USA > Maryland > Portrait and biographical record of the Sixth congressional district, Maryland V. 2 > Part 8
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The father of our subject, Sebastian Remsberg, was born in the first year of the nineteenth cent- ury and departed this life in 1865, at the age of sixty-six. His birthplace was the farm now owned and managed by Washington G. Rems- berg, just across the mountain in this district. He was devoted to agricultural pursuits during his active years and was a man of considerable prominence in his day. First affiliated with the Whig party, he later joined the Know-Nothings and in his last years adhered to the principles of the Republican party. For many years he served efficiently in the capacity of justice of the peace, and upon one occasion was candidate for commis- sioner of Frederick County. He held member- ship in the Reformed Church and served as a member of the committee having in charge the construction of the new church edifice erected in Jefferson about 1841. For a long period he was
an elder of the church and also held other offices. He was a son of George P. and Mary ( Coller Remsberg, the former of whom owned a farm on the further side of the mountain and also engaged in distilling.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eva Feaster, and her father, Jacob Feas- ter, died prior to the birth of Daniel S. Mrs. Eva Remsberg died in 1876, at the ripe age of seventy-five years. She had been a faithful member of the Reformed Church for years and was beloved and respected by all who knew her. Of her children two sons and four daughters are still living, and three others are deceased. John Henry is a retired merchant, whose home is in Nebraska. George P., who died in Baltimore in October, 1897, at the age of seventy-five years, was collector for the internal revenue department. Mary C. is unmarried and resides upon the old homestead. Susan S. is the wife of Dr. Crum, of Jefferson. Ann E. and Alice G. live with their sister Mary in the house where their early years were passed. #
In his youth the subject of this review received a general education in the public schools of his home district. In 1844 he started out in the serious business of making his own way in the world and for a few years was in partnership with his father. Later he assumed the entire management of the farm, which comprised over two hundred acres. In 1879 he removed to Montgomery County, Md., where he remained three years, being occupied in agricultural pur- suits, as formerly. . Since the organization of the Republican party he has given it his allegiance.
The career of Mr. Remsberg has been charac- terized by sterling integrity, uprightness and justice toward all with whom he has had deal- ings. His name and fame are unblemished and he has nobly striven to put into daily practice the high principles which he professes. He holds membership with the Reformed Church and is very active in its various departments of useful- ness. For years he has served, in one capacity or another, on the official board of the congre- gation and has been superintendent of the Sun- day-school and leader of the choir. About four
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years ago he built a comfortable modern home ly there were three sons and two daughters, viz .: and other substantial improvements have been instituted by him upon his farm, which is a model one, in every respect.
In March, 1879, Mr. Remsberg married Miss Anne M., daughter of Francis A. Hoffman, who was at one-time a magistrate and constable of this county. The two children born to their union. are deceased. Subsequent to the death of his first wife our subject married a daughter of George Souder, and four children came to bless their home, namely: Lewis H. Ditmer, Ethelyn B., Ira Souder and Lucy C.
ARRY R. DONNELLY attorney-at-law, is one of the rising young lawyers of Cumber- land, where he has an office at No. 5 North Liberty street. While he has engaged in prac- tice for a brief period only, he has already become known as an able young man, one whose future success may safely be predicted. He is well acquainted among the people of Cumberland, for here he was born October 27, 1873, and here his life has been thus far passed. He is a son of James W. Donnelly, a native of Ireland, who ac- companied his parents to America in boyhood and settled in Maryland, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. This occupation he has followed since, having had the contract for the erection of many substantial public buildings and private residences. Though not active in pol- itics, he is stanch in his adherence to Democratic principles and always votes for the candidates of his party. His home for years has been in the city of Cumberland.
The marriage of James W. Donnelly united him with Harriet R. Ways, a native of Frederick County, this state, and the daughter of Samuel D. Ways, who settled in Cumberland and became a well-known contractor and builder here. This city continued to be his home until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-eight years. In the family of James W. and Harriet R. Donnel-
Mary S .; Annie E .; Charles W., who is a promi- nent newspaper man of Cumberland; William C., who is with P. J. Smith, jeweler and watchmaker of Cumberland; and Harry R.
