of militiamen and was elected their captain. At the time of his death he owned two farms, com- prising several hundred acres. He lived to tlie ripe age of fourscore and two years, his death occurring in IS88. His wife, daughter of Ben- jamin and Elizabeth Routzahn, died in 1872, when in her fifty-seventh year. She was the mother of six children, of whom Benjamin C. is a lawyer of Little Rock, Ark .: L. P. is a resident of Middletown; Martin owns the old home place; Fannie is the wife of Daniel C. Miller, a farmer of this district; and Ellen Ann is Mrs. Joseph L. Rautzalın, of Frederick.
Charles H. Coblentz was born in 1840, and when he had arrived at a suitable age he com-
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menced attending the district schools. In 1864, having previously thoroughly mastered the de- tails of farming, he started out to make his own way in the world. The same year he wedded Miss Fannie V. Rautzahn, daughter of Ezra and Margaret Rautzahn, well-to-do farmers of this valley. The. young couple began housekeeping in their present home, which sheltered them for thirty-four years. The homestead is called "Foxes Hole Enlarged," and is situated about half a mile from Middletown. Mr. Coblentz has twice met with severe monetary loss, when his fine barn has been destroyed by fire, but each time he rebuilt and courageously bore the mis- fortune. He has made numerous good improve- ments upon the place, which is considered one of the best in the neighborhood. One of the organ- izers of the now flourishing Frederick & Middle- town Railroad, our subject is still connected with the company as a director. He holds a similar place in the Valley Savings Bank of Middletown, and is a director in the Reformed Church Ceme- tery Association. From his boyhood he has been a member of the Reformed Church and very act- ive in the promotion of its interests. For years he has served in official capacities in the congre- gation, and bears the respect of all who have the pleasure of liis acquaintance. He has made a success of life because of his energy and reliable business methods, his straightforwardness and enterprise in everything he has undertaken. In addition to owning his home farm he has another fine place of fertile and improved land in this dis- trict. In his political faith he is a Democrat and has never been an aspirant to public honors.
The happy family circle of Mr. Coblentz' home was broken by the angel of death in 1897, when the devoted wife and mother was summoned to the better land. In 1885 the second son, Morris Henry, died, at the age of twenty years, when just upon the threshold of what promised to be a bright career. Lloyd E., the eldest son, is a minister, now in charge of St. Paul's Reformed Church of Baltimore. Eva Ruth is the wife of Daniel Kefauver, of this valley. Charles Her- man and Daniel Perry assist their father in the management of the homestead. Imogene F., a
young lady of talent, will finish her course of study at the Woman's College in Frederick in another year; and Bessie is her father's house- keeper, friend and companion.
The Coblentz family originally came from Ger- many. from the historic Fort Coblentz-on-the- Rhine, Prussia. The great-grandfather of our subject was Herman Coblentz, who was a native of Pennsylvania and lived in Littlestown, Pa., prior to his removing to this state in 1776. His son, John Philip, the next in the line of descent, was born upon the old farm (in the shadow of the mountain) now in the possession of Calvin R. Cobientz. He was a farmer, and was a devout member of the Reformed Church. His wife, Eliz- abeth, was a sister of Capt. Henry Culler, of Jefferson.
ON. GEORGE W. BLOCHER is among the most influential and prosperous farmers of the ninth district of Garrett County, where he owns and operates the old family home- stead, and is quite extensively engaged in stock- raising and general farin pursuits. A leader in public affairs, he has borne an honorable part in the public history of the county, by no means restricting his attention to his private affairs, but recognizing the duty he owes to his county and to his fellow-men. Politically a Republican, he was elected on that ticket as commissioner of Garrett County and was among the first to hold that office. In 1875 he was elected to the state legislature and served two years. His ancestors were prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church and he inclines to the faith of that de- nomination, to which he has given liberal sup- port for many years.
John Blocher, our subject's father, was a native of Allegany County and spent his entire life there. He owned about seven hundred acres of land and was one of the largest property holders of the county. Throughout his life he engaged in farming. During the existence of the Whig party lie supported its principles, and upon
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its disintegration he became a Republican; he ceased. The father, who was born in Allegany went to Selbysport, Garrett County, to cast his first vote. He died in 1859, at the age of sixty- nine years. His father, Andrew Blocher, resided on the Stanton farm, at Little Crossing, and was one of the leading farmers of Allegany County, where he made settlement prior to the Revolu- tion, coming from Germany.
The mother of our subject was Nancy, daugh- ter of Christian Musselman; she died at the age of forty years. Of hier twelve children five are now living, namely: Andrew, of Garrett County; George W .; Jacob, in Kansas; Henry, of Garrett County; and Elizabeth, who is the widow of Han- so11 Brown.
