davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
FUSS & ROOP.
An Enterprising Insurance FIRM
Insurance Is a Shield in Business
Which Wise Men Appreciate.

Insurance was unknown to the anclents,
having had It's origin in the exlSencles OF
modern commerce. Fearing loss OF ship
ments by sea, it was first applied for the
guaranteeing of the cargo safe delivery
in transit. From Ibis, insurance has con-
tinued to grow until in its magnitude, II
has now reached thai STATE where one can
insure against any form of loss, against
which ali prudent businessmen recognize
the need of being fully projected. 1t Is
useless to dwell at am length on the Il 'es-
ton either of life or fire Insurance, DetIit'e
both are so well understood By the masses,
and especially by our astute merchants
and professional gentlemen, whose analy-
teal minds enable them to see its advan-
tages.
For two years the firm of Fuss q
Roop has operated an Insurance business
at II East Main street, which commands
large degree of patronage. Represent
inc such well-known fire insurance COM
panies as the German American OF New
York: the Hartford, of Hartford, Connec-
ticut, and the Philadelphia Underwriters,
of Philadelphia, and such well-known HE
Or accident insurance companies as the
Life Mutual Benefit, Of Newark, \. D.,
and the United States Casualty, of New
York. carrying accident and ''steam
boiler explosion features in their risks }
these gentlemen have consummated many
deals in thes,sscounty, as their books dis
close, and are power for good IN the
community. Since insurancexxis a neces-
sitv. where to insure becomes vital ques-
ton to everybody of the least means, Tor
the uncertainties of this life may convert
the finest property into ruins, or place
even the strongest mortal on his back In a
dav or an hour. On this account, the
existence of well-conducted insurance Of
flee like Fuss & Roop' $, is nothing less
than blessing to any spot or settlement.
Mr.. J. II. Fuss having been Justice OF
the Peace since 1895; Knight OF Py-
thias, and a member of the Patriotic Sons
of America. Before embarking in this
business, he was Il clerk at Westminster
for some years, where he owns numerous
houses, and is probably known by every
man, woman and child in this locality
The same may be said of his partner, Mr..
d. NJ. Roop, who has been a court stenog-
rapher here since 1896, his name being a
''household word among the legal luminar-
les of our city. His father is prominent
farmer in Carroll county, and a capitalist OF
standing in the community. Having
maintained their record of integrity fol-
years, no sensible man can doubt the abil
ity of Fuss & Roop to continue their bust
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
JOHN j. REESE.
One OF tho Leading Citizens---B Brief
Sketch of His Life.

Among the successful citizens of West
Minister it is but right to include the sub
ject of this notice, John j. Reese, general
merchandise dealer. 294 East Main street.
Born October 81, 1919, at Westminster,
he received his education in the Female
Collegiate and Male Academic Institute
here, under the tutelage of Rev. John A.
Monroe and Prof +. r. Buell. Then he
began clerking in his fathers store June
20, 1868, and continued doing so until
May l, 1872, when he entered into part
nership with his father-the late William
Reese-which continued until the latter
death January 10, 1884, since which time
he has carried on the business at the old
stand-so well known by our people. He
was married to Miss +. A. Sharrer, daugh-
ter of F. A Sharrer, May ID, 1880, and
three children have born to them, of whom
two. a son and daughter, still survive.
Mr.. Reese has been twice elected a city
councilman. In November, 1893, he was
elected county treasurer by majority Of
523 votes, but refused a re- nomination in
1895. From 1895 to 1897, he was clerk
to the Board of Control and Review, and
is still connected with many leading cor
porations and societies, being president of
the Land, Improvement. Loan and Manu-
featuring Company of Westminster; Secre-
tary and Treasurer of The Westminster
Cemetery Company; director in the Bal
timore County Fire Insurance Company; a
trustee of Central Hall School, Westmin-
ste; secretary and treasurer of the Forest
and Stream Club; member of the Odd
Fellows, Encampment, knights of Py-
thias, Independent Order of Mechanics,
Mystic Circle and Royal Arcanum, and sec
rotary and trustee of Grace Lutheran
Church.
Mr. Reese has ever been an energetic
business man, a public spirited citizen,
careful and prudent in all trusts confded
to him, and stands today among the best
known and respected citi7cnS OF Westmin-
ster
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
N. GORSUCH & SON.
TRULY A HOME INDUSTRY!
Flour Mill With Capacity of One
Hundred and Fifty Barrels Per
Day, Etc.-Fine Building and Mod
ern Equipment.

The history of Maryland extends 50 far
into the past-5acI, indeed, to March,
1854, that it is not vouchsafed even to
the coolest inhabitant," Chat oracle on
past events, to inform Us OF the primitive
conditions existing in Maryland's early
development All that has passed away,
and is now succeeded by what can truly
be called the agricultural and horticultural
age; it having long since been discovered
that, in this climate and Woodworking
soil of our great State, is possessed all
those essentials requisite to make Mary
land wealthy and powerful.
A visit to some city flour mill is always
interesting, especially to the student Of
mechanics, who, amid the din of modern
machinery, may trace the wonderful growth
of this industry from its crude beginning
ages since. The messy mill stone has
become a relic Like everything else, the
ancient 'burr' process has given way to
the mechanical appliances of the nineteenth
century, when modern inventions supersede
the old ones everywhere and thus benefit
humanity.
The firm of n. l. Gorsuch & Son oper-
ates one of the largest aud finest equipped
-four mills in this section, their present
building, commodious structure adjoining
the railroad station, having been erected
eight years ago, with capacity for man
ufacturing one hundred and fifty barrels
Of flour daily and storage capacity OF
twenty five thousand bushels of wheat and
one hundred and twenty tons of feed.
The machinery is the best known to the
milling art, as the proprietors are ever on
the alert to take advantage of each discOv
ery that will in the least tend to keep
their product up to the highest standard,
or facilitate its manufacture. Last year
they replaced the old ''reels' with the
latest appliances and most modern inven-
tions in the milling line, sifters, etc. +,
which augments the output of their cele-
brated fours, the principal brands of which
include the "Sea Foam the ''Gorsuch
Best and the Cook Delight, the
demand for all of them being quite exten-
sive already. The firm also manufac-
lures such well-known fertilizers as the
''Peerless," the ''Dissolved Raw Bone,
and the ''No. g. which farmers appre-
ciate wherever put to use. Such is the
demand for the excellent products Of these
mills that the firm are compelled to oper-
ate them steadily all the year round.
Both of the Messrs. Gorsuch are ma
tives of Carroll county, and very popular
citizens, Mr.. N. |. Gorsuch, the senior,
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
SHREEVE g. SNADER,
Proprietors of The Westminster
Steam Laundry.

No where can be found a more fitting
application of Cleanliness is next to God
liness," than in the laundry trade. The
value of such an industry is paramount
and should receive the hearty support of
our citizens.
Five years ago the present firm was duly
inaugurated. Mr. Snader joining Mr..
Shreeve in the business.
Our people should place no small esti
mate upon such an industry and should
give it IA full measure of patronage. This
is but another instance of where money
should be kept at home; not sent away to
outside cities for work in no way superior
to that done by The Westminster Steam
Laundry.
The plant is equipped with the most
modern machinery and everything is at
hand to facilitate, dispatch and secure the
best results in work All injurious soaps
and preparations are eschewed and the wear
and tear of clothes is thereby obviated and
only first-class work afforded patrons
Several people are constantly employed,
and free collection and delivery are features
of the up-to-date management. Both
gentlemen are natives of Maryland, and are
energetic business men who are doing no
small share in sustaining the industrial
status of Westminster.
Keep your money at home and foster a
worthy industry. may be added that
Shreeve & Snader are now erecting fine
addition to their plant, to be supplied with
the best machinery, which will increase
their capacity for work considerably.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08