The education of our subject was obtained in the common and high schools of Cumberland, from the latter of which he graduated June 1, 1891. Afterward he served an apprenticeship of three years to the jeweler's trade under P. J. Smith. In July, 1895, he commenced to study law with W. E. Walsh, under whose preceptor- ship he obtained a thorough knowledge of the elementary principles of the law. He has con- tinued his close study of the profession since his admission to the bar, November 1, 1897, it being his ambition to become master of every intricacy in legal jurisprudence. On the Ist of January, 1898, he opened an office and embarked in prac- tice. He possesses mental power of a strong and vigorous order, which his choice of a profes- sion will give him an abundant opportunity to develop. In religious belief he is identified with the English Lutheran Church. His disposition is cheerful and genial, and among his intimate friends he displays social qualities of a high order.
ETER B. SMALL, JR., justice of the peace in Hagerstown, was appointed to this office by -Governor Lowndes in the spring of 1896 and entered upon his duties May 4th of that year. For about seven years he held a position in the United States treasury department in Baltimore. While serving in a public capacity his record has been one of which he may justly be proud, as it is marked by fidelity to every duty, consideration for the wishes and rights of his associates and regard for the welfare of the people. He is a native of this town and has spent the greater part of his life here, where he is well and favorably known.
The parents of our subject, Judge Peter B. and
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Sarah Small, were natives of Bedford County, Pa., and Clark County, Ohio, respectively, the father born May 15, 1815, and the mother on the 30th of December in the same year. They were married October 26, 1836, and became the parents of nine children. William, a trusted employe of the firm of Bowen, Stuart & Co., of Indianapolis, Ind., was a young man of much promise and ability, but died unmarried when thirty years of age. Albert is an attorney-at-law in this city. Charles A., who died in 1882, when about forty years old, had been for three years secretary to the agent of the Pawnee In- dians on their reservation in Nebraska and was a lieutenant of Company A, First Nebraska Regi- ment of Indian scouts. Adjutant Melville R., when about half through his course at West Point Military Academy, was detailed to recruit a com- pany by Governor Bradford. He did so, and was made adjutant of the same, it being known as Company H, Sixth Maryland Infantry. At one time he served on the staff of General Keifer, later the speaker in the house of representatives. At the battle of Cedar Creek he received his death wound, or what proved to be such, as he died from the effects of his injury in less than a month, November 17, 1864. He was not yet twenty years old; a young man of great ability and whose future had been most bright and hope- ful. The fifth and sixth of the family died in early childhood. Mary A., who has never mar- ried, and whose home is in Baltimore, is a fine scholar and has a genuine literary gift. She has written quite extensively for publication and has been connected with the Woman's College. Harry Dixon, M. D., was a graduate of the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore and · was engaged in practice in that city until shortly before his death, when in his thirtieth year, August 5, 1885.
Judge Small was one of the most prominent citizens of Hagerstown for many years and none of her people were more highly esteemed and honored. In his youth he learned the trade of a shoemaker, but after attaining his majority he was chiefly occupied in conducting a mercantile establishment. He was financially interested in
various enterprises, manufactories and institu- tions in Hagerstown, and was foremost in all im. provements and new industries here calculated to benefit the place. He was an important fac- tor in the organization of the Savings Bank, which afterwards became the First National Bank. and up to 1870 he was its president. He then was elected cashier, and held that position until his death, February 25, 1881. For a number of years he was judge of the orphans' court; was a director in the Mechanical and Agricultural Asso- ciation and was connected with the school board. During the war his financial losses were heavy, as he was a strong sympathizer with the Union cause. For many years he was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and was considered one of its pillars. His widow is still living and, though past fourscore years, is wonderfully bright and active. She has a clear, keen mem- ory, is an entertaining conversationalist, and is very well posted in the scriptures. She is now living with our subject.
