Generation No. 1
1. RICHARD1 SEWELL was born Abt. 1578 in Cov., War, Eng., and died Abt. 1638. He married MARY DUGSDALE, daughter of JOHN DUGSDALE and ELIZABETH SWYFEN. She died Unknown.
Children of RICHARD SEWELL and MARY DUGSDALE are:
ii. MARGARET SEWELL, b. 1610; d. Unknown.
iii. MARY SEWELL, b. 1612; d. Unknown.
iv. ANNE SEWELL, b. 1614; d. Unknown.
v. PRUDENCE SEWELL, b. 1617; d. Unknown.
2. vi. HENRY SEWELL, b. 1620, Nuneaton, England; d. Unknown.
vii. SARAH SEWELL, b. 1622; d. Unknown.
viii. RICHARD SEWELL, b. 1624; d.
Unknown.
2. HENRY2 SEWELL (RICHARD1) was born 1620 in Nuneaton, England, and died Unknown. He married JANE LOWE, daughter of VINCENT LOWE and ANN CAVANDISH. She was born Abt. 1640, and died 1701.
Notes for HENRY SEWELL:
Henry came from England to St. Mary's Co. MD in 1660. He established "Mattapony" and was Principal Secretary and Member of the Council of MD. Also "Reverand" His body was returned to England for burial.
Children of HENRY SEWELL and JANE LOWE are:
ii. ANNA SEWELL, d. Unknown.
iii. JANE SEWELL, b. October 25, 1659; d. Unknown.
iv. MARY SEWELL, b. Abt. 1660; d. Unknown.
3. v. ELIZABETH SEWELL, d. 1710, Charles County, Maryland.
vi. THOMAS SEWELL, b. Abt. 1660;
d. Unknown.
3. ELIZABETH3 SEWELL (HENRY2, RICHARD1) died 1710 in Charles County, Maryland. She married (1) WILLIAM DIGGES. He died Unknown. She married (2) JESSE WHARTON. He died April 17, 1673 in Saint Mary's County, Maryland.
Child of ELIZABETH SEWELL and JESSE WHARTON is:
4. ELIZABETH4 WHARTON (ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) died 1722 in Charles County, Maryland. She married THOMAS COMBS. He died 1753 in Charles County, Maryland.
Child of ELIZABETH WHARTON and THOMAS COMBS is:
5. MARY ANN5 COMBS (ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) was born Bet. 1720 - 1730 in Charles County, Maryland, and died Unknown. She married JAMES HAMILTON. He was born 1720 in Charles County, Maryland, and died 1785 in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Child of MARY COMBS and JAMES HAMILTON is:
6. FRANCIS6 HAMILTON (MARY ANN5 COMBS, ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) died 1819. He married SUSAN BRADFORD January 27, 1785 in Prince George's County, Maryland (Source: Vital Records, National Intelligencer, D.C., 1816--from NGS Quarterly, Vol. 28, pg. 69, Francis Hamilton married Susan Blandford, 1/27/1785 in Prince George's Co., MD . (Forwarded by Linda Reno.).). She died Unknown.
Children of FRANCIS HAMILTON and SUSAN BRADFORD are:
ii. MARIA ANN HAMILTON, d. Unknown;
m. HENRY V. HILL, April 22, 1816, Prince George's County, Maryland (Source:
Vital Records, National Intelligencer, D.C., 1816--from NGS Quarterly,
Vol. 28, pg. 69, Henry V. Hill of this city and Miss Maria Ann Hamilton,
daughter of Francis Hamilton of Prince George's Co., MD were married 4/22/1816
by Rev. Mr. Vernar. (Forwarded to me by Linda Reno.).); d. Unknown.
