USA > Maryland > The book of Maryland: men and institutions, a work for press reference > Part 19
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Mr. Hanlon lives at 1401 Mt. Royal Avenue, Baltimore.
Page One Hundred Sixty Nine
DR. HARRY KEPLER GORSUCH.
Dr. Harry Kepler Gorsuch, of the eleventh generation of the Gorsuch family, was born in Baltimore June 7. 1869. He was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Balti- more, on March 9. 1859, and began the practice of medicine in that city. He married. October 20. 1906. Lottie Aleine Mosby (nee Pritchard).
Their son. Harry Kepler Gorsuch, Jr .. born July 14. 1912. died suddenly, by drowning. on July 13. 1920; his death having occurred in the stream which separates the old from the new city of Baltimore. The lands through which this stream flows, which comprises practically the entire city of Baltimore, were at one time the property of the forbears of Dr. Gorsuch.
Historical records attest the Gorsuch family of Maryland and other states to be descended from men of early note in the af- fairs of France, England and Russia ; being traced in direct line ( through the Love-Aucher branch) from Alfred the Great. King of France ( 1031), who in turn was descended from Charlemagne. and from Hugh Capet, whose third wife, Anne, was a daughter of Czar Yarestaff the Halt, Grand Duke of Russia in 1015-1054. The English branch dates back to John Lovelace, who lived in England about 1867 to 1417. Also many titled men of that period have been traced ; notably, Sir John Browne of Works. Lord Mayor of London in 1480; Sir William Browne, Lord Mayor in 1507; Sir Ilenry Keble, Lord Mayor in 1510. and also the many distinguished members of the Lovelace and allied fam- ilies.
The first of the Gorsuch family to settle in America was Charles, latterly of Talbot and Baltimore counties, Maryland. He was baptized at Walkern, Hertfordshire County, England, on August 25, 1642. was transported to Virginia in 1652 and set- tled in Maryland abont 1061.
As was true of the family in England. the Gorsuch fam- ily since its inception in this country, has taken a leading part in the affairs of American history. both prior to and since the Revolution. Though certain branches of the family were Quak- ers, there is no name more glorified than that of Gorsuch when the history of the War of 1812 is perused. The British troops. in a Intter battle of this war. met with decisive defeat at the hands of the American soldiers directly through the laxness of the British general, who permitted himself and staff to be de- tained and dined at the farm of one of the Gorsuch family at a most critical period of the campaign. The hitherto routed Americans were thus enabled to reorganize and give victorious battle to their adversaries in what resulted in the deciding battle of the war.
W. WALLACE KEMP.
W. Wallace Kemp, son of the late Clarence M. and Alice Roby Kemp, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was educated in the public schools of that city.
Mr. Komp is now president of the C. M. Kemp Manufacturing Company, 405-415 East Oliver Street, Baltimore, established in 1575 by his father, on Fayette Street, near Harrison Street. Baitimore. In 1908 the company was incorporated and located at its present address on East Oliver Street.
The principal prodnets manufactured by the C. M. Kemp Manufacturing Company are the following : An apparatus for the eficient application of city gas to industrial operations, by which fuel consumption is reduced from 25 per cent. to 75 per cent .. and operation conditions greatly improved : an apparatus for generation of gas for isolated industrial plants from suitable petroleum products, such as distillates, gasoline, etc. : a line of Climax plumbers' specialties, including cellar drainers, soil pipe testing plugs, etc., and a line of especially designed furnaces and burners.
He married Velma Dawson. Has one daughter, Alice Virginia.
Page One Hundred Seventy
JOHN JOSEPH KINCAID.
John Joseph Kincaid, manager of the Emerson Hotel. Calvert and Baltimore Streets, Baltimore, Md .. was born in Victoria. Australia, July 27. 1870, son of John and Nora (Ryan, Kincaid. Arrived in America, he attended the schools of California and early sought a career. He worked in California gold mines ; became a sailor aboard both sailing vessels and steamships. circumnavigating the globe and visiting many countries of the world.
Ile laler entered the hotel business : since being connected with hotels in Sacramento and San Francisco, New York City. London, England. Philadelphia and lastly, at Baltimore.
lle was comptroller of the Emerson Hotel when it opened in 1011, and in 1913 became its manager : having been continuously with this great hostelry with the exception of fourteen months overseas with the American Red Cross. When he left for France he was the president of the Maryland Hotel Men's Association, and a member of the Board of Trade of the City of Baltimore. Ile arrivoil in Paris in March, 1918: was commissioned First Lieutenant in the American Red Cross and Captain in November, 1918 ; was active in hospital and refugee work in Paris and on the battle fronts; assigned to 90th Division, (National Army from Texas and Oklahoma ), and accompanied his Division to the Rhine. December, 1918. Was drmobilized in New York City. March. 1919, and returned to the Emerson Hotel with many trophies amt imilible memories.
