Montgomery County MD

Montgomery County MD, bounded on the southwest by Virginia, on the northwest by Frederick County, on the northeast by Patuxent River, and southeast by Prince George County and the District of Columbia. The surface is mostly hilly, and gives rise to many branches, most of which have considerable fall in a very short distance. The area is 400 square miles, of which nearly two-thirds, or 212,840 acres, was under cultivation in 1900. The county seat is Rockville, with a population of 1,110 in 1900.

Descendants of John and Mary Howes of Montgomery County, Maryland

John Howes of Montgomery County, Maryland, was born ” … after 1740, m[arried] Mary_____, and d[ied] between November, 1808 and March 1809. He is buried in Laytonsville, Maryland with his mother, his brother James and daughter Sarah. About a year after his death his widow, Mary, went to Bucks County, Kentucky.”–P. 8. Descendants and relatives lived in Maryland, Kentucky, New York, Michigan, Ohio, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, D. C., Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Maine, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.

Biography of Hon. Ninian Edwards

Judge Ninian Edwards, born in 1775, was a prominent lawyer, jurist, and statesman whose public service spanned nearly forty years across Kentucky and Illinois. After graduating from Dickinson College, he became a successful attorney and served in various political roles including Chief Justice of Kentucky and Governor of the Illinois Territory. Elected to the U.S. Senate upon Illinois’s admission to the Union, Edwards was known for his legal acumen and leadership. He passed away in 1833, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.

Biographical Sketch of Caleb Summers

Caleb Summers, born in Montgomery County, Maryland, married Rachel Crawford before relocating to Jefferson County, Kentucky, in 1796. He fathered five children: Polly, Benjamin, Robert, Thomas, and Malinda. Robert, who married his cousin Grace, moved to Pike County, Missouri, in 1834, where his descendants settled in Montgomery County. The Summers lineage traces back to Caleb’s father, who immigrated to America in 1750, with his original boots preserved in a Cincinnati museum.

Slave Narrative of Phillip Johnson

Phillip Johnson, a 90-year-old former slave, shares his life story during an interview in Poolesville, Maryland. Born in December 1847, he recalls his early years under the care of Doctor White and the harsh conditions imposed by a cruel overseer. Johnson describes witnessing the Civil War, his family’s struggles, and his journey to becoming a Methodist preacher. Despite his advanced age, he remains active and reflects on the changing role of the church in his community, emphasizing the importance of preaching the gospel.

Slave Narrative of Lucy Brooks

Lucy Brooks, an ex-slave living in Forest Glen, Maryland, shares her experiences from before and after the Civil War. Originally owned by Missus Ann Garner, she performed various household tasks and witnessed significant historical events, like the arrival of soldiers and the Great Eastern steamship. Now, at approximately ninety years old, Lucy lives with her son, Lafayette Brooks, after enduring personal loss and hardship. Their modest home reflects the struggles of former slaves navigating life post-emancipation in a changing society.

Biographical Sketch of Armon Cravens

Armon Cravens, originally from Montgomery County, Maryland, moved to Kentucky in 1776 and married Abigail Hathaway, with whom he had eighteen children, nine surviving into adulthood. His son John served in the War of 1812 and married Elizabeth Burton, having multiple children, including Hudson, who moved to Missouri in 1836 and later to Texas. After a harsh experience there, he returned to Missouri. Another son, William, settled back in Montgomery County in 1843, marrying Louisa Walden.

Biography of James A. McGonigle

James A. McGonigle, born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1834, became a pioneer in Leavenworth, Kansas, arriving in 1857. A dedicated soldier in the Union army, he was wounded in the Civil War but went on to establish himself as a prominent contractor and builder. His legacy includes notable structures across several states, such as the Montezuma Hotel and various depots. Married in 1864, McGonigle remained active in community affairs and continued his business well into his eighties, respected for his contributions to the city.