Biographies - A

Richard H. ALVEY

Hon. Richard H. Alvey, chief judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, and judge of the Court of Appeals, was the eldest child of George and Harriet (nee Wicklin) Alvey, and born on the 6th of March, 1826, in St. Mary's County, Md. Both of his parents were of English descent, and belonged to families which were among the oldest and most distinguished in Southern Maryland. Straitened family circumstances, however, did not permit them to give their eldest son a liberal education, and his early intellectual training was confined within the unpretentious limits offered by the curriculum of a county school taught by his father. In 1844, when only eighteen years of age, he entered the clerk's office of Charles County, where he held the position of deputy clerk for several years, and while thus employed began the study of law, which he prosecuted principally at night, after the daily routine of regular duties had been brought to a close. In 1849 he was admitted to the bar in Charles County, and in the early part of 1850 removed to Western Maryland and settled in Washington County, where he has ever since resided. He commenced his professional career in partnership with the late Judge John Thomson Mason, and was subsequently associated for a time with the present Governor of Maryland, Hon. William T. Hamilton.

He had been at the bar but a short time when he discovered (as the great majority of young, lawyers soon discover), that it was necessary to supplement his previous preparation by thorough reading and a systematic course of study. He did, however, what so few young lawyers do on discovering their deficiencies, --set at once and energetically to work to supply them. Law-schools and learned professors to make smooth the road of professional knowledge were not so abundant as at the present day, and aspirants for legal honors were forced to rely to a large extent upon their own judgment as to the best method of mastering the unarranged material which was to be digested and assimilated. The subject of this notice had the good sense to appreciate the necessity for systematic and intelligent study, and commencing anew on a comprehensive plan, pursued a regular course from the foundation up, beginning with Littleton and Coke. This course, in connection with his practice, which was meantime steadily increasing, occupied him for several years, and when completed gave him a professional soundness and thoroughness of which few young lawyers can boast. His natural aptitude for law, his conscientious and thorough preparation of his cases, his fidelity to the interests of his clients, his marked ability, and his spotless integrity rendered anything but success impossible, and he soon stood in the front rank of his profession in Western Maryland.

Although Judge Alvey came of a strong Whig family, he became an earnest disciple of the political principles of Mr. Jefferson at the very outset of his career. His political opinions were formed in rather an accidental way. Just before he arrived at manhood he happened to become the owner of a copy of Prof. Tucker's "Life of Jefferson," and as he was not then the owner of many books, he read and reread this with great care. He thus became thoroughly acquainted with Jefferson's doctrines with respect to questions of civil government, national policy, and constitutional law, and the opinions then formed have been only strengthened and confirmed by the experience of succeeding years. In addition to the influence exercised in the formation of his political views by the work already mentioned, one of the earliest law-books which fell into his hands was an old copy of that now much neglected but still valuable treasury of political and constitutional law, Tucker's "Blackstone." He not only read carefully the text of Blackstone, but Judge Tucker's admirable appendix, wherein are discussed most clearly the questions of the sources of sovereignty and the power of legislation, the forms of Government, the various provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and the sources of the unwritten or common law as it has been introduced and practiced in this country. The theory that pervades Mr. Tucker's discussion of these subjects is that of Mr. Jefferson, and it made a very deep and lasting impression upon the mind of the youthful reader.

Thus Judge Alvey commenced life with views upon political and constitutional questions which were the result of independent investigation, not of training or prejudice, and brought to the discharge of his duties as a citizen an amount of information on these subjects that is rarely possessed by much older men. His familiarity with the political history of the country, and his thorough and clear comprehension of the great principles of constitutional government enunciated by Mr. Jefferson, soon brought him into notice, and the

year after his removal to Washington County he was induced to become the Democratic candidate for the State Senate, the opposition candidate being the late Judge French. The county was then strongly Whig, and the Democratic candidate was a comparative stranger, but, nothing daunted by the discouraging prospect, he canvassed the county in company with his Whig opponent, and the result, to their mutual surprise, was a tie vote. The Whigs, however, grew alarmed, and, redoubling their efforts, succeeded in defeating, Judge Alvey in the second election by a few votes only. Probably this defeat was the most fortunate circumstance for the State that could have occurred, as it doubtless prevented his being, tempted from the severer duties of his profession to the more seductive sphere of political life,--a result which would have given the country a profound constitutional lawyer and a great statesman, but would have lost to Maryland one of the brightest ornaments of her bench. In 1852, Judge Alvey was nominated as one of the Pierce electors, and with several of his associates canvassed the greater portion of the State, which they carried triumphantly for the Democratic candidate.