Is a Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Mason, Knight Templar. thirty-second degree Mason, and Shriner, and member of the Ad and Press Clubs.
He was married to Ethel Eugenie MeGrath in New York City in June, 1907. Their only child, Ethel Eugenie, born 1913, died In infancy.
Business and residence address, Emerson Hotel, Baltimore.
THOMAS IL. ROBINSON
The Honorable Thomas II. Robinson. prominent banker, lawyer and leader in State and national political activities, Med Air. Maryland, was born on March 2. 1860. in Harford County, son of Dr. Samuel S. and Mary C. (Priger Robinson.
Senator Robinson received an excellent legal training, and was admitted in ISS3 to the Maryland bar. He has siner taken a leading part in many important litigations in Harford County and elsewhere. In financial circles he is known as the president of the Second National Bank of Harford County, and in this connection is recognized as being among the most influential in the Stati.
In the ranks of the Democratic party, Senator Robinson is withont a donbt one of its most popular leaders, being recog- nized, not only within the State of Maryland, but also nation- ally, for his brilliant career in the interests of that faction. In 1892 he was elected to till the unexpired term of Senator Silver from Harford County, in the State Senate, and his services resulted in his being elected again (in 1902 and 1904) to that body, his latter tenure in office affording him the oppor- tunity to secure the passage of various bills favored by his constituents.
Senator Robinson was named by the Secretary of War, during the conflict with Germany, as a member of the commission charged with the responsibility of selecting 35,000 acres of land to provide space for the present Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Edgewood Arsenal. He was chairman of all the Liberty Loans, his district going "over the top" every time: he was chairman also of the Council of Defense of Harford County. In behalf of the Democratic party he has four times served as national committermai. : was chairman of the Marylaml delegation that nominateil Governor Cox for President at San Francisco, and is now chairman of the State Executive Committee, actively in charge of the State campaign for Maryland.
Senator Robinson married September 17, 1884. Clara C. Cain. They have five children, offe deceased.
Address, Bel Alr, Maryland.
Page One Hundred Seventy. One
THOMAS J. KURDLE.
Thomas J. Kurdle, who for many years has been the execu- tive head of one of the largest pork packing companies in the city of Baltimore, is a native of Austria-Hungary, in which country he was born on September 21. 1855. His parents Were Albert and Rose Kurdle, worthy people of a small Austrian village. In that village Thomas J. Kurdle received bis du- cation.
Mr. Kurdle came to the United States in 1871 when he had attained the age of sixteen years. In 1879 he engaged in the retail sale of meats. With the passing years he accumulated some means, always keeping before his mental vision the bust- ness which he hoped to eventually enter. The retail meat business occupied his attention until 1901, in which year he began the pork packing business. A self-made man. Mr. Kurdle deserves the entire credit for his success in building up the great company which Baltimore ranks among the foremost with- in her confines.
On April 7. 1920, Mr. Kurdle merged his company with that of the William Schluderberg & Son Company, which now oper- ates under the name of the William Schliderberg-T. J. Kurdle Company. These combined companies form one of the largest packing plants in the East.
Mr. Kurdle married, in 1879, Miss Margaret Schultz. Chil- dren : Joseph, Thomas J., Jr., Albert. Henry, Magdalen, Bar. bara T., Marie M., Marguerite K., Elizabeth.
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CLYDE EUGENE LOOSE.
Clyde Eugene Loose, president of The Morton & Loose Cup- poration, automobile distributors, accessory dealers, and garage operators, was born in Baltimore, July 6. 1849, a son of .1. W. and Margarette chenline) Loose. His early education was of the Baltimore public schools, his advanced studies being neue at the University of Maryland,
llis career began in 1905, at which time. continuing until 1907. Mr. Lose was a machinist apprentice.
In July. 1909. he organized the club Garage, and in 1911 he supplemented the garage business by organizing the Maryland Auto Supply Company. A consolidation of all these firms was effected in 1917. under the name of The Morton & Loose Cor- poration. its purpose being for the promotion of a general automobile business in the State of Maryland. The Mercer automobile is distributed in the State by The Morton & Loose Corporation.
