USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > The founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland. A genealogical and biographical review from wills, deeds and church records > Part 33
USA > Maryland > Howard County > The founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland. A genealogical and biographical review from wills, deeds and church records > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
Upon the appointment of Senator Reverdy Johnson as Minister to Great Britain, Mr. Whyte succeeded to the vacancy in the United States Senate. In 1871 he was elected Governor, but resigned when elected to the Senate.
289
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
At the expiration of his Senatorial career he returned to Balti- more and became Mayor of the city in 1882, and was called, in 1888, to the office of Attorney-General of the State. He was upon the committee to select a site for the Naval Observatory and one of its delegates to the Conference of American Republics, in 1889.
Still later, called from his large legal practice, he once more yielded to the demand to serve his city as City Solicitor, under Mayor Hayes. Oneof the busiest of men, this octogenarian still stands erect, dignified, handsome, the idolized statesman and genial friend of all.
In 1847 Mr. Whyte married Louisa D., daughter of Mr. Levi Hollinsworth. His second wife was Mrs. Raleigh Thomas, daughter of William McDonald.
Two of Governor Whytes's speeches in the United States Senate crown him a statesman of the highest order. The first was his almost solitary stand against the fierce political clamor against President Johnson, in which he defeated the combined opposition, and his still more celebrated objection to the desertion of Samuel Tilden, by the Democrats yielding to the adoption of the Electoral Commission. In that speech he pointed out prophetically the very result which happened, viz: that eight Republicans would outvote seven Democrats.
His warning was unheeded and the elected Democrat had to make place for the defeated Republican. Governor Whyte's devotion to his religion, to his friends and to the needy make him our idol.
A biography of Mr Whyte would be a history of Maryland for that period, so closely has his life been bound up with State affairs.
The long and brilliant political career of Mr. Whyte began in 1847, when he was elected to the House of Delegates of the General Assembly of Maryland. He has always been a Democrat and has made many public speeches in behalf of the political principles in which he believes. He was the representative of the Democratic party in his first political office and also in the positions of Comp- troller of the Treasury, Governor of the State, United States Senator, Mayor of Baltimore and Attorney-General.
In 1899, Mr. Whyte was chairman of the commission which drafted the present City Charter, and in 1900 he became City Solicitor. In March, 1903, he resigned as City Solicitor, and since then he has devoted himself to his private business, which requires all his time.
While City Solicitor Mr. Whyte demonstrated his capacity for work. The enormous legal business of the city passed through his hands at that time, but he gave every detail close attention and care. While in Congress he drafted the laws under which the District of Columbia is governed.
GOVERNOR JAMES BLACK GROOME.
Governor James Black Groome, successor to Governor William Pinkney Whyte, was the son of Colonel John C. Groome, of Cecil. His grandfather Dr. John Groome was a distinguished physician and
290
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
representative of Cecil in the State Legislature, when only the ablest citizens were sent. On his maternal side, his grandfather was Hon. James R. Black, of New Castle, Delaware, Judge of the Superior Court.
Colonel John C. Groome, father of the Governor, was himself a candidate for Governor when T. Holliday Hicks was elected. His son was born in Elkton, April 4, 1838. After a preparatory course for Princeton College, James Black Groome pursued his legal studies with his father. He was a member of the Reform Convention which secured the Constitution of 1867. In 1871 he was elected to the House of Delegates. After the Legislature had been in session two weeks an election was held for United States Senator; Mr. Groome received a flattering vote. In 1873 Mr. Groome was again a member of the Legislature. He was made Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and also upon Ways and Means.
Upon the election of Governor Whyte to the United States Senate Mr. Groome was made the caucus nominee on the first ballot, and, a few days later, upon joint session, was elected Governor.
His messages were able and dignified State papers. His first official act was a graceful tribute to the friend of his father, Mr. George Spencer, whom his father had promised to appoint his aid if elected.
During his term Mr. S. Teackle Wallis made a contest over the office of Attorney-General. The Governor's decision was in favor of Mr. Gwynn. The executive mansion was made a centre of true hospitality. At the end of his term the following able candidates confronted him for Senator: George R. Dennis, Ex-Governor Philip Francis Thomas, Hon. Robert McLane, Hon. Montgomery Blair, Samuel Hambleton, Judge Robinson, Frederick Stump and Joseph A. Weeks. Yet, at forty-one years of age, Governor Groome was elected.
After the first election of President Cleveland in 1886 Governor Groome was appointed Collector of the Port of Baltimore. After retiring from this office he continued to reside at No. 2 East Preston Street, Baltimore.
