Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-23

Giveny. N. Spealses. shoemaker; ]. A. VIII
liams, David Fowble and John Wade. car
penters; r. Spaldng, Edward Birkhead'
cabinetmaker; Mrs Mullican. L. SHIELD,
turner. and Washington Lewis, gunsmitn'
Justice Dom was for long time IA
rniliar figure, member Of the councils and
for more than twenty-five years q justice
of the peace, the greater part of the time
police justice, holding court at the CEN
trail guardhouse during the exciting war
times, when the provost guard with the
local police, often had work to require al
most continuous sessions. He also served
several terms in the councils.
Mr. Daniel was better known in his
young days by his middle name of Hum
phrey He followed the tailoring bust
ness for many years. He was a singer
of ability, and in the forties was the in
structor of two Of Washington's minstrel
troupes-the Harmonious and Euterpeans
who made tours in the west and north.
and Of the other the cowbell performance.
He later devoted his entire time to music,
for years leading the choirs Of Wesley
Chapel and the Southern Methodist
churches, and long was the teacher OF
music in the public schools. he, 100,
served in the councils.
Mr.. Clements had his shop as stated
but for many years was employed at the
Capitol, being retained under whatever
party was in power. He was prominent
in local politics and represented the
fourth ward in the councils in ante-bellum
DAVIS. He was one Of the founders Of the
Assembly's Presbyterian Church, 9th and
streets.
Home of Ball Family.
ThesBalls came here from Virginia in
the late thirties. settling on G street on
property now owned by the family. For
some years they had charge Of the jail
10 hn hnn md
shoe business. He. too. was singer and
member Of the minstrel companies men
toned, and for several years led the choir
of the First Baptist Church. He was In
the councils a number of years and was
prominent in Masonry. and an active
member Of the Oldest Inhabitants.
Mr.. Walker was an active carpenter and
builder, and 1t was he who erected the
Metropolitan M. E. Church. of which he
was one of the original members, having
Wesley Chapel He, too, serred in the
councils.
Mr.. Deale was a carpenter and builder
then having his residence and shop on G
street and was long lumber inspector
and measurer. He, too, was a leading
member of Wesley M. E. Church, promi-
nent in the Order of Odd l. elbows and the
builder of the hall on It'll street. The
late Rev. John S. Deale, the pastor OF
several Washington churches ind pre-
William Lord Of the well-known family
of that name was in the grocery business
at 9Th and G streets, famous as a gather
ing place of the neighbors, a sort OF
headquarters for the ward in which many
projects for the betterment OF the COM
munity were started.
complimented by Henry Clay.
Edward Birkhead was reputed to be one
Of the finest cabinet makers In the District
and was regarded as one Of the handsom-
est men in Washington, a tall, upright
figure of six feet and more. and known as
we'll for his genial disposition. 1t is re-
lated of him that in the days of Henry
Clay, after finishing the renovation of the
Speakers chair. he sat in it and, to amuse
his fellow-workmen. he raped on the
desk with the gavel Mr.. Clay and some
Of the members caught him in the act and
as Mr. Birkhead left the seat Mr.. Clay
remarked: You fill the chair we'll and
we feel sure that no handsomer man will
ever occupy II"
George H.. Grant, then a bricklayer. is
remembered as having been member OF
the auxiliary guard, the night police force,
from 1912 to 1861. He had two sons. Will
liam Wallace and Josiah Grant. who did
service on the metropolitan police.
That the boys of the section in que stion
were not angels is true, but they aver
aged well with those of other portions OF
the city in behavior. In the late forties
and later between them and those boys OF
Swampoodle there were frequent fights.
Generally stones were the weapons, the
battle ground being about Sd street and
Massachusetts, avenue. To this day are
the scars to be found on those who re-
ceived cut heads. That the residents
were public spirited and patriotic there is
no better evidence than that many were
active volunteer f1remen on the rolls OF
the Northern Liberties Company until in
the fifties the Metropolitan Hook and Lad
der Company was formed and located on
Massachusetts avenue between 4tf and
81. streets. when their membership was
changed. Under the call for troops by
President Lincoln in April. 1861. nearly all
of the latter company entered the three
months service under Capt. w. H. Nalley
the roll numbering about one hundred and
&vv,o $50, JAMES CPOCCON