Family Register as written in the hand of
Baltis H. Kennard
I cannot thank Karen L. Kidd of Tennessee enough for sending copies of the following text to me. She is descended from Baltis' sister, Adeline Sylvenia Kennard, and was given copies of this memoir by Lorelle Parott Weidlein. Questionable words will be italicized and typed with what I believe is the correct transcription. Where you see (____), I simply couldn't venture a guess as to what word was written. Some words are underlined which reflect Baltis' doing so in the original.
I will take the liberty of breaking the text (where it seems natural to do so) into paragraphs simply to make it an easier read. Some sections will be subtitled in order to make it easier for those who seek specific information from the text such as data on the Tschudy or Spies families. I may add notes here and there and they will be in plain text in the color red.
(QUOTED TEXT)
T o the one cynically inclined, the trend of these biographical sketches may not escape harsh criticism, because for all whose names are here mentioned the best things have been said about them that the writer could put in form. No apology will be offered for having done so, even were it necessary. For to be truthful and just, nothing else could be said. The subjects of these biographies blest the world while they lived in it because of their great worth and continue to bless it in their memories. More real good people live in the world than the churlish are disposed to believe. It is a beneficience of Providence that it is so: for the world would be a chaos of misery were it not so, and slow as the world is to realize that fact, yet strangely enough it is an ancient proverb "that nothing ill should be said of the dead" so that as a recognized rule these sketches conform to that rule, were there no foundation otherwise. The beloved people named were worthy of all praise, all love and devotion, and their memories constitute a treasure that awakens the tenderest emotions of love, and soothes the perturbed spirit. Two more are, now, to be added to the number of these biographies. To them the writer owes his being and his life. Their worth, devotion and love, comprise a wealth of coin character that the writer may not handle within the limits of these sketches. As their offspring, and oldest child, we traveled life's road together until they were called to the spiritual life, and well know their worth, their goodness, their struggles. It is a trying duty to perform this office; for it awakens the most tender affections of the soul, and ____ them into an activity, difficult to restrain.
(THE SPIES FAMILY)
M y dear Mother will be the subject of the first sketch.
L ouisa Kennard was the oldest child and daughter of John P(eter). and Margaret Spies. Nine children were born to this union, one of which died in infancy. The eight children lived to be men and women. John P. Spies was a native of Alsace and Lorraine and his family connections were among the well to do and influential people of that country: they were chemists, and belonged to the advanced classes of the people of that country. They were descendants of the Huguenots, and participated the elements of character of that noble and brave people in a marked degree. They lived in a country much disturbed by wars, and at times, visited by disastrous floods, giving to fortunes a very uncertain tenure of possession. John P. Spies was a patriot, and had a detestation for monarchical institutions. A number of his class in Society arranged to emigrate to America. They were among the number of the best class of people, educated and refined German gentlemen, young men of vigor and trust. John P. was of the number.
T hey came to Baltimore City and there located, and proved to be among its best citizens. They became notable in Baltimore City mostly as merchants and have _____ the fact of their locating in Baltimore, and their worth to the city which will survive while that city has an existence. Their settlement was made in a part of the City which is now its central part, and where its most valuable estate stands. Then, however, its streets were lanes and its limits both in buildings and space were much confined. The name of German St.[Note of Lorelle Parrott Weidlein states this street is now Redwood], now, a valuable business thoroughfare, owes its name to these enterprising young Merchants. This was nearly a century ago - perhaps more. Mr. Spies engaged in business, and married his wife in Baltimore City, and there died. When the War of 1812 occurred, and the British invaded Maryland and threatened the City, Mr. Spies became one of its defenders, held up his business, and with his employees went to the front.
(MARTIN TSCHUDY)
M argaret Spies the Mother of Louisa Kennard was a Tschudy of Swiss origin. One brother, John Jacob, was a bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church and for awhile had charge of a church in South Carolina. Her Father Martin Tschudy was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He lived to the age of 93 years. The writer remembers him well. He died about 1835 or 36. The writer was then a child. He came of Sturdy Stock, possessed genius, was a musician and made many curious instruments of his own design, which produced music of a sweet and novel tone of character.
T he latter years of his life he spent as a Horticulturist and Florist. His garden was on W. Market St. extended, nearly opposite where the Winans' estate now stands - now Baltimore Street. He occupied a large tract, but narrow in dimensions, and which it is said, extended N. easterly to considerable extent. Latterly the larger share of this land went into other hands, and a lengthy strip, it is said went to other possession, without proper title, but these theories are so common to future generations that they become. Little less than a phantom and even, had they an embodiment, lapse of time renders a recovery essentially impossible. Mr. Tschudy, however, died possessed of that portion which fronted on the north side of Baltimore Street and extended to an openway then called Park Lane, now Raborg Street. [Note of Lorelle Parott Weidlein states that this street is now Fairmount] This property he gave to his daughter Margaret - Mrs. Spies then a widow, who nursed him and administered to his comfort in his decreasing years. It will not be uninteresting to note, that Margaret Spies created annuities out of this land, and in subsequent years, sold them and invested the proceeds, in a lot at the S. West corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Biddle Street, created thereout, an annuity of $100.00.
(MORE ON THE SPIES)
S he died in 1869. For quite 30 years thereafter it remained in her family, then under her Will by court decree, this annuity was sold together with a Certificate of City stock of the value of $1,000. And distributed among her descendents, who with intermarriages amounted to about 40 or 45 people. Her family immediate were then all dead, So that out of a small estate, at least for Sixty years, this portion remained in tact, and the worthy Mother, Grand, and Great Grand Mother reached ___ direct from herself, to her remotest descendent, and gave a testimonial to each, of her love and devotion.
A t the time Mr. Tschudy held this property, the land all around it was open commons, of vast extent. He was offered a large tract bordering his property on the east, chiefly known as Clem's lot for $500.00. Could he have bought it and held it, his descendents would have been immensely rich but then $500.00 was perhaps as unreachable as $500,000.00 at this day and, therefore, the what might have been, is not a tenable proposition.
(THE SMINKEY'S)
M rs. Spies had a number of brothers and sister. The brothers lived in Western Maryland, and in Philadelphia City, and there raised their families, who are among the substantial and worthy people of the communities in which they live. Her Sister became a Mrs. Sminkey and lived and died in Balto. City. Mr. Sminkey was a properous Merchant. He was also in the War of 1812. His was a large family, the daughters were noted for their beauty, and married well; a number of their descendents are still living.
(MORE ON JOHN P. SPIES)
J ohn P. Spies was not a large man, yet of compact build and of active temperament. He had a refined and gentlemanlike presence that gave to him a marked personality observed and respected by all who knew him; and his tastes and acquirements accorded therewith. It was not either my pleasure, or profit to have known him. He died before I was born, and it has been a cause of regret to me that I never saw or knew him. Nevertheless, what is here written, is only deficient, if at all, in its narration as to his character, in that it omits what the writer from personal knowledge did not know. From my mother and the family from time to time I gathered what is here noted, and for many years the information was among the fond treasures of my memory. Mrs. Spies, my grandmother, and her children were intelligent and gifted people, and showed a marked strata of genius and manhood and womanhood interlacing their natures. To them, however, I am not wholly indebted for these notes. In my day, I have met with old men who knew John P. Spies, and who confirmed the run of these comments. His family and immediate household is now a memory. All that composed it are now dead. The writer is oldest living representative. Mr. Spies was signally devoted to his family. Their comfort, Social standing, and education was his ambition and aim.
M y Mother, Louisa Kennard, being his oldest daughter, was his pet and pride. In his day, but few educational institutions were available. He, however, entered my mother at the best obtainable, and she proved an apt pupil. She has often told me of her School days and the rural character of the routes leading to the school. The city then was about three fourths country and one fourth town. Mr. Spies was never able to accomplish the work he set out to do in the care of his family. Misfortune overtook him, and he was crushed beneath its weight. It was said this event was precipitated by the fault of others. While this may or may not be so, it is no mitigation of the disaster, the world only sees the disaster, and has no eyes for the cause, and grades it estimate of the victim accordingly. Mr. Spies being a man of a proud and sensitive nature this event struck deeply its tenderest features, and before he could recover from the shock he was stricken down with lung trouble. The attack was rapid in its ravages, and soon carried him off. He was comparatively a young man being about 48 years of age.
(MARGARET SPIES)
E ight children were then living, all under age except Louisa the oldest daughter. His widow had at once to assume the charge of this large household. Margaret Spies was a noble woman, brave, of great energy, and wonderful in mind resources, of an even and unrepining disposition, and of a nature ever resigned and equable in temperment under all conditions. She did not waste any time in murmuring and complaining. Believing in God and in her duty, she at once summoned all her energies and prepared to enter upon the task that confronted her with an undaunted Spirit. Of course Mrs. Spies Keenly felt her affliction, but this she endured alone, and wore uniformly a cheerful expression of countenance that in no way denoted the life struggles with which she was grappling. Not very long after this event, the oldest daughter was married to William H. Kennard, and with her husband commenced housekeeping.
M argaret Spies then began life anew with a fatherless family of five sons, and two daughters, the younger ones of which were very young children. She very creditably provided for this large family which to a degree was helpless and without resources, and raised her children to be men and women of the highest respectability, and as among the notable and useful men of the community of Baltimore City. The sons were men of marked individuality, Honorable in their business transactions, Versatile in their resources, and men of marked habits of industry. Each of them acquired some estate.
T he two eldest John G. and Charles L. each died well off. All these men had a vein of genius that exhibited mental endowment which showed a stamp of character of no ordinary descent. Apart from business pursuits, those men gratified Aesthetic tastes which they respectively possessed, in no small degree. In their earlier days, Baltimore was in quite a primitive state. Its rural beauty, however, was beautiful and interesting, and its topography of hills, ravines, dales, streams and expanse of waters was picturesque. They treasured the scenes thus afforded, and in after years, took pleasure in describing them to younger generations. Some of them reached a good old age. The oldest was 75 when he died, the second 84 which went beyond the age of any of his brothers.
T he two daughters were worthy women possessing excellent qualities of character. One died at the age of 73. The older one lived to attain her 87th year and was the last survivor of the immediate family of John P. and Margaret Spies. She was a widow, and from the death of her husband, not long after her marriage in early life, she remained a widow till her death. These people were all born in Baltimore City, and lived there until they died.
(SOPHIA A. SPIES ROBINSON & JOHN G. ROBINSON)
A pause at this point for special reference is due to the second daughter of this family. Her name was Sophia A. Spies. Upon her marriage she became Sophia A. Robinson. She had one son, John G. who lived to manhood, married, and became the father of three children. His wife died before him, and in less than a year after his mother's death, he died. Mrs. Robinson was a fine looking lady, and in build and carriage resembled her Mother. Her step was stately, and her movement lithe and graceful, and it became a notable feature in her history that she preserved this activity of person to within a short time of her death. Her mind, however, strength and grasp of memory was most notable in character. By the hour, with rapid flow she would entertain her young relations with the incidents of her life, together with those of early Baltimore as it then appeared, and with the legendary myths, then in vogue. She was indeed a woman of unique stamp, which exhibited a personality that the world left and admired, and showed her Huguenot lineage.
T he youngest sister, Mary A. Spies was a handsome girl and woman. She and Louisa Kennard much resembled. She never married. In her life she exhibited strong attachment to those near and dear to her, especially her mother, and generously lavished upon them her favor and fortune. All the children of John P. and Margaret Spies married except Mary A. and John Jacob, who died in his 29th year after a very short illness.
(WILLIAM T., GEORGE W. AND CHARLES L. SPIES)
W illiam T. and George W. the latter an exceptionally bright man, died within a few years of 70. John G. though married left no children. William T. and George W. left a number and Charles L. the most numerous. As an evidence of the heroic character of the sons of this family, the writer will here note an incident of Chas. L. and George W. which is of an historic character. The prints of the day gave it wide publicity, but the generations of to day know nothing about it and perhaps would not seek to know, without some chronicler of past events recalls it from the musty rolls of the public prints to give him fame and emolument. As these sketches belong to my family history, the incident deserves a place among them, and with the hope that it may tend to its preservation. The writer was a child at the time, and took great pride in his Uncles exploits.
I t was told to me by one of the younger brothers who was an eye witness. It occurred in the morning after the great flood on the line of Jones Falls in 1836, I think in July. A heavy fall of rain took place during the night. The falls became greatly swollen, and before reaching the city its momentum and mighty force broke down all restraint, and deluged the country far and near, and swept away homes and buildings that stoof in its way. By the time the city was reached, the rampage of the great aggregation of waters was appalling, for together with the wild dash of the waters came the ruins it had gathered in its course. In the city it met its greatest obstruction, and then like ten thousand furies in chaotic mass, it rolled and plunged and hissed, like a Maelstrom, were death lurked, awaiting the engulfed victim. In such a turgid body of water, it was not to be thought that any human being could live.