Mr. Loose is a member of the Baltimore Athletic Club. the Press Club, the Add Club, the Automobile Dealers Association. and the Automobile Club of Maryland. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, Knight Templar, and Shriner. During the World War he was a member of the 313th Infantry Machine Gun Com- pany of the 79th Division : in the service from April 25. 1918. until April 1. 1919, having been nine months in overseas service.
Business address, Morton & Loose Corporation, 10 West Bager Street, Baltimore.
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Page One Hundred Seventy-Tico
WILLIAM MILNES MALOY.
William Milnes Maloy was born at Blacksburg. Virginia. October 12. 1574. the son of the Reverend William Chambers Maloy, of Queen Anne's County, and Margaret ellopkin Maloy. of Talbot County, both of whom are descended from families that have resided in Maryland for more than two centuries.
Mr. Maloy was graduated from the Baltimore City College in 1894 as valedictorian of his class. He then held positions on the staff of the Baltimore Herald and the Washington Times. Later he began the study of law, at the same time occupying the chair of English and Rhetoric at the Polytechnic Institute. Ile received the Il .. B. degree from the University of Maryland in 1899, graduating with highest honors and winning the faculty prize for highest grade in all branches. He pursued a course in corporation law at the Catholic University of America, receiving the degree of LI. M. in 1907. Ile then studied corporation law under Dr. William C. Robinson, formerly dean of the Yale Law School ; and his dissertation on the "Validity of Municipal Bonds" being accepted by the faculty of the Catholic I'niversity, he received the degree of Juris Doctoratus in 1909.
Mr. Maloy has been active in politics for some years. He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Legislature in 1905, and lost by only one vote. He was elected to the Legislature of 1908 as a delegate from the Eleventh Ward of Baltimore City and served as chairman of the House Committee on Corporations. Defeated in the primary election of 1909. he was chosen secretary of the Maryland Senate in 1910. In 1910 and 1911 he took an active part in the campaigns of Congress- man Linthicum and Major James 11. Preston. In 1912 he was elected to the State Senate, and was a member of the several commissions appointed by Governor Crothers to revise the tax- ation laws of Maryland. Ile was a candidate for Democratie nomination for Attorney-General in the primary election of 1915. Ile was a member of the Goodnow Commission that framed the Budget Amendment now a part of the State Constitution. Mr. Maloy is chairman of the Public Service Commission, having been appointed to this office by Governor Ritchie.
Mr. Maloy is one of the editors of The American Corporation Manual, and compiled the Maryland laws for that publication. Ile is associated in the practice of law with George Moore Brady, under the firm name of Maloy & Brady, with offices in the Fidelity Building. Baltimore.
JOHN GEORGE SCHWINK.
John George Schwink, President of the Commercial Stevedore Company, Inc .. Baltimore, was born in Baltimore, Md., Novem- ber 14. 1885, the son of John George and Mary Schwink, and was educated in the public schools of Baltimore.
Mr. Schwink has been in the steamship and stevedoring busi- ness twenty-one years, having started at the age of fourteen as a water boy on the docks. During his career he has traveled on various ships all over the Atlantic Ocean. He recently resigned the vice-presidency of the Metropolitan Stevedoring Company to organize and become president of the Commercial Stevedore Co., Inc.
Mr. Schwink is a member of the Baltimore Press Chb. the M. & M. Club, and the Traffic Club : of the Junior Order United American Mechanics and the Masonie Lodge. He accomplished his part during the Great War by the services which his Com- pany rendered the Government, and his father, who is an army man and stationed at Fort Mellenry, Baltimore, saw service at Fort Marion, St. Augustine, Fla., and in various parts of Texas.
Mr. Schwink married. Angust 12, 1914. Ella Pauline Sevick. They have one child living. Dorris Muriel. Residence, 1511 E. Lanvale. Business address, Vickers Bldg., Baltimore.
Page One Hundred Seventy-Three
ALEXANDER E. RYAN.
Alexander E. Ryan, manager of the Baltimore offices of Davis & Gilchrist, Inc., was born in New York on January s. 1893. son of J. E. and E. Sheridan Ryan. He was educated in the public schools and Richmond Hill High School. New York City. and since 1909 has been in the steamship and export freight contracting business.
Mr. Ryan married in 1917 Miss Helen E. Carroll. He volun- teered for service in the Army during the Great War and served in the 305th Infantry, 77th Division, from 1917 until April, 1919. Mr. Ryan has one daughter,
After his discharge from the service, Mr. Ryan established the present offices of the Davis & Gilchrist Company in Baltimore. This concern, with main offices in New York, are representatives for the handling of export freight trathe. They specialize in the handling of cotton, tobacco and steel. but will handle export shipments of any class, if large enough. They also handle very large quantities of automobiles, machinery, chemicals, lubricat- ing oil, grease, and in fact every kind of material exported.