While Judge Alvey, in common with a very large majority of the people of Maryland at the beginning of the sectional troubles in 1860, felt that many of the grievances of the South were well founded, and that there was no constitutional authority for a war of coercion, he never believed in the doctrine of secession, and never advocated the extreme and unwise measures adopted by the Southern States. The idea of hostile invasion of one section of the country by another seemed to the great majority of the people of Maryland at that time as nothing less than the total subversion of the fundamental principles of the union of States. Judge Alvey did not hesitate to proclaim his opinions, which in his view were entirely consistent with his obligations to the general government, and his known opposition to the war soon made him a marked man. On the 2d of June, 1861, immediately after the arrival of the Union army at Hagerstown, he was arrested in his office at night by a military squad upon the charge (which was totally unfounded) that he was holding communication with the enemy, and taken to the headquarters of the army, where he was treated with great rudeness and indignity. After being, closely confined in Hagerstown for several days he was sent to Fort McHenry, at Baltimore, from there to Fort Lafayette, New York, and thence to Fort Warren, in Boston Harbor, where be was detained, with the other Maryland State prisoners, until the following February, when he was allowed to return home upon parole.

The close of the war found a large portion of the people of the State disfranchised and otherwise deprived of their rights as citizens, and Judge Alvey was among the first in Western Maryland to move for the restoration of their liberties. A large number of the best citizens had been excluded from the juries, and one of the first measures deemed essential to rectify this evil was the adoption of a new jury system. Judge Alvey, accordingly, drafted the present jury law in force in the counties, with the exception of some slight changes recently made, and attended the Legislature at the session of 1867 to procure its passage. The bill was passed as he prepared it first, as a local law applicable only to Washington, Frederick, and Carroll Counties, but before the session closed it was converted into a general law, and passed for all the counties in the State.

The same Legislature which passed the jury law passed the act calling the Constitutional Convention of 1867, which framed the present constitution of the State. Judge Alvey was sent to that convention as a delegate from Washington County, and was made chairman of one of the principal committees of that body.--that on representation. He took an active and influential part in all the proceedings of the convention, and contributed greatly to the satisfactory completion of its labors, by his large experience, broad views, and profound knowledge of political and constitutional questions. Under the new constitution he became a candidate for chief judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, embracing the counties of Allegany, Washington, and Garrett, and judge of the Court of Appeals of Maryland, and was elected in the fall of 1867. He has held these positions ever since, participating in the decision of many important cases, some of them affecting most deeply the welfare of the entire State, and has discharged the duties of his high office with honor to himself and to the universal satisfaction of the people of Maryland. Few men have ever been upon the bench in Maryland who have graced it more, who have better sustained the dignity and strict impartiality of the judicial office, or have brought to the discharge of its important duties a richer store of legal knowledge, a more discriminating judgment, or a clearer and more vigorous intellect.

Judge Alvey was first married in 1856, to Mary Wharton, eldest daughter of the late Dr. John O. Wharton and niece of Judge Mason. She died in 1860, leaving one child surviving her. In the fall of 1862 Judge Alvey married Julia I. Hays, only daughter of the late Dr. Joseph C. Hays, of Washington County, by whom he has had a large family of children.

Source: History of Western Maryland by J. Thomas Scharf, published in 1882

Davison Armstrong

DAVISON ARMSTRONG was reared in Allegany county, and acquired his early education in the common schools. While yet a boy he learned surveying from his father, and subsequently he was engaged for six years as clerk to the county commissioners. In 1883 he became agent for the Bordon Mining Company at Frostburg, which responsibility he has since sustained, although he has carried other large interests as well for many years past. In 1893 he was one of the organizers of the Citizens National Bank of Frostburg, and has served as president from the beginning, this financial institution having meantime become one of the most trusted in Western Maryland, largely because of the high character of its officials. The capital stock is $50,000; the deposits are $1,250,000, and the surplus is $100,000. The first board of directors, in addition to Mr. Armstrong, was composed of the following gentlemen: Thomas Humbertson, vice-president; A. J. Wilson, H. B. Shaffer, Henry Williams, Howard Hitchins, H. B. Colburn, W. A. Hitchins, and Frank Watts, cashier. There have been but few changes since then. Mr. Humbertson served as vice-president until his death in February, 1919, in his one-hundredth year. Mr. Shaffer was succeeded upon his death by G. H. Wittig, and when the latter resigned he was succeeded by J. S. Brophy. A. J. Willison was succeeded by his son Lawrence D. Willison. No one was chosen to succeed the late Henry Williams, W. A. Hitchins died about 1920, and was succeeded by his brother E. G. Hitchins. For nineteen years the bank did business in the Stanton Opera House Building, but in 1912 moved into its new home at Broadway and Union streets. The site was purchased in July, 1910, from Hitchins, Watts & Hitchins, and a modern two-story fireproof banking building was erected, which is one of the most beautiful and imposing in the State, outside of Baltimore. It is of Ohio sandstone, with concrete floors and roof, and has fireproof and burglarproof vaults. The main banking room occupies the greater portion of the first floor, being 26 by 65 feet in dimensions, with the president's and directors' rooms at the rear; the second floor is fitted up for office rooms. The furnishings are luxurious and altogether in keeping with the traditions of this substantial institution.

Mr. Armstrong's other main interest is the Big Savage Fire Brick Company, of which he has been president ever since its organization in 1902. The company's plant at Frostburg is the largest brick manufacturing plant of that locality, and is one of the most extensive in Western Maryland, and as modern and complete as may be found anywhere. The company began the erection of this plant immediately upon its organization, and had its activities so well ordered that within a few years it had attained a prominent place in the commercial world, its patronage coming from every part of the western hemisphere. Perfection of product and service has been the aim of the operators from the outset, and the reputation they now enjoy in both respects show that they have kept their ideals alive. Mr. Armstrong and his associates are not only good business men in the general meaning of the term, but also thoroughly versed in every branch of brick and tile manufacture and the marketing of such products, and Big Savage Fire Brick is now favorably known and used in almost every State of the Union and Canada. The product is adaptable for use in all kinds of furnaces, or wherever heat is generated. Its rapid rise in popularity is a recognition of conscientious production as well as enterprising selling methods. Mr. Armstrong's fellow officials in this company are: Davison A. Benson, vice-president, treasurer and general manager; Miss Era Clark, secretary; Lawrence D. Willison, F. A. Buckholtz, Fred. Wehner and J. R. Atkinson, associate directors.

In public spirit and loyalty to the interests of his home community, Mr. Armstrong has been among its most prominent citizens for nearly half a century, and although not directly interested in public affairs, has always supported the men and measures which he considered most desirable, using his strong influence judiciously. He is a Republican on political questions. An active member and liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Frostburg for more than fifty years, he is one of its pillars.

In 1882 Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Isabella M. Staples, of Frostburg, a daughter of William and Patience Staples, and a member of an old family of English origin which settled in Maine.

John M. Armstrong

JOHN M. ARMSTRONG comes from an old Virginia family, and was born in Highland county of that State in 1863, during the Civil War. His father was Oliver Armstrong, who was born in Highland county, Virginia, in 1836. His mother was Elizabeth J. (Davis) Armstrong, who was born in Pendleton county, then in Virginia, now West Virginia, in 1841. His paternal grandfather was George Armstrong, born in Highland county, Virginia, and his paternal grandmother was Lucy Hiner, born in Highland county, Virginia. His maternal grandfather was John Davis, born in Pendleton county, then in Virginia, now West Virginia, in 1808. His maternal grandmother was Acenitt Conrad, who was also born in Pendleton county. His brothers and sisters were: Hannan, Robert, Jefferson, Harry, Labon, Hendren, Ruhanell, Virginia, Anuit, Mattie and Allie.

Mr. Armstrong is a well-to-do farmer and merchant. He was educated in the public schools of Pendleton county. He was married to Miss Etta F. Hannan in 1888. She was born in Pendleton county, and was a daughter of John H. Hannan and Mary M. Hannan, whose brothers and sister were-: John S., Charles S. and Della M. Hannan. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong: Clement, Robert, Herbert, Hale, Mabel and Florence. They have the following grandchildren : John, Neil, Herald and Robert. His wife's parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. In politics Mr. Armstrong is a Republican. His father served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and his son Robert in the World War.

Hugh H. Atkinson

HUGH H. ATKINSON was for thirty-eight years manager of the Lonaconing Co-operative Store, and continued his connection with it until it went out of business in 1921, during that period winning the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and associates in the business world. Although not a native of Lonaconing, Mr. Atkinson is one of the thoroughly representative men of the city where he has resided since boyhood. He was born at Toronto, Canada, October 27, 1858, a son of Hugh Atkinson, who made his home at Lonaconing from 1867 until his death in 1901. He was born at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, from whence he emigrated to Canada during 1855 or 1856, and lived in the city of Toronto for several years thereafter. In 1865 he came to the United States, and after a temporary residence at Eckhart Mines, Allegany county, Maryland, located permanently at Lonaconing, where for many years he was a laborer. His family consisted of seven children: Mrs. John Price, who died at Lonaconing, December 26, 1921; Jasper M., who is a resident of Lonaconing, has been an engineer with the American Coal Company for over forty years; Marian, who was the wife of James Hotchkiss of Lonaconing, is deceased; Hugh H.; John B., who is paymaster for the Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Cumberland, Maryland; and several who died young.

Hugh H. Atkinson was but seven years old when his parents came to the United States, and but nine when they located at Lonaconing, and in this city he was reared. Until he was fourteen he attended the public schools, and then began working, first as a driver in the mines of the American Coal Company at Lonaconing. Later he dug coal, continuing that work for five years, and when he was twenty-five he commenced his long connection with the Lonaconing Co-operative Store as driver of the delivery team. After two years in that capacity, he became a clerk in the store, and in 1893 succeeded R. M. Boyd as manager. The outlook at that time was not particularly encouraging, the business then having a debt of $10,000. Mr. Atkinson, however, had faith enough in the enterprise to bend his energies toward straightening matters out, and the results were highly creditable. Within four years he had succeeded in liquidating all of the obligations, and the business was thereafter conducted on a paying basis, yielding six per cent on the capital, and a rebate of from five to ten per cent annually to the stockholders. This concrete evidence of good management was extremely satisfactory to all concerned, and placed Mr. Atkinson in the ranks of capable business men of Lonaconing. All kinds of general merchandise were handled in the store, including dry goods, notions, shoes, flour, feed, grain and groceries, and he met the problems of the trade according to his own ideas, proving the correctness of his judgment in many an important transaction. Personally his life has been in line with the same high standards which have characterized his business relations.

He is past chancellor commander of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 86, Knights of Pythias, and is one of the oldest members of that fraternity at Lonaconing, having been made a member of it about forty years ago. He is also affiliated with George's Creek Valley Lodge, No. 161, A. F. & A. M., of Lonaconing. Politically Mr. Atkinson is independent, supporting the man and measures of which he approves, regardless of the party which sponsors them. He is a Protestant in religious faith.

On August 25, 1881, Mr. Atkinson married Miss Margaret Muir, a daughter of John and Mary (Craig) Muir, who were natives of Scotland, and early settlers at Lonaconing. Mrs. Muir lived to be ninety-three years old, and at the time of her death, in March, 1916, was the oldest resident of Lonaconing. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson: Hugh, who resides at Lonaconing, married Miss Elizabeth Bell, has four children, Verna, Ruth, Harry and Agnes; Mary C., who is the wife of P. R. Savage of Lonaconing, has five children, Russell, Eleanor, Margaret and Scott and Stella, twins; John M., who resides at Lonaconing, married Miss Mary Detweller, of Utah; Harry W., who is staff sergeant of the regular United States army, has served in the army for fifteen years, was a member of the Second Regiment of Engineers, Second Division, served overseas during the World War, was in seven major battles, and is one of the fifteen survivors of his company of 275 men, is still in the Army, stationed at Camp Travis, Texas; and Elizabeth, Mrs. Jno. Brodbeek; Estalla, Mrs. Jas. Richmond, and Jennie A., all of whom live at Lonaconing.

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