N ear the flood where a footing could be had, stood the Spies brothers. A cry arose "Boy overboard!". Charles L. Spies must have seen the boy as the waters opened to unfold him. Throwing off his coat, without calculating chances, he plunged into the mad waters to rescue the boy. For some time Mr. Spies was not seen by the crowd present. It turned out that he was not only engulfed by the seething waters, but he was in the clutch of the debris. He caught and held the boy, but could not raise the wreckage by which he was imprisoned. He managed to extend one arm that was free through an opening, and with the other held the boy. His arm was seen, and some men near seized it, and with the rescued boy he was pulled from the water.
T he deed was a brave and heroic one, and showed the type of character of the man. Of course, the papers of the day were loud in praise of Mr. Spies' heroism. Afterwards he was presented with a gold medal as an appreciation of his praiseworthy achievement. The papers, however, in lauding his act, without knowing any better put a cloud upon it. At about the same time Mr. Spies plunged into the water, another man followed him and was seen swimming near by. This incident was unfairly made a subject of some humor by the press. Yet the man was equally heroic, he was George W. Spies, the brother of the hero, who had risked his life for two persons, his brother and the drowning boy. This incident shows the heroic type of men which these people bore.
C harles L. Spies was a member of the ancient and honorable Mechanical Fire Company. On the occasions of the social gatherings of the members they would visit the swimming shores of the harbor. When he was in his eighties he was known to take a dive from the piles that rose above the wharves at the bathing shore with marked success. He was an active and brave man, yet noted for his polite manners and genial nature.
(MORE ON JOHN P. SPIES)
I n the preceding part of the Spies Sketch, mention was made that John P. Spies, the head of this house, was of a family of chemists in the country from which they came, that together with what follows is kindred therewith. Louisa Kennard, when a young girl, had a severe attack of Saint Vitus' Dance. She was a long time under treatment by the best Medical Skill available without visible improvement. Mr. Spies wearied out and discouraged with his daughter's continued illness and suffering, one day entered the sick Chamber, and told his wife to discharge the doctors, and he then prepared an article, the chief ingredient of which was Quassia. The writer does not know the proportions, relatively of the ingredients composing this mixture. It was, however, a boiled decotion and was administered as a tincture, or a tea by the measure of a wine glass. Louisa the daughter recovered. This preparation and its remedial qualities was then regarded as a valuable medicine for this particular disease, as at that day the Medical profession did not seem to treat successfully that disease. Margaret Spies during her life time made and gave the preparation to many families and almost in every case restored to health the invalid. The Recipe is still with some of the Spies family.
J ohn P. Spies had a stamp which looks as if he may have used it for sealing his business letters. The stamp is clean cut and the design, figures, and scroll ornamentation also. It is claimed by his family that this seal represents the family escutcheon. Mr. Spies himself did not much favor these Feudal notions. If this seal represented any family standard, it was prized by him as a matter of family history as belonging to the period that produced it, but giving no value to the present only as far as a stimulant to honor the past by doing as a Man his duty. The writer has this article in his possession. He also has a one half sheet of a letter written in a clean round hand, and in ink quite clear and distinct. The letter has a printed heading, in German letters thus: "Shirley, James River, Virginia (links 2 & 3 )" dated January 3, 1776 - Refers to the battle of Trenton with great satisfaction. It is signed "devoted Cousin". "Harcourt". If the letter belonged to the Spies family it came through the Tschudy branch, and it is not unlikely it did, and shows how in close touch the ancestry of this family was with revolutionary history. These family relics together with the sketches of the history of these people, are both historic and honorable, and show faithfully, and notably they filled their sphere in life, and with what fidelity they discharged the trusts given to them by The Great Giver of life.
(MARGARET SPIES)
M argaret Spies, as Mother and Matron of a large family home met its diversified duties, and discharged its trying responsibilities in a conspicuously worthy manner and within the sphere of life in which her duties were assigned, so well performed the task imposed that that sphere could well be classed as a historic page in human life. From the time she entered within its bounds there she remained, its light, and its pillar, until all her work was done, then resignedly closed its portals in quiet and in peace, and went to her final rest greatly loved and mourned. And then might well the memory of the devoted Mother and worthy friend, glow like a star among the families of her day, and shed its loving light upon her descendents way.
H er home was cozy, her nature a balm to those who came within its precincts, and her table spread was generous bounty. Granmother's home was the children's bliss. From the death of her husband, around 1825 till 1869, the year she died, she remained a widow, and gave her life and day to her children. Margaret Spies was a lady of fine presence in form and feature; and her general health was good. At times, she was liable to attacks of Inflammatory Rheumatism and for some times before she died her suffering was great, yet it did seem that such was the strength of her placid nature that not even severe affliction could suppress her cheerful disposition. A short time before she died, and while confined to bed she celebrated her birthday, and invited all of her descendents to be present. The writer was among the number. It was phenomenal to observe her cheerful spirit, the light that played on her face, and an entire absence of fear or gloom, her free mind, and cheerful conversation. I could not help but reflect that my Maternal Grandmother had no terror of the "Grim Monster", her peace was made. She was ready for Heaven's Messenger. Soon after this occasion Margaret Spies died, aged 80 years.
(HISTORICAL INFO. RE: BALTIMORE CITY, MARYLAND)
F or many years of her life from her husband's day, she was a Member of the Town Clock as it was then called - Lutheran Church on Second Street, now Water St. It was a handsome Church in design and finish, and stood within a large enclosure of rural beauty. Dr. Heiner, a worthy and distinguished Minister was at one time the pastor. This Edifice had a city historic feature [BJ's note: The word "about" was written here and crossed out. Then the new sentence began.]. It had a Fire alarm in the steeple that surmounted it, which was used by the City on all serious Fire occasions and at the time was a notable feature in Baltimore City and was famed as the town ___. The alarm given from a large triangle, and the metal when struck gave out a vigorous round that could be heard within the City limits. It was well constructed and the sound it gave out well represented an alarm while at the same time preserving a musical tone. The city had the use of it on all Fire occasions of a threatening character. Every boy and man in the City knew the sound and when it pealed forth its clangor every one knew that the city was threatened with a dangerous conflagration. Then the City fire service was a volunteer organization, and all took a hand, and too frequently the free play of young America made it in some instances a disorganization. Where this church stood and near by, was indeed in much measure, part of historic Baltimore, and possessed a primity beauty and refined taste in its buildings which gave earnest of the substantial men that lived there, and engaged in Commercial pursuits, and helped to give Baltimore its start. Now nearly all the landmarks of former years have, and are disappearing and Modern, and larger structures are taking their places but the vines, trees, flowers and grass plots are not in sight. Many of the important and valuable men of the City were Members of the Town Clock Church. Long since with its worthy membership the Town Clock Church vanished. Holiday St. was cut through and the church being in its path was removed.
[ BJ's note: For more information on the history of this church and congregation you might want to visit the site of Karen Keehne Zimmerman .]
M argaret Spies with most of her deceased family is buried at Loudon Park Cemetery - Progress made the grave yards "git". The quick and the dead had to abide apart. [BJ's note: Baltis H. Kennard, the writer of these memoirs, and BJ's maternal grandmother, Anna Belle Kennard Rivers are buried in Loudon Park Cemetery as well.]
(A POEM WRITTEN BY BALTIS H. KENNARD IN HONOR OF JOHN P. SPIES)
I.
Say not, the dead are soon forgot. Were mortal beings even so inclined,
Their nature's are so wrought, they could not, These memories banish from the mind.
II.
In life, we share each other's woes and views, Mind acts on mind, and forms a type anew.
The parent shares his being with the child, That he may thus renew his type and kind.
III.
The living are a species of the dead, Either by kindred ties, or social touch.
Heard they no voice of the soul as such, Their lives indeed would be a dread.
IV.
The memory of the dead is an empire vast, Bequeathed as a legacy to the mind, ever to last.
It teams with life, with effect ___ glows. Replete with wonders, in ___ ever grows.
V.
Those who have lived and passed their day, No matter the sphere in which they moved,
Have left their stamp on their time and way, Which will be felt, revered and loved.
VI.
They planted seed that grew plants and flowers, Lovely in beauty, with the fragrance of the Rose.
These are their memories, sweet as bowers, Where the living delight in retreat to repose.
[BJ's note: Here in his notes, Baltis inserts a type of sub-title.]
"Note to the Spies branch of these sketches."
T he writer has amplified this branch of these sketches, more than intended, but their suggestive character was such that it was a gratification to him to indulge his mind's bent. Incidents in his life, and special reasons relating to the Spies family have influenced him. One was that this part of his genealogy embraced that of his beloved Mother, and in deference and love to her worthy life and endeared memory, he has dwelt more diff___ely in narration. Much however, partakes of historic incident, and, perhaps not without interest even to strangers, while the personal incidents are curious and suggest reflection. The verses closing this narrative would not have gone beyond one or two, to smoothly close the narrative, had it not been that certain phases of thought arose in the mind, together with other incidents suggesting the subject of the verses - the memory of the dead, while compiling the sketches. I have not to my satisfaction been able to elaborate the subject, as it appeared to my view, in poetic form. While the current of my sentimentality runs strongly in that direction, my forte is not in that line, the verses therefore do not present that form and finish, and musical flow of numbers in which an artist could have given them presentation. My reasons for their production. Heretofore it has been stated that I never knew, nor saw my grandfather, John P. Spies - He died before I was born. No line of record was before me when this paper was written. 75 years and upwards have passed since his death. Now, how came this history to me? Only through mind channels, and how? Did not his life impress his family, and they, conforming to the natural trend of their beings, in turn impressed the writer? These reflections brought me to think, how wonderful was the personality of a human being - how prodigious his force and power, and that even when the body is dead, he still ___ the world and furnishes the basis for its greater development! This ___ is the groundwork for the verses.
A nother incident which in part had a share in these reflections, my aunt Mrs. Robinson, years ago, asked me to write a poem dedicated to the life and memory of her father John P. Spies who was my grandfather. It appeared to me a task that I could not worthily discharge, and it was not undertaken. It was, however, retained in memory, and when these memories were being written it came to mind. Mrs. Robinson was intelligent with strong grasp of mind and apt perception, and it has occurred to me since, that her estimate of her father's life and character, was in her measure more in accord with what it deserved than a surface view would or could afford; and in regard to her memory and that of my grandfather, and complying in part with her request in these memoirs, though she is not now among the living, and was the last one of the original Spies family, I now renew my affectionate regard and love and lay this my tribute at the Memory Shrine of this branch of my family.
In Loving Memory To: My Mother
L ouisa Kennard, was the mother of nine children, all of which survived her - about three were not grown at the time of her death. She died comparatively young in view of the longevity of her people. Yet she served her day grandly, and filled the measure of her life's duties to the fullest extent and left nothing over to be done, and then resigned her Trust when the call came.
D oubtless there were, and will be, many lives like that of my Mother; for it is the dear Mothers whom the Lord has in Mercy given the world, upon whom the great share of life's chief and important duties rest, and when they prove equal to the work allotted to them, they are indeed, above all price - as the wise man has so valued them.
L ouisa Kennard deservedly ranks among the conspicuous ones of that class. Her qualities of head and heart, her amiable, loving, unselfish nature bestowed the richest blessings upon her home, her husband and her children, and together with her husband in domestic and business affairs there existed mutual confidence and cooperation, the harmony of which never suffered a jar. She possessed and cultivated those rare qualities of human character that gave all and asked no return, even if it cost the sacrifice of her life.
M any brilliant women of marked intellect and determined will together with great courage have dazzled the world with the lustre of their live's achievements, and their names have been emblazoned upon the scroll of fame; and in the circuit of action they were entitled to such distinction. But no less is the good woman who has sought neither honor nor reward for her life work, deserving the most grateful praise from the world, and especially from her offspring. She has equally a circuit of action with the great of the earth, and equally as valuable, except with the difference that it does not exploit itself in the Zenith of the public gaze. Her sphere is hidden from the world's view and only shows itself in the product and results of its work and routine; and what is that work? The foundation and strength of the state, the life of the church, and the preserver of the peace and well being of the community. This is the Mother's work. She is a builder and provider for the well being of the human race, and its chief blessing. Although it is true that under the conventionalities of the human life the work of a quiet loving Mother and wife sheds no dazzling lustre, the world as a mass however, does not look at this great display, it is too high up for them, and too far off. It is only the scientists who may view through instruments like the astronomers, who get glimpses now and then of the great distant planets. The lustre that the good Mother's life and work diffuses is a home commodity. It hovers near the human habitation. It glows with no garish light, but with the soft tender love of a mother's heart. It warms, it tenders, it comforts, it blesses and intertwines itself with the affections that nothing can sever. Such a woman, wife and Mother was Louisa Kennard, my dearly beloved Mother, of hallowed memory, the remembrance of whose worthy life touches my tenderest sensibilities. [BJ's note: The larger font reflects Baltis' especially large lettering on the above sentence. Following it, he returned to his normal hand]
W hen a young woman in early-married life, the subject of this memoir was handsome of face and form. She was not of large frame, or of height above the average, and in this respect she did not resemble her mother. Her form possessed a grace of movement for which she was noted. Her education and manners were those of a trained lady. Her father took great pride in her education, and it showed its fruit. She was healthy, of a strong will in the pursuit of her duties as wife and matron. She possessed a placed and even temper and did not allow it to be ruffled by any provocation; holding it in check at all times and never allowing it to overstep the bounds of propriety. Her social habits were those becoming a refined and good woman, and she was entirely free from gossip. She was a favorite with all by whom she was known, a thing to be expected from one possessing her character. She did not have many social friends, her own, together with her husband's relations mostly comprised her society and with them she was a great favorite. She was a fine reader, and had she been so inclined would have made a fine elocutionist.
(MENTIONS OF BALTIMORE IN THE LATE 1700's TO EARLY 1800's)
At this point I recall some things she told me about her school days. This period was the heyday of her life. She was fond of her school. This was upwards of 80 years ago [BJ's note: in the years somewhere between 1777 and 1827] and then Baltimore was quite a rural place. She told me among other things of stepping on the rocks in Jones Falls near the shore with her schoolmates going and returning from school. The city, and that stream has changed since then, the latter not for the better in beauty and sparkling waters. Civilization does much in one way, and undoes much in another way.
In the early days of my mother's life she was of a sprightly and animated disposition and possessed in an eminent degree, at the same time, a notably affectionate and susceptible disposition to every touch of distress and suffering. Toil, care, suffering, watching during the midnight vigil at the bedside of the sick in tender ministrations upon their comfort and relief, which together with anxiety of the most exacting nature, ___ without stint upon her mind and person, and to which demands she equally responded from the bounty of her great and benevolent nature. The care of nine children, within nearly the same time limit, together, at one time, of a granddaughter, besides the care of an aged Aunt, with all the fret and anxiety such conditions being made up in part the measure of Louisa Kennard's life duties, which she meekly met without a murmur and heroically discharged.
It is deserving of note to mention the strength of her character and will in connection with her practical views of life. When any of her children would complain of having any task assigned to them, she would say to them, "You must not do as you feel, but act as your duties call. " "If" she would say,"I managed my affairs in life according to my feelings, many a time I would do nothing." It was the force of an of an indomitable will moved by the consciousness of duty by which she did her noble life work. There was a moral in this advice that lived in the minds of her children after she was some years dead. It is indeed the secret of life's success. Her generous resignation, her meek spirit, and the faithful and full discharge of her life's duties constitute a character record, exceptional, and most charming and loveable, her usefulness and value to home and the world.
In reviewing the life work of the dear woman, she seemed to the writer like one sent on a mission to earth to bless it, and that when she had performed her allotted task and given the world the pledge of her completed life work, she passed out of her tabernacle of clay, for the realms from which she was sent, to surrender her commission to the Prince of Light for the Divine Signet, under Divine call to live in a more blissful sphere of being for which she had proved herself worthy.
Louisa Kennard did not tarry on earth to enjoy the fruit of her labor, which together with her bereaved husband, by joint industry and care they had gathered. It was this fact that suggested the preceding paragraph, meaning that her good work of love commended itself to the Divine Being, and He took her to a better home. The highest worldly commendation fails to give due recognition, and is indeed remiss to give due recognition to so worthy and good a mother as was Louisa Kennard. In fact the world, as a general thing, does not comprehend such worth, and too often passes over it, with a heartless matter of course. The ostentatious, gaudy and ___ shows of human vanity, with its glitter and glare, bid the more successfully for its praise and obituaries.
It is well, however, for the world that good mothers such as Louisa Kennard, have and still live for they are a benediction to it, and a preservation to is life. Later in the life of Louisa Kennard her health began to yield to the pressure of her great life work. She underwent many severe bodily afflictions which caused her much suffering, then came painful lingering attacks for long periods of time of pitiable affliction which wore the tender and loving mother away. This period of her life was the most sadly touching, and awakened in her kindred the keenest sense of sympathy and love, and exhibited her sweet and lovely character in its best lustre. Under the trying ordeal there was no abatement of her will. She met her duties in so noble a manner that the love and affections of her family were drawn to her with an intenser endearment. This period of her life is a bitter remembrance. No child of hers living can think without falling to his knees and weeping the bitterest tears of sorrow.
Finally, the in___ds of the disease began to wear the dear life away. She did not leave her bed, the time for the sad leave taking was steadily approaching. Her oldest daughter, my sister Margaret, stayed by her bedside like a ministering angel night and day until the light of life went out. The writer saw her often, he was her oldest child, and left her ___ a short time before she died. She had full control of her mental faculties during her long allictions to the end. That same meek, resigned nature that she showed as a striking feature of her character, remained to the last, yet more touching.
She was conscious until she fell off in a quiet sleep and so easy was the departure of the imprisoned soul from the weary body, that my sister Margaret who was sitting at the head of her bed did not know that she had expired. Without any stretch of fancy; it may be easily conceived that the Angels were there, and with immortal fingers loosened the bands that held her soul to the body and bore her spirit away to rest.
The writer talked with her, but a short time before she died. She had no fear of death and was touchingly tranquil and resigned. Her love for her children and home is especially noteworthy, not only for their temporal but their spiritual wellbeing. She strove by advice, and loving admonition to direct their minds in the right path, and the most yearning wish of her life was shown to this end. In urging this duty upon her children, her manner was so heartfelt, gentle and tender that it was resistless and to this day, in the remembrance of her living children, is one of the sweetest and most tender features of her life, and can't be recalled to mind without tears, and is like the touch of her hand upon the harp of one's being that she so well trained in her lifetime again awakened by her touching love.
(THE CHILDREN OF LOUISE & WILLIAM H. KENNARD, Jr.)
The children of Louisa Kennard all lived to be men and women, and all survived her: all but three lived to a good age, the writer of this memoir [Baltis H. Kennard] is now in his 76th year. [Abt.1902] My brother, William H. Kennard is in his 72nd year. My sister, Margaret - Mrs. Hilleary in her 74th year, and three of the others have attained approximate ages and in vigor and sprightliness, are notably active people. There is a large number of grandchildren and descendants.
Louisa Kennard's life and training has not been lost on her numerous descendents. All of her immediate children are members of a Christian Church and many of the grandchildren, mostly of the M.E. Church of which she was a member. In the community they are among the reputable and active people in the Church and in business, and some are prominent and influential in public affairs, and have in their time borne an important part in the affairs of both Nation and State. One of her grandson's is a minister in the M.E. Church South, and has filled his calling with zeal and credit.
In taking only a cursory view of this estimable and dear woman's life, as it opened up, and revealed its various phases of interest, breadth and extent, and the work it wrought, it appeared as a wonder and as entitled to the highest encomiums from the good and true, and should be especially held in the highest reverence and affection by the descendants of her who wrought so worthy a life work. It is here put down as a record, with the view to honor a life so worthy, and at the same time, that it might pass in review to her descendants as a model of goodness, beauty and purity, deserving their imitation, by emulation of its virtues as a guide to their lives, and that they might share its blessings in oft communing with its memory.
Louisa Kennard died 16 years before her husband. He did not [re]marry. Both lie side by side in Loudon Park Cemetery [in Baltimore City, Maryland]
(A POEM WRITTEN IN HIS MOTHER'S HONOR, BY BALTIS H. KENNARD)
I.
Dear, Dear Mother, can we ever pay, The debt of love we owe to thee?
Thy life for us was worn away, That our lives might bles-sed be.
II.
No dear Mother, we can never pay, That debt each day it greater grows.
For still it lights our earthly way, With a radiance that every glows.
III.
We can only at thy memory's shrine, Oft kneel and their our ___sons pay.
And show with tears, our love is thine, And on thy tomb a loving tribute lay.
[I'll scan this page as an example of the artwork that Baltis put into what he called his Family Register. A scripture notation is placed beneath the words "Her Life" for I Corinthians 13:_. I can't make out the verse #, but this scripture passage is commonly referred to as "the love passage".]
My Father, Passed the Ford. Forever in Light
William H. Kennard, my Father, was born in Baltimore City, Maryland, in December 1803, about twenty years after the close of the Revolutionary War. He died 30th July, 1873, in his 70th year. At the time of his birth Thomas Jefferson had not long entered (1801) upon his first term as President of the United States. The period of time in the history of the City, State, Nation and world, through which my father lived was historic and interesting; famous for great events, and wonders in invention; and in the products of the Mechanical world, discoveries in Science, and wonderful growth, and development, especially as related to America. In fact, from the date of his birth until his death, the world was busy with wonder, especially as to those which related to America and, indeed, while those wonders were a marvel, they were the legitimate outcome of the world's progress.
In studying the events of history, they may all be placed together as one would form a necklace; their affinities be discovered; and their origin traced. Man builds "better than he knew", possibly always. When he plants, and lays his furrows, whether it be a grain of corn, or an idea of State, he knows not the force or extent of the power and resources which may develop. "There is a divinity that shapes our ends rough hew them as we may". It took three generations, or more to define the Constitution of the United States, before its powers and true Entity became established. Then, however, at the cost of bitter strife, and finally the arbitrament of the sword; with the astonishing feature of the process that under it, the nation grew and prospered and emerged from it the Greatest World Power, Still dedicated to Liberty. It may not stop there, nor until "The Fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man", as a principle may prevail in all lands. Under these reflections, it would seem indeed, that our beloved Republic like "Topsy jus growed". [BJ's Note: I assume Baltis is referring to the character Topsy in Uncle Tom's Cabin that I'll link to. Scroll down to pg.356 online.] But when Plymouth Rock was touched by the feet of the Pilgrim Fathers in dreary midwinter, the energies of all the centuries entered a new continent dedicated to Liberty.
In the early part of the life of William H. Kennard, from youth to manhood, Baltimore City had scarcely attained a vigorous youth. In 1803, its inhabitants numbered about 29,000. In 1790, thirteen years before his birth, 13,503. In 1775, at which time his mother was living it contained 564 houses, 5,934 inhabitants. In 1817 the Savings Bk of Balto. Was commenced. In 1795 Bk. of Baltimore was chartered. In 1801, the Union: In 1806, the Mechanics: In 1810, the Franklin Marine, Farmers and Merchants, and the Commercial and Farmers. (1900 Baltimore's population is claimed to be over 600000.)[BJ's note: relative size of number to size of text at above reflects Baltis' accent with size.]
In 1813, the first Steamboat called the Chesapeake was put on the line to Philadelphia. On July 4, 1828, Charles Carroll laid the cornerstone of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad - it then ran to Ellicott City by means of horses. On the 8th August 1829 the cornerstone of the Balto. And Susquehanna Railroad was laid. In 1809 the Washington Frederick and Reisterstown turnpikes were completed. The City then had 14 watchmen and three constables. These appointments were made in 1784, the same time it was agreed to erect the Hanover Marsh and Fell's Point Market Houses. The writer well remembers himself that up to 1844, or thereabouts, Baltimore had no organized Police force, and had but 12 Constables, one for each of the then twelve wards for police duty during the day and at night a watchman for each ward. It was then the custom to cry the hours, some of the Watchmen had a German vernacular, and their manner of articulation at times was amusing.
Political patronage then, banked on a small capital. In 1796 seven years before my Father's birth, Baltimore was erected into a City, called by title Mayor and City Council of Baltimore. James Calhoun was the first Mayor. In 1809 permission was granted by the Legislature to raise $100,000 to erect the Washington Monument. Gen. John E. Howard, gave the site upon which it stands. Surrounding the site was, then, an extensive and beautiful forest. It was called Howard's Woods, and was then a resort for the public, as the City Parks are now. The Battle Monument stands on the site of the first Courthouse, which stood till 1808. In 1767 court records were removed from Joppa, which had been the seat of Justice, and in 1768 provision was made for the erection of the Courthouse, which as stated, stood till 1808. [BJ's note: Martin and other Tschudys had signed the petition asking for the courthouse to be moved from Joppa to Baltimore. See HERE. For a look at some incredible architecture of this era, click HERE.]
The Battle Monument was erected to the memory of the citizens who fell in the defense of the City on the 12th and 13th of September, 1814. Another monument stood in the City Spring lot, Calvert Street. It was erected to the Memory of Colonel George Armistead, the gallant defender of Fort McHenry, in 1814. [Here are some links mentioning Armistead on the web: 1, 2, The Armistead Monument] It has been removed to another site. The erection of these Monuments gave to the city, the name of the "Monumental City".
From his birth till my father closed his earthly pilgrimage, July 30th 1873, many of the notable events of the word's history took place; these, together with the assassination of President Garfield and the Spanish American War, completed the number of signal events, at home and abroad of the wonderful history of the 19th century; and, therefore, substantially the period of his life time covered that history. [BJ's note: I'm rather surprised Baltis didn't think to mention the assassination of Lincoln at this point.]
In the history of man, some seemingly strange things happen after a calamity has befallen him, or after a great war of devastation and suffering - and it seems more especially so in the history of young nations - It is, that the nation takes a bound to a higher plane, and perceives insight of a greater destiny. War does seem to develop a nation, reveal its possibilities, open up wonderful vistas of a new future, and uncover hidden treasures in the earth and in the mind not suspected. Yet war in the end annihilates. "They that take the sword perish with the sword."
Baltimore City was a seaport. It began its existence on the upper lines of the harbor and worked up the rising hills to the North chiefly, and then within a limited area of about two miles square it spread either way, not compactly, to its then limits. A magnificent country of great scenic beauty and fertility, rose from it as a base, on a succession of hills to the mountains on the north and west, with spurs extending from those hills on the south and east. It was therefore a commercial city and its trade was chiefly that which arose from water trafic. During the Revolutionary War [BJ's caps] it had virtually no communication with the inland country, yet during that afflicting period it showed marked vitality, and laid the foundation of future growth. At the close of the Revolutionary War, business rapidly increased, and facilities in all lines had at once to be provided for its needs. It was then, as mentioned, plans were devised to open up roads to inland places within the state, and to Washington, the nations capitol, and for many years this road was the only communication with the Capitol, and continued to be such, not only for Baltimore City, but for the nation, until the Baltimore and Ohio built a Rail Road.
The west from the Potomac River was a sealed book and in the start of 1800, the thirteen colonies, then Thirteen States of America, comprised the only One Republic of the Western hemisphere. At the close of the century not a monarchy of any moment existed from the British possessions on the North, to Patagonia at the southern point of South America - This of itself is a wonder - although the resources of Baltimore were limited. Trade and business continued to grow, and the War of 1812 did not impede its growth until the City ranked as the third one in the Union, with a future not yet unfolded, but of pleasing promise.
The early history of the City, its eminent men, in peace and in War, and in the lines of trade and business - Its artisans, and industrial classes - Its brave and patriotic people; their grasp of the future of the city, shown in their plans of devising outlets from the city before many of the greater cities of the nation, by which to scale the mountains and make an ample way for the great west to bring its treasures to the sea is one of surpassing interest; and when reviewed, awakens one's highest admiration for such a history, and for the people who have made it, and as one deserving to be held in the highest estimation as to worth of character.
In giving a sketch of my Father's life the writer was naturally led to review the times in which he lived. This afforded a fascination not easily disregarded, and was of so suggestive a nature, that tended to disarrangement of plans, and brevity of description, that neither did justice to the ideas intended, nor admitted of harmony in the recital. It is difficult, however, for one who takes pride in his City's history, to pass from a suggestive fact which is the course of a review such as this, that has not appeared to him before, and not name it. It is like traveling over ground oftentime trodden before, as men often do, and stumbling over precious ore. This is especially manifest in the case of a city's history. The work done, and the plans inaugurated, in an early stage of progress, neither show the idea that projected them in its full entirety, nor its adaptability to the destiny of its surroundings in the future.
For instance the writer saw the track only ten miles long; the horse cars, and Peter Cooper's Grass-hopper engine, so called, which on a bet the horses beat. [Here you'll find the details of the race mentioned. Scroll a little more than halfway down the page for the text referring to the race. Cooper sounds like an incredible man, and I recommend reading all the text on that page.] On half century has scarcely passed and one can hardly believe his own eyes, as to what he does see and hear. So a century ago Baltimore as a city did not make much display of its wares in a physical sense, but in the vitality of its ideas, as time has proved, and will further prove it is shown that the men of the early life of the city possessed them in an eminent degree and of a versatile character.
To day Baltimore City, either by inheritance or because of the refined taste of the men of an earlier date, possesses a series of the most beautiful Parks in the country, in a number of them the natural beauty of which has been preserved. This is nothing more than tradition and the inherited tastes of ancestors. Baltimore began early to beautify itself by the preservation of its fine springs of water with rural enclosures. From that idea sprang that of the Public Parks. Two motives pervaded the people in the selection of the Park sites. It was both practical and patriotic. In this the inspiration was drawn from the beautiful column commemorate of the Father of his Country, and the equisite plans laid out for its picturesque surroundings. Further in the selection of those sites another notable trait has shown itself in the people of Baltimore, that of regard and veneration for the past, whether in the sense of patriotism, or sentiment. Prominent resorts that were preserved to a degree, or the colonial home of some ancient family well known to the history of the past as in Carroll Park, Federal Hill Park [Fed. Hill Park as it appears today] and Druid Hill Park, are among the number, and many of the numerous lesser parks were erected more or less for the same reason.
And now an effort is making to preserve other sites no less in an historic sense, appreciable to the refined sensibilities of the people of Baltimore City. Among the sites is that of Fort McHenry, Beautiful of situation, Famous in history. If this can be done it would serve as a perpetual honor to the people of Baltimore City for patriotism, and veneration for the classic annals of this site. It is a matter of grave doubt, however, whether Fort McHenry will, at least for many years, become in a strict sense one of the City's Parks. It is not improbable, however, that it will be enlarged by recovering from the water sides large tracts of land to the harbor lines, by the national government, and beautified, and under plans its uses may be so arranged that the city may participate them. Probably the government would have been less loth to part with the site, were it not that the government has no interest in a large share of the land, only while in possession, should any other use be attempted, under the Deed of gift by which the Gov. holds the land it would then revert to the heirs of the donor.
Lately the City has through the proper channels applied for its use as a city Park. The gov. was not averse per se to grant the favor, but for the reasons mentioned, found that the only way to serve the city, and at the same time itself, was to keep the fort, and devise some plan, as above intimated to afford the city some participation. When Mayor Hayes suggested the use of Fort McHenry as a park, it had been thought of before - the writer knew of the legal difficulties above mentioned, and supposed it would be stumbled on in time, and it so turned out. The effort, however, will serve a good purpose and a historic site of a fame, national, as well as local, for all time to come will be preserved, to both lend a charm to the city, and an attractive beauty to the harbor; for it is the Key to the harbor of the city. Because of that last mentioned fact, the growing commerce of the port, and that of the great Rail Road lines, closing in all around the harbor, in time, necessity might have plead for its use for commercial purposes, for Baltimore now is one of the leading gateways of the Mighty west to the sea, and that which comes to it from the orient by sea, may come to it by land from the North Pacific coast.
It is worthy of note that the nation's banner has never been lowered at Fort McHenry. From the time, amidst shell and "the rocket's red glare" that arose from the spread of waters in front of its ramparts, when the inspiration came to the genius of Francis Scott Key, which gave to the Republic the song of the "Star Spangled Banner", to the civil war, and on to the present.
Just after the 19th of April riot in 1861 when in the estimation of the then civil authorities it was deemed best to suppress whatever tended to excite public feeling, it was ordered that the banner of the nation be not hoisted anywhere in the city. This course under the circumstances was prudent, as there were in Baltimore City, perhaps equal in number to those who sympathized with the South, brave, determined, Union men, who, for any provocation would not have been restrained; and the result of a conflict would have been a horror. At the fort the Flag floated all day from the Fort Flag Staff. There was a purpose shown by a hurriedly organized regiment to take the Fort. It is said that one night soon after the riot on the 19th this regiment marched to the fort. Whether the native spirit of veneration for the fame of the place touched a latent patriotism then in abeyance, or whether prudence was deemed the better part of valor, it is not necessary to note. However, the regiment faced about and returned to the city.
To show the loyalty of the union people at the time the order mentioned was issued that the nation's flag must not be floated, an incident that occurred on Federal Hill will be mentioned. A pole had been planted on the hill from which the flag floated; and remained unlowered despite the order mentioned; about noon a posse of Police officers arrived with orders to have it removed. The workmen from the foundries had just quit work for dinner; and seeing the commotion clambered up the hill. By this time a considerable crowd had gathered, and taking in the purpose of the presence of the officers protested against the removal of the flag. There was one man in the squad of police who refused to obey the order to remove the flag. He took off his badge of office and gave it to the officer in command, and left the service. His name was David Daneker, a member of a large family of that name in South Baltimore, notable for Patriotism. The flag continued to fly until the city came under the control of the Union people. Federal Hill is now a city park, standing as it does at the head of the inner harbor it is a striking object of attraction. Indeed the topography of Maryland, from the mountains to the foothills at the city of Baltimore, wh?ere the water ways take up their courses and expand into vast dimensions, form a series of views, the inspiring grandeur of which never l__es the vision nor fails to excite the emotions. No city anywhere is better situated for beauty, commerce, trade, health, manufactures, homes, culture, refinement. Religion, with splendid locations all around it of great extent, where the rich and the poor may have homes, with city and country combined.
When, as in this case one, who, simply intended a brief sketch of the City, so many features have opened up to his mind, as to what the City is, and what its people have done, until he finds himself greatly beyond his limit may be pardoned if he ventures a theory as to its future.
At a previous point in these sketches, it was said that men at times in history, 'Build better than they knew.' Now, in 1828 when a 10 mile track of Rail was laid from Baltimore to Ellicott Mills (now City) it was hardly foreseen that a natural line of destiny was struck that would be one of the great Artery's that would give life to a great empire of States, by carrying their golden fleece to the sea, and returning to them the treasures of the Argo from distant lands beyond the seas. Nor did it enter the imagination of hardly any one but a dreamer, that that line, during the life times of some then living, would scale the Alleghany Mts. Then unite with other lines, pierce the Rocky Mts. To the Pacific Coast, almost in a Straight course, and participate in the trade of the east. Yet this has all come recently as if by magic, really too sudden to be immediately available. The United States is now the Great World Power, not in its Material might, but in its trade, industries and Manufactures.
On the soil of [originally written first and crossed out by Baltis here was "Baltimore City" and written above it to replace it was the word following] Maryland, stands the Nation's Capitol. Its communication with this City is almost an open way, because of its ease and frequency, and in time may become so connected as to make the two Cities virtually one. The land between the two cities is mostly level, and is not held at high prices, but must necessarily, in time, become very valuable. It is susceptible of beautiful rural ornamentation, and admits of wide roadways and Boulevards upon which the villa could be erected, offering sites and drives that could be made the most beautiful in the world. Washington now is a most beautiful City, and is destined to become equal in grandure and renown, to the great nation of which it is the Capitol.
Now, in its history, Baltimore City has waited with patience for its inheritance. It has in its years of waiting not omitted to lay out the lines of a great future prosperity. It has labored under difficulty. The trend of trade and capital made a circuit around it on the North. The erection of the great states, West and Northwest, attracted capital. Those states have become enriched as well as those of the North. Though Baltimore had to wait, yet the enrichment of the country was her enrichment. The city though not showing a spasmodic growth has maintained a vigorous one. The South, too, seems to have derived a new energy and vigor. The country has found new markets, and even in the old ones takes the lead. We are not, now, only an agricultural country, but the Mill, the Factory, and the workshop have found distant markets for their products. Cotton today is a greater king than formerly. It leaves the states for foreign markets as a manufactured product. Baltimore has the grandest seaport in the world. Its natural facilities for ship building is unsurpassed. Land is cheap, Capital needs a basis for investment, and in the city and its environs it is abundant. Already large enterprizes have been located here, and many more will follow.
Two great Trunk lines of Rail Roads have terminals at Baltimore. Another one will soon follow, and doubtless there will be many others. A city so well situated, so well furnished with natural advantages, and so well equipped with created facilities for trade and business must necessarily take high rank among the Cities of the Country, if not of the world.
As already noted, Baltimore had to wait until new towns, cities and states were built up. Now, outside capital is not needed there as formerly. All around the city and away off west, and even the greater Northern cities, do not know what to do with their idle capital. Now that capital will come to Baltimore, for as things have turned out the prosperity of Baltimore is necessary to the prosperity of the country; and as a stronger inducment Baltimore is well provided in her outfit for the investment of capital. Several strong proofs of this view have occurred of late years, and latterly, the last one will be mentioned.
It is the case of the sale of the Western Maryland R.R.Road. As soon as it was found that the road might be bought, capital came in droves to buy it, and sums of money were offered for it, that but a short time ago would have seemed fabulous and no one knows how much money will be paid for it. New interests have arisen in the mines recently opened in W. Virginia which require an outlet to the sea. This incident verifies the view that Baltimore has builded well, and that the city offers advantages for capital that will bring it to its doors, without going after it and that they, therefore, who take pride in its history have lived all their lives within its borders, enjoyed its beautiful scenery and value the memory it gave to early childhood, and hoped for and aided in the success of its prosperity may be cheered by the hope well assured of its grand future, even if be only a hope well justified, yet not to be one of realization in their day, for it will be a cheer to live by.
The writer has digressed perhaps to an extent not allowable in a sketch of his Fathers history. In one sense, however, it was allowable. It was his native city. He was born and died in the city, and many of the incidents of the city's history here noted, occurred in his life time. Those incidents interested the writer greatly, they were part of his life, but when touched upon they led to an enlargement that seemed unavoidable. A pedigree of my Fathers history will follow as far as I am in possession of the information, which will include his Kindred. The last named will comprise the first subjects of this sketch, and then the personal history of my Father will follow. That which I know of my Father's kindred is a matter of memory. END
It is at this point that the text I have on hand ends. How I wish I could read about his father's family.
There are four separate sheets which have information that I will post as separate documents on the site here.
Transcribed by Elizabeth Jeanne Rivers Peters, Baltis H. Kennard's Great-Great Granddaughter in the year of our Lord, 2000.
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