Old Smyrna, Kent County DE The pace of life in rural Delaware until the end of 1859 was leisurely. Traditions and customs had been unchanged for a hundred years. Except for Willmington, most Delawareans lived on farms or in small communities. Dover was the most important town in Kent County; Smyrna, Milford, Gelton and Camden followed in importance. New Castle County was the most industrial of the three counties. Its political and economical ties were with Pa. There was little slavery. While Kent County was beginning to become industralized, it was predominately agarian. Its political and economical ties were divided between the North and West to Maryland. With Susses County the situation was completely agarian. Politically, economically and ethnically almost every Sussex countains were bound to the Eastern Shore and the Southern way of life. In both of these counties slavery did exist along side of the poor whites. These people lived in the swamps, marshes, and forests, while for the most part the free Negroes and the slaves worked on the farms. Kent County was truly a border county in a border state. To make the matter more complicated, Smyrna was a border town with the whole. After the Civil War, the town of Smyrna began to fill up with the folks from out on the farms. More homes were built and bigger streets were needed. Forward strides were made in the town's physical being by the installation of a water system, curbing, guttering, oyster shelled streets, gas lights, and the extension of the railroad from the top of West Commerce Street, where a freight station was erected. The Delaware House was improved and vied with the older Smyrna Hotel. The earliest available records show that on March 3rd, 1845 William Temple, James R. Clements, Daniel Cummins, Joseph Faries and John D. Pitman, having been returned as duly elected commissioners, and John M. Dunning, as duly elected assessor and Picus Mansfield as treasurer of the town of Smyrna, met for transactions on the 14th day of March, 1845 A.D. Present: Temple, Clements, Faries, and Pitman; proceeded to organize, by appointment of a president and clerk, where upon, William Temple was elected president and Nehemiah Stockly, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners. In conformity with the law passed at the last session of the legislature authorizing the appointment of additional constables for the town, the board determined on the appointment of the number ten. Benjamin Enos, Thomas Hawkins, Samuel C. Shaw, John Mitchell, William Keys, Joseph Stayton, Robert Trustom, Isaac Davis, Isaac M. Sparks and Robert Faries, having been nominated, were duly appointed to hold office for one year from this date. They, behaving themselves well so long as in said office and continuing to reside in our said town and it be further ordered that the clerk prepare the necessary commissions for the said persons. (This being an excerpt from the original record of the commissioners meeting of March 14th, 1845 A.D.) Smyrna, once the depot of trade, a mart to which was brought the growths of various kinds from distant parts, was, in our time of association with it, most distinguished for its storekeepers and its traders. It's industries were few and its merchants many. Two characters impressed us strongly. Mr. Mansfield and Dr. Perkins were men of mark. But we cannot dare to give an outline of their character, except to say that these two men were types of a former generation, men of sound mind, of sober habits, fine discrimination, and tender sensibilities; but, taking the community as a whole, they were fair representatives. We recall others whom we can only name: Judge and George Davis, the Cummines, Clements, Edward Beck, James Clements, the Bewleys, Carrows, Goulds, Raymonds, Stockleys, Hurlocks, M. Hoffecker, Reynoldses, Bells, Goutys, Fox, McDowell, Mumford, and others equally worthy of mention. Middletown and vicinity gave to the State, men of energy, of solid worth: the Biggses, Coxes, Townsends. But these were but little known to us, for our work seldom brought us in touch with them. Wilmington, the place of our birth, the emporium of trade, produced some of the best specimens of active business men and educators. Teachers such as Sherward Johnson, Caleb Kimber, Edward Smith, President Prettyman, the Bullocks, the Hilleses. Manufacturers such as Harlan & Hollingsworth, the Prices and Canbys, the Puseys, Lobdell, Jarrett Megaw and Stotsenburg. Merchants, Kennard, Dunnott, and Pennington. Shipbuilders, such as the Thatchers and Thomas Young, the Moores (Edward and Charles); John, William, Edward, and Robert Robinson, Ed. Merrick, the Flinns, the Talleys, Jesse Lane, John Turner, and Colonel Davis (the father of three sons, called New Castle, Kent and Sussex). We remember the old gentleman when he carried an immense staff, and how he could catch the boys on the street with its crook. The Careys, Captain Kelley, the Clarks, the Jacksons. Delaplain McDaniel, who was an apprentice to my father, Harry McComb, who was his helper at the bellows and anvil. Sammy Wollaston, the sturdy Quaker; neighbor Moore, the motherly teacher. Friend Williams, who took the boys to Brandywine and taught them how to swim; and James Riddle, the cotton spinner and cloth weaver, simple as a child, artless and good, but one of the truest that ever came from the Emerald Isle; the Bringhursts (Edward's wife had one of the sweetest faces on which we ever gazed. She was full of good works); the Milligans, the Morrows, Hagany, Boddys, Birds, Sparkses, McCauleys, Merrihews, Turners, Simmonses, Grubbs, Betts, Noblitts, Hardys, Taggarts, Johnsons, Billamy, McCleeses, McCorkles, McClarys, Booths, Williamses, Hedges, Plunkets and Williamsons, Garashes, DuPonts, Dr. Askew, Dr. Porter, Dr. Higgins, Dr. Lewis P. Bush, and Bishop Lee. One name more particularly merits mention-Willard Hall. Who can tell the matchless worth of this beautiful character, so spotless, so free from every vice, self poised, even-tempered chaste, noble, generous, hospitable, and kind, a man whom the gods would honor, his face a benediction, his society a charm, his words full of wisdom! In life's young morn, we almost looked upon him as a prophet. We thought of Elijah, and often wondered why he was not caught up. Another person breaks upon our view, stately in carriages, nimble of step, neat as a pin, gentle as a child, true as steel, leaned in his profession, able in service, conscientious in its discharge. A lovely Christian character was Dr. Gibbons. We have often said we shall never see his like again. And what more shall we say, for the time would fail us to speak of Abner Bailey, of the Bushes, of the Townsends, of the Wales and Lore families, Adams, McInall, of Benny Bracken who professed great courage, but was a mortal coward. And who shall tell of Jack Gardner and George Robinson, Caleb Rudolf, George Topham, the Schofields, and the many lesser lights too numerous to mention? These are the reminiscences of one who loved many of the persons he has names. But those he loved the most were too nearly related to himself to make such reference as he would gladly have made as to their character and conduct. The grave yards and cemeteries in Delaware retains as bonny dust, as ever mingled with its mother earth, and memories as dear as ever come to mortals gather about names cherished in many thousand hearts. Their offspring have gone into every part of the world to bless mankind, and no sweeter spot known to them than that of Delaware. From Vol III He that is not proud of being a Blue Hen's chicken, should never listen to her cackle, nor catch the clarion notes of her lawful mate; the chanticleer, who ever pipes her praise, nor see the flapping of his wings, which fan the world with refreshing reminders of the gallant hand who have made the world better for their living in it. FARIES RESEARCH March 27,1999 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE By Henry C. Conrad Three Volumes-1908 Faries, William A. 1898 Member of the State House of Representatives for Kent Co. p. 280 Ferris, Ziba 1841-1843 Treasurer of New Castle Co. p. 298 Faris, Jacob 1845-1849 State Treasurer p. 259 The brig "Wilmington", built in 1740, was owned by Griffitt Minshall, William Shipley, David Ferris and Joshua Way, and is said to have been the first boat that left Wilmington with a cargo for foreign ports. p. 358 INDEX TO GENEALOGICAL PERIODICALS Vol II 1964 By Donald Lines Jacobus, MA Faris, John-Cincinnati, Ohio; Irish Ancestry; S1 (19-110) Faris, William-Annapolis, MD; XI (37-423) Faris; Diary of William, Annapolis, MD 1792-1804) XI (28-197; 36-420) Ferris, Richard; Va S1 (31-645) S1-Americana-Illustrated Vol. 1-11 X1-Maryland Historical Magazine Vol. 27-41 Cemeteries along the way Asbury Cemetery Before juntion of 896 on Rt 13 South (on right hand side) Appoquinimink Friends Meeting house (302-376-6367) Odessa 1785 Stop on Underground Railroad ZOAR ME Church RT 13 South and Main Street, Odessa, DE Samuel Townsend Samuel Townsend B-08/20/1861 B- 10/ ? D-04/13/1883 D- 03/ ? Hannah Townsend B-03/15/1817 D-07/13/1881 Smyrna Town Hall on Market Street Delaware Archives (Volumes we found in Smyrna Library) Blue Books, complete set should be at DE His Soc For Military Indexes HISTORY OF DELAWARE By J. Thomas Scarf 1609-1888 Xeroxed some information on Faries-about Welsh Tract p. 950 H.P. Abel S. Faries-McDonald Encampment, No 2-I.O.O.F. was instituted at Smyrna in 1847. The encamptment was named in honor of Robert McDonald, who died in Wilmington in July 1887. The lodge owns a half-interest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, near the town. There are now 46 member of the Order. H.P. Abel S. Faries was an officer p.1114 William A. Faries-1881-1887 School Director p. 1105, 1106. (generation #5-Lex's chart) Thomas Cooch came from England, and in 1746 purchased a tract of land in Pencader. He died in 1791, and among his papers was found an assessment list of Pencader Hundred, with the amount of tax paid by each person. This list is prior to his death: Alexander Fairis 12 pounds John Fairis 12 pounds James Fairis 8 pounds 1798 Assessment List: William Faries Jacob Faries, Jr. John Faries Jacob Faries (p 953) Jacob Faris-02/17/1830 (not our Jacob) New Castle Co. Justice of the Peace (page 40) Footnote-on page 494 On 02/16/1730, Robert Ferris, from the north of Ireland, bought from James Sykes 280 acres of land in Pencader Hundred, which Sykes had purchased from John Welsh, and he from the original Welsh proprietors. This property is now in the possession of D. Brainerd Ferris, brother of Dr. Charles E. Ferris. Robert Ferris died in 1749; and his son, William, who married Jane Steel, bought in 1750 of Henry Whiteside, a tract of land in Pencader Hundred of 115 acres, which is now in possession of William I. Ferris, his great-grandson. William Ferris died in 1760; his son Jacob, married Kesia Sharp and died in 1818. His son was the father of Dr. Charles E. Ferris, who was the second of four children. He died February 22,1858. Smyrna Newpapers page 462 Smyrna Times Smyrna Record-established 06/30/1883 Delaware Star-first issued 1832. Continued but a short time. Pioneer newspaper in Smyrna. Smyrna Telegraph-1849-1851 Smyrna Sun Times William Faries Was Elected Chief Templer and Gilbert S. Faries, Secretary of the Lodge. A goodly number turned out at Asbury ME Church, Tuesday evening, to hear the Rev. Joel S. Gilfillan of the Head of the Christiana Presbyterian Church, one of the organizers and prominent workers of the Order of Good Templers. His remarks were listened to attentively, after which a local organization was effected with the following officers elected for one year. V.C.T., William Faries C.T., J.P. Burdette, Assistant, Gilbert Faries Notes from the Smyrna Sun Times newspapers, on microfilm. May 1876 Business Ads W.A. Faries & Bro. (William Alexander & Isaac Henry) General Furnishing, Dealers of Furniture of all kinds, Undertakers Main Street, Smyrna, DE Fisk's Methalic and Rosewood Caskets together with Cloth covered, mounted and plain walnut coffins kept on hand. Ladies, Gents, and children's shrods and wrappers furnished when desired. Funerals attended at the shortest notice. All calls promptly attended either day or night. William Faries & Co. Smyrna, DE Jan 8th 1876 Manufacturers and Dealers of Stoves, Heaters, Ranges, Tinware, Lamps, oil cloths, and house furnishing goods. Stoves repaired in the best manner. Roofing and spouting done at the best rates and satisfaction guarented. Wholesale dealers in tinware. J.B. Faries Nov 30th Ad 1907-E.C. Faries, Hardware and Harness Commerce St. Smyrna, DE Wilson E. Faries Commerce St., Smyrna, DE Feb 20th 1907 W. Ed Faries, who since the death of his father, E.C. Faries, has been managing the well known hardware store on Commerce Street and also the local agency of the Adams Express Company, has tendered his resignation to take effect March the first. Mr. Faries has accepted a position in the drugstore of Frank Harmonson at Oaks and Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE and will move his family there about the tenth of next month. He has rented a property at 124 Rodney Street adjoining the residence of his sister Mrs. Elmer Webb. The management of the hardware store in Smyrna will be turned over to Mr. Wm. B. Start who has been a salesman in the store for several year. Reverend William Faries will preach at the Presbyterian Church next Sunday morning at 10:30 o'clock. The evening serive will be in charge of the Christian Endeavor Society. St. George's Cemetery Company, Red Lion Hundred. In this cemetery are buried many of the old settlers. From the tombstones we have taken the following names: Rachel, wife of Samuel Faries (55 yrs) died 06/01/1790 Smyrna (Spruance Lib-Doylestown) Situated in Duck Creek Hundred, 1 mile from the Del, R.R. to which a branch has recently been opened, 12 miles from Dover, 48 miles Georgetown, 12 miles from Middletown, and 34 miles from Wilmington. Agricultural Implements- Thomas B. Lockwood, Taylor & Co., Asa E. Worden. Academy-Smyrna Academy Auctioneer-William Clothier Boots and Shoes-Joseph H. Primrose Blacksmiths-Thomas E. Carty, George W. Tilman & Bro., Scott & Mannery. Butchers-Alex. Wilson, Thos. E. Jefferson, William Hazel, Jacob Leinberger, Baymon Deakyne. Bricklayers-Robert Baynard, J.P. Boyer Broom Maker-Samuel Patterson Basket Maker-Hugh Moore Bricks & Pottery-Allen & Bell, Nickerson & Jerman Carpet Weaver-James Mallilen Coach Maker-Walter McMullen Carpenters and Builders-John A. Cavender, R. Smith & Son, Benjamin Smith, Evans & Bro., Joseph Wright Confectioners-Mrs. M.A. Jenkins, Mrs. Mary Roberts, Henry Bearne, John W. Fleck Cooper-Samuel Richards Cabinet Makers-Alexander Faries, James McDowell Drugs-James P. Hoffecker, J. Wesley Denny Dry Goods-Baggs & Cotton Flour Mill-William Barker Fertilizers and Grain-John H. Bewley, Stockley & Bro., John R. Wilson, H.C. Douglas, Peter Carr. Groceries-Cooper & Bro., J. Faries General Merchandise-W.W. Ischudy, Walters & Son, Beck & Clements, John H. Baylis Jr., Cummins & Rain, B.B. Allen, J.D. Hamilton, Robert Hill, John H. Bewley, B. Deakyne, H.W. Spruance, Henry Jefferson, William E. Hall, Kemp & Groves. Gunsmith-Nicholas Glatt Gent's Furnishing Goods-Phillips & Faries, Baggs & Cotton, David Katz, Isaac Shortman. Gas Company-President John G. Beach; Sec'y-Dr. Wm. Cummins; Treasurer-James R. Clement. Harness-Thomas O. Ayres, E. Harrison, William P. Legg Hardware-William P. Collins, John E. Collins Hotels-Delaware House, Ed Sutliff; Smyrna Hotel, William Campbell Livery Stable-Alex. Wilson Lumber-James R. Wilson; John C. Bailey, John A. Cavender Lawyers-H.C. Pennington, H.B. Pennington Loan Associations-Diamond State-Officers-Pres., John H. Bewley; V. Pres., John M. Voshell; Sec'y-Ezekiel J. Golt; Treasurer-William M. Bell; Directors, John Van Gasken, John Cosden, John Millaway, Robert Denny, John A. Cavender, William E. Hall, John C. Bailey. Smyrna-Officers-Pres.,-James W. Spruance; V. Pres-Walter McMullen; Sec'y-John B. Cooper; James R. Clements; Directors, Edward Beck,William Worden, I.D. Hamilton, Edward Ward, W.H. Woodkeeper, Benj. H. Smith, Geo. H. Raymond Milliners-Mrs. Jane A. Pittman, Miss Hurlocks, Misses Beck & Faries, Miss Nugear, Miss L. Griffin. Machine Shops-William Worden & Co., Taylor & Co. Marble Worker-David Steveson Produce Dealers-Henry Raughley, Eben Lurty, Mallahew & Archy, J. Wesley Jones. Pump Makers-George Millaway, Robert J. Moore Physicans, W.T. Collins, W. Cummins, J.E. Clewson, R.S.W. Hirons, William Daniels, S.M. Fisher, C.L. Mahon, W. Hawks. Real Estate-Thomas Carrow Stoves and Tin Ware-John H. Graham, William S. Green, Ed. Swanton Sewing Machines-Eliza Carr Soap and Candles-W.V. Grieves Ship Builders-Richard F. Hastings, James Henrickson Saw Mill-William Worden & Co. Tannery-Peterson & Mustard Tailoring-Robert Clyde, J. T. Davis, Phillips & Farrier, Baggs & Cotton, Jonathan Emerson Watches-H.R. Parsons, Oscar Fisher, Joseph V. Smith