The bank capital aggregates $780,
600, while its net surplus and undivided
profits are over $45, 900. The stock is
$25 per share, par, but sells readily at
$50 per share. 1t is this banks boast
which merits special mention, that in all the
stringent monetary crises which have dis
turbed the country since 1916 the Union
National has never passed or ''skipped a
single dividend, but, on the contrary, has
always paid them promptly. Two of its
Presidents, Isaac Shriver and John X.
Longwell, filled the post during seventy
years, and two cashiers, John Fisher and
Dr. j. w. Herring, for about sixty-five
years, the latter, elected in November,
1867, being still the cashier. Its leading
correspondents are the National Park Bank
of New York, and the Commercial and
Farmers National Bank of Baltimore.
The present officers and directors of this
Furnishing institution comprise the sub
joined list of prominent citizens: President,
Hon. Charles B. Roberts; vice president,
DIR. James H. Billingslea; cashier, DIR,
Joshua w. Herring; directors, Charles b.
Roberts, Lawrence Zepp, DIR. James II.
Billingslea, Frank 7. Shaw, Charles V.
Wantz, Harry F. Cover, Charles E.
Stewart, James A. G. Bond, j. Wesley
Hofacker and jeremiah Geiman. The
institution receives the approved accounts
of banks, corporations, firms and indivldu-
ais, buys and sells exchange on all the
principal cities, makes collections upon all
points and effectively transacts general
banking business. 1t has always been glad
to extend helping hand to our struggling
industries
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08

of Westminster, having indirectly grown
out of our second war with England, 1872
II. 1t appears that the city of Baltimore
was threatened by the British forces in
the autumn of 1914, when the CONNER
cial and Farmers Bank of Baltimore re-
moved a part of its deposits to Westmin
ster for safety; no moneyed institution Of
any kind being then in existence here, for
this period was some twenty-three years
before the formation of Carroll county.
1t was then, however, that the CONNER
cia and Farmers Bank of Baltimore
opened here an office of ''pay and deposit, "
which continued until 1916, when the
Bank of Westminster was chartered by the
Maryland Legislature and at once COM
menced operations, the first meeting of its
board of directors being held April 6,
1916. Soon afterward it started branch
at Frederick, known as The Farmers and
Mechanics Bank of Frederick, this being
operated until 1927, when it became OBJ
vious to all that the preponderatins infiu
ence of the stock was held by people more
in interest with Frederick than with West
minister former city, by the way, be-
ing then the county seat-and consequently
an act of the Legislature was passed locat
ing the parent bank at Frederick and max
inc the "'Bank of Westminster the
branch. But this arrangement was not
satisfactory to the stockholders in our
midst, who had really been instrumental
in starting the concern, so, that in 1880,
there was separation, the Bank of West
minister taking its position as an indepen-
dent bank, and the Farmers and Mechan-
les Bank, of Frederick, (growing out of
the former conditions, taking rank like
wise as an Independent institution So
they have since remained, both prospecting
and at the same time preserving the most
friendly relations. In this connection we
may state that its first dividend was de-
clared in May, 1916, and that on July l,
1898, it declared its one hundred and
sixty fifth dividend.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
HARRY H. HARBAUGH.
A Popular Livery Man-Quite Sue
cessfu1 In Business.

Mr.. Harry Harbaugh surely merits
special mention in enumerating the worthy
citizens of Carroll county. Formerly en-
gagged at his native town, Uniontown, in
the harness business, he came to West
minister about four years ago, and has
gradually become one Of its principal
figures. His Conveyance, which me-
anders our well kept streets for the con-
venience OF the public, may not be en-
bellished with all the glorious hues of the
rain bow, but its quality of comfort, if not
elegance, is best attested by the patronage
and support which he receives from a
grateful community. 1t has been well said
that he who makes two blades of grass
grow where one grew before ranks as a
public benefactor, and thus Mr.. Hair
baugh deserves recognition as having
increased the comfort of Westminster S
people by providing facilities for their loco
motion up hill and down again. As re-
CARDS the equipment of his stable he has
with characteristic energy provided first
class carriages, buggies and horses, all OF
which are supplemented with careful,
pains taking attendants, who never scruple
to perform kindly amenities towards the
travelling public. The matter Of feeding,
boarding and all things else that pertain to
yell-kept stalls are evidently not lacking
1T Mr.. Harbaugh's stable. He is espe,
cially popular among the travelling frater.
nifty by reason of his happy, genial dispo
sition May he live long and prosper
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08

his present pursuit. He was Mayor of
Westminster two years ago, and holds a
number of responsible positions now, being
a director of the Ice and Cold Storage
Co.; director of the Electric Light and
Power Co., and trustee of the Western
Md. College. Mr., Jno. L. Reifsnider, Jr -,
united with him in partnership two years
ago, when the firm was established under
its present title He is also native of
Westminster, who, before commencing
business here, was for two years an active
salesman in the tobacco line and for three
years with the Romney Iron and Lumber
Company at R"mney, Va. Both are gen
tlemen of experience, tact, Judgment and
energy, with an extensive acquaintance
over Carroll county; and since everything
is kept in their stock that can be found at
a first class coal and lumber yard, the
eide Of travel thi!her by our leading
citizens continually increases. By sound
business rules and principles they have
won the confidence Of our people, who are
never slow in the matter of applauding
merit when it is SO clearly shown
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08

An able writer has we'll said that great
deal regarding the wealth, resources and
prospects of city may be predicted from
the number, extent and standing OF its
banking institutions. Now the city of
Westminster is not only willing, but proud
to be gagged by this standard, for in no
other direction does it show to better ad-
vantage.
When Il bank has existed, without the
slightest intermission, for period of
eighty two years, during which two gen
erations have come and gone, and third
one arisen it is not an exaggeration to de-
clare in trumpet-tones that such an lnstl-
tuition ranks among the guardian enter
prises of Westminster Panics, financial
disasters and periods of business stagnation
and depression have over-swept the coun-
try time and again since its doors first
opened in 1916, but, like some sentinel OF
stone. the Union National Bank has ieal-
ously guarded its trusts and deposits, in
creasing them, indeed, through the flight
of years, and throwing its mantle of pro-
lection around the savings OF its patrons.
Eyes long dimmcd in the churchyard $
mould have perceived this bank S advan-
tages; nor are those now bright with the
fires of life and love slow to appreciate this
sterling institution, over whose green por-
tails may be inscribed Este Psrpet"a :"
Its history is an impressive study; the
Union National Bank, formerly The Bank
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
CHARLES SCHABFFER.
Fertilizing Manufa cturer-A Well
known Citizen of Westminster.

known Citizen of Westminster.
Carroll county is famous, far and wide,
for its rich and unexcelled crops and pro-
auctions, and in such territory no set Of
men display more important part than
they who cause the soil to fructify. Such
citizens are generally natural born business
men, type of whom surely exists in the
subject of this sketch, Mr. Charles
Schaeffer
Carried along upon the most approved
methods, his business of manufacturing
fertilizers has been prosecuted with stead
fast perseverance for nine years past, right
here at his birth place, having been asso-
ciated with H. s. Roberts & Co. until
two years ago, when he became sole owner
of the plant He has also conducted a
tannery and a farm, being, in fact, the
owner of valuable farm land in Carroll
county, where his eyes first caught the sun
light of earth Those who know him best
appreciate him most, and this number
would seem to include all Westminster.
Mr. Schaeffer has always taken an inter-
est in promoting the prosperity of his
native county and ranks among our leading
citizens. For six years past Nh. }. A.
Macintosh has represented the firm as a
salesman on the road, and is held in high
esteem by the farmers throughout this
section.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
j. w. BALDWIN.
Photographer of Local Renown and
Celebrity

1t is rare indeed for an artist, in the
true sense of the word, to be found out
side of metropolitan cities, and therefore
Westminster is lucky in claiming the studio
of Mr.. j. w. Baldwin, 35 East Main
street, as one of her own leading enter
prises. Since Christmas holidays are APP
preaching, we are reminded Of the fact
that the best way to remember yonr
friends is to present them with your pho
tograph, taken by Mr. Baldwin on his
satin finish and other processes. They
cost but little, and yet represent the high
est class of work, equaling the best of
Baltimore productions His studio has
been in operation for nine years and has
achieved merited reputation for first
class work; containing, as it does, many
samples that comprehend the most cher
ished ideals of pose and finish. He makes
elegant cabinets, crayon work, does copy
ing and charging, and proves his compel
ency to master every detail of the art. In
fact, a visit to the studio will repay
anybody, as his samples bear the closest
scrutiny and please the most exacting.
Mr. Baldwin is a native of Wilmington.
Del. Mason and Knight of Pythias.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
MILTON SCHAEFFER.
Our Efficient and Popular Pos
master.

There is, perhaps, no department of the
United States government which appeals
more forcibly to our admiration and re-
spect, or which is under a more perfect
system of management than its postal ser
vice. Its business in every detail is in the
hands of able and responsible parties, from
the postmaster general at Washington to
every member of the rank and file of his
large army Of assistants throughout the
Union.
From the handling of mails en- route,
and the unprecedented service in the trans
portation of mails to the highest and best
convenience afforded the citizens of a town,
the mail service is systematized to most
perfect degree. Contrasting the modus
operandi of today with the primitive means
of yesterday, we can truly feel that time
has opened up a new era, one OF enllghten-
ment, convenience and system.
To be chosen eby the Nation chief
executive to preside over this advanced
state of affairs, is no small tribute to the
worth of an incumbent Not only must
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
DIR. t. J. CooNAN.
Well-Known Physician and Promi-
nent Citizeo.

DIR. T. J. Coonan, 102 East Main
street, was born at Westminster in 1870,
and is therefore in the 18th year of his
age. He entered St. Charles's College,
six miles above Ellicott City, Howard
county, Md, and afterward graduated
from the Medical Department of the
University of Maryland at Baltimore in
1891. Since then he has been located
here in proximity to our homes and bust
ess houses, where his ability is so well
understood He is a grand type of the
young, vigorous, capable practitioner, fully
abreast with the times, as to the latest
discoveries and scientific methods tending
in any way to enhance the efficiency of
practice. Youth and strength, added to
valuable knowledge, are the points that
characterize this gentleman, who is evil
IDENTIFY destined to wear the mantles in
future of those distinguished doctors of our
generation. He comes from long line
of physicians, his father being an excellent
one and his grandfather and uncl,s and
cousins on his maternal side also beins, we'll
known and skilled doctors.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08

having come to Westminster in 1899, and
started merchant tailoring business in
1910, which he carried on with success
during forty years, being ''ploneer'
truly among the merchants of this city,
His present work in the milling and grain
business line commenced in 1880, which
his son, Mr. c. c. Gorsuch, actively SUI
pervises. Representative business men,
who are ever found taking lively part in
each effort to advance the material and
moral welfare of Westminster, they are
noted for strict adherence to honorable
business rules in all transactions with their
fellow-men The firm has been dealing
in grain steadily since 1891.
Mr.. C.. C. Gorsuch is an active Mason
and member of the Royal Arcanum.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
SMITH g. REIFSNIDE R.
Coal, Lumber and Slate Dealers
Their Interesting His Dry.

InGlr luUSF0StluS LILO VI
In city which is constantly improving
and widening its boundaries, the lumber
trade becomes naturally active, and enllsts
some of its best talent, as we'll as consider
able capital. One Of the first points al
WAYS to be looked at by the consumer Is
the reliability and standing Of the firm
with which he deals, and there is surely
no installing the popular estimation IN
which this firm is held when one observes
the stream of customers leaving their yards
loaded with lumber, coal or slate. The
HIGH character of j. w. Smith and j l..
Reifsnider, .Jr, in either business or prl-
vate life at once places their methods above
criticism. while securing for them large
patronage among Carroll county citizens.
They handle all kinds of hard and soft
coal. besides a heavy stock of lumber,
bridge piling, timber and building mate
rials, roofing slate, etc, for which there
is an incessant demand. Their yard at
26 West Main street covers two acres OF
ground. where they keep in stock generally
/ 600. 600 feet of lumber and 3OO, 0OO
shingles, while its capacity for coal storage
under cover approximates 1000 tons
Here at present five men and eight horses
are constantly employed. .ao
The business was established in the Gus
by Smith, Dell & Reifsnider on the
present site; Joshua Smith, the original
senior partner, having been an uncle OF
the present senior member of the firm, and
Jesse Reifsnider his partner, the grand
father of the present junior member Mr..
Smith took possession of this business 10
years ago, and has had abundant reason
to rejoice at the venture. :.
Mr. Joseph w. Smith was born = IN
Carroll county, and managed business Tor
his father at Smith, Yingling and Com
pany's canning factory, before starting In