While remaining on the home farm, our sub- ject attended the neighboring schools in his boy- hood days. In the death of his father lie succeeded to the management of the old liome- stead, where he still resides. While he has inherited a portion of his property, yet in the main his possessions are the result of his own untiring energy and determined perseverance. He is a man of excellent standing among his neighbors and has the respect of those among whom his entire life has been passed.
THO SPEELMAN has been one of the rep- resentative farmers of Selbysport District, Garrett County, for nearly half a century, and has been a witness of vast improvements and changes for the better in this locality. He has himself aided in the development of this neigh- borhood, and has been actively interested in all things relating to its welfare. He has ever been foremost in all progressive movements.
The great-grandfather of our subject was Syl- vester Speelman, a native of Germany. His son David, likewise born in the Fatherland, removed to the United States in his early manliood, and from that time until his death lived near Cum- berland, Md. The parents of Otho Speelman are J. Peter and Sarah (Myers) Speelman, bothi de-
County, Md., lived not far distant from Frostburg up to 1850, when he came to Selbysport. He bought the farm which liis son Otho is now con- ducting, and in time became one of the foremost agriculturists of this region. He was very successful in his business ventures and kept in- vesting in land, until he was the owner of about sixteen hundred acres in this county. Politically he was a Whig in early life, but later allied him- self with the Democratic party. He was sum- moned to his reward at the ripe age of eighty-two years. His wife died when she was in her sixty- seventh year. Of their eight children only two are now living, namely, Otho and Julia, the lat- ter the wife of Daniel Frazee.
The birth of Otho Speelman took place upon the parental homestead near Frostburg in 1832, and he was consequently about eighteen years old when he accompanied tlie family in their re- moval to this county in 1850. He early learned everything pertaining to farming, and after his father's death lie inherited the old homestead, where he has since dwelt. In 1854 he rebuilt a mill which stood upon his place, and has operated the same more or less ever since. He owns about two hundred and eighty acres of well-im- proved land, and raises a full line of the crops commonly grown in this section of the state. Fol- lowing his father's example in the matter of poli- tics, he is an advocate of tlie Democratic party principles. He holds membership with the Metliodist Episcopal Church South, and during the past seven years has been a steward and trustee.
The first marriage of Mr. Speelman was cele- brated in 1859, when Miss Caroline Mitchell, daughter of Andrew Mitchell, became his bride. She died in 1865, leaving one son, A. G. In 1869 Mr. Speelman married Mrs. Mary E. Van Horn, lee Liston, and their two children are Norval and Ella. The son, Norval, after completing his preliminary education in the public and normal schools of this county, attended Mount Union College, of Mount Union (near Alliance), Ohio. and was graduated from the law department of the University of West Virginia, at Morgantown,
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NICHOLAS D. HAUER.
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in 1897, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He contemplates locating in Garrett County for the practice of his chosen profession. He is an able and talented young man, and has already become quite an influential factor in the local Democracy. He has been sent as a delegate to local and county conventions, and was present in that capacity in the convention at Oakland in 1895.
ICHOLAS D. HAUER, a retired merchant of Frederick, is one of the old and honored citizens of this city. He was born in the fine old house in which he still makes his home, on West Patrick street, July 7, 1817. He is a son of Daniel Hauer, who was born in Lancas- ter, Pa., November 11, 1768, and in early man- hood came to Frederick, here spending the re- mainder of his busy life. He established a hat manufactory on property which is still in the possession of his son of whom we write. The elder man was very successful in his business un- dertaking and employed numerous hands in his factory, which he carried on until 1830, then re- tiring with a goodly fortune from active cares. He took great interest in the upbuilding and im- provement of Frederick and was one of the most enthusiastic believers in its promising future in the days when it was a mere hamlet. He was an old-line Whig and religiously was an official member of the Reformed Church. He died in 1841 and lies buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery. His father, Nicholas, was a native of Germany, and settled in Lancaster, Pa., upon his arrival in this country. After coming to Frederick he owned and lived in the home now occupied by Dr. Schley. He was also a manufacturer of hats and kept an old-fashioned little shop, where peddlers' wagons frequently stopped to lay in a stock of goods before starting forth on a tour of tlte surrounding country.
Of his children Barbara was the noted "Bar- bara Freitchie," whom the noted poet, Whittier, made forever famous in his beautiful tribute to
her patriotism. Every school boy and girl in the land is familiar with the lines: "Shoot, if you must, this old gray head, but spare your country's flag, she said." People who knew her state that she was a truly remarkable old lady (upwards of winety when the incident referred to happened) and during the late war she was so zealous a Unionist that she would drive from her door a !! Confederates, waving the dear old flag at them. She was born in the same town as was her brother, Daniel, the father of our subject, and grew up, was married and died in Frederick, be- ing buried in the old city cemetery here. She was acquainted with General Washington and many other noted personages. A bowl owned by Barbara and presented to herby General Wash- ington when on a visit to Frederick City, is now in the possession of our subject.
