USA > Maryland > The history of Maryland, to which are added brief biographies of distinguished statesmen, philanthropists, theologians, etc.; prepared for the schools of Maryland > Part 7
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"In a few short years I returned; and the guides and companions of my youth were gone,
What is said of Francis Scott Key ? Where did he gradu- ate ? What of Mr. Key in after-life ? What of an alumni
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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
and the glory of the temple of science which the wisdom and piety of our fathers had founded was departed. I saw in its place a dreary ruin. I wan- dered over its silent and beautiful green, no longer sacred to the enraptured student, or vocal with the joyous sport of youthful merriment. I sat on the steps of that lonely portico, and beneath the shadow of that ancient tree, that seemed to lament its lost companions ; and the dreams of other days came over me, and I mourned over the madness that had worked its desolation."
After leaving college, he studied law, and be- came a member of the bar in Frederick. Soon after, he married, in Annapolis, the youngest sister of Governor Edward Lloyd, and removed to the District of Columbia. There he attained to high prominence in the neighboring county courts, and in the United States Supreme Court, where from the first he received flattering and encouraging notice from Chief-Justice Marshall.
In person, Mr. Key was above the medium height, and slender in form. His voice was so- norous, but flexible and pleasing. His articula- tion was distinct, and his gestures were natural and graceful. His self-possession was complete, and his style of speech was clear, chaste, and
address in 1827? What after leaving college ? Of his per-
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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
beautiful. As an orator, he had few equals, and fewer superiors.
His mother had obtained from him a promise to read Wilberforce's "Practical View of Chris- tianity," a copy of which she gave him. Some time after, when going to a neighboring county court, he put the book in his travelling-bag. While at that court, mindful of his promise,- . for devotion to his mother was a prominent trait of his character,-at the first leisure hour at night he took it out and read it. On his return home, the next morning he called his family together and knelt with them in prayer. His decision was made; his interest in the subject of religion was fixed; and his after-life showed how deep was that interest and how earnest and permanent was that decision.
At that time, Mr. William Meade, afterwards Bishop of Virginia, was studying for the ministry, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Addison,- Mr. Key's pastor. Mr. Meade and Mr. Key were kindred spirits, and a lifelong friendship bound them to each other. John Randolph had been their companion; and, in all his eccen- tricities, they enjoyed his unbounded confidence and regard while life lasted.
son ? What of his mother? Of Bishop Meade ? What oc-
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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
Soon after Mr. Key's religious decision was matured, his thoughts were turned towards the ministry, and a correspondence took place between him and the Rev. Dr. Kemp, rector of St. Paul's, Baltimore. The doctor offered him the asso- ciate rectorship of the parish ; but circumstances transpired which prevented him from accepting. He, however, officiated as reader on Sunday after- noons, for some years, in a vacant church near the city.
Mr. Key was a genuine poet. One of his effu- sions, "The Star-Spangled Banner," will cause his name to be ever remembered by his country- men. An account of the circumstances under which it was composed was written by his brother- in-law, the late Chief-Justice Taney.
The incidents are here related, that the youth of Maryland may know the history of "THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER," the song which thrills the hearts of patriots and has been sung by tens of thousands on the battle-field of freedom.
The British troops, returning to their ships after having burned the public buildings and records at Washington, while passing through Prince George county arrested Dr. Beanes, a well-known and influential citizen. Mr. Key obtained permission
curred soon after Mr. Key's religious decision ? Of his fa- mous song ? Of the incidents related ? The British troops ?
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to visit the admiral and endeavor to procure the release of the prisoner.
While on this errand, Mr. Key was detained with the fleet, until an attack about to be made upon Baltimore should be over, but was placed on his own vessel, under a guard of marines. He remained on deck during the night, watching every shell as it was fired, and waiting with in- : tense anxiety for the dawn of day.
As the light came, he turned his glass towards the fort, and saw that "our flag was still there." Under the excitement of the night-watch, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was composed. Brief notes were pencilled upon the back of a letter while the enemy was retreating, and the song was finished in the boat on the way to the shore.
It was immediately printed in handbill form, and distributed among the citizens of Baltimore, who, we trust, will always sing with enthusiastic patriotism,-
"The Star-Spangled Banner, oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave !"
The hymns written by Mr. Key are found in nearly all the hymn-books of our country, and show the character of his piety,-which was not that of sentimentalism or outward form : it was active.