7. ELIZA HENRIETTA7 HAMILTON (FRANCIS6, MARY ANN5 COMBS, ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) died Unknown. She married JOHN O'NEALE (Source: REBEL ROSE, LIFE OF ROSE O'NEAL GREENHOW, CONFEDERATE SPY by Ishbel Ross, Page 1, Rose's father was a planter with extensive lands at Port Tobacco. When he died the estate was broken up and the family moved to Poolesville.) January 01, 1810 in Prince George's County, Maryland (Source: Prince George's Co., MD. Marriage Index: (1655-1850)., Henry V. Hill married Maria Hamilton, 4/22/1816 in Prince George's Co., MD(Forwarded by Linda Reno.).), son of LAURENCE O'NEALE and HENRIETTA NEALE. He was born Abt. 1770 (Source: The Allegany County Chancery Court, Case 67, Page 248+, On or about 28 November 1811, Laurence O'Neale of Montgomery County, Maryland, departed this life, intestate, leaving four children: Henry, John, Mary, Eleanor (Jamison,) widow and relict of Francis Jamison, late of Montgomery County.--all above 21 years old.), and died April 23, 1817 in St. Paul's Parish, Prince George Parish, Maryland (Source: (1) REBEL ROSE, LIFE OF ROSE O'NEAL GREENHOW, CONFEDERATE SPY by Ishbel Ross, Page 3, Rose's father John O'Neale was killed in 1817, when Rose was a youngster, by his negro body servant. John left large sums of money to charities and his church., (2) The Allegany County Chancery Court, Case 67, page 248+;, John O'Neale departed this life on or about 23 April 1817, leaving five children:Susannah Henrietta, Eleanor Elizabeth, Rosatta Maria, Mary Ann, John Eli --- all under 21 years old )., (3) Vital Records in the Frederick-Town Herald, Vital Records in the Frederick-Town Herald -1817, (1817), "Electronic," John O'Neale of Montgomery Co. dec'd. Solomon Davis, admin., sells personalestate, incl. 14 negroes. (5 July) John O'Neill was murdered. Negro Jacob was convicted and sentenced to be hung at Court house, Montgomery Co. (16 Aug.)., (4) Vital Records in the Frederick-Town Herald - 1817:, John O'Neale of Montgomery Co. dec'd. Solomon Davis, admin., sellspersonal estate, incl. 14 negroes. (5 July)John O'Neill was murdered. Negro Jacob was convicted and sentenced tobe hung at Court house, Montgomery Co. (16 Aug.).).
Notes for JOHN O'NEALE:
Maryland State Archives Chancery Papers 1837 MSA S 1432 CHANCERY COURT 1837/02/10
12299: Robert Wallace, Jesse Leach, and John J. Harding vs. Susanna Henrietta Peter, Mary Ann O'Neale, John Eliza O'Neale, Jell Cutts, Eleanor Cutts, Robert Greenough, and Mary Rosetta Greenough. AL. Estate of John O'Neal - Irons Mistake, Irons Mistake Amended, Rich Bottom, Sugar Bottom, Yankee Hall, Yankee Run, Big Spring, Prospect, Potomac Bottom, Great Sugar Camp, Maryland Right, White Oak Plains, Fertile Meadows, Little Expected, Timber Ridge, Gleanings, Other Yankees.
Accession No: 17,898-12299. MSA S512-12106 1/39/4/ http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/stagser/s1400/s1432/html/s1432uu.html
Children of ELIZA HAMILTON and JOHN O'NEALE are:
8. ii. ELLEN ELIZABETH O'NEALE, b. Abt. 1811; d. February 1897.
9. iii. ROSATTA MARIA O'NEALE, b. Abt. 1814, Port Tobacco, Maryland; d. September 30, 1864, Wilmington, North Carolina.
iv. MARY ANN O'NEALE (Source: The Allegany County Chancery Court, Case 67, Page 248+, John O'Neale departed this life on or about 23 April 1817, leaving five children: Susannah Henrietta, Eleanor Elizabeth, Rosatta Maria, Mary Ann, John Eli.), b. Bef. 1817; d. Unknown.
v. JOHN ELI O'NEALE (Source: The
Allegany County Chancery Court, Case 67, Page 248+, John O'Neale departed
this life on or about 23 April 1817, leaving five children: Susannah Henrietta,
Eleanor Elizabeth, Rosatta Maria, Mary Ann, John Eli.), d. Unknown.