The mother of Nicholas D. Hauer was Mar- garet Mantz in her girlhood. She was born in Frederick and was a daughter of David Mantz, a saddler by trade. He came from a very old family in these parts, his ancestors having lo- cated here long prior to the war of the Revolu- tion. Mrs. Margaret Hauer rests besides her husband in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Of her chil- dren George died while young; Catherine was the wife of Jacob Byerly; Matilda married Ran- dolph Fleming, of this city; and Harriet became the wife of Allen Quinn, of this city. All are now deceased, Mr. Hauer being the only sur- vivor of his family.
After leaving the halls of our honored old Frederick College, where he completed his edu- cation, Nicholas D. Hauer learned the business of ·hat making from his father and was the third in direct descent to adopt the trade. He was in part- nership with his senior until the death of the latter, and then continued alone until he retired in 1872. He has used his ballot in favor of the Whig and Republican parties and has served as one of the city fathers here in the council for several terms, always being on the side of prog- ress and improvement and taking deep interest in the welfare of his fellow-townsmen. He has been a director in the Frederick Town Savings Bank for sixty years and holds a like position in
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the Frederick County Bank. He is highly es- teemed by all who know him and is a real land- mark in this vicinity, where he has dwelt since its early history. For many years he has been a pillar in the Reformed Church, holding im- portant official positions in the same.
In 1843 Mr. Hauer married Ann C. Myer, of Baltimore, Md., daugliter of John Myer, a pros- perous business man of that city. To this mar- riage four children were born, but to the great grief of the fond parents they were one by one taken from their home to blossom in the Heaven- ly one. The only son was Ira Clarence, wlio died at the age of one year. Lillian died when four and a-half; Agnes Rebecca at three and a-half; and Eliska Irene at two years of age.
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OSHUA T. MURRAY is a striking example of what may be accomplished by a man who starts out in the battle of life empty handed, entirely dependent upon his own resources. By steady, untiring years of toil, by perseverance and industry he has won for himself a position of fortune and respect in the community in which he dwells. .. That "there is no royal road to learning" or wealth is a fact that he mastered when quite young, and he bravely set to work, and, through discouragement and reverses, con- tinued onward in the pathway he had marked out for himself, until at last success was his, most justly. To-day lie is considered one of the leading citizens of Ballanger District, Frederick County, and here he resides in a pretty and com- fortable home, and looks out upon beautiful fields, orchards and garden which his own labor has made thrifty and fruitful.
A native of New Market District, Mr. Murray was born July 10, 1831. His father died when he was quite young, and the lad went to make his home with his grandfather, Thomas Bell. He was a member of that worthy man's house- hold until lie reached his eleventh year, when he became an inmate of the home of a Mr. Miller.
During the six years that followed the boy was privileged to attend school, and at the same time was required to do as much work about the farm as he was able. He obtained practical training in the occupation which was destined to become his future calling in this manner. In the next few years he was employed by Robert Fortner two years and by Richard Dixon and Howard Postley. Then, for a period of six years he was faithful to the interests of Mr. Plileeger, a well- known citizen of this county. When this time had expired he determined to master a trade, and accordingly worked as a carpenter until he was familiar with the craft. For thirty years or more he followed this calling almost exclusively, erecting many fine buildings throughout the county. In 1894 he bought the very desirable farm now operated by him. It comprises seventy acres, located in one of the most picturesque portions of the county, and from various points on his farm most lovely views of the surround- ing country, valleys and mountains can be obtained by the delighted observer. With the exception of the house which was already built, Mr. Murray has placed all of the improvements that exist upon the farm here himself. In his political attitude he is an uncompromising Re- publican, and for many years he has been a member of the Republican County Central Com- mittee. He is at present road supervisor of the road running between Feagaville and Lime Kill, for this district. With the others of his family he is identified with the Lutheran Church, and has acted in the capacity of elder in the con- gregation.
Upon reaching liis majority Mr. Murray mar- ried Ann Maria Haller, whose parents lived in Middletown Valley. By this union the follow- ing children were born, viz .: Edward, who is connected with the opera house in Dayton, Ohio; Charles, employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; Clayton, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; John, superintendent of the telephone company in Frederick; Clarence, engaged in the carpenter business in company with Mr. Davall, of Frederick; Harvey, a plasterer by trade; Mar- shall, who is deceased; Lucretia, wife of Jacob
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Wise, of Frederick; Jennie, wife of Berry Zimmer- man; Charlotte, who married George A. Stock- man, an enterprising farmer of this vicinity; Ann, Mrs. Lloyd Culler; and Hannah, wife of Harvey Easterday, a farmer of this district. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They have reason to be proud of the large family that they have reared to be good and useful citizens, a credit to their native state. They have counted all other objects as in comparison unworthy their attention beside this, of properly caring for and educating their children, and the latter will surely "rise up and call their names blessed." No heritage of wealth or honor or fame is comparable with the heritage which they leave to their children-a history of well-spent lives, devoted to the service of others.
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