On February 29, 1876, Mr. Groome married Miss Alice L. Edmondson, daughter of Colonel Horace Edmondson, of Talbot County. They had one daughter, Maria.
Governor Groome died in Baltimore, October, 1893. His funeral services were held in Baltimore and his remains were taken to Elkton. His honorary pall-bearers were United States Senators T. S. Cullen and Arthur P. Gorman, Charles N. Gibson, Hon. William Pinkney Whyte, Mayor F. C. Latrobe, Judge Pere L. Wickes, Judge Albert Ritchie, Colonel I. E. Jacobs, A. T. Leftwich, I. Freeman Raisin, Frederick Shriver, Charles H. Mackall, William J. Montague, I. Boykin Lee and Edwin Warfield, now Governor of Maryland.
Governor Groome's widow married later P. F. Young, cousin of Governor Groome, now of Philadelphia. The Governor's sister
291
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
was Mrs. Maria G. Knight, wife of Hon. William M. Knight, only son of William and Rebecca (Ringold) Knight.
Hon. William Knight was in the Legislature when his brother- in-law was a member. He is now of the Baltimore firm of Frame & Knight, Commission Merchants.
GOVERNOR JOHN LEE CARROLL.
Governor John Lee Carroll, of "Doughoregan Manor," the centennial Governor of Maryland, was born at "Homewood," Balti- more County, in 1830. He is the second son of Colonel Charles and Mary Digges (Lee) Carroll. His father was the grandson of Charles Carroll, of "Carrollton," and his mother was the granddaughter of Governor Thomas Sim Lee, the able supporter of the Revolution. "Doughoregan Manor" was inherited by Colonel Charles Carroll when his son, John Lee Carroll, was only three years old.
4
At ten years John Lee Carroll began his course at Mt. St. Mary's School. He next entered Georgetown College and afterwards St. Mary's, in Baltimore. His law course was taken at Harvard Law School. Entering upon practice from the office of Brown & Brown, he was admitted to the bar in 1851. Spending a year in traveling through Europe, he was, in 1855, nominated for the Legislature of Maryland in opposition to the popular Know-Nothing party of that year; after an able canvass he was defeated. In the fall of that year he removed to New York. There he met and married Anita, daughter of Royal Phelps, of the extensive importing house in trade with South America.
In 1861, because of the feeble health of his father, Mr. Carroll returned to "Doughoregan" in order to manage his father's estate.
In 1862, upon the death of his father, he became his executor. In 1866 he purchased his brother's interest in "Doughoregan" and has since made it his residence.
Nominated and elected to the Maryland Senate in 1867, he was returned in 1872 and in 1874 was made President of the Senate. His wife died that year and he returned to Europe to place his children at school. Returning in 1875, he was nominated and elected Governor of Maryland.
In the succeeding summer Governor Carroll and staff were invited to represent the State at the Centennial Exposition at Phila- delphia. Accompanied by Brigadier-General James R. Herbert, the Governor and staff became the central figure of Maryland Day; when mounted and at the head of the magnificent body of the Fifth Mary- land Regiment he rode before the assembled masses to the reception hall of the exposition. There he met with distinguished honors, receiving flattering compliments as the illustrious descendant of an illustrious patriot who risked fortune to secure the benefits now enjoyed by this generation. In answer to these addresses and compliments the Governor returned a dignified and graceful acknowledgement.
.
292
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
Two years subsequent to this Governor Carroll married Miss Mary Carter Thompson, of Staunton, Virginia, daughter of the late Judge Lucas P. Thompson.
During Governor Carroll's administration, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, in seeking to reduce expenses, brought on a deter- mined strike of its laborers, which culminated in a riot at Cumberland. In reply to the authorities, the Governor ordered out the Fifth and Sixth Regiments of Militia. At Camden Station the sympathizing mob in Baltimore attacked the Sixth Regiment and set fire to the station. The Governor promptly called for United States troops, but before they could arrive the police force of Baltimore, aided by the militia, had quelled the riot. For their successful fight against such great odds Governor Carroll publicly and gracefully acknowl- edged his thanks, complimenting them upon their splendid work. That celebrated strike gave birth to the Workingman's Party, which lived for a while and died.
Governor Carroll became an elector during the Cleveland cam- paign of 1882, in which he made several able and effectual speeches in his interest. He has been urged to allow his name to be used for Congressional honors, but refused. Since the death of Mrs. Carroll and the marriage of his sons and daughters he has spent considerable time in traveling.