8. ELLEN ELIZABETH8 O'NEALE (ELIZA HENRIETTA7 HAMILTON, FRANCIS6, MARY ANN5 COMBS, ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) (Source: The Allegany County Chancery Court, Case 67, Page 248+, John O'Neale departed this life on or about 23 April 1817, leaving five children: Susannah Henrietta, Eleanor Elizabeth, Rosatta Maria, Mary Ann, John Eli.) was born Abt. 1811, and died February 1897. She married JAMES MADISON CUTTS December 17, 1833 in Montpelier (Source: REBEL ROSE, LIFE OF ROSE O'NEAL GREENHOW, CONFEDERATE SPY by Ishbel Ross, Page 4, Ellen Elizabeth O'Neale married James Madison Cutts in 1833. They honeymooned in Montpelier. Ellen was known as "My Pet" to Dolly Madison. Dolly also called Ellen's son, (James Madison Cutts, II) "Little Madison" and was seen with him at many functions of state and receptions around Washington DC.), son of RICHARD CUTTS and ANNA PAYNE. He was born July 29, 1805, and died May 11, 1863 (Source: Michael Robert Patterson, Arlington National Cemetery Web Page, "Electronic," Son of JM Cutts & Ellen Elizabeth O'Neale., James Madison Cutts Lieutenant Colonel, United States ArmyBorn in Washington, D.C. in 1838 he earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War while serving as Captain, 11th United States Infantry, at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864. The Medal was actually issued on May 2, 1891. He died on February 24, 1903 and was buried in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery.).
Notes for JAMES MADISON CUTTS:
Information on the Madison & Cutts from the research of Deborah D. Stanley, entitled the Descedants of John Woodson
Submitted by: Deborah D. Stanley stanleyd@amel.tds.net <http://www.trevilians.com/others/wood1.htm>
Children of ELLEN O'NEALE and JAMES CUTTS are:
11. ii. JAMES MADISON CUTTS II,
b. 1838, Washington, D.C.; d. February 24, 1903.
Notes for ROSATTA MARIA O'NEALE:
john W. O'Neal, II: I found this note from a descendant of Rose in the internet:
1) This is what I have about Rose and Robert so far. Married 1835 in Washington. Had four daughters. Florence, Gertrude, Leila and Rose. Robert's parents were Robert Greenhow and Mary Ann Wills. Rose's parents were John O'Neal and Eliza ? I have traced this branch of Greenhow's back to England but have not been able to make a connection with my branch yet. I have more info, not a whole lot but some interesting stuff. If you are interested I would be glad to share. Thanks again. Sharon Greenhow
2) Greenhow, Rose O'Neal
b. c. 1815, probably Montgomery County, Md., U.S.
d. Oct. 1, 1864, near Wilmington, N.C.
3) Born in 1817 in rural Montgomery County, Maryland, Rose O'Neal came from a family of limited financial resources and little education. Far more so than was the case with Boyd, however, O'Neal's humble beginnings failed to inhibit her climb up the social ladder. As a teenager Rose O'Neal traveled with her sister Ellen Elizabeth to Washington, D.C., where they stayed with an aunt who maintained a boardinghouse in the Old Capitol building (later, ironically, to become the Old Capitol Prison). There, the attractive young sisters had the opportunity to associate with a number of their aunt's male boarders, many of them up-and-coming politicians, and Rose in particular developed a taste for living an active social life and rubbing shoulders with people in power.
Some years later, when, at the age of twenty-six, she married forty-three-year-old Dr. Robert Greenhow, Rose O'Neal demonstrated her determination to leave behind what she considered the dull country life of her childhood. Dr. Greenhow, a Virginian, was both wealthy and socially well placed; marriage to him promised Rose continued access to the sort of world to which earlier visits to her aunt's boardinghouse had accustomed her.
Indeed, by the time she was in her mid-thirties, the mother of four daughters, and living with her husband and family in the nation's capital, Rose O'Neal Greenhow had not only established strong connections with the Washington political elite but had herself become a person of significant social influence and cunning.
Note: (5) Rose's sister married the nephew of Dolly Madison. (widow of the late President James Madison)
4) ["The Funeral of Mrs. Rose Greenhow"]
The Funeral of Mrs. Rose Greenhow -- The death by drowning of Mrs. Rose Greenhow, near Wilmington, North Carolina, last week, has been already noticed. She leaves one child, an interesting little daughter, who is in a convent school at Paris, where her mother left her upon her return to this country. Hundreds of ladies lined the wharf at Wilmington upon the approach of the steamer bearing Mrs. Greenhow's remains. The Soldiers' Aid Society took charge of the funeral which took place from the chapel of Hospital No. 4.
