davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
ALBAUGH-BABYLON GROCE-
RY COMPANY.
One of Westminster Monuments
of Thrift and Energy.

1t is with some misgivings that we at
empt a review of the large Wholesale
grocery business Of. the Albaugh- Baby
lon Company for publication to the coun-
nv in our industrial edition. The stand
ing of this house and the high character
of the firms personnel in business and
financial circles, make this enterprise sec
ond only to the milling and packing estab-
lishmenIs as contributor to our reputation
abroad both as trade and manufacturing
centre. Both members of this finn are
natives If Carroll ounty. Mr.. George
w. Albaugh (whose biography appears
elsewhere in the ADVOCATE. having been
born on Washington birthday. February
%, 1857 and his partner, Mr.. F. Thomas
Babylon, on July %, 1857, at Frlzellburg
1t will be noticed that there is some SINH
larity in the dates of their birth, just as
you find it in their expert business meth
DDS
A glance at the career of the gentlemen,
especially since 1894, when their grocery
here was established, is quite in:eres ing
As will be seen from Mr. Albaugh bio
graphy in another column. his grocery bas-
mess at Westminster dates from 1894, or
and the present partnership commenced
year later when he became head of the
Company, and Mr. Babylon the secretary
and treasurer. By reason of his great
activity and business capacity, the latter
has since continued the executive man
ager.'
The premises which they own and Occu
by on East Main street, large and hand
some brick structure, dimensions 60xl98
feet, stands in close proximity to the rail
road station, and could not, in fact, be
better located. Here they conduct
wholesale traffic in groceries, notions, to-
bacco, cigars, confectionery and grocers
sundries, for the firm represent leading
manufacturers in this line all over Western
Maryland, where their trade indeed ex-
tends, as we'll as over much of Pennsylva-
MIA. Thus the grain of ''mustard seed
which Mr.. Albaugh planted at Westmin-
ster a decade of years since, has gradually
eXpduueu anu IFuCCluou, uutl HoW uuuOA
the green branches of "a stately tree,
the firm reap just recompense for their
labor.
Influential figures in our city s develop
ment for many years; identified by sym
pathy and aid with every material concern
tending to promote our public welfare,
Albaugh and Babylon long ago secured the
goodwill and respect of our inhabitants,
as their life-records so clearly show. AS
regards the latter gentleman, he was
trained to habits of industry in the schools
of Carroll county, where he had filed
clerical posts at several stores BEFORE join
ing the Babylon & Gilbert Hardware bus
mess and Mr.. Albaugh here, and he
shares the fame of his partner as man
whose heart is wrapped up in the prosper
ity of this city-a man ever keenly alive
to it's best interests and mindful of it's ne
cessities. Like Mr.. Albaugh, too, he
fills some positions of trust, being a
director of the Westminster Savings
Bank; a director of the Ice and Cold
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
CHAS. B. HUNTER.
Prominent Contractor and Builder.

PERHAPS no man in Carroll county has
pushed more rapidly to the front rank OF
auy city's enterprising business men dur
ing the past ten years, than Charles b.
Hunter, carpenter and contractor, whose
name will probably go down to posterity
for contributing as much to Westminster S
architectural beauty, as that of any other
citizen. Some of the handsomest houses
in the city and county bear the stamp OF
his workmanship, and nobody can examine
them without feeling that he is an unusu-
ally capable builder. With kind words
for his competitors, he commands their
respect, as the the confidence OF every
BODY else around him, maintaining friend
" relations with all, while pursuing the
tseven tenor of his way in the building
line. He was born here in 1868, and
passed through our leading schools in Car
roll. commencing work as carpenter IN
1887, at which he continued until 1894
Then he deemed it proper to unite econ
tracing with carpenterlns, and has since
made the double work so successful, that
he feels sanguine of promising results as
time advances. Mr. Hunter gives
special attention to jobbing, his shop being
located on Court street, near East Main
street Quite a number of fraternal or
carnations claim his allegiance as mem
berthe knights of Pythias, the indie
peudent Order of Mechanics, Sons of Tenn
perance, and the Baltimore Mutual Aid
Society Past Master of his Orders; he is
: member of the NJ. E. Church in this
city.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
FARMERS AND MECHANICS
NATIONAL BANK.
Asolid institutional Capital $4,000.

While tracing the growth and expan
sion Of a community, it is we'll to remem-
Der the leading objects in its boundaries,
standing as they do among varied enter
prises, like 50 many guardian spirits pllced
as defense and bulwark Banks have
always been indispensable to business peo-
pie. 1t was "a shrewd head that devised
the species of exchange which has since
developed into the great banking system
of modern times, and which i one Of the
marvellous proofs Of the progress made by
the mortals Of this century. A look at
the banking facilities Of city is one Of
the first things demanding the attention of
capitalists or merchants wishing to locate
in the same, and it is pleasure we can
point to the Farmers and Mechanics Ma
tional Bank of Westminster as an emf
nently safe and furnishing institution,
which never embarks in any questionable
ventures
There are memories connected with
every banking institution which in time
become traditions, pleasing to all who may
in any way have been identified with the
bank operations This is largely truO of
the Farmers and Mechanics National
Bank here, which was established in 1850,
nearly half century ago 1t was organ
lied as a National Bank in 1865, and Is
now operating under its second charter,
with capital of $50, 000 surplus fund
of $40, 600, with undivided profits Of S.,
900; loans S160, 900, and deposits $780,
900. The policy and business of the
Bank is directed by the following gentle
men, elected annually by the directory:
H. Writ Shriver, president; John H.
Cunningham, cashier. The directors com
prise Messrs J. Wesley Biggs, William
A. Cunningham, Harry NJ. Clabaugh,
William Y. Frizzell, Luther H. Hofack-
er, George p Panebaker, and the presi-
dent and vice. president, H. Writ Shriver
and David Stoner
Thus the personnel of the Bank is alone
a guarantee of its absolute reliability and
straight forward business methods. Its
president, Mr. Shriver, is gentleman Of
unblemished integrity and the vice presi-
dent, Mr.. Stoner, is of such high charac-
ter as also to inspire universal confidence,
he having held the position as a County
Commissioner for fourteen years, and been
president of the Board most of the time.
Both are capitalists of prominence, who
own considerable farm land The cashier,
Mr.. Cunningham, has devoted the past
six years to his work at the Bank in that
capacity, having been appointed in 1892,
but having also been continuously in its
employ since January, 1885. He is still
a young man, being a graduate of the
Western Maryland College here in the
class of So, and is now secretary and
treasurer of the Westminster Gas Light
Company. A man of keen business abili-
ties and highest rectitude, he is of that
conservative nature which has made his
services so valuable to the interests he
represents Under its charter, this sterl
ing Bank is always prepared to do gen
eral banking business; to buy and sell ex
change to make collections, and to nego-
tiate all banking paper.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
John Fl. STEM.
President County Commissioners.

President County Commissioners.
Perhaps there is no office in the gift of
the people which displays more fully the
confidence felt by them in their choice of
a representative than that of County Com
missioner. The name alone suggests in
tegrity, honor and worth The duties of
the Office are weighty and important, and
the men chosen to execute them must be
of superior worth and reliability This
honor was conferred upon Mr. John H.
Stem, when he was elected to the post of
Commissioner for Carroll county five years
ago.
A native of this county, where he has
long resided in Franklin district, he has
been for years engaged in farming and
stock raising-an occupation which seems
to form the sub-strata of many useful lives.
He has also followed huckstering, and rails
ing crops for the large city markets of
Baltimore, which go there frequently and
bring good financial returns. Possessed
of genial and conservative nature, he is
valuable adjunct to the important quar-
tette who guard and adjust this county's
closest and best interest. His discharge
of the work is able and just, and all who
are called upon to deal officially with him,
find Mr.. Stem an obliging, honorable gen
tleman. He is president of the Board,
having been elected on the Democratic
ticket in 1898.
His farm at Winfield takes a front place
among the agricultural attractions of Car
roll; for its equipment is complete and
thorough. He has four grown-up chill
dren, who, like himself, are in comfortable
circumstances and valuable members of the
community.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
]. II. oRNDoRFF's SONS.
One of the Leading Firms of West
minister.

No house in Westminster is better known
or more universally respected than that OF
the j T. Orndorff s Sons, founded by
the late Mr. J. T. Orndorff, two decades
since, and which was established under its
present management in this city FIVE years
ago; while no better evidence could be
given of the success which attends honest
effort when coupled with determination and
ability. 1t has been conducted on un-
questioned business methods, by conser-
vative management that has won for it the
solid place it now holds in the confidence
of the public.
The late j. T. Orndorff was man of
prominence in the community whose death
was deplored, and his commercial transac-
tions form "a interesting chapter in West
minister history.
A large stock of the best articles of for
eign and domestic manufacture--dry goods,
dress goods, linens, laces, ladies' fancy
goods, carpets, clothing, shoes and fur
nishings-every thing, in fact, to be found
at first class establishment, is now dis
played in attractive shape at Orndorf s
double stores, 20 and 20 West Main street.
The place would be creditable to city
much larger than Westminster.
Its proprietors, Messrs. Elmer I. and
Clarence G. Orndorff are natives of Carroll
county; the former having been born in
tho COS and aduootad of MarcorShuru
Franklin county, Pa, while the latter is
also yet quite young, and has been part
ner since 1898. The senior member of
the firm, Elmer T. Orndorf, entered
business about 1889, nine years ago, and
his brother was travelling salesman for
Pearre Bros, before uniting with him in
the partnership. He was also educated at
Mercersburg, Pa, where many of their
friends reside. This house, by its careful
management, can save money to buyers,
and indeed offers many tempting induce
ments to them. Commencing with COM
paratively small stock decade since, the
Orndorff have built up an excellent trade,
and now own one of the best equipped
stores in Westminster tribute to their
energy, enterprise and ability. Their fair
dealing, their superior goods and courteous
manner have earned for this firm a very
extensive custom, and our city possesses
respected business men.
n olice 4plate witb.rnfers nights of Py-
'''''"' Da''A America.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
DIR. j. H. BILL .NGSLEA.
Our Efficient Circuit Court Clerl

Our Efficient Circuit Court Clerk.
1t is pleasant in connection with the
history of this city, to record the fact that
its physicians have at all times been men
of worth, whose useful labors entitled them
to the respect and gratitude of the COM
munity Some have been called from ac-
tive practice to enter the political arena,
and serve their fellow citizens as legisla-
tors and statesmen; while the aid of others
has been enlisted in furthering enterprises
which give help to the workingman and
mechanic, and thus augment the city s
welfare Among this class are the Billings
lea Brothers, whose canning factory no
ticed in this edition, furnishes employment
to many persons all the year round, and
has been instrumental in developing West
muster resources.
DIR. James Howell Billingslea, clerk of
the Circuit Court Of Carroll county, was
born here in the '40's, and has spent his
life among us. Deciding upon the prac-
tce of medicine as his vocation, he pro-
ceeded to equip himself with the necessary
knowledge, and entered the University of
Maryland which ranks among the oldest
medical colleges in the United States.
There he graduated in 1864. and at once
returned hither to commence his practice,
which has since continued during thirty
four long years Meanwhile his name has
been brought prominently forward, time
and again, regarding positions Of honor
and trust in the community. At present
he not only fills the post of Clerk of the
Circuit Court here, to which the people
elected him last year, but he is also presi-
dent and general manager Of the Baltimore
and Reisterstown Turnpike Company:
vice president of the Union National Bank,
and a trustee of the Western Maryland
College; besides being identified with
some of our local societies In poll
tics, he clings to the Democratic doctrines
which Andrew jackson enunciated, anG
which command the support Of so many
able intellects He is a regular attendant
at the Methodist Protestant Church.
DR.. Bilingslea is type of the refined
American physician; devoted to his work
and deeply concerned in all that pertains
to the future veal of his childhood home
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
REAT MODEL EN-

~ II
sovolS ali Ills. Dr. John S. Matthias, of
p9 East Main street, is an exponent of the
Iformer class, while at the same time being
a medical practitioner versed in everything
pertaining to his noble profession. He
has made life study of all rectal diseases,
and stands today AN acknowledged success
in his line. His reputation is by no means
confined to Westminster, for his patients
number people from various parts of this
county and other sections of the State. 1t
is his intention soon to establish branch
office at Baltimore to facilitate his work,
which he expects to visit weekly. To
those who are suffering the agony inciden-
tai to piles or other rectal diseases, the
presence of such physician is inestimable.
DIR. Matthias Is no stranger to our citizens,
having been born here half century ago
and having lived among us for many years.
He is an upright, Jealous gentleman, who
rises above sordid ambition. His greatest
aim is to do good-like his father before
him, whose memory is green at Westmin
ster and will ever be revered. A worthy
scion of illustrious ancestors, he received
his education at Mount St Mary College,
Emmittsburg, from which he graduated
Then he concluded to adopt the medical
profession for his life work, and entered
the University of Maryland, and went
through a course at that famous institution,
which since 1903, has sent forth scores of
students eminent in their calling. He re-
turned to Westminster in 1873, after
having finished his medical studies and re-
ceived his diploma; since which time he
has risen to the front rank of Maryland S
practitioners. Dr. Matthias enjoys not only
the general regard of our citizens whom he
has served and benefited during twenty
years. but also the respect of his medical
brethren, who recognize his skill as a
specialist in rectal diseases. Having kept
himself in touch with all the scientific dis
coveries of the age, he is one of the best in
formed physicians now in active practice,
and numbers among his patients the best
families of the community,
He is "a member of St. Johns Catholic
Church, and also affiliates with the Royal
Arcanum.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
PHILIP G KENN EDY.
County Surveyor of Carroll County.

He is Virginian by birth and civil
engineer by profession. During the TWEEN
ty years in which he has been engaged in
business, he has been in the Engineer
Corps of the War Department, on various
railroads building in different sections of
the country, principally the Baltimore Il
Ohio and the Norfolk & Western. For
the past six years his work has been in
Baltimore, where he was Assistant Engi-
neer on the government improvements to
Baltimore harbor, and later engaged in the
surveys for sewerage system of Baltimore.
He was elected Surveyor on the Demo
cratic ticket in 1897.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
CHARLES E. FINK.
Prominent Attorney and Public
Spirited Citizen.

A large portion of American citizens as
suine the duties and the responsibilities of
freemen without the information requisite
for faithful discharge of these vast ac-
countabilities devolved upon them by the
constitution and laws. Many of them
ambitious Of civil honorS, accept important
public trusts with attainments in political
science too circumscribed to enable them
to render efficient aid to the State or to
gain for themselves an honorable distinction.
In contrast to such as these one can
point towards Mr.. Charles E. Fink, of
Westminster, whose life has.been mainly
spent in this community. His record is
an impressive study. On May 81, 1853,
he was born in Adams county, Pa, where
as time rolled on, his early training was
received at the public schools of Gettys-
burg. Later he matriculated at
the Pennsylvania College there, and in
1869, entered ST. Charles's College,
Howard county, Md, where he remained
as pupil three years. Accepting posi-
ton at this institution as a professor, Mr..
Fink filled it until 1873, when the degree
A. NJ. was conferred upon him by St.
Mary's University, Baltimore.
While professor at St. Charles S, Mr..
Fink studied law under Hon. Henry E.
Wooten, of Ellicott City, 6 miles from
which this college is located), and then
decided to adopt the law for his profession.
In September, 1878, just twenty years
ago, he was admitted to the Bar of Mary
land at Ellicott City, and the following
spring removed to Westminster.
Since then this lovely spot has been his
home and in everything that concerns its
advancement he has been very active.
He is a Democrat of the "Hickory'
school, sincere, uncompromising one.
Elected city attorney in 1885, he retained
that post until 1891, when the people
placed him in the office of States Attorney
here, position which he filled four years
At present Mr.. Fink is city attorney, coun
sci for the Westminster Water Company
and the Carroll county branch of the Fl
deity and Deposit Company of Maryland
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08

Storage Co. and an officer in several other
corporations. Both have happy fresides;
Mr. Babylon having married Miss Ella
Snider, whose father he succeeded as a
director of the Savings Bank in 1891
Mr.. Babylon recently erected an ele-
CANT business block on West Main street,
which everybody views with pleasure. 1t
is of beautiful design; the building buff
colored brick, three-stories high and base
ment, 43x100 feet. Two much cannot
be said of this prosperous firm, who com
mand the confidence of our people-a con-
fidence won by steadfast interest in their
welfare and an honorable business course
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-08
WILLIAM F. DERR.
AnUltra- Fashionable Establishment
Head to Foot Out-Fitters-
elusive Styles in Dress Goods,
Wraps. Millinery. Shoes, Etc.

elusive Styles in Dress Goods,
Wraps, Millinery, Shoes, Etc.
In every city, large or small, there are
leaders in each branch of bushes. Some
men are born to success, but far greater
number must achieve it, must work for it.
and the man or men who possess enough
energy to acquire success are also those
who keep their wares and themselves
prominently before the public, who have
always believed in judicious use of prin-
ter s ink, realizing, as do all enterprising
business men everywhere, that advertising
marks out the high road to success.
Mr. VIM F. Derr is a particularly no.
table example of this class of energetic bus
mess men. He has succeeded because he
earned success, has worked for it, and won
it by honesty, industry, brains and enter
prise. Eighteen years ago, was formed
the nucleus to his present extensive dry
goods work, when he entered his father S
establishment here to learn its varied de-
tails, then but youth Of fourteen years
of age, having been born at Baltimore in
1866, and schooled at our local academies.
He assumed control of his present business
at II West Main street in 1895, bust
ness which has steadily advanced, until
now it requires every foot of space upon
three floors, in neat and substantial
building, to conduct the work properly
The stock. carried is composed of dry
goods, embracing the latest styles in for
eign and domestic dress goods of all prices
and qualities, the endless variety of arti-
cles which make up the term motions"
together with a complete line of cloaks,
wraps and suits in the department of chill
drens goods.
While visiting this extensive store, the
writer attention was attracted to the i'm
mense variety of wooden blankets, quilts,
comforters, etc., on shelves and counters,
which today are interesting sights for the
general public, since the sombre and chilly
winter time is fast approaching
The millinery department is under the
charge of Miss Bessie Stone, lady of ar
tistic tastes, whose skill in preparing head
gear embraces all that is fashionable This
department employs six milliners, all of
whom are adopts in the line, while no fewer
than eighteen clerks are employed on the
premises, attending to the wants of pa
irons and vying with one another in cour-
lesy and service.
Mr. Derr is natural born business man,
whose experience of eighteen years has es-
pecially fitted him for bis dealing with the
public -Four times yearly he visits the
dry goods markets of New York, Philadel-
phia, and the East, in quest of novelties
in his line. and once week-generally on
Fridays-he mag be seen in Baltimore in.
speeding what is fresh in the shape of dry
goods, ETC.. and thus keeping abreast with
the times. He is indeed one of our most
popular citizens, being member of the
M. p. Church and connected with the
Royal Arcanum, the Knigate of Pythias,
and Independent Order of Mods, 80
reliable, honorable, public-spiriteo yet,
man, good neighbor and kind frieiS'