For several years Governor Carroll has been President of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The issue of Governor Carroll and Anita Phelps, his wife, are Mary Louisa-Comte Jean de Kergoloy; Amelia Maria-Baron Louis de la Grange; Royal Phelps-Maria Langsdon, of New York; Charles-Susanna Bancroft; Mary Helen-Herbert D. Robbins, of New York; Albert Henry and Mary Irene Carroll died unmarried. Philip Acosta Carroll, born 1879, is the only son of Governor Carroll by his last wife. He is a member of the Elk Ridge Hunt Club, of Howard County.
"Doughoregan Manor," under the care of Governor Carroll, still keeps up its stately and retired grandeur. At its chapel the neighboring members are accustomed to worship. Under it lies the remains of its builder, Charles Carroll, of "Carrollton."
Governor Carroll still takes interest in puplic affairs, and at a recent convention of his party in Howard made a forcible speech on the proposed amendment to the State Constitution.
Howard County is doubly honored in having its handsome Ex-Governor and its handsome Governor, both bidding fair to be still more useful as years roll on.
GOVERNOR WILLIAM T. HAMILTON ..
Governor William T. Hamilton, successor to Governor Carroll, was born near Hagerstown September 8, 1820. He was the son of Henry Hamilton, of Boonesboro, brother of Rev. William Hamilton, of M. E. Church. His mother was Mary M. Hess.
William T. Hamilton was educated at Hagerstown Academy and Jefferson College, Pennsylvania. When six years of age his
293
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
mother died and two years later, his father died. He was brought up by his maternal uncle, who was of the old Jefferson School of Democracy. Entering the law office of Hon. John Thompson Mason, in 1843, he was admitted to the bar. In 1846 he was elected to the House of Delegates. In 1847 he was defeated. In 1848 he was upon the Cass Electoral ticket and in 1849 was elected to Congress. He there voted and spoke in favor of the Clay Compromise Bill. In 1851 he was re-elected to Congress. In 1853 he received his largest majority for the same position. He supported President Pierce. Chosen Chairman of the Committee upon the District of Columbia, he voted for an appropriation to bring water to the city from Great Falls. In 1855 he again ran for Congress, but was defeated by the Know-Nothings. He then became associated with Richard H. Alvey, later Judge of the Court of Appeals. In 1861, Mr. Hamilton was urged for Governor, but declined. In 1868 he consented to be a candidate for the United States Senate, succeeding William Pinkney Whyte, who had been appointed to succeed Reverdy Johnson. Mr. Hamilton exerted considerable influence in the Senate.
In 1875, at the expiration of his term, he became a candidate for Governor. He was opposed by John Lee Carroll. After an exciting contest, during which Mr. E. B. Prettyman, a Hamilton delegate from Montgomery County, spoke all night, Hon. John Lee Carroll, of Howard County, was nominated.
In 1879 Mr. Hamilton had practically no opposition and was elected Governor by 22,000 majority, over James A. Gary. His inauguration was made a popular demonstration. Governor Ham- ilton's message was a vigorous attack upon many of the offices of the State. He opposed the Insurance Department and the State fishery force as signal failures. The land office had survived its useful- ness. He wished to abolish it and place the records under the control of the Court of Appeals. The expenditure for public printing was too great; the Legislative expenses ought to be reduced; taxes ought to be fairly imposed and suggested one tax collector for each county.
Governor Hamilton took great interest in developing all the agricultural interests of the State. He had a large estate near Hagerstown and resided upon the beautiful heights of Hagerstown.
Governor Hamilton married Clara, daughter of Colonel Richard Jenness, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They had four daughters and two sons. Governor Hamilton died in Hagerstown, 1888, and was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery.
GOVERNOR ROBERT M. McLANE.
Governor Robert M. McLane, forty-first Governor (1884-85) was born in Wilmington, Delaware, 1816. He was the son of Lewis and Catharine Mary (Milligan) McLane. His father after twenty years of distinguished service as a representative in Congress, Senator, Minister to Great Britain, Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State, retired in 1837 and settled in Maryland as President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
294
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
Colonel Allan McLane, of Delaware, grandfather of Hon. Robert M. McLane, was an officer of distinction in the Revolution. Catharine Mary Milligan, mother of Robert M. McLane, was a woman of superior character and accomplishments, eldest daughter of Robert and Sally (Jones) Milligan, of Cecil. This family descended from, and was connected with, the Larkins, Baldwins and Chases, of Anne Arundel County.
After leaving St. Mary's College, Robert M. McLane was taken to Paris and placed in school. There he engaged the friendship. of General LaFayette.
