When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

SCHOOLS (CONTINUED. I) 

In 1865, The General Assembly oi Maryland passed a 
general free school bill for the state, and in 1867, the 
High School Building, in New Town, was erected. Its 
dimensions were fifty-six, by forty feet. It is two stories 
high, with two vestibules fourteen by twenty feet, contain- 
ing in all six school rooms and two vestibules. Four 
of these rooms are twenty eight by forty feet, and two of 
them are fourteen by twenty feet, and will furnish sittings 
for, probably, three hundred scholars. This High School 
Building has been pronounced, by the Superintendent 
of the Public Schools of Maryland to be the finest building 
of the kind on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It stands 
on a plat of ground of about three acres, in an eligible 
part of the town. It is well laid out with trees of different 
kinds, and is enclosed with a plank fence, with a good 
hedge coming on. The Free Public High School of New 
Town was opened in 1867, with Rev. Joseph L. Polk as 
principal. His successors in that office were, William X. 
Page, R. K.W 'imbroughand, (?) Dr. Sidney W. Handy who is 
the present principal. They have had the following named 
persons associated with them as assistant teachers, Nettie 
O'Daniel. Mary M. Hearn, Charles H. Council, Millie 
Primrose, John W. Murray, George S. Bell, Eudora E. 
Hay, Ebenezer Hearn, Julius T. Hall, Richard A. Wilson 
Fannie Matthews, Maggie Webb, Rose Tull, Hillary T. 
Stevenson, John S. McMaster, William S. Dix, Emma 
Robinson, Ella Scott, Rose Marshall and Sally Henderson. 
The school is graded into primary, grammar and High 
School departments, and is at present taught by the 
principal and five assistant teachers, who are infusing a 
spirit into their scholars, to excel. 

There have already gone out, from this school, young 
men well qualified for any position to which any of the 
various callings of life might invite them. Some are 
ministers, some physicians, some lawyers and some teachers. 
While there are others filling the most important places of 
trust and responsibility in business life. Many of the 
young ladies, who have graduated at this school, are 
teaching various schools in this and the adjoining county. 

I shall close the subject of the High School and the 
grand work it is performing, by giving a brief sketch of 
the principal and teachers, or make such remarks in 
regard to them as I may be able. The Rev. Joseph L. 
Polk, was born near Princess Anne, in Somerset County, 
Md and was educated in the academy of that place, and 
at Jefferson College, Penn. After graduating at the latter 
place with honor, the degree of A. M. was conferred upon 
him. He then commenced teaching school in Dorchester 
County, Md; but feeling that he was called to preach the 
gospel, he entered the theological seminary at Princeton, 
N.J., where he remained for two years, when he received 
a unanimous call to become the Pastor of the Pitts Creek, 
Presbyterian Church at New Town, Md. To this work 
he gave his earnest and ardent efforts, and was very 
successful. 

When the New Town High School was established in 
its new and handsome buildings, Mr. Polk desirous of 
seeing the cause of education placed upon a higher and 
more advanced plane, was induced to apply for the position 
of principal, to which he was appointed by the County 
Board of School Commissioners. For this position he was 
peculiarly fitted, having a deep interest in the young, and 
being a natural educator and fond of the work, and withal 
a man of large public spirit, he entered upon this work 
with energy and zeal. Being aided by a competent corps 
of teachers, this school was at once placed in the front rank 
and was soon recognized as the best organized and most 
successful school on the Eastern Shore. Parents from the 
adjoining counties and some from a distance recognized 
the character of the school, and wishing to have their 
children under its instruction, availed themselves of this 
opportunity, and the school increased in numbers until 
over three hundred pupils names were on the school 
registers. Then it became necessary to enlarge the corps 
of teachers and two or three more assistants were added. 
To Rev. Joseph L. Polk the citizens of Pocomoke City 
and vicinity owe more perhaps than they are aware of, 
for while the work of education went gradually on without 
ostentation or display on his part, it is a fact that whatever 
success has attained by and through this institution, it is 
due largely to his ability and to his wise and judicious 
management in the organization and conduct of the school. 
As a minister he was popular and greatly beloved by his 
church. After serving them faithfully for seventeen years he 
was urged to take charge of the Academy at Newark, Del., 
and he felt constrained by a sense of duty to his growing 
family to resign his charge and accept the proffered 
position. Mr. Wm, N. Page succeeded Mr. Polk as prin- 
cipal of the High School. He, however, only remained 
one year in that position. He was a native of Virginia; 
he had a fine education and was a high-toned Christian 
gentleman. After resigning the position he returned to 
Virginia again. 

In 1872, Mr. Richard I. Wimbrough succeeded Mr. 
Page in the principalship of the High School and held that 
position for three years. Richard Kelly Wimbrough, the 
son of a respectable farmer, was born in Accomac County, 
Va., in the year 1843. At an early age he lost both of 
his parents and came under the guardian care of Mr. 
Nehemiah W. Nock, a farmer and merchant of Mappsville 
in Accomac County. This gentleman took young Mr. 
Wimbrough to live with him, treated him with great kind- 
ness and sent him to school whenever there happened to 
be any school open near enough for him to attend. At 
ten years of age he had him apprenticed in Snow Hill, 
Md.to learn the trade of a tailor. Nothing was observed 
at this time either in the young apprentice's conduct or 
disposition that indicated for himself a career different from 
that of other boys of his class and circumstances; in other 
words, it was supposed he would make a tailor simply. 
But shortly after he acquired a great fondness for reading 
and developed an earnest disposition to study. From the 
Academy boys who used to frequent "the shop" and 
often prepare their lessons there, he obtained books, the 
boys becoming his teachers. But no time was given him 
for study; his method was this: While working on the 
board he would keep his book propped open at his side, 
at whose jeweled page glancing from time to time he 
would glean from it the substance his young ambition so 
much craved. All spare moments, too, were given to 
study. In winter he would sit up long after "working 
hours" and often with no other light than that furnished 
by the door of the store, he would pore over page after 
page of spelling, English grammar, arithmetic, geography 
or history, regardless of the lateness of the hour or the 
labors of the ensuing day. In this way these studies were 
successfully pursued and that foundation laid upon which 
was based afterwards, effected by the same unremitting 
toil and diligence, a fine classical education. 

In the meantime occurred an event which would have 
been of the greatest benefit to Mr. Wimbrough if his 
influence toward securing it had been equal to the measure 
of his deserving it. A free Scholarship became vacant in 
Washington College, a state institution situated at Chester- 
town. It was to be filled by a competitive examination of 
the candidates. Many of young Wimbrough's friends 
being desirous that he should become a candidate and 
promising aid to secure his release from his indentures if 
he should be successful, he applied for the position. The 
contestants came from the several academics of the 
county, fresh from their books and their teacher's instruc- 
tions; young Wimbrough came from "the shop." But 
by some ill luck, although it was known that the result of 
his examination was not inferior, he did not receive the 
appointment. It was a sad blow to his hopes, but did not 
check his ardent eagerness for learning. He went back 
to "the shop" and his books, to try again. Another 
opportunity might occur, he would be prepared the next 
time. But no such ever occurred: his college goal had to 
be reached by means wholly of his own making. These 
efforts, directed in the way I have described, could not 
fail to attract notice and win friends. His intimate 
associates were the more advanced students among the 
academy boys, who now one, now another had been 
mainly, his teachers. The older men, too, often spoke 
kind and encouraging words. But his most valuable 
friend was found in Mr. Sewell T. Milbourn, a young man 
of superior talents and of high social position, who had 
recently returned to Snow Hill, from Dickinson College 
where he had graduated with distinction. This young 
man became his friend and teacher, inspiring him by his 
own learning and giving time and personal care to his 
instructions. The influence of this connection was of 
the greatest service to young Wimbrough, as it enabled 
him to pursue those higher branches, — Latin and Greek, 
algebra, geometry and higher English, which he was soon 
to turn to a practical use. In 1859 his health broke down 
so that he was unable either to work or study. A plan 
was therefore arranged by which he might purchase the 
remaining years of his apprenticeship. With some means 
he had in his guardian's hands this was done; after which he 
was free to pursue his studies exclusively. But for a long 
time he remained delicate and was unable to make much 
progress. In 1861, Mr. Milbourn removed to Cambridge, 
Dorchester County to practice law. Thither, the next 
year, Mr. Wimbrough, now a young man of nineteen, 
followed, and engaged in the teaching of a private school, 
in which he was so successful that after a year and a half 
he was elected principal of the Cambridge Academy, in 
this he was equally successful, but resigned after two years 
to take charge of a goverment office connected with the 
Internal Revenue; engaging at the same time in conduct- 
ing a newspaper, the Cambridge Herald, of which he was 
both proprietor and editor. In 1867, having disposed of 
his paper, he went to Dickinson College, where he entered 
the Junior class thereby graduating in two years. As an 
evidence of how well he had studied in former years, 
besides the fact that he was able to pass over the first 
two years of the college course, he was noted in College 
for his accurate knowledge of the English language and 
unusual proficiency for a student, in Latin; on account of 
which he was allowed optional attendance in that department 
during the whole of the junior year. He was graduated 
a Bachelor of Arts in 1869, and took the Master's degree 
three years after. Since graduating, Mr. Wimbrough has 
engaged mostly in teaching. 

He was elected principal of the New Town High 
School in 1872, continuing in the same till 1875, a period 
of three years. Afterwards he was principal of the Snow 
Hill High School for four years. As an instructor Mr. 
Wimbrough is thorough, earnest and capable. From his 
life gleams this great truth: "Honor and fame from no 
condition rise: act well your part; there all the honor 
lies." 

Rev. Joseph L. Polk succeeded Mr. Wimbrough in the 
High School and continued in the position until 1877, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Dr. Sidney W. 
Handy. 

Dr. Handy was appointed principal of the High School 
in Pocomoke City in the fall of 1877 and has continued in 
that position to the present. Dr. Sidney W. Handy was 
born in Somerset County, Md., on the 4th day of October, 
1845. He was educated partly in his native county and at 
the Columbian College in Washington, D. C, at which 
latter place he went through a four years college course 
and graduated in 1868. He attended the first course of 
lectures in medicine at the University of Virginia in 1869 
and 1870, and the second at the Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia, Penn., graduating in 1872. Dr. Handy, 
although a graduate in medicine, has never practiced his 
profession, choosing rather the position of an educator as 
being more in accordance with his intellectual taste. In 
his wise and judicious management of the High School he 
is meeting the highest expectations of the Trustees and 
Board of Education who have placed him there, and is at 
once a scholar and a Christian gentleman. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

(Mentions of Commerce Street refers to present-day Clarke Avenue.)

SCHOOLS. 

The schools are a very important factor in making up 
the history of New Town, now Pocomoke City, and I 
have no doubt a description of the school in its early 
history, together with the school-house, will be quite 
interesting. The school-house was sixteen square: it had 
two doors and two windows, and there was a writing desk 
which reached nearly across the room, and benches with- 
out backs for the scholars to sit upon. This school-house 
stood on a piece of ground facing on Second and Cedar 
Streets, about twenty feet on Second Street and running 
down Cedar Street about seventy-five feet to the junction 
of Captain John H. Clarke's and Captain Jas. H. Young's 
lines. This piece of ground belongs to the heirs of Wm. 
J. Long, deceased. It formerly belonged to David Long, 
the father of William J. Long, and he charged twenty-five 
cents rent for it, which was done simply to hold posses- 
sion of it. The old school-house stood on this piece of 
ground and was occupied for school purposes until 1837 or 
1838, when it was sold and went into other hands. If the 
youthful reader is anxious to see the old school-house in 
which their parents and grand-parents were educated, they 
will find it occupied as a kitchen at the corner of Com- 
merce and Walnut Streets, the property being owned by 
Thomas S. Stevenson, Esq. The only teachers of whom 
I have any information or knowledge in the early history 
of New Town were: George Furnis, a Mr. McFadden, 
Levi Bishop, Samuel Carey, Michael Murray, Dr. John 
B. H. W. Clarvoe and James Stevenson. These were all 
good teachers of the branches of education which they 
taught. The different branches taught were letters, 
spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. When a scholar 
could cipher through Pike's Arithmetic, understanding, 
he was considered a finished scholar in that school. 

Steel pens were not then invented and writing was done 
with pens made out of goose quills. It was one part of 
the teacher's duties to make pens for the scholars, and 
when scholars had learned sufficiently to make a pen out 
of a goose quill, they were advancing finely. Although 
the teachers of this school taught but few of the branches 
of common English comparatively, yet so thorough was 
the training that there are but few now, if any, who would 
surpass the scholars of that school in these branches. The 
boys in that school would sometimes have a little fun, 
sometimes with the teacher and sometimes with each other. 
For instance: the scholars had to get lessons in the defi- 
nitions in the spelling book, this they called grammar. 
Some who had to get those lessons and recite them to the 
teacher had been out too long, at play, they would resort 
to the older scholars to put them through in a hurry. 
"Well!" says the advisor: "when you go up to say 
your lesson commencing with ball a round substance, you 
say b-a-l-l, cattle or horses." In these lessons the scholar 
was required to spell the word and define it. The time 
for recitation came. "Well!'' says the teacher, "com- 
mence! Scholar: "b-a-double-l ball." Teacher. Well!' 
what does that signify?" Scholar: "cattle or horses." 
Teacher. "Cattle or horses!" Scholar. "Yes sir. 
Cattle or horses!" The teacher having his black gum 
switch by his side commenced giving it to him che-wi-o r 
che-wi-o, until he had given him a good sound thrashing 
and then sent him to his seat to get his lesson better. 

In 1835, Gecrge S. Redden, Esq., commenced teaching- 
school here. He taught, in addition to the other branches 
which had been taught, English grammar and geography. 
With him dates the beginning or introduction of these 
branches of education in the school in New Town, and 
with him begins, also, the day of progress in the pursuit of 
scholarly attainments. 

Mr. Redden taught school in New Town at two different 
periods, but how long I cannot say. He was born in New 
Town, in 1803, after going to school until he was old 
enough to go to a trade, he was then apprenticed to Jacob 
Rogers, in the City of Baltimore, to learn the hatting bus- 
iness. While he was an apprentice he went to a night 
school, taught by Mr. Kirkham, author of Kirkham's 
grammar. After his majority, he commenced the hatting 
business in New Town. How long he continued I have no 
definite knowledge, but probably not more than two years, 
after which he returned to Baltimore and continued there 
until 1835, when he returned again to New Town, and 
commenced as before stated, to teach school. After he 
gave up the school in this place, he taught in the schools 
on the Western Shore of Maryland and in the Academy 
in Snow Hill, during which time he read law, graduated 
and practiced at the Snow Hill Bar. 

Mr. Redden was one of the most intellectual young men 
of his day, that was raised in New Town. He died in the 
City of Baltimore about the year 1868, aged sixty-five 
years. Dr. John L. Hearn succeeded Mr. Redden. As 
I have given a history of Dr. Hearn under another head- 
ing, I will here pass him by. 

In 1838, the old Academy was built and Dr. William 
Marsters was employed to take charge of the school. He 
remained, however, but a short time, and afterwards settled 
near Quantico, in Somerset County, now Wicomico County, 
and graduated in medicine and practiced till he died, which 
event occurred but recently. A Mr. Schooler succeeded 
Dr. Marsters and taught in the Academy until, probably, 
1842, when he resigned the position and went away. Of 
his antecedents I have no data upon which to write his 
history. 

Nehemiah Holland succeeded Mr. Schooler, and taught 
school two or three years. He finally resigned the posi- 
tion on account of feeble health, and went South. He 
settled in Texas, where he read law, graduated and 
practiced his profession until his death, which event 
occurred but recently. Mr. Holland was a native of Wor- 
cester County, Md., and a brother of Mrs. L. Jane Dennis, 
widow of the late John U. Dennis, of this county. He 
was a graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Holland was a Christian gentleman in the highest sense 
of that term. I have already stated that George S. 
Redden taught two terms in New Town, his second term 
followed Mr. Holland, then followed in succession: Mr. 
McGarry, George V. Curtis, C. C. Holtzman, Edward W. 
Stevenson, J. Allen Graves, Dr. Joseph L. Mills and Rev. 
Joseph L. Polk. During Mr. Polk's charge of the 
Academy, the High School Building was erected, which 
was in 1867. The Academy was occupied for school pur- 
poses twenty-nine years, when it was sold and went into 
other hands. It is at present owned by Ralph Ross, Esq., 
and is occupied as a carpenter shop, on Commerce Street. 
Messrs. McGarrey, Curtis and Holtzman were strangers of 
whose antecedents I have no knowledge, and consequently 
can only say of Mr. McGarrey and Mr. Holtzman that 
they were good teachers; but of Mr. Curtis I have this to 
say: that it was conceded, by the citizens of New Town, 
that he was the best teacher that had taught school in New 
Town up to his day. He did not, however, continue long 
in New Town. He finally removed to Harford County, 
Maryland, where he established a school of high grade, 
preparatory for college, and is principal of the same to 
the present day. Edward W. Stevenson succeeded Mr. 
Holtzman and taught school in the Academy for nine 
years. Mr. Stevenson is a native of New Town. He 
received his education partly in New Town and partly in 
the Snow Hill Academy. After he resigned his position as 
teacher in the New Town Academy, he moved to Phila- 
delphia where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. After 
being there for some time, he removed to Marietta, Ohio, 
where he still resides and is still engaged in mercantile 
business. Mr. Stevenson is a man of high moral 
character, and is living to bless the present generation 
with a fine family of prosperous children, who will 
no doubt make their mark in due time. 

J. Allen Graves succeeded Mr. Stevenson in the princi- 
palship of New Town Academy. How long he occupied 
the position I cannot say, and of whose history I have no 
information, consequently I can only say that he was an 
acceptable teacher. 

Dr. Joseph L. Mills succeeded Mr. Graves in the 
Academy. He was born in New Town, Md. in 1840. He 
was left at an early day without father or mother, but was 
tenderly and carefully raised by his grandmother. He 
had all the advantages of education in the New Town 
Academy, until he was old enough to go to a trade. His 
grandmother then placed him under the care of James 
T. Dickinson of this place to learn the cabinet and under- 
taking business. Some time after his majority he was 
united in marriage to Miss Marietta Dickinson, daughter 
of James T. Dickinson. At an early day Mr. Mills 
connected himself with the Methodist Protestant Church, 
and it was not long before the Church discovered that he 
had talents lying dormant that ought to be called into 
exercise, and soon he was licensed to preach, and after- 
wards was received in the Maryland Annual Conference of 
the Methodist Protestant Church as a traveling preacher. 
He had not traveled long, however, before his health failed 
and he was induced to retire from the active work for 
awhile. It was during this retirement that we have him 
before us as principal of the New Town Academy. He 
had for his assistants, his wife Mrs. Marietta Mills and 
Miss Mary M. Hearn. It was under his tutelage that the 
school seemed to spring into new life, and some of the 
scholars learned as they never had before. He did not. 
however, teach more than, probably, two years, when his 
health was sufficiently restored to enter again the active 
work of the ministry. Dr. Mills is quite a popular preacher 
in his denomination; he has filled several prominent 
appointments in that church, and he had, several years ago 
for distinguished abilities, the Doctor of Divinity conferred 
upon him. Dr. Mills is yet, but in the prime of his life 
and reflects great credit upon his birth place. 

There were two other schools in New Town beside the 
Academy, one was the Parish School, which was under 
the supervision and control of the Rector of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. It was organized in 1847. This school 
was taught severally by the following ladies, Mrs. Lore, 
the Misses Magruder, Mary O'Dell, Mary Canon, Jennie 
Adams, Mary Crosdale and Clementine Meziek. All 
competent and faithful teachers. The other school was 
organized in 1855. It was gotten up in view of the Academy 
being overcrowded with scholars, and it was also thought 
to be more suitable for girls and smaller boys. This 
school was taught severally by the following persons, 
Mrs. Rev. William Merrill, Mrs. Leach J. Stewart, the 
Misses Emma Huston, Cynthia Primrose, Serena Hall, 
Rose Humphries, Mary E. Truitt, Millie Stevenson, 
Nettie Clayville and Rev. William Wilkinson. These 
were all well qualified as teachers, some of them being 
graduates of Seminaries. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

MORAL ASPECT. 

The moral aspect of New Town in its early history. 
Although there were some good and holy people in New 
Town, whose lives stood out as burning and shining 
lights, and although the gospel was making successful 
attacks on the fortifications of sin and wickedness, and 
winning many jewels from the rank and file of sinners, 
and presenting them as trophies to the Saviour of men; 
yet the morals of the people, as a whole were compara- 
tively at a low ebb. In order to see more clearly the 
debased state of morals, I will give you some few specifi- 
cations for illustration, for instance: the habit of drunken- 
ness, though it was always condemned by the good and 
true, yet it was winked at, and the votaries of the practice 
moved along in society as though nothing very serious 
had happened. 

Again, the habit of swearing was very common. When 
men would meet in New Town, on Saturdays, on business 
or for social interview, for that was the public day, he that 
could swear the keenest, sharpest oaths, attracted the 
greatest attention, especially from the boys. 

If there was a fray on hand, lie that could use the most 
awful asseverations and foul-mouth imprecations as though 
he were commissioned from the bottomless pit, serpent like 
to infect his poison, was the greatest man of the crowd. 

Again, gambling was much in vogue, gambling socially 
and for money, and many were the times that men would 
lengthen out the midnight taper till the dawn of coming 
day, using all their ingenuity to get each others money. 

Again conjuration, fortune-telling, witchcraft and super- 
stition were all believed to be as true as preaching, by the 
lowest class of society. 

But while conjuration and witchcraft have long since 
disappeared from society, fortune-telling and superstition 
have lingered longer, and there may be some of the old 
folks now living, particularly among the fair sex, who have 
had their fortunes told by the cutting of cards or the 
grounds of a coffee cup, in order to learn who their future 
husbands would be. Perhaps there may be some of those 
already spoken of who have showed the new moon a 
piece of silver in order to have good luck that moon, or 
who believed in sowing certain seeds on certain states of 
the moon as sure, only then of vegetating, or who have 
their pork butchered on the increase of the moon in order 
for it to swell, believing if the moon is on the decrease the 
pork would shrink. But these practices, to some extent, 
have gone into the shades and the people have already 
learned that the only road to success in any enterprise is 
application; that the diligent hand maketh rich, while 
laziness and idleness paves the way to poverty and ruin. 

TEMPERANCE CAUSE. 

The temperance cause as a distinct organization was 
unknown in the early history of New Town. The only 
thing bordering on temperance was the denunciations 
against drunkenness from the sacred desk, which declared 
that "drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God." 
Notwithstanding this first out-beaming of the temperance 
cause from the pulpit, professed Christians would some- 
times be seen with flushed cheeks and tongues unbridled, 
as the result of the too frequent use of the glass. Indeed, 
the habit of drinking spirituous liquors, with the exception 
of a very few, was quite common in families, in social 
gatherings and in business life. In all these relations the 
social glass was indulged in freely. I have already stated 
in another part of this history that to be successful in 
merchandising it was considered absolutely necessary 
to sell liquor. Hence all who engaged in the sale of 
goods, without an exception, sold spirituous liquors. In 
view of this state of things it cannot be wondered at that 
there should be drunkards and a plenty of them too. 
While the vender would fatten upon his ill-gotten gains, 
his victims with their families and children would be left 
destitute, in want and clothed in rags, and sometimes it 
was the case that the wives and little ones would be sitting 
over a few coals of fire contemplating their wretched 
condition, with scarcely a ray of hope for the future, with 
no refuge to fly to except to Him who heareth in secret. 

Oh! how many broken-hearted wives have poured forth 
their bitter cries for help in His Almighty ear and told 
their tale of sorrow and inquired of Him, "How long, O 
Lord, how long shall this state of things last?" Well, 
their prayers have been answered, but not in stopping the 
vender from his wholesale ruin of men, women and chil- 
dren; not in restoring to her former condition of happiness 
and joy that mother who was being murdered by piece 
meal; not in restoring to hope and cheerfulness the 
forlorn condition of the little children. But their prayers 
have been answered in another way. Time rolled on and 
brought its changes. The vender with his victims have 
passed away to a future reckoning, and to that tribunal 
whose decisions are in righteousness. 

If I could, I would call the vender back and inquire of 
him who they are that accuse him before the throne, for 
their name is legion. There was no material change 
in society upon the subject of temperance until 1835, 
when the Rev. Mr. Dorsey of the Baltimore conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church came down here and 
lectured upon that subject, and organized a temperance 
society. That society only forbade the use of spirituous 
liquors as a beverage. Up to this time all the stores sold 
spirituous liquors. The first one to break ground and 
give up the sale of it was Rev. John D. Long who was 
at that time but a youth not having arrived to his majority. 
He had but recently joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and listening to the lecture became convinced that 
the sale of it was wrong and determined to give up the 
practice forthwith. It is true that Mr. Long sold goods at 
the ferry, now the bridge, on the identical spot where the 
phospate factory now stands, but I associate him, in this 
instance, with New Town, because he was a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church here, because his 
associations were here, and because he was identified 
with the temperance movement in New Town. He was 
telling a veteran Methodist of his determination to quit 
selling liquor, when the old soldier said to him "Brother 
Long if it is wrong for you to sell it, it is wrong for me to 
distil it." Forthwith they abandoned the manufacture and 
sale of it. The temperance cause now began to be agitated 
in New Town. 

In 1836, Wm. Townsend opened the first store for the 
sale of goods, without spirituous liquors, in new Town. 
After awhile the old Washingtonian club of reformed 
drunkards, which was organized in the City of Baltimore, 
began to create a stir in favor of temperance. Some of 
their number came down here and lectured. Thus the 
temperance cause progressed until the organization of the 
Sons of Temperance, in 1847. The Sons of Temperance 
was also a beneficial society, it prospered for a while and 
seemed to be well adapted to the circumstances of the 
times. During its palmy days, the society built a fine 
temperance hall, which at present is owned by C. C. Lloyd, 
Esq., and has been occupied by him, as a drug store, for 
several years past. The upper story was in one entire 
room, and was occupied by the society. The lower room 
was fitted for store purposes, and was first occupied by 
Irving Merrill, Esq., who sold goods on strictly temper- 
ance principles. The society had placed in the gable end 
of the building a marble slab, with the following carved 
upon it: "New Town Division, Number 43, Sons of Tem- 
perance, instituted March 29th, 1847." which still exists 
as a monument of the prosperity of the temperance cause 
at that day. This society existed, however, but a few years, 
when it was dissolved and the beautiful temple was sold, 
and went into other hands. 

In 1870, another temperance society was organized in 
New Town, with the name of Good Templars. This society 
was also of short duration, it existed about two years, when 
it also became extinct. 

From 1872 to 1881, there has been no regular temper- 
ance society in New Town, now Pocomoke City. During 
1881, a society was organized in the place, in support of 
Local Option Reform, and the friends of temperance are 
mustering their forces for victory. But while temperance 
societies have been organized and dissolved, it only shows 
that the war for the extirpation of spirituous liquors, in 
Pocomoke City, has been going on without any com- 
promise. The churches also have kept up the war 
cry and are pressing hard upon this demon of de- 
struction, and they are forcing him, by the power of the 
Gospel, to surrender. If the question should be asked by 
a stranger, what are the signs of complete victory for the 
cause of temperance in Pocomoke City? This question 
will be answered in the following way: whereas, in 1836, 
every store in New Town sold spirituous liquors, now in 
1882, there are thirty-two business houses in Pocomoke 
City, and not one of them sells it except the apothecaries 
who sell it as a medicine. So thorough has been the 
revolution in society, upon the subject of temperance, that 
I might venture the prediction that there is no one who 
could, now, succeed in merchandising, in Pocomoke City, 
who would also sell liquor. It is true that there are two 
places in Pocomoke City where spirituous liquors are sold 
as a beverage, one is a saloon the other is the hotel bar, 
but the friends of temperance, I am apprehensive, will not 
cease their efforts until these places will be so restricted by 
legislation that it will not pay to sell it. 
CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

SOCIAL ASPECT (CONTINUED.) 

Again, the dance was a favorite source of social enter- 
tainment in the early history of New Town. There were 
three classes of characters, which I shall describe, partici- 
pating in this amusement. First, the first citizens of the 
town engaged in it. Sometimes it was the result of a 
wedding, a cotton picking, quilting, or it may have been a 
special dancing party. I am not now describing the balls 
held at hotels where a gentleman and lady could enter by 
paying the entrance fee, but social dances held at private 
houses for amusement. The host and hostess would pro- 
vide such things as wines, liquors, candies, cake and 
tropical fruit to make the entertainment as enjoyable as 
possible. The invited guests would assemble after candle 
light. They were composed chiefly of single persons, but 
sometimes there would be a small sprinkling of married 
ones also. An expert fiddler would be engaged. All 
things being ready and the parties on the floor, the fiddler 
having his fiddle well tuned, would draw his bow at full 
length, when a feeling of exhilaration would go through 
the room like electricity. The parties now engaged in a 
four or eight-handed reel. Oh! what a fine time there 
was. The cotillions, waltzing, capering, parties passing 
each other on the floor, crossing and around the room, 
cutting the pigeon wing, etc. After that reel was over the 
hat would be passed around to take a collection for the 
fiddler, for that was the way he was paid for his services. 
Then another party would be made up and after the dance 
the hat was passed around again, and so the night was 
spent till or near the break of day. When they would get 
weary and faint they would keep their spirits up by  
pouring spirits down. At such places of hilarity many a young 
lady's heart and hand has been wooed in marriage. 

Secondly. The lower class of society in the country, 
both of men and women, would attend the holidays in 
New Town. On those occasions they assembled at the 
hotels and engaged in the dance, and some of the same 
order of men in New Town would participate with them. 
It would be a novel sight at the present day to see such a 
gathering of men and women at a hotel engaged in a 
regular hoe down, such as was practiced then. 

Thirdly. This class would be the colored people. They 
would assemble in town from all the surrounding country. 
They would construct booths on the hill or public square, 
in which they would have for sale cakes, candies, cider, 
beer and tropical fruits. They would have all sorts of 
jollity, boxing, wrestling, pitching quoits, dancing after the 
riddle and pattywhack. This word pattywhack of itself 
is unmeaning, hence I shall be under the necessity of 
explaining the process of the dance in this way. The 
company would be in the open air on the hill. The leader 
in this amusement would pat with his hands and stamp 
with his foot while the rest would dance. The leader 
would use some outlandish expression in song, such as the 
following : 

"Juber up and Juber down, 
Juber all around de town." 

And when they would reach the climax, he would sing- 
out with an extended voice: 

" Jump over double trouble Juber." 

Then such antics and gymnastics as the dancers would 
perform with their hands and feet, keeping time with the 
leader, as would be truly diverting to the reader could he 
behold such a performance now. Another song which 
they would sing in their dances was: 

"Possum up de gum bush, 

Raccoon in de holler. 
Saddle on de gray marc, 

Martingil and collar." 

I have endeavored to spell their words as they would 
pronounce them. Late in the afternoon, they would be 
seen with their little bundle of cakes, getting ready to start 
for home. Thus the day closed with them. The social 
aspect of New Town, now Pocomoke City, has undergone 
a change for the better. Whereas in the description 
already given of social life, in the early history of New 
Town, as contributing to the pleasures and passions of the 
animal, now it is seen in the improvement of the intellec- 
tual and religious part of man. Sociability seems to have 
left the lower walks of our fallen nature and is aspiring to 
a higher sphere of our manhood, as may be seen in the 
following instances, namely: in the formation of literary 
and beneficial societies, in the mingling together in the 
pursuit of knowledge. Indeed, the free public school 
system, in the Pocomoke City High School, has contri- 
buted largely to, and has acted a very important part in 
the social status of Pocomoke City. Here mind is pre- 
eminent, and the scholars who possess superior intellect 
are honored for their talent, and their society is appreciated 
whether they be rich or poor. 

Again, the various picnics and festivals gotten up for 
the promotion of education, churches, sabbath schools 
missionary and other benevolent societies, in which all have 
an interest, and all mingle. Although the different 
churches may in one sense be considered distinct commu- 
nities, yet when contemplated in their great work of doing 
good they are one grand whole, emulating each other in 
elevating society and promoting the social and religious 
bearing of Pocomoke City. Again the improvement of 
the musical talent, by the young folks, has contributed 
largely to social life in Pocomoke City. Whereas instead 
of listening to the old timey songs, in the days of yore, by 
uncultivated voices, now it is simply fascinating to listen 
to the select pieces of music as sung either in the choir, 
at concerts, or in social gatherings by those who have 
cultivated voices, and who are well educated in the science 
of music. The query may be agitated, what has produced 
such a change in the social condition? Answer. It may 
be the increase of the population, a higher grade of 
schooling and the influence of the churches. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

PRINTING OFFICES. 

In 1865, Albert J. Merrill established a printing press in 
New Town. He edited and published a weekly paper 
called the Record. This was the first paper ever pub- 
lished in New Town. It was creditable, neat and highly 
prized by the people. In 1865, William L. Clarke, a 
native of Worcester County, who had been living in 
Wellsvile, Ohio, for several years, and had published a 
paper there called the Wellsville Patriot, returned to this, 
his native county, and established a printing press in New 
Town, and edited and published a paper called the Gazette. 
This paper, also, was neatly gotten up, and was a credit 
to its editor, and highly prized by its patrons. 

These two editors sent out their weekly issues down to 
1872, when A. J. Merrill, Esq., bought out William L. 
Clarke, Esq., and consolidated the two papers into one, 
called the Record and Gazette, under the editorial man- 
agement and control of A. J. Merrill, Esq. 

In 1879, Dr. S. S. Quinn bought one half of the press, 
and its appurtenances, and had the editorial management 
of the paper under the firm of A. J. Merrill and S. S. 
Quinn, until 1882, when J. Shiles Crocket became one- 
third owner of the press and paper, and is now the editor 
and manager of the same, under the firm of Merrill, 
Quinn & Crocket. 

SOCIAL ASPECT, Etc. 

The social aspect of New Town, now Pocomoke City. 
The reader may be anxious to learn something of the 
habits and social bearing of the citizens during its early 
history. Well, to begin, the citizens, with very few excep- 
tions, would take their toddy; hence, the common practice 
which was followed by parents of mixing a glass of toddy 
before breakfast and handing it to each member of the 
family, from the oldest to the youngest. This practice was 
as common as the days rolled round, when I was a little 
boy. Again, when friends would visit each other the decan- 
ter of liquor, glasses, sugar and water would be set out, and 
an invitation given to come up and help themselves. Again, 
when citizens and men from the country would congregate, 
on Saturday, at the stores, (for the stores were the chief 
places of resort) a pint of liquor would be called for. The 
pint cup would be set out with tumblers and pitcher of 
water, and the invitation given to all present to come up, 
"come up gentlemen and help yourselves." Then toasts 
would be drank, something after the following order, with 
the glass in hand, addressing the company: "well gentle- 
men! here is luck and a plenty." Frequently they would 
get quite mellow over the pint cup before they left it; and 
likely enough a few brushes of the fist would follow. 

Another feature of social life was that of families visiting 
each other to eat the social meal. At such times they 
would remain after supper with the family until usual bed- 
time, passing the time in such conversation as would be 
agreeable to all. The family code at that day was: that 
children could be seen but must not be heard while the 
older persons were talking. 

A little incident occurred one night, on one of those 
occasions, in relation to myself, which will be somewhat 
amusing to the reader: Some neighbors had called in to 
take supper with my father and mother, and staid till after 
night. The little folks had received orders to sit and listen 
but must not talk, if they did, the one so offending must 
march off up stairs to bed. Somehow or other I broke 
the law, I was discovered talking to the boys, who with 
myself, with this single exception, were as mute as mice, 
the result was I had to go to bed. While lying in bed, 
reviewing my conduct during the day and night, I knew I 
had been a bad boy. Conscience was supreme and 
hurled its thunderbolts at me. I began to cast my thoughts 
around and contemplate the possibility of Satan's coming 
after me that night, and if so what should I do. Just at 
that moment, while under such terrible reflections, the 
house cat, which by means of the room door being left 
open, had crept into the room and jumped upon the bed, 
in doing which it jumped in my face. The reader may, if 
he can, imagine my feelings; to me they were beyond 
description. I grabbed the cat with both hands, and 
threw it in another part of the room. But, oh! the terror 
that seized me. I screamed at the top of my voice. As 
soon as I took hold of the cat I knew what it was, but the 
fact of its being the cat did not abate my screaming. 1 
thought the Devil was about to lay hold of me. My 
mother was swift to my rescue, and carried me down 
stairs, and I was once more happy in being seated in the 
corner with the children listening to the old folks at home. 
Again, the social life was exhibited in the various amuse- 
ments and pastimes of the day. For instance, the game 
of fives with the trapball was a favorite sport with both men 
and boys; the playing of cards was also frequently prac- 
ticed in families; shooting at the mark for turkeys, quarters 
of beef, etc. Wrestling was much in vogue in the early 
history of New Town. Men and boys both would engage 
in it. Boxing was also practiced. 

I have beheld such sports and have seen men kick each 
other like horses. Sometimes death would be the result 
of such exercises. There were men in New Town and 
the surrounding county who prided themselves upon their 
manhood. Sometimes they would exhibit their strength 
by lifting the fifty-six pound weights, which were used in 
the tobacco warehouse for weighing tobacco. The two 
heaviest lifts were as follows: one lifted eleven the other 
fourteen fifty-six pound weights, each man aggregating 
respectively 616 pounds and 784 pounds. Query: Are 
there two men in Pocomoke City at the present who can 
come up to this. Those shooting, wrestling' and boxing 
matches were attended with a spirit of rivalry which would 
sometimes culminate in a pitched battle. I have seen men 
strip themselves to the waist and commence their brutal- 
ity. Those fights would be equal in brutality, if not so 
scientific, to the prize fights of recent years. Again, social 
life would be seen in the cotton pickings, quiltings and 
dances. After the cotton picking or quilting had been 
attended to, the plays would commence. For instance, a 
family had a quilt to be quilted, they would invite the 
young ladies to come in the afternoon and the gentlemen 
would go after supper. By supper time the quilt would be 
finished. After supper the plays would commence by 
singing those songs that used to be sung on such occa- 
sions "in the days of yore." Of course they had kissing 
in the plays, for that was the most enjoyable part of them. 
On a certain occasion it was the fortune of a certain young 
man to call out a lady whom it would be his pleasure, as 
he thought, to kiss. The call was made, the young lady 
came out upon the floor, she was very tall and he was low 
of stature, she was aristocratic and was mortified at being 
called out by him; he attempted to kiss her, but she held 
her head well up and snuffed her nose at him, so that he 
could not succeed, but he was equal to the emergency. 
"Stop! stop!" said he, " let me draw my boots and climb. " 
The take-off was so good that it raised a great titter in 
the company and that young lady's pride got a fall that 
night. I have spoken of the songs in those plays, one of 
which I will mention as illustrative of the character of 
the rest. 

"Here we go to Baltimore, 
Two behind and two before; 
Round and round and round we go, 
Where oats, peas, beans 
And barley grows." 

From the best information that I can get this is an Irish 
song. The word Baltimore was originally spelled " Bailte 
Mor" and signified a proprietary of a barony or large 
town. On a certain occasion there was a social gathering 
at the house of an old gentleman. The young folks were 
formed in a ring, holding on to each other's hands, and 
singing the above song. As they were marching round 
and round, a certain young man was in reach of the old 
gentleman as he sat in the corner of the hearth-place, 
when he slapped him on the shoulder, exclaiming: ''Johnnie, 
honey, don't you love the gals!" The answer was prompt: 
"Oh, yes, Uncle Davie!" still singing as they swung 
around the circle. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE. 

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

POST OFFICE. 

The postoffice, in the early history of New Town, 
was a very small affair, so small, indeed, that I have the 
impression that there was no pay for transmission of the 
mail from Snow Hill to New Town, as that was, then, the 
mail route. I am indorsed in this declaration by the fact 
that it was transmitted by individual citizens when they 
would go to Snow Hill, on business, on public days. 

As early as 1820. Michael Murray, my father, was post- 
master for New Town. When other means of getting the 
mail would fail, my father would send my two oldest 
brothers, each one on horseback, to Snow Hill for the 
mail. After these two brothers went to Baltimore to learn 
a trade, this duty at times fell upon my two next older 
brothers and myself. The mail was due at New Town 
once a week, and sometimes it would lay in the office at 
Snow Hill two weeks for the want of a carrier. In such 
emergencies, my fathers would say to us: "Boys, you 
must take the canoe," for then we had no horse, "and go- 
to Snow Hill for the mail." At that period I do not 
think I was more than eight years of age. We manned 
the boat with two oars and a paddle; as I was the- 
youngest, it fell to my lot to be steersman, as that was the 
easiest part of the work. We would start on the first of 
the flood tide. We were going on United States busi- 
ness, and being little boys, of course we felt the importance 
of our mission. When the boys would lean back with 
their oars and make a long pull and a strong pull the 
canoe, as a thing of life, would dart ahead and seemed to 
say to me: "If you don't mind I will run from under 
you." Thus we tugged and sweated until we reached 
Snow Hill. We went up to the postoffice and got the 
mail. If the ebb tide had made we started for home. 
Sometimes we would be in the night getting home. At 
such times I would get sleepy and would be afraid I 
would fall overboard. Incidents like the following have 
taken place when we have been delayed till the night 
getting home. A storm cloud would arise, the thunder 
and lightning would be terrific, the rain coming down 
seemingly in torrents. We had no covering but the 
cloud out of which the rain was descending. When we 
would be getting down near the old ferry, now the bridge, 
we would begin to halloo at the top of our voices, knowing 
that our mother would be down at the back of the lot 
looking up the river to see if we were coming. Sure 
enough she would be the first one to meet us when we 
reached the shore. The reader will learn that my father's 
house stood on the same ground where William T. S. 
Clarke's house now stands. There was no wharf then 
between the lot and the river. There was nothing but 
tuckahoes, mud and bramble. 

When I think of the incident just described with many 
others in which a mother's love has been shown, I am 
constrained to exclaim: "Oh! the thoughts of a precious 
loving mother: I once had such a mother, and the 
remembrance of her is like sweet incense poured forth." 
We arrived safely at home, ate our supper, went to bed 
and slept soundly. The next morning the mail was 
opened. The citizens would call for their mail matter. 
Some of them had friends living in the far West, on the 
frontiers of civilization, as far away as Ohio and ye Old 
Kentucky. Oh! what a wonderful sight it was then, to a 
little bey, to see a man who had come from that far-away 
country. As I have already stated the New Town mail 
was very small. There were but few newspapers in the 
country and I have no knowledge what the postage was 
on them. Letter postage was regulated by the distance a 
letter had to go. For instance, the postage on a letter 
from New Town to Baltimore was ten cents and from New 
Town to New Orleans it was twenty-five cents. Anything 
over half ounce was double postage then as it is now. 
Forty years ago there was an express arrangement from 
New Orleans to Baltimore in the form of a flying post; 
that is to say, horses on the route would be bridled and 
saddled already to start at the moment. For instance, the 
starting point would be at New Orleans, the horse was 
saddled and bridled and the rider in the saddle; at the 
moment the signal to start was given, the rider would go 
in riving speed to the next station of probably four miles 
distance, at which another horse would be all ready, the 
rider would dismount and mount again and thus pursue 
the route to Baltimore. A letter by this route cost seventy- 
five cents from New Orleans to New Town; if the letter 
had money in it or over a half ounce the postage was one 
dollar and fifty cents. How long this express route 
existed I cannot say, probably not long. In 1827, Michael 
Murray, my father, resigned the postmastership, having 
held that position from my earliest recollection. At the 
period referred to above, there was no mail pouch to put 
the mail matter in; indeed, the mail would be so small that 
it would be tied up with twine and taken in the hand, not 
larger than any one of the neighborhood mails that go out 
of Pocomoke City Postoffice at the present day. 

The following is a list of names of postmasters of New 
Town Postoffice from 1820 to 1882: Michael Murray, 
Thos. Brittingham, John Burnett, Dr. James B. Horsey, 
John S. Stevenson, Dr. Joseph L. Adreon, William J. S. 
Clarke, William H. T. Clarvoe, C. C. Lloyd, James 
Murray, Dr. John T. B. McMaster, William H. S. Merrill 
and James H. Vincent, who is the present incumbent. 
Thus the names of the postmasters of New Town Post- 
office will be preserved from oblivion to those who do not 
take the pains to search the official records for such 
information. 

I would here state that the postoffice went begging for 
an appointee as late as 1861. This was the case when it 
came into the writers hands at the above date. The mail, 
in New Town, was semi-weekly and the postmaster 
received about 80 dollars per year for his services. About 
1863, the post office became a salaried one. The post- 
master was required to keep a correct account of all 
mail matter going- through the office during the last 
quarter of the year and make a return of the same to the 
postoffice department at Washington, and his salary was 
based upon the per centage allowed him on all mail matter 
going through the office that quarter, for two years to 
come. Thus the salary was fixed every two years. 

The postoffice in Pocomoke City, at the present day. 
pays a salary of $700. It is one to be coveted and one 
that will induce a political struggle to obtain. As late, 
probably, as 1850, we had but one mail a week, now we 
have three mails a day, and soon the fourth one will be 
added. The rate of postage, then, was fixed according 
to the distance a letter had to go. Then a letter from New 
Town to New Orleans was twenty-five cents, now a letter 
postage is three cents to any part of the United States.

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

LAWYERS. 

In 1867, Alpheus Sidney Stevens commenced the 
practice of law in New Town; previous to this time we 
never had a resident lawyer in the place. He was born 
in Somerset County, Md., on the 15th day of December, 
1840. He was a regular descendant of Col. William 
Stevens, of colonial fame. His father, who is still living 
at or near the age of 75 years, is no doubt the great great 
grandson of Col. Wm. Stevens. This declaration could 
be corroborated by such a statement of facts were it 
necessary, as would leave but little room for cavil. 

Alpheus Sidney Stevens was a self-made man. He 
only went to school two years, fifteen months of that time 
he went to a country school, which he afterward said was 
time thrown away. The remaining nine months was 
occupied at New Town Academy, during which time he 
made some advancement, enough at least to inspire a 
thirst for knowledge, which never abated during his life. 
At 15 years of age he engaged as clerk in a store and 
continued in that capacity for three years. At 18 years of 
age he obtained a first grade certificate from the School 
Board of Somerset County to teach school, and he 
engaged in that occupation for three years more, at which 
time he was 21 years old. He then commenced merchan- 
dising in Pocomoke City and was a successful merchant 
for six years. On the 3d day of November, 1863, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Truitt. During his 
mercantile life he read law and in 1867 was admitted to 
the bar of Worcester County, after passing one of the 
finest examinations. He practiced law for four years. 
His was a mind of no ordinary cast; indeed, he was a 
genius. Although he made great proficiency in the 
pursuit of knowledge for his opportunity, yet he was called 
away in the morning of life before he had reached the 
meridian of his intellectual manhood. Had he lived, no 
doubt he would have been a jurist of the first order and 
worthy to be associated with his ancestor of colonial fame. 
Mr. Stevens was a member of the Presbyterian Church in 
New Town. On the 19th day of July, 1872, he passed 
away like the blasted rosebud that just began to unfold its 
petals to make its fragrance known. So died Alpheus 
Sidney Stevens, at the age of 32 years, leaving a widow 
and four children to cherish his memory. 

Benjamin Williams, attorney at law, was admitted to 
the bar of Worcester County Court about the year 1871. 
He was a native of Calvert County, Md. but moved to 
Worcester County prior to his study in law. Immediately 
after his admission to the bar, he located in Pocomoke 
City and commenced practicing his profession. He 
continued in the practice of law for about two years and 
then moved to another part of the State. 

Adial P. Barnes, attorney at law, was born in Nassa- 
naddus, (Nassawango?) Worcester County Md., on the 10th day of 
September, 1848. His parents were James A. and Sarah 
E. Barnes. His father was quite an extensive and very 
successful farmer and accumulated a large amount of 
wealth, and is living", at ease, in Pocomoke City, at the age 
of three score and ten years. 

Adial P. Barnes, in his early life, labored on his father's 
farm with the farm hands except when going to school. 
He attended a country school, where only the elementary 
principles of education were taught. In his youth, he had 
an ardent desire to get an education that he might be 
prepared to enter upon a professional life. His father, 
seeing the bent of his mind, sent him to the Public High 
School of Pocomoke City, where he was taught the 
higher branches of education. After attending this school 
for two years he read law in the office of George W. 
Purnell, Esq., in Snow Hill, for one year. He then went 
to the University of Virginia and attended law lectures, in 
that institution, for two years. After which he went to the 
University of Maryland and took his degree in the law 
department of that institution, in the month of June, 1873. 
Upon graduating he opened a law office, in the same year, 
in Pocomoke City, where he followed his profession until 
the month of October, 1877, when he removed to Snow 
Hill, Md., and opened an office there, where he is still 
engaged in the practice of law. Mr. Barnes is a growing 
lawyer and ranks well with his professional brotherhood. 

He is a young man yet, and having an ambition to excel, 
he will, no doubt, with his application make his mark as a 
jurist whose talent will command a lucrative practice and 
secure a name to be envied. 

J. Lloyd Wilkinson was born in New Town on the 13th 
day of May, 1857. His father Rev. William Wilkinson 
was a Baptist minister. Mr. Wilkinson attended the High 
School at New Town until he was eleven years of age. 
After this he entered the Drug Store of Mr. C. C. Lloyd 
as clerk, after being in the drug store of Mr. Lloyd for 
several years he went to Culpepper, in Virginia, to take 
charge of a drug store there. During the time, in which 
he was engaged in the drug business, he read law under 
Gen. J. G. Field of Culpepper, who is at present, Attorney- 
General for the state of Virginia, and in 1878 he was 
admitted to the bar. At this period he was 21 years of 
age. He practiced in the courts of Madison, Green and 
Culpepper Counties, Va. In the winter of 1879 and 1880, 
he returned to Pocomoke City and in 1880 he was 
admitted to the Worcester bar. 

Mr. Wilkinson is a young man of promise, with a good 
mind looming up into brilliancy, and is rising in the estima- 
tion of all who know him, for his legal ability. 

John Glenn Towsend was born in Nassawaddux, (?) Wor- 
cester County, Maryland, on the 25th day of May, 1853, 
and resided, up to his early manhood, in the county of his 
birth. He received a common school education, and 
being of studious habits he prepared himself for a teacher 
in the public schools. He was appointed principal of the 
grammar school at Stockton, Worcester County, Md., 
which position he held some considerable time, during 
which he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 
Worcester County, in 1877. He, however, continued 
teaching- school for two years. Afterwards he opened a 
law office in Pocomoke City, where he has since practiced 
his profession. Mr. Towsend is the youngest son of 
Teagle Towsend, deceased, who was a leading man in 
the county, of the old Whig party. 

J. Glenn Towsend is quite a young man and has, com- 
paratively, just entered the arena of public life as a 
lawyer. If a noted family record, with a good mind and 
studious habits, together with a good moral and religious 
character, is any warrant of success, he will doubtless 
honor his profession. 

J. Shiles Crockett, attorney at law, was born in Princess 
Anne, Md., on the 12th day of December, 1858. He was 
educated partly at the Princess Anne Academy and at 
St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., at which latter institu- 
tion he graduated in 1878. He read law in the office of 
Col. Henry Page and was admitted to the bar of Somerset 
County Court in 1880. He then moved to Crisfield and 
practiced his profession until 1882, when he removed to 
Pocomoke City. Mr. Crockett is a young man with a 
good mind and is a graduate at college. He read law 
under one of the first lawyers of the State. With appli- 
cation he has everything in his favor to insure success 
in his profession. 

A history of the legal profession in New Town, now 
Pocomoke City, would be incomplete not to mention the 
fact that many of the lawyers, both of the Snow Hill and 
Princess Anne bar, have practiced law in New Town, and 
chief among those of the Princess Anne bar who have thus 
practiced are John W. Crisfield, James U. Dennis, Col. 
Henry Page and William McMaster. Those of the 
Snow Hill bar are Dennard Williams, Judge John R- 
Franklin, Walter P. Snow, Judge Ephraim K. Wilson, 
William H. W. Farrow, George W. Purnell George M. 
Upshur, William S. Wilson, Clayton J. Purnell and Adial 
P. Barnes. The Messrs. G. W. Purnell, G. M. Upshur, 
W. S. Wilson, C. J. Purnell and A. P. Barnes, have still 
their stated times of visitations to Pocomoke City attend- 
ing to all business appertaining to the law. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.

When Pocomoke Was Young- A continuing weekly feature.

 

(Chapter flow:)

ITS ORIGIN AND TOWN LIMITS

TOWN LIMITS

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC.

MERCANTILE ASPECT

MANUFACTURING

TRADES ETC.

SHIPPING INTERESTS

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO.

SHIP BUILDING ETC.

HOTELS, LIVERY STABLES, ETC.

PHYSICIANS

LAWYERS

POST OFFICE

PRINTING OFFICES

SOCIAL ASPECT, ETC.

MORAL ASPECT

TEMPERANCE CAUSE

SCHOOLS

CHURCHES

Note:  In duplicating this material for publishing on The Pocomoke Public Eye we have made minor adjustments to correct some of the spelling, punctuation, etc. We believe the errors were not in Rev. Murray's original writing but occurred in the process of formatting the material to a digital format for viewing online.

PHYSICIANS (CONTINUED). 

Dr. Samuel S. Quinn was born near New Town, the 22d 
day of April, 1838. His parents were Rev. William and 
Rosa B. Quinn ; he was educated at New Town Academy, 
studied medicine under Drs. Hearn and McMaster, grad- 
uated at Maryland University, in the spring of 1859, and 
commenced, at once the practice of medicine in New 
Town. On the 19th day of June, 1861, he received 
the hand of Miss Sally A. O. Atkinson in marriage. She 
died the 17th day of September, 1869. His present wife 
was Miss Amanda Conner, with whom he was united in 
marriage on the 16th day of November, 1871. Upon the 
institution of the High School in New Town, he was Trustee 
for several years. He served as commissioner of the Cor- 
poration, in 1871 and 72, and was also re-elected to that 
office this present year. Notwithstanding these tokens of 
preferment he has never been an applicant for any office. 
The Doctor while attending to his practice has been con- 
ducting the Record and Gazette, a weekly paper in which 
he owns an interest. He has three children living, one by 
his first wife and two by his second. He is quiet, genial 
and companionable, and is possessed of a brilliant intellect. 

He is only approaching the meridian of his intellectual 
manhood, and has a bright future before him. Dr. Quinn 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in Pocomoke 
City. 

Dr. Isaac T. Coston was born in Somerset County, Md., 
on the 10th day of October, 1832. His father was Wm. 
Coston, of Matthias; his mother's name was Rosa Taylor 
daughter of Samuel Taylor. The Doctor was raised on 
the farm and could only avail himself of such schooling as 
could be had at a country school until he was sixteen years 
old. At sixteen he was admitted into the Washington 
Academy at Princess Anne, as one to receive the benefit 
of the State fund. He lived at a distance of six miles from 
the Academy and went and returned every school day for 
five years, except he was detained by sickness or extremely 
bad weather, all of which of course drew heavily upon his 
time that would under other circumstances have been 
devoted to study. At the expiration of five years spent 
in this way and his vacations in hard labor on the farm, 
he commenced to teach school and continued for two 
years, at the same time using all his spare hours in reading 
medicine. He then applied his time exclusively to the 
study of medicine for two years more under Drs. George 
Dixon, of Princess Anne, and John Neill, of Philadelphia. 
He then entered the Pennsylvania University, and after 
attending the regular courses of lectures, he graduated in 
March, 1857. Immediately after his graduation he located 
in Rehobeth, in Somerset County, where he practiced his 
profession until 1863, when he moved to Accomac County, 
Va., and there he practiced for two years more, when in 
July, 1865, he moved to New Town, where he has continued 
the practice of medicine ever since. After settling in New 
Town he received on the 22d day of February, 1866, the 
hand of Miss Olivia Adams, daughter of the late Morris 
Adams, of Somerset County, in marriage. He has four 
children living; has held the position of trustee of 
Pocomoke High School for several years, which he 
resigned. The Doctor was, in November last, elected as 
a delegate to represent the people of Worcester County in 
the Legislature, which has now closed. He is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church in Pocomoke City, and is a 
very worthy and highly respected citizen. 

Dr. Gordon T. Atkinson was born in Somerset County, 
Md. on the 18th day of December, 1846. He was educated 
at the New Town Academy and at Dickinson College. 
After he left College he read medicine under Dr. S. S. Quinn 
for one year, he then went to the University of Penn. and 
attended lectures. He received the degree of M. D. in 
1869. He practiced medicine in Pocomoke City for one 
year. He then removed to Crisfield, Md. where he has 
since resided, pursuing the practice of his profession. 

Dr -George T. Truitt, son of William R. and Sarah C. 
Truitt, was born in the City of Baltimore, in 1848. He 
alternately received his education in the City of Baltimore, 
in New Town, and in Claymont, Del., at which latter place 
he graduated. Immediately after his graduation at school 
he took up the study of medicine under Prof. Nathan R. 
Smith of Baltimore. 

Prof. Smith was his preceptor until he graduated at the 
University School of Medicine, in the City of Baltimore, 
in 1869. In 1870, he commenced the practice of medi- 
cine in New Town, he remained here one year and 
removed to Millsboro, Sussex County, Delaware. He 
there practiced in partnership with G. F. Burton for one year, 
when the partnership was dissolved. He then practiced 
alone for three years, during which time he was married 
to Miss Virginia C. Burton, of that place. After remaining 
in Delaware during the time aforesaid Dr. Truitt again 
returned to New Town where he engaged in the practice 
of medicine until within a few years past, since which time 
he has devoted his time, exclusively, to Dental Surgery. 
Dr. Truitt is the only graduated physician, in Pocomoke 
City, who devotes himself, exclusively, to Dental Surgery 
in which he is a proficient. He is a vestryman in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in Pocomoke City and is a 
good citizen and worthy of patronage. 

Dr. Julius T. Hall was born on the old homestead near 
New Town, Worcester County, Md., on the 20th day of 
July, 1849- Soon afterwards his father, Zadock J. Hall 
moved to town where he raised his family. Julius received 
his education from the schools of the town, completing it in 
the High School. In 1867, he took charge of a school at 
Swansgut or Remson, where he remained for 18 months. 
In the fall of 1869, he took charge of Pitt's Creek School. 
In 1870, he accepted a position as teacher in the Pocomoke 
High School where he remained until 1874. He then ac- 
cepted the position of assistant superintendent of Baltimore 
House of Refuge, after remaining there some time, he 
accepted the principalship of Jacksonville Academy near 
Crisfield, Somerset county, Md. This was his largest 
and most flourishing school; he taught it for over three 
years and during the time he read medicine. In 1877, he 
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the 
University of Maryland. He attended two full courses of 
lectures and graduated in 1879. He forthwith opened 
an office in Pocomoke City where he has since been prac- 
ticing his profession. In October, 1879, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary C. Thomas, of Norfolk Virginia. 

Dr. Hall is a young man yet; he is a member of the 
Baptist Church in Pocomoke City; he is studious, indus- 
trious and is highly respected, both as a physician and 
citizen. Having a good mind and physical constitution,. 
he has flattering prospects of a useful life and will, no 
doubt, be ranked among the first physicians of his day. 

Dr. Wallace W. Freeman was born in Nashville, Tenn., 
on the 13th day of April, I855. He was educated in the 
public schools of Memphis, Tenn., and Camden, New 
Jersey. He commenced the study of dentistry in Pocomoke 
City in the fall of 1879, and attended two sessions of 
lectures at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, 
where, in 18S2, he graduated and received his degree of 
D. D. S., after which he opened an office in Pocomoke City, 
where he is at present practicing his profession. He is 
studious and closely applies himself to business and is 
ambitious to excel in his profession. He may always be 
found at his office, where he is prepared to give entire 
satisfaction in dental surgery. 

Dr. Freeman is a member of the Baptist Church in 
Pocomoke City- He has a high sense of moral obliga- 
tion and is a thorough temperance man. If these 
qualifications betoken a bright future in his profession, he 
will reach it. 

Dr. John H. King was born in Princess Anne, Somerset 
County, Md., on the 29th day of August, 1857. He was 
educated at the High School of Pocomoke City. After 
leaving school, he entered the drug store of E. Fontaine 
as clerk, and had six years experience in the drug 
business, during which time he had read medicine under 
Dr. S. S. Quinn. After this he entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons in the City of Baltimore, at 
which he attended two full courses of lectures and grad- 
uated in March, 1882. He at once returned to Pocomoke 
City and commenced the practice of medicine, associating 
himself in partnership with Dr. S. S. Quinn. Dr. King is 
a young man of considerable promise; he has a good 
mind and an ambition to excel in his profession, which 
knows no flagging. He is sound on the temperance ques- 
tion and is a supporter of moral reforms, and as a 
physician, it is already said of him, " he is becoming quite 
popular." I have no doubt but that he will hold a place 
in the front ranks of his profession with honor. 

In summing up the history of the medical fraternity of 
Pocomoke City, I will say we have eight physicians and 
surgeons, all in the prime of life, their ages ranging from 
25 to 54 years, all men of families except two, all belong- 
to church except two, and they are church-goers and are 
professedly temperance men. When I think of former 
years when it was an exception for a physician to belong 
to church or to be professedly a temperance man, I am 
constrained to pronounce a eulogy upon the men who 
compose the medical fraternity of Pocomoke City, as 
being worthy of all praise for the noble stand which they 
have taken in support of Christianity and moral reform. 
I think Pocomoke City can challenge any town on the 
Eastern Shore of 1,500 inhabitants to produce such a 
brotherhood of physicians. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.