The birth of Peter B. Small, of this article, took place February 20, 1853, in Hagerstown. His education was completed in St. James' Col- lege, under Professor Onderdonk, and in Cornell University, during the presidency of Andrew D. White. Later he engaged in teaching for a few years and upon his return to his old home here he entered into partnership with his father as a business man. Several years later he accepted a position in the government service in Baltimore, and was thus absent from this city seven years. When he returned, he was variously employed up to the time of his appointment to his present office. Since reaching his majority he has used his franchise in the behalf of the Republican party. When he was a resident of Baltimore he was one of the founders of Lafayette Square Presbyterian Church, and was an elder in the same for some years. He and his family are now members of the local church. Like his honored father before him he is always interested in all public enterprises and improvements and has done his share toward the upbuilding of this com- munity.
October 18, 1876, Mr. Small married Miss
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Emma W. Herbert, daughter of F. Dorsey Her- lært, formerly a successful merchant of this city. Daring the war he was paymaster with the rank uf major and subsequently he was a member of the Maryland legislature for several sessions. He was a stockholder in various banks, associations and other local enterprises and was prominent in the Masonic and Odd Fellows' societies. He was born in Hagerstown in 1825 and died December :8, 1882. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Small are as follows: Bessie, Grace, Sarah B., William M. and Emma Herbert. Bessie, the eldest daughter, is a successful teacher in the high school of Hagerstown.
ILMOR S. HAMILL, a leading member of the Garrett County bar, has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Oakland for a quarter of a century. In 1891 he was elected state's attorney and served in that important po- sition for four years, winning the approbation and commendation of all parties, and adding to his already high reputation as an expounder of the law. When the Garrett County Bank was organized in 1885 he became one of its directors and at the same time was elected vice-president of the institution, which position he has since filled. Mr. Hamill is a son of Hon. Patrick Hamill, who was born in Allegany County and died in Oakland at the age of seventy-eight years. In early manhood he was a merchant in Western Port, Allegany County, but later gave his attention to the real-estate business and farm- ing. In 1867 he established his home in Oak- land, where he passed the remainder of his busy life. He owned large tracts of land in this and Allegany counties. In the ranks of the Demo- cratic party he was a prominent figure. As early as 1842 he was elected tax collector of his native county. In 1844 he was elected to the Maryland legislature and at the close of the term was re-elected. About 1850 he was honored by being chosen by the people as chief judge of the
orphans' court, and in this position he continued for sixteen years, always loyal to the cause of law, order and justice. In 1867 he was nomi- nated as a member of the constitutional conven- tion of this state, but he declined the honor. In 1868 he was again brought prominently before the public as a candidate for congress from the Sixth District and was elected by a large ma- jority. His father, Patrick Hamill, Sr., was ex- iled from Ireland, his native country, and came to the United States. He taught school for sev- eral years, for he was well educated, and later retired to a farm near Franklin Hill, Allegany County.
Hor. Patrick Hamill married Isabella Kight, daughter of Enoch Kight, and eight children graced their hearthstone. The eldest of the fam- ily, Gilmor S., was born in 1849 and the others who are still living are named as follows: Rev. Henry T .; James D .; Kansas, Mrs. John T. Mitchell; and Susan O., wife of A. Townsend. The mother is still living, her home being in Oakland, and her age seventy-three years.
Gilmor S. Hamill is a native of the town of Western Port, Allegany County, and there his happy boyhood days were spent. He came to this city with the family in 1867, and two years later he entered the school kept by John W. Page, in Frederick County. The following year he attended the select school of William Mc- Donnel and in 1869 he became a student in the Virginia Law School. At the end of the two years passed in that institution he entered the law office of Judge Gordon of Cumberland, and was admitted to the bar of Allegany County in 1873. He at once opened an office for practice in Oakland and has since been located here, in the enjoyment of a large practice. He joined the first lodge of Knights of Pythias in this place in 1874 and the year previous became a member of the Masonic order, and has since been master of the lodge.
Mr. Hamill is identified with the Presbyterian Church as a member, and for the past five years has been an elder in the congregation. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Bishop, is also a great worker in the church and is one of
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its most valued members. She is a daughter of John and Catherine Newcomer. The former was James R. Bishop, of Oakland, and is the mother of three children, Gilmor S., Jr., Setward F. and Byrne H.