Of his detention ? Of the morning? What further of the -
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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
A hint of suffering poverty in his neighborhood called forth his personal attentions and his money, as did also the work of missions and the Sunday- school, with a class of which he was present the Sunday before his death.
When the Colonization Society was organized, he was its earnest advocate, and travelled widely to enlist an interest in its cause. He stood side by side in this regard with Henry Clay, Cald -. well, Fitzhugh, Mercer, Stockton, and other emi- nent public men. He deplored the existence of slavery, and was proverbially the colored man's. friend. He was his standing gratuitous advocate: in the courts, pressing his civil rights to the extent of the law, and always ready to brave odium, or even personal danger, in his behalf.
Mr. Key was a polished Christian gentleman, -hospitable, cheerful, social, and widely known both in his civic and professional reputation. He. was an orator, a poet, a patriot, and a philanthro- pist,-one whose memory Maryland delights to honor.
song ? Of his hymns, &c. ? Of the Colonization Society ? What further of Mr. Key ?
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ROGER BROOKE TANEY. 1
ROGER BROOKE TANEY, whose ancestors on both sides were among the early settlers of Mary- land, was born in Cal- vert county, on the 17th of March, 1777, and was educated at Dick- inson College, Carlisle, where he graduated in 1795. In the spring of 1796 he commenced the study of the law at the city of Annapolis, and was admitted to the bar here in the ROGER BROOKE TANEY. spring of 1799.
On his return to his native county he was, in the fall of the same year, elected to the House of T degates; and, having removed in 1801 to Frede- rick City, he was, in 1816, elected a member of the Senate of Maryland, and continued in that body until 1821.
In 1823 he removed to the city of Baltimore, and in 1827 was appointed Attorney-General of Mary- land by the Governor and Council, though belong- ing to a different political party. He continued
What is said of Roger B. Taney ? What on his return to his native county ? What occurred in 1816? In 1823 and
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ROGER BROOKE TANEY.
to hold the office of Attorney-General of Mary- land until June, 1831, when he was appointed Attorney-General of the United States. This office he resigned in September, 1833, upon being appointed Secretary of the Treasury. His nomi- nation for that position was rejected by the Senate in June, 1834; and he then resumed the practice of his profession.
During the brief period that he held the office of Secretary of the Treasury, the Senate had an · anti-administration majority, which favored the renewal of the charter of the United States Bank and opposed the policy of removing the deposits of government funds to local banks selected by the Secretary. This subject caused much debate between the political parties then known as Whigs and Democrats.
In 1835 Mr. Taney was nominated as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; but the Senate, being still opposed to the President, did not act upon the nomination. In March, 1836, upon the death of Chief-Justice Marshall, Mr. Taney was confirmed by the Senate (which had changed its political majority) as Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, upon his nomination to that office by President Jackson. He took his seat upon the bench of the Supreme Court of the
1827? What appointment in June, 1831, &c. ? What about
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HENRY WINTER DAVIS.
United States in January, 1837, retaining this position until his death, which took place, in the city of Washington, on the 12th of October, 1864, in his cighty-eighth year. Since the found- ation of the government there have been six Chief Justices, two of whom-Marshall and Taney -held the seat for sixty-four years, from 1800 to 1864.
Mr. Taney was esteemed for his high moral and religious character, as well as for his legal attainments. Though reaching an unusual age, he retained the vigor and clearness of mind which characterized his earlier years, and was able to occupy his seat upon the Supreme bench almost to the day of his death.
HENRY WINTER DAVIS, a distinguished states- man, and perhaps the most gifted orator of his time, was born in Annapolis, August 16, 1817.
His father-Rev. Henry Lyon Davis-a man of imposing person, great dignity of character, and varied and profound learning, was President of St. John's College, and rector of St. Ann's Church.
the United States Bank ? What occurred in 1835? In Oc- tober, 1864? How was Mr. Taney esteemed ?
What is said of Henry Winter Davis ? Of his father? Of
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HENRY WINTER DAVIS.
His mother-Jane Brown Winter-was a lady of graceful and simple manners, highly educated, and possessing great conversational powers. Under such teaching and inspiration was the young mind of Davis formed, and his bril- liant genius developed.
His education began very early. He once playfully said, " I could read before I was four years old ; though HENRY WINTER DAVIS. much against my will." During youth, he was much devoted to out-door life, and with his companions roamed the country, not always successful as a sportsman, but becoming familiar with nature and developing his splendid physical constitution.