During 1917 the customers of this firm who are located abroad instructed through Davis & Gilchrist, inc., materials valued at about $15.000,000 ; bills of lading being handed the company on trust receipts by the largest banking Institutions in New York such as J. P. Morgan & Co., National City Bank and many others, which institutions vouch for the efficiency and integrity of Davis & Gilchrist, Incorporated.
GIOVAN MARIA EAV.A.
Giovan Maria Fava was born in Cofanla, Italy, January 11. 1876, son of Andrea and Nicoletta Fava. His father, now in his ninetieth year, has for more than forty-five years served his mation as a captain in the Italian Merchant Marine, having traveled throughout the world.
Giovan M. Fava. as was his father, was educated in the great universities of Italy, completing his studies with great honors. Ile was for three years in the Royal Italian Navy, and was also captain In the Italian Merchant Marine.
Mr. Fava came to America in 1898, and entered the fruit business In Baltimore. In 1907 he organized and became presi- dent of the G. Fava Fruit Company. This concern, which deals In both domestic and imported fruits, is one of the largest of its kind in the United States.
Mr. Fava has improved buying conditions in the vicinity by pursuading the growers to bring their products to Baltimore in preference to other markets.
Mr. Fava is a member of the Lafayette Lodge No. 111, and Royal Arch Chapter No. 21, of the Masonic orders. He is presl- dent of the Italian Society, Reggia Marina Principe Tommaso, and a member of the Union Cefalutese and of the Francesco Crispl.
He was married In Italy in 1898, to Maria Fertitta. Ilis residence is at 4500 Garrison Avenne. Ilis offices are at 13 East Pratt Street, Baltimore.
Page One Hundred Serenty-Four
JOSEPH H. NEELY.
Joseph H. Neely, of Neely & Ensor. automobile distributors and machinists, was born in York County, Pa .. in 1859, son of Sammel and Ganesia Neely.
He attended country schools and started business in 1890 at 420 West German (now Redwood Street. Baltimore. There the firm of Neely & Ensor remained for six years, then occupying a building at $12 Madison Avenue for thirteen years. The concern then moved to their present quarters at Mt. Royal Avenue and MeMechen Street. The plant covers a space of abont 34,000 square feet. In consists of a garage for anto- mobile storage, which is complete in every appointment : paint and varnish shops which accommodate thirty cars at a time. with expert workmen in attendance: a drying room for the hardening of paint ; a trimming department where tops and cushions are made, and a large machine shop for antomobile repairs, which contains modern machinery operated by skilled mechanics who are specialists in this work. An accessory department for the sale of supplies and parts required by motorists is also included, and the company are agents for the Cole automobiles. Mr. Neely is vice-president Noxzema Chemical Co. and president Neely-Ensor Anto Co. Is a member of the Antomobile Dealers' Association : vice-president Carriagemakers' Association, and a Mason and Shriner.
Mr. Neely married in 1882, Miss Molly Parsons. They have four children-Clande. Grace, Morris and Alma.
Home address, 2929 St. Paul Street.
JOIN B. ENSOR.
John B. Ensor was born in Baltimore County, Maryland. in 1862. son of William O. and Elizabeth Ensor. He. like his partner, was edneated in the country schools, and the firm of Nouly & Ensor has been in business for over thirty years. fifteen years of this time having been spent in the automobile business. The plant has expanded rapidly through the combined efforts of the partners, and the firm is widely regarded as one of the most efficient organizations in Baltimore and the State. In addition to the departments described under Mr. Neely's sketch. the concern also maintains a repair shop for horse-drawn vehicles. Mr. Ensor is active in all matters pertaining to the public interests and is highly regarded by all who have made his nequaintance in business transactions or otherwise. He is a Mason and Shriner and is a member of the Automobile Club of Maryland.
Ile married in 1892. Miss Knox. Their children are : Estelle. Bosley Henderson, and Elwood Ensor.
Home address, Mt. Washington.
Page One Hundred Serenty-l'ire
JAMES P. MCCLURG.
James P. MeCire, member of the law firm of Wells & Mc- Cormick, Baltimore, was born at Oxford. Pa., November 11. 1850. son of James Hervey Mcclure and Elizabeth Ilden (Grier) Mcflurg. He was graduated from Delaware College. class of 1902, and studied law at the I'niversity of Maryland, being a member of the class of 1907.
In 1909 Mr. MeClaire was admitted to practice at the har of Maryland, and has since been located in Baltimore.
Mr. Mcclure is a member of Sons of American Revolution. the John II. B. Latrobe Lodge No. 165. A. F. & A. M. : of Druid Chapter. Monumental Commandery : and Boumi Temple : of the Press Club. the Maryland Automobile Club: was a member of Company K. 5th Maryland National Guard, from 1907 until 1910. Ife was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. 1918 session, from the Third Legislative District. Was candi- date for the Senate in 1919.
Mr. McClurg is a nephew of the late John Russell Mcclurg. the great surgeon of Pennsylvania, and his father was descended from Dr. James McClurg, member of the Constitutional Conven- tion from Virginia. that framed the Constitution of the United States.
Mr. McClurg is unmarried, and resides in 1500 Mt. Royal Avenue.
Ilis offiees are 923-924 Fidelity Building, Baltimore.
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JAMES BEACH PLATT.
James Beach Platt, packer and can manufacturer, was born in Hartford County. Maryland, on July 5, 1874. son of Ilerman S. and Emily (Mlecomas) Platt. Herman &. Platt (born April 17. 1837. in Oberlin, Ohio, died February 3. 19101 entered, in 1852, the business founded by his father. Landra B. Platt. in 1849, which operated under the firm style of Platt & Company. About ISSO Herman S. Platt was president of the Union Oyster Company, was vice-president of the Maryland National Bank and Hopkins Place Bank for a number of years prior to his death : president of the Boys' Home Society for fifteen years and was vice-president of the Margaret J. Bennett Home for Girls. He was for a number of years treasurer of the Athenaeum ('lub. of Baltimore. He married Emily Mccomas on September 18, 1873, and had two sons, Herman S. Platt, Jr .. who died July 16. 1906, and our subject, James Brach Platt.
James Beach Platt was educated in private schools and in the College of St. James. Washington County, Md. He was associated in business with his father until the latter's death. the business then being incorporated with Mr. Platt as president. Platt and Company, Inc .. and the Platt Can Company are located on Key Highway. Baltimore.
Mr. Platt is a member of the Masonic Order and the Balti- more Athletic Club.
Ile married, in 1899. Miss Mary A. Morton. Children, Mar- garet M., and James B., Jr.
Page One Hundred Serenty-Six
PAUL JEROME PRODOEHL.
Paul Jerome Prodoehl has won a place of distinction among the men of achievement in the city. He has stepped right ahead from one successful endeavor to another. His biggest asset Is a cheerful disposition and the ability to make friends wherever he goes. As his personal popularity has grown steadily some of his friends have suggested him for political positions. but he has steadily avoided honors of the kind. preferring to help in many ways those of his friends who are in politics.
Mr. Prodochl has won his position in the business world by hard work. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine and came to this country with a determination to make his own way. It was not long before he stood out from others as able to lead men. He was a boss of a gang for a while and then ventured into the paving business on his own account. He has helped to put Baltimore on a firm foundation, for the concrete pavements and other work he did years ago stands to-day without a flaw. Ilis name is cut into the stone where all who pass can read it.
From paving Mr. Prodoehl branched ont into other lines of contract work and erected a number of buildings. With a group of associates he holds leases to important oil fields and is president of the Baltimore Petrol Gas Company. He is secretary and treasurer of the Lord Calvert Theatre Company which operates theatres in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. The Commercial Exchange. a Baltimore mercantile agency, was organized by Mr. Prodochl and he is now its president.
One of Mr. Prodochl's largest ventures is the Maryland Motors Corporation, of which he is president. This firm which started in business here now has a large plant at Lanrel, Md., and is making rapid strides.
Mr. Prodochl is a member of the Press Club. the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Mutual Benefit Legion and other organiza- tions. He is president of the Catholic Union, which he organ- ized.
By his first wife, now deceased, who was Miss Anna R. Mirschberger, he has eight children. On October 2. 1919. he was again married, his wife having been Miss Eleanor T. Sussan.
Mr. Prodoehl's offie is at 521 Munsey Building, and his home at 1928 East Pratt Street.
HYMEN MUSKIN.
Hymen Muskin, president and general manager of the Muskin Shoe Company, Baltimore, was born in Russia in 1886, son of M. A. and Pranees Muskin.
After attending High School, he learned the shoe trade in Massachusetts, beginning at the bottom and learned the business in all its phases.
In 1910 Mr. Muskin organized the Muskin Shoo Company. Baltimore, manufacturers of the "Turn" and "Mckay" shoes. In 1918 he organized and became treasurer of the Stanwear Shoe Company of Chicago, which concern is representative of the Muskin Shoe Company.
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