J ( OHN N. RIPPLE, who was honored in May. 1896, by being appointed justice of the peace by Governor Lowndes, his term to run for four years, has been a citizen of Hagerstown but three years, having retired to make his per- manent home here, after a very active career in the business world. From 1872 to 1895 he was a member of the firm of Sheeler & Ripple, of Baltimore, being extensively engaged in the live- stock business. He served in every department of the establishment, gradually working his way upward until he became the general manager of the concern, in which capacity he acted for many years.
The parents of the above-named gentleman were Lewis and Elizabeth A. (Newcomer) Rip- ple, who were married February 14, 1850. The former was born at Monterey Springs, Pa., which place was owned by his father, Lewis, Sr., at one time the proprietor of the hotel there. Lewis Ripple, Jr., moved to Washington County, Md., in 1842, and for a few years engaged in agricultural pursuits, after which he lived in Pittsburg, Pa., for two years, being a representa- tive of the Baltimore firm of S. Wilhelm & Co., and later a member of the firm, In 1864 he removed to Baltimore, where he went into the livestock business, buying for the city markets, and in this line of trade he continued with in- creasing prosperity for thirty years. He was noted among his business acquaintances as a man in whom absolute confidence could be safely placed, and there was no doubt as to his superior ability as a financier. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, while his wife was identi- fied with the Christian Church. She died Decen- ber 15, 1856, after a happy married life of less than seven years, and left one child, John N.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were
born in this county, December 18, 1797, and died April 21, 1861. He embodied all of the sterling characteristics of the Swiss-German stock from which he sprang, and was a man of remark- able energy, strong-mindedness and general abil- ity. Among his neighbors he was a sort of oracle or authority on all disputed questions, his frankness, strict integrity and keenness, together with his kindly disinterestedness, giving to his advice and opinions the weight of law, almost. In 1836 he was elected county sheriff and in 1846 was sent to the Maryland Senate, where he served with credit to himself and constituents for three years. From 1846 to 1849 he acted in the capacity of county commissioner, and in 1850 was elected to the convention which was assem- bled in the capital to frame a new constitution for this state. In 1859 he reluctantly consented to become a candidate for county commissioner again, and was the only one of the five candidates on his ticket elected. He was in this office at the time of his death. His father, Henry New- comer, with his two brothers, Peter and Christian, were all born in Lancaster County, Pa., where the father of the three, Wolfgang Newcomer, had settled in an early day. The three brothers removed to Washington County, Md., and be- came owners of large estates in the vicinity of Beaver Creek. Christian was a famed minister of the German Baptist Church, and later was a bishop in the same denomination. Peter and Henry were, perhaps, equally influential in the more humble walks of life which they pursued. Their father, the Wolfgang previously mentioned, was of Swiss lineage, and crossed the ocean with his parents, settling in Philadelphia in 1720. He was a carpenter by occupation and was twice married, his second wife, Elizabeth Miller, bear- ing him three sons and five daughters.
The birth of John N. Ripple occurred in Washington County, June 23, 1854, and he was, consequently, a child of less than three years of age when death deprived him of his mother's loving, watchful care. He was given the best advantages to be had in the way of an education, and was a pupil in both the country schools and
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those of Baltimore City. He removed to that city with his father about 1864 and attended an excellent private school there for several years. From his thrifty and energetic ancestors he inherited sterling business qualities and in his commercial experience he was thoroughly liked and trusted by all with whom he came in con- tact. He usually votes for the nominees of the Republican party and, like a patriotic citizen, is always anxious to promote the welfare of his country and community. He was married Jan- uary 17, 1878, to Miss Bettie J. Henderson, daughter of C. W. Henderson, of Hancock, Md. They have three sons, Lewis, John Raymond and Charles Henderson. Mrs. Ripple is a member of the Episcopal Church and is a most estimable lady, well educated and of cultured tastes, and is a charming hostess, wife and mother.