His academic and collegiate life was passed at Howard,-a school near Alexandria,-and at Kenyon College, in Ohio. In those days Ken -. yon was surrounded by vast forests,-a garden of letters in a wilderness of nature.
During his first college vacation, he devoted.
his mother ? Of his education : Of his academic and col -.
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HENRY WINTER DAVIS.
himself to laborious study, completing the studies of the sophomore year, and at the opening of the next session he passed the examination for the junior class.
While at college his father died, and left him without a counsellor. With very limited means, young Davis struggled on. He circumscribed his wants, and denied himself every luxury. So rigid was his self-denial, and so strong his desire not to tax the kindness of his aunt, that he brought his annual expenses within the sum of eighty dollars.
His father left him a few slaves. These he re- fused to sell, preferring to toil, rather than to secure' ease by doing what he thought to be wrong. He never accepted a cent of their wages, and always told them they could have a deed of manumis- sion whenever the law would allow it. Thus sincere was his opposition to slavery.
Completing a thorough course at the Univer- sity of Virginia, Mr. Davis entered upon the practice of the law in Alexandria. In 1850 he went to Baltimore, and immediately became promi- : nent in social, professional, and political life. Young men of ability gathered about him, and made him a centre of influence.
lege life? Of his first college vacation ? What occurred while at college ? Of bis father's slaves? Of the practice
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HENRY WINTER DAVIS.
He was elected as Representative to the thirty- fourth, thirty-fifth, and thirty-sixth Congress, by the American party, and to the thirty-eighth, by the loyal citizens of the city of Baltimore. He ranked among the ablest debaters of the House, and, whenever he spoke, commanded universal attention.
The private life of Henry Winter Davis was spotless. His habits were regular and abstemious. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, always attended divine service on Sunday, and devoted the remainder of the sacred day to reli- gious reading.
He died in Baltimore, after a brief illness, Saturday, December 30, 1865, in the forty-ninth year of his age. In him Maryland lost one of her most gifted citizens, and the nation one of her most able, eloquent, and fearless defenders.
Resolutions condoling his death, and recording his patriotic virtues, were passed by various State legislatures. By request of Congress, a eulogy upon his life and character was delivered in the Hall of the House of Representatives, by Senator Cresswell, February 22, 1866. A monument will be erected to his memory.
of law ? Of his election to Congress? Of his private life ? Of his death ? What resolutions on this sad event? What of his patriotism ?
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JOHN EAGER HOWARD.
He was a fearless advocate of human rights, and a sincere friend of the African race. He planned the political movement - which resulted in giving to his native State a free Constitution, and was regarded as the leader of those loyal citizens who during the rebellion kept Maryland firm in her place in the Union. For this he is entitled to the gratitude of thousands who were saved from the perils and desolations of san- guinary war.
II.
MILITARY AND NAVAL HEROES.
JOHN EAGER HOWARD; SAMUEL RINGGOLD; JOSHUA BARNEY ; JOHN RODGERS.
JOHN EAGER HOWARD .- This renowned Revolutionary soldier and statesman was born in Baltimore county, June 4, 1752. In 1776 he commanded a company in the flying camp, under General Mercer, and took part in the battle of White Plains. He was with General Washington, as major of a Maryland regiment, in the battles of Germantown and Monmouth. As lieutenant- colonel he was with De Kalb in the South, and fought at Camden, South Carolina.
What is said of John Eager Howard ? Where was he with
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JOHN EAGER HOWARD.
At the battle of Cowpens, January 17, 1781, he turned the fortune of the day, and secured a vic- tory for the Americans, by a gallant bayonet charge. This was the first occasion during the war in which the bayonet was effectively used by the Americans. At one period of the day Colonel Howard held the swords of seven British officers who had surrendered to him, one of whom, Gene- ral O'Hara, clung to his stirrups, asking for quar- ter. In testimony of his valor, he received from Congress a silver medal.
He commanded the Second Maryland Regiment at Eutaw Springs. In the effort to dislodge the enemy, his command was reduced to himself, a single commissioned officer, and thirty men. With this little band he was returning to the charge, when he received a wound, from which he never entirely recovered.
Colonel Howard was highly esteemed by the people of Maryland. He held the office of Gov- ernor three years. He was United States Senator six years. In 1798 he was selected by Washing- ton as one of his brigadier-generals, war with France being then expected.
In 1814, when Baltimore was threatened by the British, the martial spirit of the veteran patriot
Washington ? With De Kalb ? What is said of the battle of Cowpens ? Of Eutaw Springs ? How was Colonel Howard
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SAMUEL RINGGOLD.
revived, and he was active in preparing for defence, declaring that he would rather see his property in ashes, and his sons in their graves, than capitulate to the foe.
He died October 12, 1827, aged seventy-five years, universally lamented. Of Howard, General Greene said that " he deserved a statue of gold no less than Grecian and Roman heroes."
SAMUEL RINGGOLD, an officer of the regular army of the United States, was born near Hagers- town, in Washington county, A.D. 1800. Having received a
SAMUEL RINGGOLD.
thorough military edu- cation at West Point, he was commissioned second lieutenant when only eighteen years old. He was much esteemed by General Scott, under whom he served as aide-de-camp. For gallant conduct in the
esteemed by the people of Maryland ? What did he do in 1814? When did he die ?
What is said of Samuel Ringgold ? How was he esteemed
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JOSHUA BARNEY.
Florida War against the Seminole Indians, he was brevetted major.
- Major Ringgold organized a corps of flying artillery, which he brought to a high degree of efficiency. His battery was stationed at Fort Mc- Henry, near Baltimore, and attracted the attention of citizens and strangers, who witnessed with ad- . miration the rapidity and precision of the evolu- tions.
He was killed at Point Isabel, in Texas, May 11, 1846, during the war with Mexico. His fa- neral in Baltimore was attended by a large num- ber of citizens and soldiers, and witnessed by vast crowds of people.
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The mansion where Ringgold was born is now the College of St. James.
JOSHUA BARNEY, a commander in the United States navy, was born in Baltimore, July 6, 1759. He loved the sea, and made several voyages before he was sixteen years old. In 1775 he was mas- ter's mate on the sloop-of-war Hornet, and, while recruiting for volunteers, carried the first United States flag seen in Maryland. At the age of
by General Scott? What did he organize ? What of his battery at Baltimore? Where was he killed ? What of the mansion of the Ringgold family ?
What is said of Joshua Barney ? What of his fights ?
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seventeen he was made lieutenant for gallant con- duct.
He was engaged in many naval fights during the Revolutionary War, and was twice taken pri- soner. He was kept in England for some time, but at length escaped, and reached Philadelphia March, 1782. He was appointed to the command of the Hyder Ali, a small vessel of sixteen guns, with which he captured the General Monk, of twenty guns, after a fight of less than half an hour.
In 1795 he was appointed captain in the French navy, but resigned his commission and returned home in 1800. During the War of 1812 he com- manded the Chesapeake flotilla. He also took part in the battle of Bladensburg, in which he was severely wounded. In 1815 he was sent on a mission to Europe. He died. in 1819, while on his way to Kentucky, aged sixty years. He was a thorough seaman, of indomitable courage, rough but impetuous, but possessing good principles and a kind heart.
He was in public service forty-one years, fought twenty-six battles, and was voted a sword by the legislature of Pennsylvania and one by the cor- poration of Washington.
What of the Hyder Ali ? When was he appointed captain ? What occurred in 1812 ? In 1815 ? When did he die ? How long had he been in public service ?
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JOHN RODGERS, an eminent naval commander, was born in Harford county, 1771. He entered the navy as lieutenant in 1798, and continued in . the service till his death, in 1838. He was a gallant and valuable officer, rendering efficient service in battle and on shore. His first fight was with a French frigate, which he captured and brought into port. With a very weak prize crew, he kept down the prisoners, who were inclined to. mutiny, and worked the ship through a gale of three days' continuance.
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He had command in the war with Tripoli, and. was actively engaged during the War of 1812 .. For many years he served as President of the: Board of Navy Commissioners.
III.
EMINENT THEOLOGIANS.
JOHN CARROLL ; THOMAS JOHN CLAGGETT.
JOHN CARROLL, born at Upper Marlboro in 1735, was an eminent prelate of the Roman Cath- olie Church, and the first Archbishop of the
What is said of John Rodgers? Of his first fight ? What of Tripoli? What further of him?
What is said of Archbishop Carroll? Where educated ?.
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JOHN CARROLL.
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United States. He was educated in France, and when ordained a priest gave his estate to his brother and took the vow of poverty re- quired by the Society of the Jesuits.
At the beginning of the Revolution he left an honorable position in England, and re- turned to America to share the trials of his countrymen. He went with his cousin Charles ARCHBISHOP CARROLL. Carroll of Carrollton, and Benjamin Franklin, on a mission to Canada. He returned with the latter, with whom he formed a warm and enduring friendship. He was consecrated bishop in 1789, in England, and had the title of Bishop of Baltimore. He was of a kind and liberal spirit, much loved and respected by all denominations of Christians. Since him there have been four Archbishops of Baltimore. He died December 3, 1815, at the advanced age of eighty years. During the episcopate of Car-
What did he do at the beginning of the Revolution ? What of his mission ? When was he consecrated bishop ? When ilid he die ? Of the Cathedral at Baltimore ?
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THOMAS JOHN CLAGGETT. 147
roll the Cathedral in Baltimore was commenced. This was for many years the most costly ecclesias- tical building in the United States. It contains two valuable paintings presented by the King of France.
The RIGHT REV. THOMAS JOHN CLAG- GETT was born October 2, 1743, near Notting- ham, Prince George county. He was the son of the Rev. Thomas Claggett, who died rector of William and Mary parish, Charles county, in August, 1756. His mother BISHOP CLAGGETT. died soon after his birth. Left thus early an orphan, he was placed under the care of the Rev. Mr. Eversfield, his uncle, rector of the parish where he was born. After having been prepared therefor at the Lower Marlboro Academy, in Calvert county, he became a member of Princeton College, New Jersey, where
What is said of Bishop .Claggett ? Of his father and mother? Whither did he go after the death of his parents?
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THOMAS JOHN CLAGGETT.
he graduated in September, 1764. Having pur- sued a course of theological study under Mr. Eversfield, he repaired to England, and was or- dained there as deacon, by the Bishop of London, September 20, 1767, and as priest, October 11, 1767.
Bishop Claggett's ancestor, Mr. Thomas Clag- gett, had come over from England and settled in Calvert county as early as in 1671. He was the son of Colonel Edward Claggett, of London, a ma- ternal ancestor of whom had been Lord Mayor of London, and a paternal ancestor, Lord Mayor of Canterbury. Finding descendants of his ancient relatives there, Mr. Claggett prolonged his stay in England nearly a year, with great pleasure and advantage to himself.
On his return to Maryland in the spring of 1768, he was placed in charge of St. Ann's Church, Annapolis, during a vacancy in the rectorship, and in March, 1769, he became rector of All Saints parish, Calvert. There very early in his min- istry he succeeded in building a large new church, which still remains. ~ Soon after this he married Miss Gantt, the daughter of one of his parish- ioners.
Where was he educated ? Where was he ordained ? What is said of Mr. Thomas Claggett? How long did he stay in England ? What charge had he on his return? In 1769? What did he accomplish early in his ministry ? Of his mar-
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THOMAS JOHN CLAGGETT.
Mr. Claggett had entered the ministry in the troublous and exciting times preceding the Revolu- tion; but he was found on the side of American liberty ; and was placed on the county committee of correspondence. When, however, in its pro- gress the convention wished to absolve the clergy from their canonical oaths, he conscientiously re- fused to comply, and performed the usual services at the point of the bayonet, but soon after re- moved to his estate in Prince George county. On the death of the old rector, he took charge of the parish, though invited to the charge of Queen Caroline parish, in Anne Arundel, and to that also of St. Thomas, Baltimore county. The result of the contest with Great Britain he hailed as a "glorious revolution." In 1786 he became the rector of St. James parish, Anne Arundel county, and while there, in 1792, was made Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Maryland, and soon after removed to his estate in Prince George, where he was also rector of the parish again. He continued in his episcopate till his death, which took place in 1816, at the age of seventy-three.
In 1800, when the seat of government was
riage ? What is said of his patriotism ? What parishes did he next have charge of? What one in 1786? When was he made bishop ? When did he die ? What distinction was
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THOMAS JOHN CLAGGETT.
removed to Washington, Bishop Claggett was . elected Chaplain of the Senate. To check the . progress of infidelity, he preached in the Capitol a course of sermons on " the truth of the Christian . system." These lectures were attended by Presi- dent Jefferson. The bishop's tall and command- ing figure, and, in old age, his long snowy hair and benignant countenance, attracted the attention of all who saw him.
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