In 1831 he was appointed a cadet at West Point. After gradua- tion Mr. McLane was in Congress in 1856 and supported the Mexican War policy.
In 1856 he was a member of the National Convention which met in Cincinnati and nominated James Buchanan for President. In 1859 President Buchanan appointed him Minister Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Mexico. There he signed the treaty between Mexico and the United States, for the protection of the lives and property of our citizens, but our difficulties at home convinced him of the uselessness of it.
In 1863 Mr. McLane was counsel for the Western Pacific Rail- road, in San Francisco and New York, during which time he visited Europe often. He was a delegate to the St. Louis Convention that nominated Samuel J. Tilden. In 1879 he was elected State Senator and in 1878 was elected to Congress. There he became an able advocate for his State and took a leading part in the exciting debates. In 1884 he was elected Governor of Maryland. He held his office only one year, resigning in 1885 to accept from President Cleveland the charge as Minister to France.
Governor McLane continued to reside in Paris, returning once a year, except 1887, to look after his estate.
He died in Paris in 1888, nearly eighty-eight years of age. His body was brought over and his funeral was held from Emanuel Church. His remains were interred at Greenmount.
GOVERNOR HENRY LLOYD.
Governor Henry Lloyd, forty-second Governor of Maryland (1885-87,) was born near Cambridge, February 21, 1852. His father was Daniel Lloyd, youngest son of Governor Edward Lloyd of 1809.
Daniel Lloyd married "Kitty," daughter of John Campbell Henry, and granddaughter of Governor John Henry. Henry Lloyd was educated at Cambridge Academy and taught school whilst studying law. In 1881, he was elected State Senator from Dorchester County and was returned in 1884, when he was chosen, though the youngest member of the Senate, its President. In the following year, upon the resignation of Governor McLane, who had accepted the mission to France, by virtue of his office became Governor to fill Governor McLane's unexpired term. At the next election he was nominated and elected Governor.
----
295
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
Governor Lloyd is a Mason, having served as master four times and in 1885-86 was Senior Grand Warden. He is a vestryman of many years' service in Christ Protestant Episcopal Church, Cam- bridge, Maryland. In July, 1892, he was appointed by Governor Frank Brown to the bench as associate judge of the First Judicial Circuit of Maryland. In 1893 he was nominated and elected by the people to that office for a full term of fifteen years and is now filling the same. He is also president of the Merchants' National Bank.
In 1886 he married Mary Elizabeth Staplefort, daughter of William T. and Virginia Staplefort, descendants of old and prominent families of Dorchester County, Maryland.
GOVERNOR ELIHU JACKSON.
-Governor Elihu Jackson, forty-third Governor (1888-92), was born in Somerset County, 1836. He is the son of Hugh and Sally (McBride) Jackson, grandson of John and great-grandson of Elihu Emory Jackson, Judge of the Orphans Court of Somerset.
Mr. Jackson began life as a merchant. In 1863 he removed to Salisbury and with his father and brothers, entered into his present lumber business. It was soon extended to branch offices in Balti- more and Washington. Beside large lumber interests in the State, the firm owned 80,000 acres of timber in Alabama.
Mr. Jackson was in the Legislature for several sessions, including the Senate.
In 1887 he was elected Governor to succeed Governor Henry Lloyd. During his administration the compulsory features of tobacco inspection were abolished.
An attempt was made to lease the canal to the Western Maryland Railroad. In 1889 the canal was completely wrecked by freshets and the State could do nothing for it. Private resources having failed, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad foreclosed its mortgage.
Governor Jackson recommended a decrease in tobacco ware- houses, as the production of tobacco had decreased.
In 1890 the Court decreed the sale of the canal.
Governor Jackson is president of the Bank of Salisbury and of the Seaford National Bank.
He married Nannie, daughter of Dr. William H. Rider, of Somerset. He has three sons and two daughters.
The people of his district seem loath to let the Ex-Governor retire to the enjoyment of a well-deserved peaceful life. His name was prominently before the last Legislature for the Senate of the United States. His opposing candidates were Ex-Governor John Walter Smith, Mr. Rayner and Mr. Carter. The withdrawal of Governor Jackson resulted in the election of Senator Rayner. The Governor was also in the front in the last campaign.
296
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
GOVERNOR FRANK BROWN.
Governor Frank Brown, forty-fourth in line (1892-96), is the son of Stephen Thomas Cockey Brown, of " Brown's Inheritance," Carroll County. His mother was Susan Bennett. He descends from Abel Browne, the Scottish immigrant and High Sheriff of Anne Arundel, elsewhere noted.
Beginning his business career in Baltimore, he entered the firm of R. Sinclair & Company, and was later connected with the State Warehouse. In 1875 he represented Carroll in the Legislature.
During the campaign of 1885 he became Treasurer of the State Democratic Central Committee, when the party met with marked success. As a State representative he was a director in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. He was Postmaster of Baltimore under President Cleveland. In 1881 he became President of the State Agricultural Association, in which he displayed much energy and made a success in its State Fairs.
In 1891 he was the choice of the people for Governor and was nominated and elected by 30,000 majority. At the inauguration of President Cleveland, Governor Brown and staff made a fine display, but the inclement weather caused him a serious illness.
There were three exciting events in his administration: the veto of the Legislative bill for taxing mortgages; his action in commuting the sentence of four murderers of Dr. Hill in Kent County, and the miners' strike in Allegany County. Opinions were divided upon his action in the first two, but all united in praising his prompt action in ordering the militia to the scene of conflict in Allegany. He accompanied the troops in person and soon restored order.
An unusual number of vacancies occurred during his adminis- tration in the different judicial districts of the State, all of which were filled by him.
In the succeeding campaign the Democratic candidate for Governor was defeated by Hon. Lloyd Lowndes.
At the close of his term he was elected President of the Baltimore Traction Company, in which office the business was largely increased. This position he resigned several years ago.
He married in 1879, Mrs Mary (Ridgely) Preston, widow of Horatio Preston, of Boston, and daughter of David Ridgely, of Baltimore. She died after his term of service in 1895, leaving two children, Frank Snowden and Mary Ridgely Brown,
Governor Brown bought out the interests of his cousin, Mrs. Carroll, in the Springfield estate of. Mr. George Patterson. This, in addition to his father's adjoining property, put him in possession of a magnificent body of land. He was engaged in farming this estate when elected Governor. The Springfield estate had long been noted for its excellent stock, and Governor Brown not only continued that reputation, but even extended it. After the death of his wife he sold the Springfield homestead to the State as an asylum for the ยท insane.
297
FOUNDERS OF ANNE ARUNDEL AND HOWARD COUNTIES.
Upon a portion of his estate in Sykesville he has erected several houses for tenants.
He is a member of several clubs and director in various business enterprises. Of a genial temperament, he is popular in many circles. He takes considerable interest in political movements and was active in organizing a peoples' movement, which resulted in the election of Mayor Hayes. Governor Brown has devoted much time in traveling upon the Continent of Europe.
GOVERNOR LLOYD LOWNDES.
Governor Lloyd Lowndes, forty-fifth Governor (1896), the only Republican Governor since 1867, was born in Cumberland in 1845. He was the son of Lloyd and Maria Elizabeth (Moore) Lowndes. His grandfather was Commodore Charles Lowndes, of the United States Navy, and his grandmother was Elizabeth Lloyd, daughter of United States Senator and Governor Edward Lloyd. Commodore Lowndes was born at "Blenheim," upon a commanding hill of Bladensburg, a survey of Governor Bladen. This estate descended to Elizabeth Tasker, wife of Christopher Lowndes and mother of Commodore Lowndes.
Though Governor Lowndes was the first of his family name in the gubernatorial chair, he was closely connected with six preceding provincial and State Governors, viz., Samuel Ogle, Thomas Bladen, Benjamin Tasker, Benjamin Ogle, Edward Lloyd and Henry Lloyd.
Entering Washington College, Pennsylvania, and graduating from the Law School of Pennsylvania, in 1872, he was elected a Representative in Congress from a Democratic district, and, though one of the youngest members, was put upon important committees. His vote on the Civil Rights Bill defeated his next election.
In 1879 he was a delegate-at-large to the Republican National Convention at Chicago. In 1895 he was elected Governor, upon a canvass of reform.
During his administration four important enactments were put upon the statutes. The first was the establishment of the State Board of Immigration, the duty of which is to advertise the advan- tages of the State through reference maps, statistics from each county, all gratuitously furnished; the Superintendent is required to visit Europe and solicit a class of immigrants best suited to our requirements. The Board is also empowered to make special terms with railroads and steamship lines for reduced rates of transportation. As an aid to this bureau, a State Geological and Economic Survey was enacted. This bureau was placed under Professor Clark, of Johns Hopkins University. Its object is to examine geological formations with reference to economic products, viz., building stones, clays and ores; to examine and classify soils and show their adapt- ability to various crops; to examine the physical features bearing upon the occupation of the people of the State; to prepare maps illustrative of our resources, and to make special reports upon all scientific subjects looking to the development of the State.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.