DWARD E. STONESTREET, M. D., of Rockville, is a native of this place, born where he now resides, October 7, 1830. The family traces its ancestry to England, but has been represented in the United States for many generations. Richard Stonestreet, the doc- tor's grandfather, owned a plantation in Loudoun County, Va., and reared a large family there. Being well-to-do he gave his sons liberal educa- tions and one of them went to Kentucky, where 'he became owner of a farin adjoining Henry Clay's estate.
Samuel T. Stonestreet, father of the doctor, was born in Loudoun County, Va., and after completing his education started out in the world for himself. There being no railroads at the time, he walked to Rockville, and upon his ar- rival here had but $1 in his possession and an extra suit of clothes. He applied for work to Colonel Bell, who was then county clerk, and while at first he met with a refusal his persist- ence won the colonel's approbation and the latter took him to his home and aided him to get work, copying for lawyers, etc. Later an opportunity
arose to give him a position in the office and he remained there until the death of Colonel Bell. Afterward he conducted the office for Brice Selby until the latter's death. In 1828 he was ap- pointed to the office himself and held it for twen- ty-five years. He bought a residence lot in Rockville and in 1829-30 erected a house there. As a Whig he took an active part in politics, and it was largely through his efforts that George C. Washington, a nephew of General Washington, was elected to represent this district in congress, a position to which he was twice re-elected. In our subject's possession, as a highly prized souve- nir, are a cup and saucer given him by Mr. Wash- ington, to whom they were left by the famous statesman.
For many years, and until his death, Samuel T. Stonestreet served as steward of the Methodist Church. In 1828 he married Adelaide Ambler Hall, of Baltimore County, and to them were born three children, our subject, Thomas W. and a daughter that died in infancy. The father passed away March 4, 1872; the mother is still living, and if spared until September 14, 1898, will be ninety years of age. Her older son, who forms the subject of this sketch, received his early education in Rockville Academy, where he had the advantage of the preceptorship of Otis C. White. For two years he studied with William B. Magruder, and later was with Prof. Nathan R. Smith, of Baltimore, for eighteen months. He graduated from the University of Maryland Hospital March 1, 1852, and at once commenced in practice at Rockville, where he has engaged in professional work since, making forty-six years of continuous service. When he opened his office here there were already two physicians in the place and he was criticised for not seeking an- other opening away from home. However, after he had been practicing a very short time two colored people were given up as fatally ill, the physicians saying they could live only a few hours. He took hold of both cases and saved the patients, which gave him a good name at the start. His next patient was a colored woman, sixty-five years of age, who was blind from a cataract over both eyes. In this case he was also
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successful, restoring her sight, and his reputation was at once established. During the years that have since elapsed he has been a very busy man, having a practice that demands his attention from early morning until late at night. He is very fond of surgery and has been successful in that science. It is a remarkable fact that in all the years of his practice he has been absent from his work never more than a few days at a time.
Politically Dr. Stonestreet is a Democrat, and fraternally holds membership in Montgomery Lodge No. 133, A. F. & A. M. Since the death of his father he has served as steward of the Methodist Church. October 14, 1852, he mar- ried Martha R. Barry, daughter of Rev. Basil Barry, of the Baltimore conference. Their fam- ily consists of the following-named children: Mary Adelaide, the widow of Rev. L. R. Greene, of the Baltimore conference, and now living with her parents at Rockville; Edward, who died shortly after attaining his majority; Martha, wife of Dr. Charles Abert, of the postoffice depart- ment at Washington and residing at Rockville; Bessie, who married Rev. F. J. Prettyman, of the Baltimore conference; Caroline, who married Frank B. Thomas, a business man of Roanoke, Va .; Ella, wife of Dr. Otis M. Linthicum, of Rockville; and Edith May, wife of George H. Lamar, an attorney of Rockville.
ILLIAM D. HOYE. Farming has formed the chief occupation of Mr. Hoye, and the energetic manner in which he has taken advantage of every method tending toward the enhanced value of his property has had consider- able to do with his success in life. Since 1882 he has resided in Deer Park, Garrett County. He was born in this county (then included within Allegany County ) in 1841, being the son of John and Ann E. (Craver) Hoye. On his father's side he is a lineal descendant of Paul Hoye, who emigrated from Ireland in an early day and settled in Washington County, Md.,
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