The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1874-04-17


vivacious of them all. He was fine singer,
performed we'll on the flute, told story
admirably well, always in good humor,
full of life and hilarity, and as conse-
quence general favorite with the ladies.
He partially learned the printing business,
subsequently studied law, but as he took
the world easy, without worrying himself
to-day about how he was to live to-mor-
row, he never did anything while knew
him that absolutely required energy, fore
thought or industry. His hand was ever
open to the needy whether there was any
thing in it or not, and he seemed to be
studiously respectful to persons older than
himself, and careful not to wantonly sport
with the feelings of his associates.
Another fthe more prominent young men
was William II. Johns, who, although of
delicate constitution, seemed to be full of
life and hope, and ever cheerful, kind and
courteous towards all in whatever station.
He was tall, handsome, dignified, and popu-
lar with all classes. He died young, at the
residence of his brother Henry, who was
then Sheriff, and occupied the Jail, and his
untimely death, as well as that of his broth.
er not many months after, threw dark
shadow over the whole community.
John McKenny, Jr., was truly model
young man. While he associated but little
with others of his age, and never participa-
ted in their sports or pastimes, all admired,
esteemed and respected him. He was well
educated, had solid rather than brilliant
requirements, a fine tact for business, and
never left loose ends to any of his underta-
kings OF transactions. He was sngularly
modest and ditfident, for an active business
man, and scrupulously nice and tasty in his
personal appearance. He was industrious,
frugal and far. seeing, and hence all his
plans seemed to prosper, and if still living
is doubtless wealthy man. He was I'M
married the last | knew of him, nor did l
ever know him to pay any marked atten-
ton to lady, and if he married at all, it
was when he was yerging on to the border
Of old bachelordom.
Another of the most sedatc, discreet,
prosperous and popular young men of the
place and time was Daniel Wann. He was
Justice Of the Peace, and no matter what
his decision in cases of litigation, no one
ever thought of impugning his motives or
lmpeachlng his yeracity. He was one of
the most prominent and active members of
the Masonic Fraternity, and to his efforts
and liberality, more, perhaps, than to those
OF any other one man, is Mt. Ararat Lodge
indebted for the substantial stone edifice
in rear of the Court House. For many
years he managed the hotel for Major Rich
ardson, but subsequently entered into the
mercantile business in partnership with
Ephraim Lyle, which proved profitable
investment. He was quiet, inoffensive,
good young man, possessing the confidence
and esteem of all, and such was his reputa-
tion for probity and honor, that the most
misanthropic man in the county would
have taken his word as soon as his bond.
If he had any particular pride, it was in
wearing very fine gold watch with an i'm
mense seal and chain.
John and David were the two oldest
sons of Col. |. ID. Maulsby. John was ap-
pointed midshipman in the Navy about
the year 1927. His first cruise was to the
coast of Africa, from which he returned in
about a year with number of curiosities
and many marvellous stories, the latter of
which he loved to relate with great appar-
ent gravity to the listening crowds that
frequently surrounded him. He was a
great sloven, often wearing clothes large
enough for man twice his size, with Slip
shod shoes, and the brim OF his hat always
turned up before. Though small in stature
he had big heart that sympathized with
all who had sorrows or Affections. He was
eccentric, and when in "a study, as was often
the case, would gnaw at his finger-nais
till they bled. He loved to wander among
the tombs and in solitary places, and would
moralize for an hour over any bone he
mn, t,>c 4 Il
of mans mortality. He lost his life some
time ago, while bathing in the Delaware
Bay.
David was Il tall, portly, fine looking
young man, full of fun, hilarity and frolic,
a splendid singer of Scotch and Irish songs,
and of pleasant and fascinating address.
He was more snowy than John, but had less
mind and stability, and was less popular
among those who knew them best. They
were as unlike as two brothers could well
be, not only in appearance, temperament
and everything-so much SO that they were
rarely ever seen together, or to enjoy the
same company, the same pastimes or the
same pursuits. David, like John, was liber-
al to fault, but unlike John, would play
any kind of prank upon his most init
mate friend, and the more annoying it was
to the object the funner it was to David.
William, the third brother, was several
years younger than David, and was consi-
dered the most sprightly and promising boy
Of the three. His characteristics were I'M
developed at the period of which write
but have been grattied to learn, through
the papers and from other sources, that he
has won distinction at the Bar, and is now
among the foremost lawyers of his native
State. had the pleasure of meeting with
him moment in Baltimore during my late
visit, and felt as if the long and eventful
years that had come and gone since We
were play-fellows had all been blotted out
and that we were boys again, riding stick
horses aud throwing stones at poor old
Molly Mackey's ducks.
There were several other young men in
Bel Air at the period referred to, but
haven't room to speak of them in this letter
With your permission l may do so in the
future. Respectfully, G. B. G.
APRIL, 1874.
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4 Riddle.