A letter to the Sentinel, describing it, says:
"It was a solemn and imposing spectacle. The profusion of wax lights round the corpse, the quality of choice flowers, in crosses, garlands, and bouquets, scattered over it, the silent mourners, sable-robed at the head and foot; the tide of visitors, women and children, with streaming eyes, and soldiers, with bent heads and hushed steps, standing by, paying the last tribute of respect to the departed heroine. On the bier, draped with a magnificent Confederate flag, lay the body , so unchanged as to look like a calm sleeper, while above all rose the tall ebony crucifix -- emblem of the faith she embraced in happier hours, and which we humbly trust, was her consolation in passing through the dark waters of the river of death.
She lay there until two o'clock of Sunday afternoon, when the body was removed to the Catholic Church of St. Thomas. Here the funeral oration was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Corcoran, which was a touching tribute to the heroism and patriotic devotion of the deceased, as well as a solemn warning, on the uncertainty of all human projects and ambition, even though of the most laudable character.
"The coffin, which was as richly decorated as the resources of the town admitted, and still covered with the Confederate flag, was borne to the Oakdale Cemetery, followed by an immense funeral cortege. A beautiful spot on a grassy slope , overshadowed by wavering trees and in sight of a tranquil lake, was chosen for her resting place. Rain fell in torrents during the day; but as the coffin was being lowered into the grave, the sun burst forth in the brightest majesty, and a rainbow of the most vivid color spanned the horizon. Let us accept the omen, not only for her, the quiet sleeper, who, after many storms and a tumultuous and checkered life, came to peace and rest at last, but also for our beloved country, over which we trust the rainbow of hope will ere long shine with brightest dyes.
"The pall bearers were Colonel Tansill, chief of staff to General Whiting; Major Vanderhorst, J.M. Seixas, Esq., Dr. de Prossett, Dr. Micks and Dr. Medway. General Whiting and Captain C. B. Poindexter, representing the two services, were prevented from acting as pallbearers, the former by reason of absence, the latter in consequence of illness."
6) I just finished looking through the book "My imprisonment and the First Year of Abolition Rule @ Washington" written by Rose in 1863. In it she talks about a "child who died a few months before" (pg. 87), writes that Rose is 8 years old at this time (pg 216), visitors allowed, Mrs. James Madison Cutts (sister), Mrs. Stephen A Douglass (niece), and a Mrs. Leonard (Mrs. Leonard is identified as a sister pg. 303) and other family members (pg 117). A description of her home and confinment area reports a photograph of her deceased daughter, Gertrude Greenhow, 16 years, who died sometime since (pg 207) and also a photo of Mrs. Florence Moore (pg 210).
It looks as though Gertrude was either the oldest or next to the oldest daughter, Mrs. Florence Moore another daughter, possibly the
youngest(Leila?) died 6 months to a year prior to Rose's imprisonment and the only one left was Rose, an eight year old.
References:
1) Family Ancestry.con Sharon Greenhow
2) Encyclopedia Brittanica
3) ELIZABETH LEONARD, " All the Daring of the Soldier-Women of the Civil War Armies" Excerpt
4) Allan Pinkerton and His Detective Agency: "We Never Sleep" by Joseph Geringer
5) Rose O'Neal Greenhow Papers-Newsclipping, ca. October 1, 1864
6) Bev Crowe
Children of ROSATTA O'NEALE and ROBERT GREENHOW are:
Notes for FLORENCE GREENHOW:
Bev Crowe found the marriage at a Greenhow site query by Evelyn Flood RKinfolks@aol.com
ii. GERTRUDE GREENHOW, d. March 1861 (Source: REBEL ROSE, LIFE OF ROSE O'NEAL GREENHOW, CONFEDERATE SPY by Ishbel Ross, Page 112, Gertrude died in Mid March, 1861.).
Notes for GERTRUDE GREENHOW:
In 1857, Greenhow and her two daughters accompanied her husband in a trip to California on state department business. Dr. Greenhow accidentally fell down a grating and was killed by the fall. Greenhow sued the city of San Francisco and was awarded a large sum of money. She returned to Washington wearing a mourning dress, and she would continue to wear black until the day of her death. Further tragedy visited Greenhow when her daughter Gertrude died of an illness, leaving her alone with her daughter Rose.
iii. LEILA GREENHOW, d. Abt. 1860.
iv. ROSE GREENHOW, b. 1852; d. Unknown; m. WILLIAM PENN DUVALL (Source: REBEL ROSE, LIFE OF ROSE O'NEAL GREENHOW, CONFEDERATE SPY by Ishbel Ross, Aug 24, 1863 Florence was in London. She met Rose there and took Little Rose to the Sacred Hearts Convent and enrolled her.Rose developed into a handsome girl at the convent and left it at the age of 17. American friends took her home to America and the Moores. There Rose fell in love with and married a young West Pointer, Lieutenant William Penn Duvall.Duvall would enjoy a distinguished military career, serving in the Spanish-American War, in the Philippines and the First World War, summing up his illustrious career as a General with many decorations and honors..), November 30, 1871, Nemport, Newport County, Rhode Island (Source: LDS Library, "Electronic," Batch #M501112,, Rose Greenhow married William Penn Duvall on 11/30/1871 at Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island.); d. Unknown.
Notes for ROSE GREENHOW:
Bev Crowe: Also, a Mrs. Lee D. Marie was a granddaughter of Rose's.
Marriage information from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Dy saints, International Genealogical Index, Batch #M501112,
REBEL ROSE, LIFE OF ROSE O'NEAL GREENHOW, CONFEDERATE SPY by Ishbel Ross. On Aug 24, 1863 Florence was in London. She met Rose there and took Little Rose to the Sacred Hearts Convent and enrolled her. Rose developed into a handsome girl at the convent and left it at the age of 17. American friends took her home to America and the Moores.
There Rose fell in love with and married a young West Pointer, Lieutenant William Penn Duvall. Duvall would enjoy a distinguished military career, serving in the Spanish-American War, in the Philippines and the First World War, summing up his illustrious career as a General with many decorations and honors.
On the down side he was a severe
disciplinarian, both in and out of the army and as a result he and Rose
ultimately divorced after much marital discord. After the divorce Rose
appeared on the stage for a time, following which she returned to France,
became deeply religious and retired from public view.
10. ROSE ADELE9 CUTTS (ELLEN ELIZABETH8 O'NEALE, ELIZA HENRIETTA7 HAMILTON, FRANCIS6, MARY ANN5 COMBS, ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) was born December 27, 1835, and died 1899. She married (1) STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 1857 (Source: The Life of Stephen A. Douglas;"The Little Giant", by J. E. Potter, Mr. Douglas was married twice. He left two little sons, the children of his first wife, who was a southern lady. In 1857, he married Miss Adele Cutts, daughter of James Madison Cutts, Esq., second Controller of the Treasury, a beautiful and accomplished woman, and well known in Washington for the amicability of her disposition, and the goodness of her heart. He had one child, a daughter, by his second marriage..). He was born April 23, 1813 in Brandon, Vermont, and died June 03, 1861 in Chicago, Illinois. She married (2) ROBERT WILLIAMS Bet. 1863 - 1866. He was born 1829, and died 1901.
Notes for ROSE ADELE CUTTS:
From the Life of Stephen A. Douglas; tp which are added his speeches and reports. Publication Date: 1863, by J. E. Potter and co.
Mr. Douglas was married twice. He left two little sons, the children of his first wife, who was a southern lady. In 1857, he married Miss Adele Cutts, daughter of James Madison Cutts, Esq., second Controller of the Treasury, a beautiful and accomplished woman, and well known in Washington for the amicability of her disposition, and the goodness of her heart. He had one child, a daughter, by his second marriage.
Notes for STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS:
Famous Illinoisians with Civil War Ties Stephen Arnold Douglas
Lawyer - Orator - Political Leader
Born 23 Apr 1813 near Brandon, Vermont, nicknamed "The Little Giant" for his short stature, large head, & broad shoulders
migrated to Illinois at age 20
joined the bar (became a lawyer) at Jacksonville, Illinois
Democrat
Wealthy land speculator
Helped make Chicago a major hub of railroads
Elected to Illinois legislature in 1836
Judge of Supreme Court of Illinois 1841-1843
Elected to US House of Representatives in 1843
Elected to US Senate in 1847 [Senator until 1861]
Supported the Compromise of 1850 (Missouri Compromise)
In US Senate, sponsored the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 which was Popular Sovereignty [Right of People in each state to choose between slave state - free state status] Resulted in "Bleeding Kansas"
Series of Debates with Abraham Lincoln during US Senate election campaign in 1858
Nominated for US Presidency in 1860 [not supported by southern Democrats who nominated John C. Breckenridge]
Offered his services to President Lincoln after the outbreak of the Civil War
Douglas toured border states to arose enthusiasm for Union cause
Stricken with typhoid in 1861
Died 3 June 1861 in Chicago, two months after Fort Sumter Incident
Douglas County, Illinois [formed 8 Feb 1850] is named for him.
Excerpt from The Life of Stephen A. Douglas, by William Gardner.
Stephen Arnold Douglas was born at Brandon, Vermont, on the 23rd of April, 1813. His father was a physician, descended from Scotch ancestors, who had settled in Connecticut before the Revolution. his mother was the daughter of a prosperous Vermont farmer. Before he was three months old his father, whose only fortune was his practice, suddenly died. A bachelor brother of the widow took the family to his home near Brandon, where they lived for fifteen years. When not needed at more important work Stephen attended the common school. but the serious business of life was tilling his uncle's fields.
At fifteen he sought help to prepare for college. His uncle declined to assume the burden of his education and advised him to shun the perils of professional life and adopt the safe and honorable career of a farmer. The advice was rejected and he obtained permission to earn his way and shape his future. He walked to Middlebury, a distance of fourteen miles, and apprenticed himself to a cabinet maker. He worked with energy and enthusiasm, became a good mechanic and bade fair to win success at his trade, but owning to delicate health he abandoned the shop after less than two years' service, and entered the academy at Brandon, where he pursued his studies for about a year, when his mother married again and moved to Canandiagua, New York. He there entered an academy and continued an industrious student for nearly three years, devoting part of his time to law study. This ended his preliminary training. He quit the schools and applied himself to the work of practical life.
In June, 1833, he left home to push his fortune in the West. His health was delicate, his stock of money scant. He went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he became acquainted with a lawyer named Andrews, who, pleased with the appearance of the youth, invited him to share his office and use his library, with the promise of a partnership when admitted to the bar. The offer was accepted and he began his duties as law clerk. A week later he was taken seriously sick, and at the end of his long illness the doctors advised him to return home. He rejected the advice and in October took passage on a canal boat for Portsmouth, on the Ohio river, and went thence to Cincinnati. For a week he sought employment. Unable to find it he went to Louisville, where another week was spent in vain quest of work. He continued his journey to St. Louis, where he landed in the late autumn. An eminent lawyer offered him free use of his library, but an empty purse compelled him to decline the offer and seek immediate work. He went to Jacksonville, Illinois, arriving late in November, and addressed himself to the pressing problem of self-support. The remnant of his cash amount to thirty-seven cents.
In those days Illinois was a frontier State with about 200,000 population, chiefly settled in its southern half. A large part of the people were from the South and, in defiance of the law, owned many negro slaves. The Capital was at Vandalia, although Jacksonville and Springfield were the towns of highest promise and brightest prospects. Chicago contained a few score of people to whom the Indians were still uncomfortably close neighbors. Railroads and canals were beginning to be built, with promise of closer relations between the villages and settlements theretofore lost in the solitudes.
Finding no employment at Jacksonville, he sold his few books to keep off hunger and walked to Winchester. On the morning after his arrival he found a crowd assembled on the street where a public sale was about to open. Delay was occasioned by the want of a competent clerk and he was hired for two dollars a day to keep the record of the sale. He was then employed to teach a private school in the town at a salary of forty dollars a month. Besides teaching he found time to read a few borrowed law books and try an occasional case before the village justice.
Having been admitted to the bar in March, 1834, he opened a law office at Jacksonville. His professional career, though successful, was so completely eclipsed by the brilliancy of his political achievements that it need not detain us. The readiness and agility of his mind; the adaptability of his convictions to the demands of the hour; his self-confident energy, were such that he speedily developed into a good trial lawyer and won high standing at the bar. That the profession was not then as lucrative as it has since become, is evidenced by the fact that he traveled from Springfield to Bloomington and argued a case for a fee of five dollars.
But his time and energy were devoted to politics rather than law.
The strategy of parties interested him more than Coke or Justinian. Jacksonville was a conservative, religious town, whose population consisted chiefly of New England Puritans and Whigs. But the prairies were settled by a race of thoroughly Democratic pioneers to whom the rough victor at New Orleans was a hero in war and a master in statecraft.
Douglas was an enthusiastic Democrat and an ardent admirer of President Jackson. The favorite occupation of the young lawyer, not yet harassed by clients, was to talk politics to the farmers, or gather them into his half furnished office and discuss more gravely the questions of party management.
A few days after his arrival the opportunity came to distinguish himself in the field of his future achievements. A mass meeting was called at the court house for the purpose of endorsing the policy of the President in removing the deposits of public money from the United States bank and vetoing the bill for its recharter. The opposition was bitter. In the state of public temper it was a delicate task to present the resolutions. The man who had undertaken it lost courage at the sight of the multitude and handed them to Douglas, and the crowd looked with amused surprise when the young stranger, who was only five feet tall, appeared on the platform. He read the resolutions of endorsement and supported them in a brief speech.
When he sat down, Josiah Lamborn, an old and distinguished lawyer and politician, attacked him and the resolutions in a speech of caustic severity. Douglas rose to reply. The people cheered the plucky youngster. The attack had sharpened the faculties and awakened his fighting courage. He had unexpectedly found the field of action in which he was destined to become an incomparable master. For an hour he poured out an impassioned harangue, without embarrassment or hesitation. Astonishment at what seemed a quaint freak soon gave way to respect and admiration, and at the close of this remarkable address the hall and courtyard rang with loud applause. The excited crowed seized the little orator, lifted him on their shoulders and bore him in triumph around the square.
The young adventurer in the fields
of law and politics was thenceforth a man of mark-a man to be reckoned
with in Illinois.
References:
World Book Encyclopedia, v. 4 (1970) Field Enterprises Educational Corp
Illinois Blue Book (1989-90)
The 1995 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, v. 7.0
Buried at 36th Street near Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois [Douglas Tomb State Historic Site]
Child of ROSE CUTTS and STEPHEN DOUGLAS is:
iii. AUNKNOWN WILLIAMS, d. Unknown.
iv. BUNKNOWN WILLIAMS, d. Unknown.
v. CUNKNOWN WILLIAMS, d. Unknown.
vi. DUNKNOWN WILLIAMS, d. Unknown.
vii. EUNKNOWN WILLIAMS, d. Unknown.
Notes for JAMES MADISON CUTTS II:
James Madison Cutts Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army
Born in Washington, D.C. in 1838 he earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War while serving as Captain, 11th United States Infantry, at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864.
The Medal was actually issued on May 2, 1891. He died on February 24, 1903 and was buried in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery.
His grandson, James Madison Cutts III (April 5, 1891-June 8, 1971) who served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from the District of Columbia is buried in the same section.
CUTTS, JAMES M.
Rank and organization: Captain, 11th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Wilderness; Spotsylvania;
Petersburg, Virginia, 1864. Entered service at: Illinois. Birth: Washington, D.C. Date of issue: 2 May 1891.
Citation: Gallantry in actions.
Source The Arlington National Cemetery Webpage
Child of JAMES MADISON CUTTS II is:
12. RICHARD MALCOLM10 CUTTS (JAMES MADISON9, ELLEN ELIZABETH8 O'NEALE, ELIZA HENRIETTA7 HAMILTON, FRANCIS6, MARY ANN5 COMBS, ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) was born November 13, 1878 in Mare Island, California (Source: Michael Robert Patterson, Arlington National Cemetery Web Page, "Electronic," http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/rmcutts.htm, He was born on November 13, 1878.), and died November 24, 1934 (Source: Michael Robert Patterson, Arlington National Cemetery Web Page, "Electronic," http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/rmcutts.htm, He was born on November 13, 1878 and died on November 24, 1934.).
Notes for RICHARD MALCOLM CUTTS:
From the Arlington national cemetery web site: Richard Malcolm Cutts - Colonel, United States Marine Corps
From a contemporary press report:
"It is with profound regret that the Association announces the passing of this popular and distinguished officer.
This soldier-inventor was a native Californian, born at Mare Island on November 13, 1878, and raised in the midst of the environment of the Old Navy, the son of Lieutenant Commander Richard M. Cutts, USN.
He was an Ensign in the Navy during the war with Spain and in July 1899 was made a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, in 1900 a Captain, in 1903 a Major and in 1916 and 1917 a Lieutenant Colonel and in 1922 a Colonel.
His career approached what a Marine officer so desires, namely a well-rounded one. His service took him to the Philippines in 1903, to Cuba in 1912, to Honolulu in 1915. He was aide to the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet in 1918, from which assignment he went to command the 10th Regiment at Quantico, Virginia, and, following this assignment, be became Fleet Marine Officer of the Atlantic Control Force. In 1923 and 1924 he had the very important assignment of Commandant of the Santo Domingo National Army.
It was during this assignment that he organized the defensive arm for the Dominican government, and such organization remains intact. Colonel Cutts has often said that he considered this special service the best service he has given to his country. His last foreign duty was as a Brigade commander in Haiti. Upon his return to the United States in 1931, he was assigned duty at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island. He remained on the staff of this institution until he was placed on leave, and remained on leave at the time of his death.
He will be remembered by the fact that he invented and perfected the Cutts Compensator, a device which alleviates the shock transmitted upon firing a gun or rifle. The Cutts Compensator was aaccepted by our Government and is also in use by several foreign governments.
His services afforded him the privilege of wearing five campaign medals. He was the proud possessor of two letters of commendation, one from the Secretary of War, and one from the Secretary of the Navy, for his soldierly qualities and administrative abilities. He was recommended by the Major General Commandant for the advancement to the grade of Brigadier General, but his health could not permit him to enjoy this advancement.
The passing of Colonel Cutts will be sad news to the many friends he made during his 35 years of service. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on November 30, 1934, his funeral being attended by high-ranking officers from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps."
He was born on November 13, 1878 and died on November 24, 1934 and is buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Richard Malcolm Cutts III, Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps (June 9, 1903-June 14, 1973) is buried with him.
Child of RICHARD MALCOLM CUTTS is:
13. RICHARD MALCOLM11 CUTTS III (RICHARD MALCOLM10, JAMES MADISON9, ELLEN ELIZABETH8 O'NEALE, ELIZA HENRIETTA7 HAMILTON, FRANCIS6, MARY ANN5 COMBS, ELIZABETH4 WHARTON, ELIZABETH3 SEWELL, HENRY2, RICHARD1) was born June 09, 1903, and died June 09, 1973. He married DOROTHEA LANE. She was born Abt. 1907 in Norristown, Pennsylvania (Source: Michael Robert Patterson, Arlington National Cemetery Web Page, "Electronic," http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/rcutts3.htm, Mrs. Cutts was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania.), and died December 09, 1998 in Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton (Source: Michael Robert Patterson, Arlington National Cemetery Web Page, "Electronic," http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/rcutts3.htm, Dorthea Lane Cutts, 91, a member of the Colonial Dames, North American Lily Society and the Garden Club of America, died of pneumonia December 9 , 1998 at the Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton.).
Notes for RICHARD MALCOLM CUTTS III:
From the Arlington National Cemetery Web Site: Richard Malcolm Cutts III Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps
The son of Richard Malcolm Cutts, Colonel, United States Marine Corps, and a member of a family with a long tradition of military service to the United States. He was born on June 9, 1903 and died on June 9, 1973. He is buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery in his father's plot.
From a contemporary press report: Dorthea Lane Cutts, 91, a member of the Colonial Dames, North American Lily Society and the Garden Club of America, died of pneumonia December 9 , 1998 at the Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton.
Mrs. Cutts, who was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, grew up in Washington, where she graduated from the Holton-Arms School. She then accompanied her husband, Marine Corps Brigadier General Richard M. Cutts, to military bases in the United States, China and the Philippines.
They settled in The Plains in 1941, and remained residents there. Her husband died in 1973 and a daughter, Dorothea Cutts, died in 1978.
She leaves no immediate survivors.
Notes for DOROTHEA LANE:
From the Arlington National Web Site:
From a contemporary press report: Dorthea Lane Cutts, 91, a member of the Colonial Dames, North American Lily Society and the Garden Club of America, died of pneumonia December 9 , 1998 at the Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton.
Mrs. Cutts, who was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, grew up in Washington, where she graduated from the Holton-Arms School. She then accompanied her husband, Marine Corps Brigadier General Richard M. Cutts, to military bases in the United States, China and the Philippines.
They settled in The Plains in 1941, and remained residents there. Her husband died in 1973 and a daughter, Dorothea Cutts, died in 1978.
She leaves no immediate survivors.
From another contemporary press report: CUTTS, DOROTHEA LANE Of The Plains, Virginia, died of pneumonia on Wednesday, December 9, 1998. Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, The Plains, Virginia, on Monday, December 14 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church, The Plains, Virginia.
Child of RICHARD CUTTS and DOROTHEA LANE is: