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.

MANUFACTURING (continued)

An anecdote which I have heard going the rounds 
many years ago may not be out of place here - A lady 
of independence in an adjoining community had an only 
daughter. That daughter was visited by a young lady, 
who inquired of the mother where Miss So-and-So's 
piano was. She took the young lady to the loom house 
and pointing to the loom: "There," said she, is my 
daughter's piano." 

The mother and daughter made the clothes for the 
family. The young ladies were their own mantua makers 
and their mothers learned them to be good cooks also. 
They thought it was no disgrace to learn them to work. 
The first families of the place would make mechanics of 
their sons, and to show that this custom was considered 
in the highest sense an honorable one, I need but cite 
those who were prominent citizens of the town to demon- 
strate this position. 

Michael Murray was a weaver of the world renowned 
Irish linen in his native country, Ireland; Jesse Hender- 
son a ship carpenter; Rev. James Tilghman, a shoemaker; 
Joshua Sturgis, a blacksmith; Capt. Jacob Riggin, a 
ship carpenter; Capt. Benjamin Hall, a carpenter; Gen- 
eral Ebenezer Hearn, a tanner and currier; Colonel 
William H. Merrill, a hatter, John S. Stevenson, a watch- 
maker; Ceorge S. Redder, a hatter. I might name 
many others, but those already named are sufficient. 

Is not this a suggestive thought to parents of the 
present day, to give their sons a trade instead of crowding 
them into professions and clerkships, in which there are 
but few, comparatively, who succeed, and to learn their 
daughters to be good house keepers, and not to bring 
them up in such a way as that when they get married they 
will be utterly ignorant how to make their husbands a 
suit of clothes or how to make and bake a johnny cake. 

An incident which occurred in the history of Stephen 
Girard, the millionaire, of Philadelphia, I will illustrate 
here. He had a youth who was to live with him until he 
was of age. This young man, by his steady habits, atten- 
tion to business and probity of character, had won, over 
all the other clerks, a place high up in the esteem of Mr. 
Girard. His twenty-first birthday came on. The day 
before that, however, he went into Mr. Girard's counting- 
room and informed him of the fact, when he was told to 
come in the next day as he wanted to see him. It was 
conceded by all the clerks that Mr. Girard was going to do 
something handsome for that young man. The next day 
came, he went into the office as requested; they entered 
into conversation upon their connection together. Mr. 
Girard praised him for his faithfulness to his interests. 
"And now," said he, "you are going out into the world to 
seek your fortune, I want to give you a piece of advice. 
Do you go and learn a trade; there is the barrel cooper- 
ing, go and learn that! The reader may imagine how 
the young man was taken back. He, however, engaged 
with a barrel cooper to work with him for one year. At 
the end of the year, he made a barrel, which he took to Mr. 
Girard's office to show him. Mr. Girard pronounced it a 
good job, and asked the price of it, which was three 
dollars. He took the barrel, paid him the money for it, 
and requested him to come to the office the next day as. 
he wished to see him. The day came; he went into the 
office, when Mr. Girard said: "You may have thought it 
a very strange piece of advice which I gave you, to learn 
a trade; but, if hereafter, you should fail in any business- 
you engage in, then you have your trade to fall back on. 

Now, here is a check for $30,000 as a token of my high 
esteem and with my best wishes for your success in 
life." 

The different branches of mechanical business which 
were carried on in New Town in its early history were 
boot and shoe making, house and ship carpentering, black- 
smithing, coopering, tanning and currying, hatting, etc. 
There was, generally, but one shop of each branch of 
business at a time. The first boot and shoemaker that I 
have any information of was Rev. James Tilghman; 
Caleb Tilghman, then Samuel Long, Joseph Richards, 
Thomas Brittingham, James Lambdon, Jesse Long, 
Josiah Long, of Jesse, Zadok Hall, of John, Edward 
Murray, Francis Murray, James Sturgis, Tubman Moor, 
Samuel T. Landing and James Murray. Henry Murray, 
who was an office bearer in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, was also a delegate elect from Worcester county 
to the General Assembly of Maryland in 1862 and 1863. 
In 1866 he died suddenly, in hope of a blissful immortal- 
ity. William H. S. Merrill, Thomas J. Blain, who is also 
a leading office bearer in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and has four sons — all grown men — who are an honor to 
him. John Silvenhom, Rev. George Covington, Charles 
Covington, Levin Covington, John Richards, Sr., George 
Matthews, Case, William Matthews and William 
Clogg. No doubt there are others whose names have 
escaped my memory, or who were here but a short time. 
These, excepting the few last names mentioned, have all 
passed away. 

The tailoring business was carried on at an early date. 
Josiah Long, my wife's father, was a tailor. He served 
his apprenticeship with his uncle, David Long, Sr., who 
was the father of Captain Henry Long, Captain John W. 
Long and David Long. Mr. Long worked at the tailor- 
ing business until he died, which event occurred about 
1813. Then in succession Benjamin Cottman, a man by 
the name of Smith, William Purnell, Joseph Benson, John 
H. Powell, William Atkinson, William Fisher, Theo. Hall, 
William S. C. Polk, Emerson G. Polk, James Wells, 
McCayland,(?) Edward Ardis and W. F. Jones. Emerson 
G. Polk, W. F. Jones and Edward Ardis are the present 
tailors of the place. 

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.

1868, Edward H. Clarke commenced the mercantile 
business, in New Town. Since then he has been engaged 
nearly all the time in the sale of goods alone and with 
his father. 

As Mr. Clarke is quite a prominent man in business 
circles, he is entitled to a place in this history. He was 
born in 1845, and is the only surviving son of W. J. S. 
Clarke. He was appointed a midshipman at the naval 
academy in 1861. After remaining nearly two years and 
spending one summer at sea, he resigned, as we learned, 
much to the regret of the officers of the naval academy. 
Returning home he at once entered the service of his 
father as clerk, being there well drilled, and remaining in 
that capacity until 1868, when he married an amiable and 
accomplished young lady, the only daughter of William 
M. Coster, Esq., one of the most respected and wealthy 
gentlemen in Somerset county. He is a very, popular 
man, and in point of business sagacity he is said to be 
equal to any of his name. 

In 1866, Levin Atkinson commenced the sale of 
groceries in connection with the sale of leather, and con- 
tinued the same for ten years, or until he died, which 
event took place in 1877. 

Mr. Atkinson was quite a prominent man in the com- 
munity ; was retired in disposition, obliging, and a warm 
friend. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church, in New Town, for many years, and filled promi- 
nent positions as a layman in that church. From the 
commencement of his connection with the church to his 
death, he always kept an open house for the preachers of 
that denomination, and there was nothing too good to pro- 
vide and no labor too great to perform for those whom 
he and his devoted wife loved to entertain. 

In 1880, Henry Dryden and his son Clarence engaged 
in the sale of groceries, confectionery, etc., in connection 
with the sale of tin ware, Mr. H. Dryden having been 
engaged in selling tin ware previously. This firm continues 
and will no doubt be successful. 

In 1878, James H. Vincent commenced merchandising in 
Pocomoke City, and is growing in trade and popularity. 
We have several other stores in Pocomoke City, which 
may be called green grocery and provision stores, kept 
respectively by: A. H. Benson, Roland E. Bevans and 
John W. Selverthorn, John T. M. Sturgis and Thomas 
Melvin and J. A. D. Robinson. 

These are all reliable houses, where the substantials of 
life may be purchased. 

In presenting to the reader this concise history of the 
mercantile business of New Town, now Pocomoke City, I 
have aimed at facts, at giving a fair showing, and not 
throwing more gloss upon the men and trade than they 
really merited. I shall now close this part of my history 
by saying : we have, in Pocomoke City, some thirty 
business houses of all grades, selling goods, doing an 
annual business, aggregating over two hundred thousand 
dollars. 

MANUFACTURING. 

Manufacture, in the early history of New town, was, as 
a matter of course, in its infancy. The first, probably, 
should be mentioned is the manufacture of clothing for 
the families. These goods consisted of woolen, cotton 
and linen. The wool was taken from the sheep's back 
and washed, then picked, carded, spun and woven into 
fustian, that is to say, the warp was of cotton, the filling in 
was of wool. Linsey-woolsey was also made for the 
mothers and daughters. 

This word linsey-woolsey comes up in memory as some- 
thing long since past away. 

I used to hear, when I was a little boy, these words 
sung: 

"Linsey-woolsey petticoats,
Silk and cotton gown, 
Shoes and stockings in your hands, 
And feet upon the ground." 

The cotton was, as a general thing, cultivated at home, 
that is to say every family had their cotton-patch if they 
had ground sufficient for that purpose, and when ripe was 
harvested, the seed picked, then carded, spun and woven. 
These were for underwear for both sexes, for sheets, and 
the beautiful white counterpanes that used to be made. 

The linen was made out of flax. Every farmer had his 
flax patch. The flax when ripe was pulled up by the 
roots by hand, then placed in a creek, pond or water- 
hole if their was any convenient, if not, it was spread out 
on the ground to mildew, when sufficiently cured it was 
then housed. In the wintertime the flax break was heard 
singing its day-long song, as the busy laborer would be 
plying the instrument. 

In this instrument the woody portion of the flax was 
separated from the fibrous. Thus the flax was prepared 
for the hackle, then after that it was spun and woven into 
what we used to call country made linen, and then made 
into underwear for both sexes, for toweling, table cloths, 
sheets, etc. Now the modus-operandi in clothing. The 
carding and spinning would be carried on day and night 
by the mothers and daughters. At night the father and 
brothers would unite around a roasting fire with a plenty 
of pine knots to make a light, and would engage in pick- 
ing the wool or cotton. During these seasons of night 
work they would roast sweet potatoes and have a pitcher 
of cider to cheer the tedious hours of labor. 

When the wool, cotton or flax was thus prepared for 
the loom, they would commence weaving. 

When I was a little boy I used to hear the loom going 
all day long. It did not make as sweet music as the piano, 
but went click, clack, click, clack, from morning until 
night. 
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.

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

In 1851, Mrs. Araminta Hall commenced the millinery 
and ladies trimming business, which she has conducted 
up to the present; has been very successful in business, 
and has made money. 

In 1830, Mrs. Eliza Merrill established the millinery 
and ladies trimming business, in New Town, and con- 
ducted the same for 35 years, and made money. 

In 1846, Miss Anna H. Henderson commenced the 
millinery and ladies trimming business, in New Town. 
In 1863, she married Mr. William T. Hearn, and after- 
wards her store was familiarly known as Mrs. Anna 
Hearn's store. She conducted the business successfully 
until 1863, in which year she died. 

In 1855 Miss Amereth J. Trader commenced the mil- 
linery, notion and ladies trimming business in New Town. 
About one year after this she married Mr. Littleton T. 
Clarke, after which her house of business was known as 
Mrs. Jane Clarke's store. 

In 1866 Mr. Clarke died. She continued the business, 
however, without intermission, and in 1871 she married 
Mr. Henry A. DeKay. After this her business com- 
menced increasing until it has assumed its present 
proportions as one of the finest millinery, notion and 
ladies trimming stores on the Eastern Shore. 

In 1849, Mrs. Julia Redden commenced the millinery 
business and conducted the same until 1861, when she 
closed out. 

In 1864, Mrs. Ursula B. Henderson, commenced the 
millinery, notion and ladies trimming business, in New 
Town, and has continuously conducted the same until 
the present. Mrs. Henderson is industrious and attentive 
to her business, enterprising and unyielding in her pur- 
pose to succeed. If these qualifications are a true index 
to success, she is bound to win. 

She commenced business on fifty dollars and has 
increased to such an extent as to warrant the declaration 
that her house, for the beauty and tasteful arrangement 
of goods, together with its heavy stock in trade, will com- 
pare favorably with any house of like character in the 
cities. In 1866, Mrs. Ella Foster commenced the milli- 
nery business, and continued the same for about two 
years. In 1867, Miss Lizzie Clayville commenced the 
millinery business and conducted the same about two 
years and retired. 

In 1866, Mrs. Mary A. Tipton commenced the milli- 
nery business and continued with slight intervals until 
1880, when she moved to Philadelphia. 

In 1876, Zadock J. Hall and his son, Charles S. Hall, 
commenced merchandising in Pocomoke City under the 
firm of C. S. Hall & Co; this partnership business lasted 
two years, when Zadok J. Hall sold out his interest in the 
store to Richard Hall another son of his. 

This firm is now doing business under the name of C. 
S. Hall & Brother, two enterprising young men, who 
without an accident will succeed. 

A word here in reference to Zadok J. Hall may be 
interesting to the reader: He is brother to Major T. Hall 
and Jerome B. Hall, who have already been noticed in 
this history. He was subject to all the privations that 
marked their earlier years, and was reared under the 
most discouraging circumstances, without a friend who 
was able to take him by the hand and promote him, and 
without education; yet by dint of perseverance, has made 
his mark in the world as well as his brothers. He has 
attained a competency and lives retired from the whirl of 
business life, taking delight in the improvement and cul- 
tivation of his little farm. Mr. Hall is also a member of the 
Baptist Church, in Pocomoke City. He has four children, 
and he is fifty-two years old. 

In I878, Herbert H. King and William Sidney Dryden 
formed a partnership, under the title of H. H. King & Co., 
in a first-class dry goods and grocery store, in Pocomoke 
City. 

This firm is doing a safe business, enterprising and 
polite, they must win. 

Mr. Dryden, one of this firm, has been engaged in 
business nearly twenty years, in the City of Baltimore. 
He left his father's home, a young man, to seek his for- 
tune with no other help but his own native talent. After 
being engaged in business for some time in the city, he 
worked his way up to a clerkship as salesman, in one of 
the largest wholesale dry-good houses in the city, that of 
William Devries & Co. In this house he has been 
engaged without intermission for seventeen years, the last 
three of which have been partially devoted to the collec- 
tion of claims for the house. 

This trust, committed by the house to him, shows not 

only their confidence in his integrity, but also their confi- 

dence in his tact and business ability in dealing with men. 

He has succeeded above many of his chance and has 

made money. 

About the year 1869, James W. Payne commenced 
merchandising, in New Town and continued in business 
until his death, which occurred in January, 1878. 

About 1866, Emerson Melvin commenced the sale of 
goods, in New Town ; he continued in the business with 
great success until he died, which event took place in 
1879. His estate was worth $6,000 clear of debt. 

In the settlement of his estate, the inventory of his 
personal property was the largest that had ever been 
entered in the Registers office of Worcester County. He 
first commenced on fifty dollars capital. 

About the year 1865, William H. S. Merrill added 

clothing and gents' furnishing goods to his stock of boots 

and shoes, he having engaged in the sale of boots and 

shoes several years previous. He sold goods until 1871, 

when he sold out to Robinson & Matthews, who con- 
ducted the business for five or six years and then closed 
out. 

In 1877, A. G. Marshall commenced merchandising, in 

Pocomoke City; he conducted the business until the 

spring of 1881, when he closed out. 

In 1870, Mrs. Sally Payne commenced the confectionery 

and candy business, in Pocomoke City, and continues the 

same to the present. 

In 1874, Ephraim A. Stevens commenced the notion 
and ladies' trimming business, in Pocomoke City; he 
continued until 1880, when he closed this business and 
engaged in a green grocery and provision store. Some- 
time during the year, he took as a partner Roland E. 
Bevans, and they carried on the business under the firm of 
Stevens & Bevans, this firm, however, did not continue 
long before Mr. Bevans drew out. Mr. Stevens continued 
the business until 1882 and closed out. 

In 1856, Miss Charlotte and Miss Ann Truitt, two- 
sisters, were engaged in the confectionary and notion 
business, in New Town, when they commenced and how 
long they continued the business I cannot say. 

Between 1856 and i860, Mrs. Mary A. Smullin engaged 
in the confectionery business and continued the same until 
her death, which event occurred in April, 1881. 

About 1870, Mrs. Ellen Payne engaged in the confec- 
tionery business, and in about two years she sold out to 
Mrs. Sally Mason, who continued the business for several 
years. 

Sometime between 1872 and 1875, R. H. Pennewell, 
Francis A. Stevenson and Allison Fleming engaged in 
merchandising in a store house occupying the site now- 
occupied by the store house of J. W. Selby. The house 
was burned down while Mr. Fleming was conducting 
business. 

In 1872, Edward S. Young commenced the tobacco, 
cigar and confectionery business, in New Town, and con- 
ducted the same until 1878; prior to this, George S. 
Merrill, Alexander Ebberts and John Walters, respect- 
ively, were engaged in it. 

As Mr. Young is the oldest native citizen in the place he 
is entitled to a sketch of his life in its history: He was 
born in 1807 and consequently is now in the 75th year of 
his age. He, like many others, was raised a poor boy, and 
had to work out, at twelve and a half cents per day, to 
help his mother in supporting the family. When of 
sufficient age, he was apprenticed to Colonel William H. 
Merrill to learn the hatting business, after his maturity, he 
settled in this, his native place, and with but one slight 
interval has remained here to the present. He was 
engaged, for several years, in the steam milling business. 
He has been a member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church nearly fifty years, has been ardently devoted to, 
and a liberal supporter of that Church, he has, probably, 
though always poor, contributed more to church building, 
in New Town in the past, than any other man in it. 

He has been the father of several children, all of whom 
are no more, except one son, and he lives in Colorado. 

Mr. Young reminds me of the ancient worthy patri- 
archs, leaning upon the top of his staff, and waiting for 
the summons to a brighter home above, and is entitled to 
the kindly greetings of all lovers of the aged and the 
good. 

In 1878, Capt. H. H. Husted entered into the tobacco, 
cigar, confectionery and fruit business, in which he is 
gaged at present. Capt. Husted is very attentive to 
business; is very polite and obliging, and is quite suc- 
cessful in business. 

In 1878, John L. Quinn engaged in the sale of tobacco, 
cigars, confectionery and fruits, and continues the same 
with success. 

Mrs. Stubbins and Mrs. Whittington both have con- 
fectionery stores, and are prosperous in business. In 1878, 
Simpson Katzenberger merchandised in Pocomoke City 
about one year and then closed out. In 1877, Miss Ruth 
Stone commenced the notion business, in Pocomoke City, 
and continued it for about three years, when she removed 
to Connecticut, her native State. 

In 1879, Miss Virginia Wilkinson and Miss Virginia 

Matthews united in copartnership in the millinery, notion 

and ladies trimming business in Pocomoke City. Their 

house is called the Philadelphia branch store, and truly it 

is very aptly so-called, for it will compare favorably with 

the city in the taste exhibited in the selection of their 

goods, in the prices they charge, and in the style and 

neatness of their work. These young ladies rank among 

the finest milliners of the day, either in the city or 

country. 

In 1880, Miss Ruth Pollett commenced the notion and 

ladies trimming business in Pocomoke City, and continued 

until 1881, when she closed out. In 1880, J. J. Francis 

Townsend and Ira T. Stevenson engaged in a dry goods 

and grocery store which they continue at the present. 

They are very worthy men.

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.

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

Upon the dissolution of partnership of Clarke & 
Clarvoe in 1852, William H. T. Clarvoe and James Merrill 
united in copartnership, under the firm of Clarvoe &. 
Merrill, in the sale of goods, occupying the same stand 
that Clarke and Clarvoe occupied. 

This firm continued two years, when Mr. Merrill sold 
out to Mr. Clarvoe. 

Mr. Clarvoe conducted the business by himself until 
1858, when he sold out to William W. and James A- 
Melvin, acting under the firm of W. W. & J. A. Melvin. 

This firm transacted business for a while in the store- 
house formerly occupied by Mr. Clarvoe, after which they 
purchased the wharf and ground upon which they built 
the storehouse, which is at present occupied by Smullin 
& Brother. 

They did a heavy business from 1858 to 1866, when 
they sold out their stock in trade, together with their 
storehouse and wharf, to Stephen E. Mason. 

Stephen E. Mason conducted a heavy business from 
1866 to 1870, when he sold out his stock of goods to John 
W. Selby and Julius J. Smullin, two enterprising- young 
men, who did business under the firm of Selby & Smul- 
lin until 1877, when Mr. Selby sold out his interest in the 
store to Julius J. and Albert Smullin. Smullin & Brother 
keep on hand a general assortment of dry goods, grocer- 
ies, boots, shoes, hats, etc., and are doing a thriving 
business. 

These two young men are worthy of great praise for 

their business qualifications and fidelity, and it is said that 

they stand number one in business circles in the cities. 

In 1878, John W. Selby purchased the ground at the 
north-east corner of Market and Front streets and erected 
a large fine building for store and town hall purposes; the 
store room is a spacious one, the upper room is used for 
town hall purposes. This is one of the finest storehouses, 
and for such a purpose is an ornament to Pocomoke City. 
Mr. Selby has a well assorted and well arranged stock of 
dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, etc. 

In 1854, Benjamin F. Ulman commenced merchan- 
dising in New Town, and sold goods for some time, after 
which he moved to the City of Baltimore where he is still 
doing business, and report says he has a bank of his own 
and is worth $500,000. 

In 1862, Major T. and Jerome B. Hall commenced 
merchandising in New Town, at first dealing altogether in 
the hardware line; after a while they branched out more 
at large in a general dry goods, grocery, boot and shoe 
house, under the firm of Hall & Bro. 

In 1863, they added to their mercantile trade that of 

steam saw mill business; in 1868, that of ship building; 

and in 1872, the Marine railway business. In 1878 they 
took into copartnership L. Fuller Hall, son of Jerome B. 

Hall. The company now doing business under the firm 

of Hall, Bro. & Co. This firm with this heavy business 

resting upon them, employ sixty men annually, repair about 

seventy-five vessels annually, and have built during their 

business life, about twenty-five new vessels. Their annual 

business aggregating $30,000. 

They own two steam saw mills, a Marine Railway. 300 

acres of land and 23 houses and lots, some of the houses 

are fine buildings. 

In thus giving a brief outline of the business life of 

these two brothers it will, also, be of interest to the reader 

to learn something of their general history. 

In view of their success in life, this will be given with 

the greatest pleasure, for I knew them when they were 

little flaxy headed boys. 

Their father, Benjamin Hall, was a highly respected 

man, a carpenter by trade and a captain of militia; he 

died when these gentlemen were little children, leaving a 

widow and six children, without any assistance, to get 

their living as best they could. It is true the family lived 

on their own place, but that was very little more than a 

staying place, the little boys worked like little giants. I 

have seen them coming to town with a load of pine wood, 

which they had cut, when you would think they were 

scarcely large enough to come to town any way. 

Their mother, with the children, struggled against 
adversity until these two boys were old enough to go to- 
a trade ; then they commenced to learn the blacksmith 
business with George W. Landing. They served an 
apprenticeship with Mr. Landing, and when he retired 
from the shop they took charge of it in their own name, 
and worked hard and continuously at the business until 
they entered mercantile life, as before stated. 

The reader, probably, is already thinking about their 
school advantages. They lived in the country and could 
only go to school, occasionally, in the winter time; what 
little learning they got in this way was of very little 
advantage to them, as they experienced in the commence- 
ment of their mercantile life, in trying to use the pen and 
in calculating figures. They, however, learned to use the 
pen and calculate figures, and how to make money, also; 
and their record shows the character of their intellect and 
business capacity. 

They are both members of the Baptist Church, in 
Pocomoke City; Major T. Hall being a deacon. Their 
ages are, respectively, forty-eight and fifty-six years ; 
Major T. being the eldest. 

In 1856, C. C. Lloyd opened a drug store, which 
was the first ever established in New Town; in addition 
to drugs he kept oils, paints, stationery, jewelry and 
variety store. 

He has, during his mercantile life, closely applied 
himself to business, always at his post, he is polite. 
obliging and accommodating, and has made money. He 
has been sheriff of Worcester county. During 1881, he 
united in partnership with Edgar Fontaine, who was also 
in the drug business, thus the two stores became one; they 
are now doing business under the firm of Lloyd and 
Fontaine, and are prospering. 

In 1862, Dr. D. J. O. Truitt commenced the apothecary 
and variety business, in New Town, and has conducted it 
successfully to the present. In 1862, Dr. Samuel S. 
Quinn and Albert S. Merrill commenced the drug busi- 
ness, and continued it until 1864, when they retired. In 
1866, Dr. John T. B. McMaster opened a drug store in 
co-partnership with Ashton Milbourn, which firm con- 
tinued until 1869, when Dr. McMaster sold out his interest 
in the store to Ashton Milbourn. 

In 1869, Ashton Milbourn and William T. Broughton 
united in the drug business and conducted it until 1873, 
at which time they sold out their stock in trade to Messrs. 
Fontaine and Turpin. This firm continued for two years, 
when Mr. Turpin sold out to Mr. Fontaine. From 1875 
to the present, or until Mr. Fontaine united in business 
with C. C. Lloyd, he has been quite attentive to business; 
has built up a good trade, and has become a popular 
merchant. 

In 1860, William W. Quinn & Brother opened a 
general dry goods and grocery store, which they con- 
ducted until 1873, when they closed out. In 1855, W. S. 
C. Polk commenced merchandising in New Town, and 
in 1863 he took as a partner his brother, Emerson G. 
Polk. This firm continued until 1866, when he sold out 
his interest in the store to his brother Emerson. 

From 1866 until the present Emerson G. Polk has con- 
ducted a dry goods, clothing, boot and shoe store of 
quite an extensive character, and keeps on hand a general 
assortment of first class clothes for gentlemen's wear; and 
none need fear in going to him for a good article and of 
getting what they want. He is polite, obliging and 
attentive to business. 

In 1868, Henry King commenced merchandising, in 
New Town, and conducted the business until 1875, when 
he closed out. 

In 1864, John W. Mezick commenced merchandizing, 
in New Town, and continued until 1866, when he retired 
from business, and removed to the State of Missouri. 

In 1863 or '64, the Messrs. Bachrachs were engaged in 
the sale of goods, in New Town, about one year, after 
which they settled in Baltimore, where they are still 
doing business, and have become wealthy. 

In 1864, Littleton T. Clarke, Thos. J. Blain and Thos. 
N. Williams, formed a co-partnership in merchandising 
in New Town. They kept a first class dry goods and 
grocery store. They continued in the business until 
1866, when they closed out. 

In 1867, Captain Robert Henry engaged in mercan- 
tile life in New Town. His store is a first class dry goods 
and grocery store. Captain Henry not only owns his- 
stock in trade, but three schooners, seven houses and 
several building lots and two farms. Some of the houses 
rank among the finest houses in the town. His 
entire property may be safely estimated at $30,000. In 
thus describing his wealth, the reader may be anxious to 
learn something of the man. 

Well, as I have known him from his infancy, it will give 
me pleasure to show him up as a wide-awake, sagacious 
business man. Let me say in the first place, however, 
that he is a man of color, and was raised to work. When 
but a boy he became a sailor, and was hand before the 
mast, and after he became his own man he laid up $1,400, 
the result of his hard labor on board of vessels. 

After this he joined Ashcraft & Risley in the vessel 
trade, and here was the mine of wealth which he struck. 
After some years this partnership dissolved, and since 
then he has operated by himself. 

Captain Henry has no education. He can neither read 
nor write, but although he is without this necessary quali- 
fication, yet he studies men and business; and there are 
but few more shrewd business men than Captain Henry. 
He has six children, and he is over 50 years of age. 

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.

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED.) 

In 1843, Captain Henry Long commenced merchan- 
dising, in New Town, and continued until 1855, in which 
year he died. His store was considered the poor man's 
store to deal at; he always kept a heavy stock of groceries, 
and sold his goods lower than others. 

It was said by some that there was no chance for other 
merchants in New Town, as long as Captain Long sold 
goods. His eventful life is worthy of notice in this history; 
in many respects he was a remarkable man; he com- 
menced life a poor boy, with but little education, engaged 
as cook on board of a schooner, and continued the life of 
a sailor until he was 63 years of age. He then engaged in 
the sale of goods until he died. He rose from the position 
of cook to be master and owner of his vessel. While 
engaged in the vessel trade he amassed considerable wealth. 

Captain Long, though comparatively uneducated, had 
studied human nature, and had as large a share of the 
knowledge of men as the most scientific. His was a 
decided character; integrity marked the whole course of 
his life. 

He was true to his engagements. No one ever feared 

that Captain Long would not meet his word. He was 

also kind and benevolent. Many a dollar he has given 

to the poor; he took a real pleasure in accommodating 

and helping those who were in need. 

Captain Harry Long, for so we used to call him, was a 
bachelor; and, as a matter of course, his associations were 
with the young folks. He was also quite eccentric; 
would make it a point to go to church at least twice a 
year, when the preacher would come on the circuit, and 
go again to hear his farewell discourse. 

On one occasion he went out to church; it so happened 
that the young preacher had the first appoint. Captain 
Long took his seat as usual near the door. After the 
sermon was over the young men gathered around him 
and asked him how he liked the discourse. Captain 
Long had a by-word, very pat, which he called "By 
Jing," and he was much in the habit of smacking his 
mouth and shrugging his shoulders in conversation. 
When he was asked, "How did you like the discourse?" 
he replied: " O! By Jing, boys," with a smack of the 
mouth and shrug of the shoulders, "that other preacher 
is a big preacher." 

"How do you know, Capt. Long, have you ever heard 
him?" "No, By Jing, I have never heard him, but I will 
tell you what I go by. They generally send them like 
shad — a big one and a little one together." 

Captain Long was full of fun for the young folks. 

Sometimes he tried his talent at poetry, for instance, the 

following as a sample : 

"As she slips she slides along, 
A trusty friend is hard to find." 

He was thoughtful and kind to the poor. He left in 
his will the sum of $2,500 to be appropriated towards 
educating the poor children in and around New Town. 
This sum was appropriated by the Commissioners or the 
School Board of the county, by and with the consent of 
the heirs of Captain Long, to the erection of the High 
School building in New Town. 

As this departure from the will was made, it was but 
just to the memory of Captain Long that the building 
should have been called the Henry Long High School. 

Captain Henry Long was brother to Captain John W. 
Long and David Long, and was the oldest of the three. 

When he died he was by his own request, buried in a 
pine coffin, by the side of his sister, Polly Henderson, in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church burying ground of New 
Town. 

The following inscription may be found upon the 
marble slab that covers his remains: 

" In memory of Henry Long, who was born the 27th 
of April, 1780, and died the 3rd day of January, 1855. 
Kind to the poor in his life, in death their wants were 
not forgotten." 

In 1855, John P. Hargis and William S. Dickinson 
commenced merchandising under the name of Hargis & 
Dickinson, at the corner of Market and Commerce Streets.

(Commerce Street was the former name of Clarke Avenue.)  
Previous to this, however, there was a firm by the name of 
Jones, Hearn & Co., which occupied the same stand, how 
long they did business I am not able to say. 

The store of Hargis & Dickinson was a first-class 
store, comprising dry goods and groceries, liquor excepted. 
This firm continued successfully until 1865, when by 
mutual consent, they dissolved partnership. 

John P. Hargis continued the business in his own 
name about six years and retired. 

William S. Dickinson again commenced mercantile 
life, forming a co-partnership with I. H. Merrill and F. H. 
Dryden, two enterprising young merchants, who were 
already selling goods under the firm of Merrill & Dryden. 
This connection with Merrill & Dryden took place in 
1867. This firm was known as Dickinson, Merrill & 
Dryden, Mr. Dickinson being already in possession of the 
store house, at the corner of Market and Commerce Streets. 
The firm, having an opportunity of renting the store- 
rooms adjoining, previously occupied by A. S. Stevens 
and James S. Primrose, connected the three together, 
having three entrances on Market street and one on Com- 
merce Street, and the buildings being so connected that 
customers could pass from one apartment of the store to 
the other without going out of doors. They arranged 
their stock in trade in three departments, occupying the 
central room for dry goods and notions, with groceries, 
hardware, & liquor excepted, on one side; and boots, 
shoes and gentlemen's furnishing goods on the other. This 
firm did a heavy business from 1867 to 1874, when by mutual 
agreement they dissolved partnership, each one taking a 
department and continuing the business in the separate 
branches so as not to conflict with each others interests. In 
this division, William S. Dickinson the dry goods and 
notion department, I. H. Merrill the boot, shoe and gen- 
tlemen's furnishing department, F. H. Dryden the gro- 
cery and hardware department. Here were three stores 
made out of one, each one doing a good business. 

In 1878, F. H. Dryden sold out his stock of goods to 
H. T. Stevenson and E. F. Gibbons, this firm continued 
business but a short time, when E. F. Gibbons sold out to 
H. T. Stevenson, and Mr. Stevenson then took as a part- 
ner Dr. Sidney W. Handy, the firm now doing business 
under the name of Stevenson & Co. In the fall of 1881 
they added to the hardware and grocery department that 
of dry goods, boots and shoes, and are doing a thriving 
business. 

Stevenson & Co., are the first in Pocomoke City to 
introduce into their business house an elevator. 

At the commencement of 1881, Mr. I. H. Merrill took 
into partnership, with himself, two sprightly young men of 
this place, James P. Plain and William F. King, and the 
business of the house is now transacted by this company. 
William S. Dickinson has associated with the dry goods 
business, that of furniture also, and as I have given a brief 
history of Mr. Dickinson as a merchant, I feel it a pleasure, 
to give a synopsis of his life, as I have known him from 
his infancy. He was born the fifteenth day of March, 
1833. Forty years ago, or more, he was a member of the 
Sabbath School, in this place, and I often call up in 
memory the Sabbath School Exhibitions of those days, 
and the speeches of those who were then children but now 
are the venerable fathers and mothers of the present day. 
Frequently in meeting Mr. Dickinson on the street and 
elsewhere, I think of him on the stage in delivering his 
speech, commencing with, "you will scarce expect one 
of my age, to speak in public on the stage, etc." 

He was always a good boy, thoughtful, studious and 
industrious. 

At the age of thirteen he entered the store of his 
cousin, Joseph Bratton, Esq., at Barren Creek Springs, 
then Somerset county, Md., as clerk. He remained in 
this situation about fifteen months, when he returned to 
New Town. 

After returning home he went to school about one 
year, when he entered the store of Captain Henry Long, 
in 1848, as clerk. He remained in this situation until the 
death of Captain Long, which event took place in 1855. 
It was found by the last will and testament of Captain 
Long that William S. Dickinson, in connection with his 
father, James T. Dickinson, were left executors of his 
estate. 

This was no small amount of confidence which Cap- 
tain Long reposed in Mr. Dickinson, as the estate was a 
heavy one. 

Integrity has marked his whole life, and if it were 
possible that one could be conscientious to a fault, I would 
say that of him. He is a ruling Elder in the Presbyterian 
Church in Pocomoke City. He has three children — two 
daughters and a son, who are an honor to his name, and 
adorn his home with bright sunshine, and are as precious 
gems around his table of plenty. 

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.

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

During John S. Stevenson's mercantile life, there were 
other stores in the place, namely: William R. Truitt, 
Burroughs & Davis, Maddux & Fields, James Stevenson, 
and probably others. Some of them did quite a heavy 
business. They were all good citizens and their trade 
yielded them a fair income. 

There is only one of this number that I shall give an 
extended account of, and this is James Stevenson, and it is 
because of the novelty of his case. 

He commenced to sell goods at an early date, in New 
Town, prior to this, however, he taught school. 

I have heard it said of him that he commenced mer- 
chandising on a capital of eighty dollars. His store, of 
course, was a small affair, but his trade was sufficient to 
give him a comfortable living. He dealt principally in 
sugar, coffee, molasses, pork, liquor, tobacco and a few of 
the coarser dry goods. He was magistrate during a great 
part of his mercantile life. 

He went by the name of little Jimmie, in consequence 
of his being small of stature. 

He sold goods for thirty years, during all that time he 
never visited the city, but purchased his goods by proxy. 
He died 1861, aged sixty-seven years, and his tomb 
stands in the Presbyterian Cemetery, of Pocomoke City. 

In 1840, Grove & Harris bought out the stock in trade- 
of John S. Stevenson, and pursued the mercantile business, 
until 1844, when they retired. 

In 1844, William J. S. Clarke and William H.T.Clarvoe 
united in co-partnership, in the sale of goods, in New 
Town, under the firm of Clarke & Clarvoe, which firm 
continued successfully for eight years, when by mutual, 
consent they dissolved partnership. 

Mr. Clarke, at slight intervals, has conducted a business, 
on a large scale ever since; part of the time by himself 
and the balance of the time with his son, Edward H.- 
Clarke, and his brother John H. Clarke. 

His business career runs nearly thirty-eight years. 

He built the first steamboat, the first Marine railway, 
and the first three masted schooner on the Eastern Shore. 
He has during his time built from forty to fifty vessels. 
During the last sixteen years he has, in common with his. 
brother, run the steam mill business and Marine railway, 
which have done an average business of $40,000 annually. 
He owns ten thousand acres of land, some of it is (?) iia 
fme estates. 

He also owns thirty houses and lots, and amongst 
them is the well known Clarke House, which is one of the 
first Hotels on the Eastern Shore. He is also one of the 
directors and stockholders of the Eastern Shore Steam- 
boat Company. He has been twice married, his first wife 
was Miss Amanda C. Clarvoe, daughter of the well-known 
Dr. John B. H. W. Clarvoe ; his second wife was Miss Eliza- 
beth A. Hargis, daughter of Thomas M. Hargis. He has 
four children, two by each wife. 

It will be no detriment to Mr. Clarke to say that he was 
a poor boy. He was born the twenty-third day of June, 
1823, in Somerset county, near this place. His mother 
died when he was two weeks old; he was then taken and 
raised by Captain Robert W. Swan, whose wife was a 
relative of his mother. 

Captain Swan, being a New Englander and a sea cap- 
tain was well educated: consequently he was well pre- 
pared to give Mr. Clarke a liberal education, for those days, 
which he did. 

Mr. Clarke began his mercantile life with John S.

 
Stevenson, in the fall of 1838, in the fifteenth year of his 

age. He remained with Mr. Stevenson two years. In 

1840, he went to New Orleans at the age of seventeen 

years, and remained there until 1844, when he returned 

again to New Town and commenced to do business for 

himself as before stated. 

In Mr. Clarke's case, we can see what can be done by 
a man of push, who is determined to succeed, for he had 
nothing to commence on but the wide world in which to 
apply his active mind, and this scrap of his life shows how 
well he has played his part. 

There are two features of his character that are 
worthy of notice: 

The first is, that he is an indomitable worker, always 
full of business and always at business. The second is, an 
ardent desire to promote his friends. 

About 1835, Joseph Fisher engaged in the sale of 
goods in New Town, he occupied the old stand of his- 
father-in law, Stephen Redden, for several years and then, 
moved to the city of Baltimore. 

Between 1844 and 1850, there were several other
stores in New Town, such as: William Townsend, Irving 
Merrill, William T. Hearn, Oliver Jones, J. Francis Hen- 
derson and David H. Long, doing business under the 
firm of Henderson and Long, Quinn and Sturgis, Ashcraft 
and Risley; after a while David Long drew out of the 
firm of Henderson and Long, and Henderson took as a 
partner, George W. Hargis, then James Sturgis as a third 
partner. After continuing sometime Henderson bought 
out Hargis and Sturgis and transacted business by himself; 
after continuing by himself for some time, he took as part- 
ners his brother Henry Henderson and Levin Conner. 

During this partnership J. Francis Henderson died, 
then Henry Henderson and Levin Conner conducted the 
business for two years, when Conner sold out to Hender- 
son, then Henry Henderson transacted business in his own 
name for five years or until 1865, when he closed out. 

All the above named stores were first-class stores, and 
the proprietors were all highly reputable men; they have 
all passed away except Henry Henderson and Levin 
Conner, who are still living in this place, and David H.. 
Long, who lives in the City of Baltimore, and is engaged 
in a very extensive wholesale phosphate house, as general 
agent. 

Mr. Long is something over fifty years of age, of 
high moral character, of tried integrity, and has ever been 
found faithful to all trusts committed to his care, and is 
worthy of any position of trust and responsibility which 
may be placed in his hands. 

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.

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

After the death of Edward Stevenson, David Long, 
who was his chief clerk, married his widow, settled his 
estate, and commenced merchandising, in his own name, 
at the same stand where he had been clerking. 

He sold goods until 1832, during which year he died. 
He was buried on his father's farm, at present occupied by 
William W. Quinn. 

Upon his tomb stone is the following inscription: 
"In memory of David Long, who was born the 23rd 
day of November, 1788, and died the 4th day of May, 
1832, Aged forty-three years, five months, and eleven 
days." 

"Ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains, 
Draw near with pious reverence and attend. 
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains, 

The tender father and the generous friend, 
The pitying heart that felt for human woe, 

The dauntless heart that feared no human pride, 
The friend of man, to vice alone a foe; 

For even his failings leaned to virtue's side." 

As David Long was one of the most successful mer- 
chants in the early history of New Town, it is but just to- 
his memory that a brief sketch of his life should here be 
inserted. 

He was born the 23rd day of November, 1778, and 
reared on his father's farm until he entered Edward 
Stevenson's store as clerk. 

How old he was when this change in his life took place 
we are left to conjecture, at all events he must have been 
quite a large boy. 

As it was attended with no little difficulty in getting 
even the rudiments of an education, in those days, it is 
presumable that the advantages which he had in the store, 
in the use of the pen, and figures, was of great service to 
him in developing his latent powers as an accountant. He 
commenced business for himself when he was twenty- 
seven years old, and for sixteen years he applied himself 
closely to business. When he died, in 1832, he had 
amassed, what might be called, an Eastern Shore fortune, 
the probable sum of $40,000. 

He was a man of even temperament, with an amiable 
disposition, polite, obliging, and very winning in his man- 
ners, consequently he was very popular; indeed, he had 
won the respect and confidence of the entire surrounding 
country, and it would have been a futile effort in anyone 
to have sought to divide the patronage that went into his 
store. 

Captain John W. Long commenced the mercantile 
business, in New Town, in 1815. During this year he 
married Miss Sally Laws Henderson, a young lady of 
intellectual culture and high moral worth. 

Captain Long was a brother to David Long and was 
his senior by two years. While yet a youth he chose 
the life of a sailor, and made his first voyage to Amster- 
dam, in a brig built on the dividing creek. He rose, from 
before the mast, to be captain of a ship. 

During the Berlin and Milan decrees, under Napoleon 
Bonaparte, he was taken prisoner and carried to Naples; 
upon his release, he returned home, and, as already 
stated, he commenced merchandising in New Town. 

His store ranked as first-class, though he did not do 
business to the extent that his brother David did. He 
was engaged in the sale of goods nineteen years. He was 
the father of four children, only two of whom are now 
living: Rev. John D. Long and David H. Long, and was 
grandfather of William W. and John L. Quinn. 

Captain Long was an intelligent, unassuming and 
strictly honest man. He was the poor man's friend, a kind 
husband and father, and died honored and loved by all who 
knew him. I have the following from the old family 
Bible, now in the possession of William W. Quinn: 

"Captain John W. Long, was born the 22nd day of 
October, 1786, near New Town, and died the 27th day of 
May, 1834, in the 48th year of his age." 

There were other stores in New Town at the time of 
which I have been speaking, namely: Jacob Riggin and 
John Burnett, doing business under the firm of Riggin 
& Burnett; their store ranked as first-class. 

The others were kept by Samuel Carey, McKimmie 
Lecompte, father of the venerable James Lecompte, of 
Snow Hill; and Nicholas Jones. John Burnett was uncle- 
to William S. Dickinson, Mrs. Sally Blain and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Hughes; and was the best penman in New 
Town, in his day. He finally moved to the City of Balti- 
more, where he died. 

John S. Stevenson succeeded David Long, and com- 
menced the sale of goods in 1833. He sold goods about, 
nine years, when he retired from mercantile life. 

Mr. Stevenson was very popular, indeed, he was the 
leading spirit of the place, in his day, he seemed to seek 
more the public good than his own emolument. 

He was quite a mechanical genius, could construct 
almost any agricultural implement that would make labor 
easier, and in this direction he was much sought after. 
In 1833, he conceived the idea of stretching a rope 
across the river, at Steven's Ferry, by which the propul- 
sion of the ferry boat was conducted with greater ease. 

Before this event, the boat was propelled by oars, which 
mode of crossing, in stormy weather, was attended with 
great danger. 

He had a high sense of moral rectitude, was strictly 
honest in his dealings, was a warm friend, and out-spoken 
and un-compromising in his denunciations of those he 
conceived to be in the wrong. 

In 1854, he went to the state of Missouri, and in 1867 he 
died, in the city of Hannibal, in the 60th year of his age. 

About the year 1833, Colonel William H. Merrill com- 
menced merchandising, in New Town, he was also engaged 
in the shipping business; he had an extensive trade, and 
made considerable money; he sold goods about thirty 
years, and retired from active life. 

Colonel Merrill was a native of Worcester County, 
served an apprenticeship at the hatting business with Jacob 
Rogers, in the city of Baltimore. 

He commenced the hatting business for himself in Snow 
Hill, married Miss Eliza Stevenson, of this place, and 
moved here, where he continued the hatting business until 
the above named period, when he commenced to sell 
goods. 

He was quite a business man, accommodating, obliging, 
polite, and dignified in his manners; was a warm friend 
and quite genial in social bearing. 

He lived to a good old age, and died at home, in the 
midst of his friends, at the age of seventy-two years; his 
remains were deposited in the Protestant Episcopal Church 
Burying Ground, of this place.

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.

MERCANTILE ASPECT. 

In presenting the Mercantile aspect of New Town, 
now Pocomoke City, I shall give with it, a brief sketch of 
the lives of many who have been and are still engaged in 
the sale of goods. 

I have no information of any merchant in New Town 
earlier than 1790 or 1800. 

During that period, there was a Frenchman, by the 
name of Boozee, who settled in New Town, and com- 
menced the sale of goods. 

He lived on the lot which faces on Market, Front and 
Willow Streets; his store was on the corner of Market 
and Front Streets. 

How long he was engaged in the trade I have no 
information; he was a man of some wealth, and when he 
died, Colonel Levin Pollett settled his estate. He had a 
wife and one child, his wife died some time after him; 
they were both buried on the lot where they lived. What 
became of the daughter I have no information. 

In 1803 Michael Murray settled in New Town, and 
commenced the sale of goods; his dwelling and store 
house both were on the lot where William J. S. Clarke now 
lives. He was also engaged in the shipping business. He 
sold goods until 1818 when he retired from mercantile 
life. He accumulated considerable property. For several 
years after he retired from the busy whirl of mercantile 
life, he served as Post-Master for New Town. 

In 1827, he moved to the City of Baltimore, where in 
1831, he died, being at the time of his death sixty-nine 
years of age. 

Somewhere near 1803, Edward Stevenson settled in 
New Town, and commenced merchandising. He lived on 
the lot where Mrs. Mary Merrill now lives. His store- 
house was on the Hargis lot adjoining William Redden's 
House. Afterwards he built the store house, where Town- 
send and Stevenson sell goods, at the corner of Front 
Street and Public Square; here he continued store keep- 
ing until he died, which event took place in 1816. 

Sometime after he came to New Town, he built the 
dwelling house now occupied by his grandson, Jacob- 
Stevenson, and lived in it until his death. He left a widow 
and six children. He also amassed considerable wealth, 
and left each one of his children a handsome property. 
His tomb is in the Methodist Episcopal Church burying 
ground, of this place, with the following inscription upon, 
the marble slab that covers his remains: 

" In memory of Edward Stevenson, who was born,. 
February 14th, 1771, and died the 22nd day of September, 
1816, aged forty-five years, seven months and eight- 
days." 

During the time aforesaid, there were several other- 
stores in New Town, kept by Jesse Henderson, Stephen 
Redden, Joshua Sturgis, and a young man by the name of 
Bounds; but Michael Murray and Edward Stevenson were, 
the leading merchants of their day. 

The articles of merchandise, by the leading stores, were 
the finest dress goods, such as silks, satins, cambrics, Irish: 
linen, broad cloths, cassimeres, together with all other dry- 
goods, hardware, crockeryware, and a general stock of 
groceries and spirituous liquors. 

The other stores dealt in groceries, liquors and the more- 
common dry goods. 

As Jesse Henderson, Stephen Redden and Joshua 
Sturgis were old citizens of New Town, it is but just to 
their memory that the following tribute should here be 
inserted : 

Jesse Henderson was a ship carpenter by trade; when 
he commenced the sale of goods, and how long he was 
engaged in it, I have no knowledge. With him, his wife, 
daughter and grandchildren, I have been most intimately 
acquainted. He was an honest, upright man in his deal- 
ings, very retired in his disposition, and highly respected 
by the entire community. He was great grandfather to 
Edward H. Clarke and Mrs. Mary Quinn. He died in 
1832 or'33, and his remains rest in the old Long Burying 
Ground, on the farm now occupied by William W. Quinn, 
where the most of the Long family, who have deceased, 
are buried. 

His wife, aunt Polly Henderson, for so we used to call 
her, was a most exemplary woman, I knew her well from 
my infancy to the time of her death. 

While I am giving some account of her husband, I feel 
it due to her name to say that she was my ideal of a model 
wife. She was a keeper-at-home, no gadder-about, no 
tattler, no busy-body in other people's business. I never 
heard her speak an unkind word of anyone; always had a 
pleasant word and pleasant face. 

She died in a good old age, and was buried in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church Burying ground, of this 
place. 

Stephen Redden sold goods, in New Town, for many 
years, and, although his stock in trade was not so exten- 
sive as the heaviest merchants, yet his business yielded 
him a comfortable support. He raised an intelligent 
family of children, one of which was considered to be the 
smartest young man in New Town, in his day; I allude to 
his son, George S. Redden, whose history will be given 
under another heading. 

Stephen Redden was a good citizen, peaceable, inoffen- 
sive, and full of fun; he was somewhat beyond middle life 
when he died. He was buried in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church burying ground, in New Town. 

Joshua Sturgis was one of the best of men, and his wife 
was equally as good as he was. They were the salt of the 
earth in all that was good and great; great in the sense of 
natural and mental gifts, for they raised a family of boys, 
whose talents for mathematics have never been excelled 
by any boys raised in New Town. They both passed 
away, at a good old age, as ripe shocks of corn ready for 
the garner.

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.

TOWN LIMITS. 

We will now proceed to consider the geographical 
position or town limits of the place. 

There were no incorporate lines encircling it then as we 
have now, so that I shall have to prescribe them for the 
town as it existed as late as 1820. As the Hill or Public 
Square was the center of the town, the reader will start 
with me from this place, and go out Front Street as far as 
the Bridge Causeway, or Colonel Merrill's property, thence 
take a straight course to the corner of Market and Second 
Streets, thence out Second to Willow Street, thence down 
Willow to the junction of Willow and Front Streets, thence 
on Front to the Hill or Public Square. 

These limits may be safely considered as the boundary 
lines of New Town as late as the above date. In order to 
have a more perfect view of the place, at this date, we will 
begin with a description of its County Wharf, Public 
Square, Streets and Houses. The County Wharf lies 
directly between Messrs. Clark, and Smullen & Brother's 
granaries, and is twenty-eight feet long. I have tried to 
find the date when this wharf was built, by having the 
record of Worcester and Somerset counties both searched, 
but have failed; the presumption is, however, that it's 
date reaches back to 1700, which is the date of the build- 
ing of the Tobacco Warehouse. The reader may now 
stand upon this wharf and contemplate the fact, that sixty 
years ago there was naught on either side of it, but bramble, 
tuckahoes and mud flats. It is true there was a shoal or 
canoe landing at the foot of Willow Street, more in the 
direction of Fontain's ice house, where we used to fasten 
our canoes, and also a landing at the old Shipyard: the 
same place that is used as a shipyard by James T. Young. 

The Public Square or Hill, as we used to call it, was 
sixty years ago, a hill of some prominence, but time has 
leveled it. It was then, as now, entirely surrounded by 
houses, though of a different character, while now they 
are all business houses ; then they were all family resi- 
dences, with one or two exceptions, Consequently the hill 
was the center of the town for business and social life. 

Here the men and boys would meet in the evenings and 
have their sports, plays and social pastimes; here, too, the 
merchants would pile their lumber, consisting of planks, 
laths, etc. Here, on this hill, I have witnessed many a 
hard fight, and many funny scenes. 

There were four principal streets, which were called 
roads, namely: Market Street, which was called Virginia 
road; Second Street, which was called Cedar Hall Road; 
Front Street, winding round into Linden Street and 
onward, was called the Snow Hill Road; and lastly, the 
old Ferry Road, which had its convergence in the Snow 
Hill Road, leading to the Hill or Public Square. There 
were two or three other streets, which were of minor 
importance, only one of which might be recognized as a 
public thorough-fare, and that was Willow Street. 

Within the limits of the town, there. were twenty-eight 
dwelling houses and seven or eight business houses com- 
prising stores and mechanical shops. Outside of those 
limits, there were five houses, occupied by families, which 
might be considered suburban residences. 

The old Methodist Episcopal Church that stood on the 
site of the present one, which now is in the heart of the 
town, was then in the suburbs, in full conformity with the 
old custom to put the Church out of town. 

The houses were mostly one story high, they were 
built out of good material, and in workmanlike order, for 
those days. Some were finished inside with beautiful 
Danel (?) work, others again were lathed and plastered, while 
many were never finished at all. 

In order to ascertain the population of the town, we 
may calculate five to a family, the probabilities of which 
the reader can determine, as well as myself, we have then 
'within its limits one hundred and forty-persons; if we 
include the five suburban families, on the same basis, we 
"have twenty-five more, making the aggregate one hundred 
and sixty-five persons living in New Town and its precincts 
as late as 1820. I have thus given a description of New 
Town, of its County Wharf, Public Square, Houses, 
Streets, and Town Limits, up to 1820, and shall close this 
part of the history by saying that the old Tobacco Ware- 
house, which had served its day during Colonial times, 
was, after the independence of the Colonies and the 
establishment of the currency of the Republic in dollars 
-and cents, left to decay, and having stood until about 1819 
was finally torn down. 

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC, 

Of the enlargement and general improvement of the 
town, from 1820 to the present time, (1882.) 

For the first two decades there was no advancement of 
any extent in this direction. 

From 1840 to i860, enterprise seemed to lay its hand 
upon New Town and claim it for its subject. New build- 
ings were erected, of modern taste, comprising store 
houses, dwelling houses, churches and an academy; some 
of them reaching out into the suburbs. For all the- 
country from the corner of Market and Second Streets, all 
around, was unoccupied save a few dwellings which were- 
scattering. 

Where the Protestant Episcopal and Methodist Pro- 
testant Churches now stand, together with all other - 
houses on the eastern side of Market Street, was a farm, 
and the old homestead was where Captain Isaac N. Veasey 
now lives. All the country on the south-west side of 
Market Street, save a few unimportant small dwellings,, 
was cultivated lots and woods. All the land from Littleton 
Duer's corner, the south-eastern side of Second Street, 
running to Cedar street, embracing the high school and 
beyond, was a field in which I have worked many a day, 
when a little boy. "hoeing corn." 

"In 1865, an act of incorporation was secured, and in it' 
full power and authority was given the Town Commis- 
sioners to widen and straighten old streets, and to lay out 
and construct new ones, and to perform such other acts 
as, in their judgment, might be required to secure the 
health, happiness and prosperity of the town." 

"At the first election held under this charter, the people 
chose C. C. Lloyd, W. S. C. Polk, Charles Marshall, 
Joseph Riley and W. J. Long, for Town Commissioners, 
all good and active men, who soon showed, by their acts, 
that they were intent on improvements." 

" They appointed a commission composed of Edward. 
S. Young, Dr. John L. Hearn, and William S. Dickinson, 
to make a survey of the town, and to straighten and widen 
the old streets and lay out several new ones. They per- 
formed their duty promptly and well, and soon the town 
began to assume something like proportion and regularity. 
No one, unacquainted with New Town at that period, 
can imagine the vast changes and improvements made by 
these acts." 

The above quotations I have taken from Dr. John T. B. 
McMaster's Centennial Address, delivered before the 
people of Pocomoke City, on the 4th of July, 1876. 
The reader will learn that the above commission 
extended the limits of New Town about three-fourths of a 
mile, in every direction, from the Public Square, save from 
its north-western course, as in that direction it is bounded 
by the Pocomoke river, upon whose southern side the 
town lies. 

From 1865 down to the present day, progress, unprece- 
dented by the past, has marked its course, so that now we 
have in New Town, or Pocomoke City, well laid out- 
streets, some of which are macadamized and contribute, 
in no little degree, to the enjoyment of an evening drive. 

There are within the limits of the corporation about two- 
hundred and twenty-five houses, comprising dwellings, 
store houses, mechanical shops, steam mills, churches, the- 
Clark house and high-school building, both of which are 
ornaments to the place. Indeed, the high-school building 
is of such a character as to call forth, in terms of praise,, 
the declaration from the Superintendent of Public Schools 
of Maryland, in an address, delivered before the citizens 
of New Town, that "it was the finest school building on 
the Eastern Shore of Maryland." 

The dwelling houses are of modern style, and are, with 
few exceptions, fine buildings, indeed, some of them are 
of a palatial character, while the churches, seven in num- 
ber, are all good buildings, and amply accommodate, with 
seats, the church going people of Pocomoke City. 

Before closing our history of New Town, in its buildings 
and general improvements, from its earliest history to the 
present, we are compelled to record the fact, that its old 
name is no more, it has passed away, together with its 
former inhabitants, and they all lie in the grave together. 

The reader will be informed that the citizens of the 
place, by an almost unanimous request, petitioned the 
Legislature of Maryland for a new name, setting forth in 
that petition their desire that it should be called Pocomoke 
City, and by an action of the General Assembly of Mary- 
land, held in 1878, it was so named. 

The credit of this change is due chiefly to the Rev. T. 
O. Ayres, who was the prime mover in the whole affair. 

Now we take rank with other names of modern date 
and with modern advancement, with a population of 
1500 inhabitants. 

CONTINUES NEXT SATURDAY HERE AT THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE.