Allegany County
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JOSEPH BENSON ODER, late of Frostburg, long prominent as an influential
journalist and trusted public official, and in his later years Judge of the
Orphans' Court of Allegany county, was one of the most honored citizens of this
part of the State. Born August 5, 1841, near Luray, Page county, Virginia, he
settled at Frostburg in 1871, and was closely identified with its interests from
that time forth, residing there to the close of his life, on August 25, 1918. He
was a man of vigorous and forceful mentality, and left a permanent impression
upon the community in which he chose to pass the greater part of his active
years, every phase of its development feeling the beneficial effects of his
participation in local affairs. His interest in its welfare never abated, nor
his will and energy to assist in furthering it, his public spirit being
practically demonstrated in all his associations in life.
Judge Oder was a son of Henry and Margaret (Blakemore) Oder, his father being of French lineage and of a family established in this country for many generations, the first of the name to cross the ocean being a physician, who settled in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His maternal ancestors were from the North of Ireland. He passed his early life in his native State, acquiring a good practical education, mainly in the Franklin Seminary, a private school at Luray, and began his life work as a printer's apprentice with the publishers of the Gazette at Front Royal, Virginia, in September, 1855. After four years in that office he entered the composing room of the Citizen, at Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1859, as a typesetter, changing to the Register, in the same town, one of the leading newspapers in the State, January 1, 1860, with which he was associated until he entered the army. Meantime he was improving every opportunity to augment his early education, and in those days a newspaper office was one of the best practical schools available. His sympathies were with the South in the Civil War. For some time before its outbreak he had been a member of a volunteer military organization known as the Rockingham Rifles, with which he joined the Tenth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, Third Brigade, Stonewall Jackson's Division, serving under that general. He was proud of having been one of the historic and heroic body known and honored as "Stonewall Jackson's foot cavalry." After General Jackson's death the division was commanded by General Ewell, and he continued to serve, taking part in all its activities, until the close of the war. During the next six years he was at Linden, Virginia, for three years engaged as teacher in a private school, and three years more in clerical work.
Mr. Oder was ambitious, however, to take up newspaper work on his own account. He had shown special aptitude for the profession while gaining the requisite knowledge of its practical details, his ability to read character, and his quickness in perceiving the aims and intents of others, qualifying him well for the interpretation of current happenings, while his facility for expressing his ideas made it possible for him to present them to others in interesting form. So at the first opportunity he entered the field of his choice, coming to Frostburg in 1871, and in partnership with J. R. Grove, of Fairmount, West Virginia, establishing the Mining Journal, with which he continued to be associated as owner or part owner until 1911, and as editor from its foundation until 1914. It has appeared weekly ever since, and throughout its existence has been one of the most popular newspapers in this section of the State. Mr. Grove was succeeded by Charles H. Walker, and he by Charles W. Oder, brother of J. Benson Oder, the latter being sole owner from the time of his brother's retirement, until he sold out his interests to the Mining Journal Publishing Company in 1911. He continued as editor, however, and was long known among his contemporaries in the newspaper profession as the Nestor of the Allegany county press. In September, 1896, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his connection with journalism in Frostburg, he issued a magnificent illustrated supplement of the paper, the type in silver in honor of the occasion, the cover of orange with design in black the State colors. Though Mr. Oder was a Democrat in his political opinions personally, he kept his paper independent, free from bias of any kind except its championship of the right, and his editorials were copied far and wide, a compliment which was ever an incentive to strict adherence to the policy which he adopted in the beginning. His fitness for the responsibilities which should be assumed by those who undertake to present the news to the public was apparent throughout his long career, and his success was well merited. Moreover, he always enjoyed its duties, even when onerous, and was extremely conscientious in his attitude toward the readers of his articles, or of his paper generally.
Mr. Oder was a valued worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and in 1877 was its successful candidate for member of the House of Delegates, being one of the four representatives in that body from Allegany county and receiving the highest number of votes cast. In 1881 he was nominated for State Senator, and defeated by 327 votes, the smallest majority on the Republican ticket, its other candidates winning by an average of over eight hundred. On April 20, 1916, he was appointed Judge of the Orphans' Court of Allegany county, and served in that capacity until his death.
Judge Oder was well known in the fraternal organizations, having held membership in the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Freemasons, up to and including the Knight Templar degree.
On February 20, 1867, Mr. Oder married Miss Adele R. Kuser, who died August 18, 1868, leaving one daughter, Annie B., who married J. S. Miller, of Westernport, Md. His second marriage, March 7, 1871, was to Miss Margaret E. Churchill, by whom he had seven children, one son and two daughters dying in infancy; the others all survive and are now all married, namely Nilson, who married Oder Harrell and settled at Front Royal, Virginia; J. Blanche, who married Dr. J. Marshall Price; Archie C., who married Miss Rose Kelly of Fort Benton, Montana; and Margaret Eloise, who married James J Hitchins.
FRANCIS P. O'NEIL, M.
D. - The modern physician and surgeon, through whose knowledge and skill marvels
of healing of the ills of humanity are brought about, has become a necessary
adjunct of the civilized life of today, and in all too large a measure the
wonders he performs are accepted in the spirit of the times. The young man
starting out in life, who makes choice of medical science as a profession,
enters upon a laborious path as well as one of eminent usefulness. Back of his
choice there generally exists a strong natural leaning toward medical knowledge
and practice, together with a strong tincture of that noble spirit of
philanthropy that never entirely leaves him, even when such practical subjects
as rewards and emoluments demand attention along with his books and experiments.
The desire for broader medical knowledge is no new thing, but it has been made
more easily available through the wonderful progress made in medical science in
comparatively recent times, and in every progressive community in the United
States may be located physicians and surgeons of high scientific
attainments--men who have devoted their entire lives to acquiring knowledge and
skill to be used in the service of their fellow men. The beautiful city of
Cumberland, Maryland, with its many other advantages, both material and social,
is the home of one of Allegany county's prominent physicians and surgeons, Dr.
Francis P. O'Neil, who for almost twenty years has been in active practice, both
general and special.
Dr. O'Neil was born at Elmira, Chemung County, New York, March 15, 1876. His parents were Jeremiah and Mary (Keefe) O'Neil, natives also of the State of New York. On both paternal and maternal sides the grandparents were born in Ireland, and came from there to the Empire State about one hundred years ago, the name ever afterward representing a family of sturdy industry and thrifty habits. To Jeremiah and Mary O'Neil four children were born, the second being Francis P. The eldest son, William J., was a practicing physician at New London, Connecticut, where his death occurred at the age of thirty-two years. The third son, Raymond D., is a bookkeeper in a business house in Elmira, and Mary Irene, the only daughter, lives with her parents. The family belongs to the Catholic Church.
Francis P. O'Neil had public school advantages in his native city, and had academic training in Elmira Academy. With the impulse of natural adaptation, he turned to a medical career as his chosen life work, and as a practical beginning became a clerk in a drug store, and during his two years in that capacity gave close attention to the study of pharmacy. He had an analytical mind and a retentive memory, and when in 1898 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, he had comparatively little preparatory work to do, and in 1902 was graduated with credit from that institution, and was appointed an interne in the Baltimore City Hospital, where he remained throughout the following year.
In 1903 Dr. O'Neil entered into a general practice at Midland, in Allegany county, Maryland, and for nine years devoted himself to practice in that neighborhood; in the meanwhile, however, he cherished an ambition to continue study along special lines in which he had be come greatly interested. This ambition he was able to satisfy in 1912, when he closed his practice in Midland, and after pursuing a course at the New York Post Graduate Hospital engaged passage for Europe, with the intention of pursuing post-graduate studies on the eye, ear, nose and throat, under distinguished instructors in some of the noted hospitals and clinics of the Old World. To an ardent student and enthusiast in his profession like Dr. O'Neil, the opportunities offered for scientific study in Berlin and in Vienna, where, at that time he came into contact with equally interested students from all over the world, were of inestimable value. In the tragic year of 1914 he returned to America, and came back to his old home in Allegany county, establishing himself at No. 3 South Center street, Cumberland, as a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. His professional reputation extends all over Western Maryland.
On December 27, 1911, Dr. O'Neil was married to Miss Elizabeth Barrett, of Cumberland, Maryland, who is a daughter of James and Mary (McMullin) Barrett, old and representative families of Allegany county. Dr. and Mrs. O'Neil have one son and one daughter: Hugh B. and Mary.
Dr. O'Neil is a valued member of many scientific bodies, these including the Cumberland Academy of Medicine, the Allegany Medical Society, the Medico-Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland and the American Medical Association. He belongs to the Roman Catholic Church at Cumberland, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his political opinions he is a Democrat, in his citizenship being broad-minded and public-spirited and kindly, active in movements tending to the general welfare.
PROF. PATRICK O'ROURKE, of Frostburg, Allegany county, professor of pedagogy in the State Normal School at Frostburg since 1915, has been actively in educational work in the county for over thirty years. In all that time he has been prominent among the progressive forces at work here for the advance of such interests, a leader whose courage and initiative have helped his co-workers and kept public spirit up to a high pitch. The Professor has passed practically all his life in Allegany county, having been born here, near Eckhart, April 3, 1856, son of Michael and Ann (McCue) O'Rourke. The parents, who were natives of Ireland, came to America and settled in Allegany county in 1854, the father being engaged for many years on the Eckhart branch of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania railroad, and also working in the mines in the George's Creek region. Of the nine children, seven grew to maturity, namely: Patrick; John, who is deceased; Annie, who died young; Hugh, who was accidentally killed in the Ocean mines near Frostburg by a fall of slate; Frank, deceased; Mary, wife of John Carlson, of Cumberland, Maryland; and Ella, wife of William Walker, of Baltimore, Md.
Patrick O'Rourke passed his early years at Eckhart. He attended public schools there up to the age of eleven, when he commenced work in the mines, being so employed for several years, until he began to prepare himself for public school teaching. He was nineteen or twenty at this time, and twenty-one years old when assigned to his first school, at Vale Summit, Allegany county, later teaching at Mount Savage and Hoffman Mines. After seven years' work in his chosen line, he resumed study in 1885 at the Danville (Indiana) State Normal School, graduating from that institution in 1886, with the degree of bachelor of science, and returning to Allegany county to take up active professional work again. Mr. O'Rourke thereafter taught, at various points in the county until 1900, in which year he was chosen for the responsible position of assistant county superintendent of Allegany county schools, filling that incumbency until 1904. Since then he has been back in the teachers' ranks, doing notable service to the cause of education as principal of the Hill street school, Frostburg, and now as professor of pedagogy in the State Normal School, for which chair he was selected in 1915. He has kept in close touch with advances made in the profession, taking special courses at Columbia University, New York City, in the summers of 1912, 1913, 1914 and 1915, and has himself won honors by his practical achievements in evolving improved methods and introducing valuable ideas to his fellow workers and pupils. His own early ambitions to acquire an education, and the struggles which he underwent in the pursuit of them, constitute a very real basis for his sympathy with the hopes of the earnest student, whom he is ever ready to aid by all means in his power. In citizenship and general usefulness to society Professor O'Rourke has not confined his efforts to the activity incidental to his profession, though his influence in that capacity is strong and wisely employed. He takes a live interest in the affairs of the day, whether local or of a wider reach, and for the last forty years has been a staunch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. His religious connection is with St. Michael's, Church in Frostburg.
Prof. O'Rourke is an expert geologist, and has given much study to this subject, and now owns a fine collection of fossils gathered from Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
On August 16, 1893, Professor O'Rourke was married to Miss Annie M. Feldman, who has proved a congenial companion and capable helpmate, her intelligence and enterprise having throughout been a source of inspiration and encouragement. Born in Frostburg in 1863,. daughter of Peter and Mary Feldman, residents of Eckhart, Allegany county, she was reared at Eckhart and educated in the public schools there. Mrs. O'Rourke has given evidence of splendid business qualities. She learned dressmaking and followed that occupation several years, was the first saleswoman employed in the store of D. F. McMullen & Company, at Frostburg, and subsequently engaged in the millinery business on her own account, carrying on that business for over twenty years, her establishment being at No. 37 East Union street. The home is also at that number. Mrs. O'Rourke has been one of the representative women of Frostburg, promoting every good cause, is president of the Civic Club, and prominently interested in various other organizations whose objects are worthy the consideration of public-spirited citizens. Two daughters have been born to Professor and Mrs. O'Rourke, Ruth Cedora and Anna May, both living at home with their parents.
CLARENCE G. ORT, senior member of the firm of Ort Brothers, who have established one of the most important baking and catering businesses in the State of Maryland, outside of Baltimore City, has lived up to the high reputation enjoyed by the members of the Ort family for commercial and executive qualities of more than average strength.
Clarence G. Ort was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, August 19th, 1879, and was but three years old when his parents moved to Frostburg, Maryland. His preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of that place and Barton, and he had the advantage of training under parents of unusual intelligence and practical qualities in the home as well.
When eighteen years old he went to Pittsburgh to learn the baking and catering trade. After five years experience with some of the leading firms in that line there, he returned to Midland, Allegany county, Maryland, where in 1902 he and his brother, John L. Ort, established the well known baking and catering business of Ort Brothers. This marked the beginning of a business which has grown by leaps and bounds, until today it is one of the largest in the western part of Maryland. They have one establishment at Midland, having had a branch in Cumberland, which was managed by Clarence G. Ort, until ill health compelled him to relinquish this position. After regaining his health, Clarence G. Ort assisted his brother in the management of the large establishment in Midland, thus contributing largely to the success of this enterprise. In January, 1921, Clarence G. Ort became associated with the firm of S. Gumpert & Co., of New York City; one of the largest bakery and ice cream supply houses in the country, leaving the management of the Midland plant under the capable supervision of his brother, John L. Ort.
Clarence G. Ort travels in the States of Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has by his tireless efforts established the Gumpert products throughout this territory. His business headquarters are in New York City. His family continues to reside in Midland, where he is a good citizen, always lending his efforts for the betterment of that community.
In October, 1906, Mr. Ort married Miss Margaret McFarland, daughter of Mrs. Agnes McFarland, and the late Robert McFarland. They have four children, namely: Harry Clarence Ort, Virginia McFarland Ort, Anna Maryland Ort, and Lewis J. Ort. The family is affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church of Midland.
Clarence G. Ort is a member of Frostburg Lodge, No. 470, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and like the members of his family generally, Mr. Ort is a Democrat in political faith.
FRANK C. ORT, a leading
young business man of Midland, Allegany county, Maryland, bears a. name well and
favorably known in Allegany county for intelligence and superior business
qualities, as exemplified in the success which its representatives have made in
their various ventures.
Frank C. Ort was born January 16th, 1885, at Frostburg, Allegany county, Maryland, his father being Lewis J. Ort, who up to the time of his death was vice president of the First National Bank of Midland, and his mother, Caroline Ort a daughter of the late Judge Lewis A. Turner, of Somerset county, Pa.
He was reared principally at Barton and Midland, Allegany county. His literary training was obtained in the public schools of those places, and at the Maryland State College, at College Park, Maryland.
Since 1900 he has been associated with the First National Bank of Midland, where he began as bookkeeper, being made Cashier in 1912, which position he now holds.
His sterling personal character has combined well with business talent and executive capacity to gain him unqualified esteem of his associates in any of the relations of life.
During the late World War he was very active, acting as Chairman of the various Liberty Loan Committees for Midland and vicinity, and also being vice-chairman and treasurer of the Midland Branch, American Red Cross, and vice-chairman of the Allegany County War Chest Committee of Districts 18 and 27.
He is a trustee of Midland High School, which was established in 1921. His only fraternal connection is with Frostburg Lodge, No. 470, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he now holds the office of Trustee.
Mr. Ort is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, and a Democrat in political adherence, but devoted principally to business, though he takes a good citizen's interest in the proper conduct of public affairs.
Mr. Ort married Miss Nell Marie Roland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Roland of Frostburg, November 25, 1920.
He has three brothers, namely Clarence G. Ort, connected with the firm of S. Gumpert & Co., New York City; John L. Ort, manager of Ort Brothers, Midland; Walter C. Ort, bookkeeper of the Second National Bank of Cumberland; and one sister, Miss Anna M. Ort, who now resides with her mother, Mrs. Caroline Ort, at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
LEWIS J. ORT was born
February 4th, 1858. George and Margaret (Groff) Ort, parents of Lewis J. Ort,
came to America from Germany when he was eighteen months old. They settled in
Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, which is just across the line from
Allegany county, Maryland.
Mrs. Margaret Ort died in February, 1917, aged 79 years, George Ort still survives at the age of 90. He makes his home with his eldest daughter, Mrs. Charles K. Milligan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Of their seven children, Catherine, Lewis J. and George C. are deceased; Annie is the wife of Charles K. Milligan of Philadelphia, Pa.; Flora is married to Robert Fisher of Oneonta, New York; Emma is the widow of Thomas O'Malley, of Pittsburg, Pa.; and Minnie Ort, of Pittsburgh.
Lewis J. Ort was born at Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, February 4th, 1858, and died February 19th, 1915, aged fifty seven years. He was one of the honored citizens of Allegany county, a leader of thought and action, respected for his substantial character and notable achievements.
His preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and he graduated from the Berlin High School when he was but fourteen years of age.
The same year he taught his first term of school at a country school house where is now located the mining town of McDonalton, Pennsylvania. After teaching school for thirteen years in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, he was married, in 1878, to. Miss Caroline Turner, daughter of the late Judge Lewis A. Turner, of Somerset county, and three years later he moved to Frostburg, Maryland, teaching his first term of school at Midlothian, Allegany county. Subsequently, he moved to Barton, where as principal of the Barton High School for a period of fifteen years he was regarded as a most influential resident.
Upon the establishment of the First National Bank of Midland, Maryland, in 1900, he was one of the organizers of that solid financial institution, and became its first cashier, continuing to hold that position until 1912, at which time he was made vice-president, his son, Frank C. Ort succeeding him as cashier.
He removed to Midland when he became associated with the Bank, and there made his home during the remainder of his life. His widow, Caroline Turner Ort, now resides at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ort was a member of the Board of Education of Allegany county, Maryland, at the time of his death, and in every way an active member of society, his broad sympathies and varied interests bringing him into contact with all classes.
He and his wife, Caroline, were the parents of five children: Clarence G. Ort, and John L. Ort of Midland, comprising the firm of Ort Brothers; Walter C. Ort, bookkeeper of the Second National Bank of Cumberland; Frank C. Ort, cashier of the First National Bank of Midland; and Miss Anna M. Ort, who now resides with her mother at Wilkinsburg, Pa.
The family are Presbyterians in religion and Democrats in their political views.
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This page was last updated
12/02/2023