"Growth in Crime" The Politics of a Debate - July 14, 1858 - Planters' Advocate, Prince George's County, Maryland

For the Planters' Advocate

[Upper Marlborough, Prince George's County, Maryland]'

Growth of Crime.

—

            Is beginning to increase so rapidly and cheerfully that, unless in some way arrested and subdued, public peace and security will be in danger to an alarming extent, if not already so. But before any effective remedy can be applied, the proper causes must be ascertained, and when ascertained, removed at once and effectively. The delinquency and insubordination now so prevalent doubtless have various causes for their origins and force, but among the many that might be mentioned, we think the following are among the chief causes:

            First, we would mention parental neglect, on account of which great criminality is resting upon the parent. Parents do not only neglect to train up their children properly, but they actually trained them wrong. They do not only neglect to instill into their minds proper and correct principles, but teach them wrong and pernicious ones. They train them up to insubordination, contempt for parental authority, and a disregard for parental love and affection. The home education of the present day is radically and criminally wrong, and until this evil is corrected and parents bring up their children correctly, teach them subordination, to love what is right and despise that which is wrong, to lay the foundation of a christian [sic] education, and, in fine, to discharge a parents [sic] duty and obligation faithfully and conscientiously, better things can hardly be hoped for.

            Another source, is not our educational system is radically defective and should be thoroughly reformed. Much could be said on this point, because we do not think that the youth of the land receive that moral culture development, as well as intellectual, necessary to prepare them for the duties of the citizen, the christian [sic] and as a moral and intellectual being. We do not say that all our schools are thus so wretchedly defective, but some we are sure of. But our system of public schools should be so reformed and sent the youth may be thoroughly taught morally as well as intellectually. A christian [sic] education should be aimed at, and it should form the basis of all their attainment.

            Reformation in the public school system is much needed, and until we have better legislation, our youth will still receive a wrong education and be bad citizens, instead of good and useful. Another is intemperance. This is the most fruitful source of crime of all others, and should be removed at once. We anticipated a few years ago at the temperance cause would triumph, but our hopes are gone. Intemperance is on the increase, and what will be the condition of society on account of this abominable curse the present is a fair indication. Intemperance is the prime cause of nine-tenths of the evil which corrupt and ruined society. It ought to be removed and removed at once. We advocate a total, a final and an effectual removal of the cause which is so prolific in flooding the entire country with intemperance, crime, insubordination, disobedience to law, promotions of disorder and influence injurious to public morals, to public prosperity, and dangerous to public peace, security, the quiet of society and subversive of all good government, party spirit, too frequent popular elections, the speculation mania and idleness, are all injurious to public good. Brian will still continue to increase until the causes which produce it are effectually removed, offenders punished without favor or affection, and the supreme authority of the law upheld, maintained and respected. Public morals must be corrected by their causes being removed and offenders punished for their crimes before we can hope for, or expect the diminution of crime, and public peace and happiness prevail.            W.[1]

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[1] Maryland State Archives. Growth of Crime. The Planters' Advocate. July 14, 1858. {accessed from the web July 13, 2014 http://mdhistory.net/msa_sc3415/msa_sc3415_scm3601/pdf/msa_sc3415_scm3601-0119.pdf]

Transcribed by John Peter Thompson

Transcribed

18th Century Historic Building Wall Collapses - Compton Bassett Catholic Chapel, March 15, 2014

Sometime during the night of March 14-15, 2014 the chimney wall of the historic Catholic colonial Chapel at Compton Bassett in Upper Marlboro collapsed.  I have not been able to get there in person to assess the damage.  The owner of the property has been repeatedly informed by its own staff that the tarpaulin thrown over to stop a roof leak was not a long term fix; and that, further, the tarp itself would eventually contribute to the destruction of the building. This collapse in all probability was preventable.

The ubiquitous friend of those in a hurry, Wikipedia, states that:

"Compton Bassett is a historic home in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, that was constructed ca. 1783. It is a two-story brick Georgian house, covered with cream-colored stucco, on a high basement of gray stucco. A two-story wing was added in 1928. Remaining outbuildings include a chapel to the southeast, a meathouse to the southwest, and a dairy to the northwest. Also on the property is a family burial ground. 

The Hill family and descendents lived at this site from 1699 to 1900. Hills Bridge (700 meters to the southeast) has carried traffic over the Patuxent River here since a toll bridge was first constructed in 1852 by W.B. Hill. [3] Compton Bassett was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. In July 2010 the house and grounds were acquired by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning 

Historic American Buildings Survey Delos H. Smith, Photographer 1
936 View from Northeast - Compton Bassett Chapel, Marlboro Pike (State Route 408),
Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, MD

Stratford Estates, Old Crain Highway, Upper Marlborough Development Tries to Erase History

             Our County Councilman has his eye on our community, but cannot tell us why.  Mr. Davis has called up for review the Historic conditions for new homes that are being plopped into the middle of a Notional Register eligible district.  For some reason Mr. Davis cannot tell neighbors of the new development  what exactly his concerns are, so of course they cannot adequately prepare for the hearing.  

            It occurs to me that  there is some question as to the history of my community and the reasons for the conditions recommended by the Historical Preservation Commission.  As a neighbor to this development project, I felt obliged to recuse myself as Chairman of the Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission deliberations that resulted in the current recommendations.

               Let me be clear. Our community is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1990 a survey was conducted of our community which listed 88 contributing resources in Woodland.  The designation would have come with limited protections against adverse state and federal actions for the owners of historic structures. Historic property owners also would be eligibility for state income tax credit. For the record, my house was built in 1987 and is not eligible. This project will all but certainly destroy that eligibility so that a few may gain at the expense of the many which is typical in this county. The conditions set forth are an attempt to preserve some of the integrity of the community and only applies to the first (front) four lots.

               Woodland was eligible as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places. Our community met the following criteria:

Criterion A – Woodland is a fine example of an intact, rural agricultural community that reflects the continuity of change over time. Woodland is also representative of the importance of tobacco as a cash crop and the use of plantation slavery in Maryland’s agricultural history. It is also associated with the theme of transportation as it is the site of several important roads and bridges in Prince George’s County. Woodland contains two houses associated with freed African-Americans, which illustrates the transition from slavery to freedom after the Civil War.

Criterion C – Woodland contains a variety of architecture that reflects distinct periods of time from the late-eighteenth century to the first-quarter of the twentieth century. Styles represented include excellent examples of Georgian/Federal Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian Gothic, Queen Anne, and Craftsman styles, which includes both vernacular and high-style designs. Woodland is also the site of a rare example of a private Roman Catholic chapel erected by the Hill family at Compton Bassett. This is believed to be one of the last remaining private chapels in Prince George’s County.

Criterion D – The community has the potential to yield significant information about NativeAmerican inhabitants and the enslaved African-American community in Prince George’s County.

In addition to its historic significance, Woodland has retained, up until this development, its integrity of location, design, setting,workmanship, materials, feeling, and association.

               Our Woodland is a rural agricultural community located in central Prince George’s County, east of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The land associated with the area known as Woodland was owned by Clement Hill, Jr., who patented 748 acres called Compton Bassett in 1699. The first frame building erected on the site was demolished when the family built a large Federal-style brick house circa 1780. Compton Bassett (PG: 79-063-10) is also the site of a rare example of a private Roman Catholic chapel erected by the Hill family. This is believed to be one of the last remaining private chapels in Prince George’s County. The Hill family continued to add acreage to their landholdings, and by 1818, a direct decendant, Dr. William Hill (arrested by the British along with his friends and neighbors: Beanes [buried across the street from the Upper Marlbough Post Office], Bowie, and Weems in events that led to the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner) amassed 2,184 acres which he resurveyed and renamed “Woodland.”1 His holdings stretched from the Patuxent River on the east to the limits of Upper Marlboro on the west. When Dr. Hill died in 1823, his land was divided among his four children.2 After Hill’s death, his descendents constructed several houses located nearby including Bleak Hill (PG: 79-063-06) and Ashland. John C. Wyvill, a prominent local carpenter, was responsible for the construction of several historic buildings in the community including the Eckenrode-Wyvill House (PG: 79-063-08) and Linden Hill (PG: 79-063-50).

               Dr. Hill's son, William Beanes Hill, who inherited Compton Bassett from his father, received a charter in 1854 to construct a toll bridge across the Patuxent River, connecting Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. The bridge became known as Hill’s Bridge and connected to the Marlboro-Queen Anne Road, further establishing the road as an important transportation route.4 William Beanes Hill continued the family tradition of farming and landholding and acquired more than 3,500 acres south and east of Upper Marlboro. He earned income from his various tobacco plantations, as well as from a commercial venture in which he developed a riverfront complex complete with stores, warehouses, wharf, mill, and residential dwellings to take advantage of burgeoning commerce on the river. In 1850, Hill reported owning 62 slaves, ranging in age from one to 100 years old.5 In 1860, Hill had reduced the number of slaves he owned to 32 slaves, who were housed in four “slave houses.”6 That same year, his plantations produced 500,000 pounds of tobacco, considerably higher than other plantations in the area. In addition to being a successful planter, Hill was also involved in the political aspects of life in Prince George’s County, serving for 25 years as the Chief Judge of the Orphans Court and serving one term in the Maryland State Senate.

               Other significant buildings in the area include houses of two freedman, constructed on land that belonged to Henry Waring Clagett.  A one-and-one-half-story wood-frame dwelling at 3708 Old Crain Highway was built sometime before 1875 by freedman John Henry Quander. A former slave of Mordecai Plummer, Quander purchased one-and-a-half-acres of land from Henry Clagett (Plummer’s nephew). Freedman Nat Beall constructed his one-story dwelling at 3702 Old Crain Highway on land he bought from Clagett in 1874.9 The 1860 Federal Census lists Clagett as owning 26 slaves, thus, it may be possible that Beall was a former Clagett slave.

               Transportation is a significant theme in the Woodland community. Old Crain Highway, which bisects the community, is an important early road that roughly follows the circa 1700 Marlborough-Queen Anne Road, connecting the two port towns. When Upper Marlboro was designated as the new county seat in 1721, the Marlborough-Queen Anne Road began to see more traffic.11 Hill’s Bridge was constructed in 1854 over the Patuxent River, providing a connection between Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County. The construction of Robert Crain Highway in 1927 brought additional traffic through the agricultural community. This highway resulted in the closure of a portion of the original right-of-way, located near Bleak Hill. The construction of the Marlboro Bypass in the 1950s, which was later expanded and became U.S. Route 301, moved traffic to the east, effectively removing the majority of traffic through the community. This highway has allowed Woodland to remain a rural agricultural landscape.[1]

               The 1861 Martenet map shows a rural landscape in the Woodland area. The only identifiable houses include that of Clement Hill and his son William Beanes Hill. Also shown is Hill’s Bridge across the Patuxent. By 1878, the Hopkins map documents more growth in the area. The Hill family has expanded and constructed additional buildings, and their waterfront complex on the river is also shown. Many other families are represented, including the Clagetts, Quander, and Beall families. The map also shows significant growth along what is now Marlboro Pike, leading into Upper Marlboro, the county seat.

There were seven sites designated Historic in Woodland in the 1990 survey, one of which has since been lost to fire:

• PG: 79-063-05, Bowling Heights (NR), 3610 Old Crain Highway

• PG: 79-063-06, Bleak Hill, 4103 Old Crain Highway

• PG: 79-063-08, Eckenrode-Wyvill House, 4501 Wyvill Road

• PG: 79-063-10, Compton Bassett (NR), 16508 Marlboro Pike

• PG: 79-063-11, Ashland (NR), 16107 Marlboro Pike, 1867

• PG: 79-063-50, Wyvill House (Linden Hill), 4102 Old Crain Highway

There is one Historic Resource and one new historic site :

• 79-063-12, Gregor Hall. 4004 Old Crain Highway

• PG: 79-063-07, Site of Bowling-Buck House, 4106 Old Crain Highway

              

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[1] COUNTY COUNCIL OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND

1999 Legislative Session

Resolution No.

                                             CR-39-1999

Proposed by                                           Council Member Estepp

Introduced by                                      Council Member Estepp

Co-Sponsors      

Date of Introduction

                                 July 27, 1999

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION concerning

Old Crain Highway

For the purpose of designating Old Crain Highway in Upper Marlboro, within the limits described herein, as a Scenic Road pursuant to Subtitle 23 (Roads and Sidewalks) of the County Code.

               WHEREAS, Subtitle 23 (Roads and Sidewalks) in the County Code authorizes the County Council to designate Scenic Roads; and

               WHEREAS, a Scenic Road, as defined in Section 23-102, is a public or private road which provides scenic views along a substantial part of its length through natural or manmade features such as forest or extensive woodland, cropland, pasturage, or meadows; distinctive topography, including outcroppings, streambeds, or wetlands; traditional building types; historic sites; or roadway features such as curving, rolling roadway alignment and “leaf tunnels;” and

               WHEREAS, the Master Plan for Subregion VI, approved in 1993, recommends preservation of historic and scenic roads in the Subregion and refers to the Rural Historic Landscapes and Scenic Roads Study, Subregion VI, December 1988, which also recommends preservation of historic landscapes and scenic roads; and

               WHEREAS, the Master Plan for Subregion VI specifically names Old Crain Highway southwest of Upper Marlboro as a “significant historic landscape;” notes that the highway "still offers vistas of rolling farmland, continuing the historic usage of this area;” and states that the highway is the location of  Weston, “the early 19th-century plantation of the locally prominent Clagett family, with its tree-lined entry drive, its wooded house site and burial ground, and its clearly defined agricultural spaces, as well as a line of  Bald Cypress trees planted along Old Crain Highway;” and

               WHEREAS, the Master Plan for Subregion VI makes the following specific recommendation:

                              Old Crain Highway traverses a landscape that is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  The area should be preserved through land use policies, complemented with the preservation of the historic road alignment.  Special landscape features, such as the Bald Cypress trees near Weston, should be protected.

               WHEREAS, to implement these Master Plan recommendations, the County Council deems it appropriate to designate Old Crain Highway south of Upper Marlboro, between the town boundary and U.S. Rt. 301, as a Scenic Road.

               NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the County Council of Prince George's County, Maryland, that Old Crain Highway southwest of Upper Marlboro, between the boundary of the Town of Upper Marlboro and U.S. Rt. 301, is hereby designated as a Scenic Road pursuant to Subtitle 23 of the County Code.

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the Council’s intention in designating Old Crain Highway as a Scenic Road that the scenic and historic character of this road be preserved to the greatest possible extent consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare, and therefore roadway improvements should be limited to those necessary to meet safety requirements and otherwise satisfy prudent design and construction standards.

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Public Works and Transportation shall apply its Design Guidelines and Standards for Scenic Historic Roads, as most recently approved, to all roadway improvements on Old Crain Highway.

               Adopted this 27th day of July, 1999.

              

                                                                                                                        COUNTY COUNCIL OF PRINCE

GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND

                                                                                                         BY:         _________________________________

                                                                                                                        Dorothy F. Bailey

                                                                                                                        Vice Chair

ATTEST:

___________________________

Joyce T. Sweeney

Clerk of the Council

In from the Cold in Old Upper Marlboro - News from January 18, 1874

Dredgers and Tramps in Marlboro'.

[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]

         Upper Marlboro'. Md., Jan. 17. - Since the cold weather set in the Upper Marlboro' jail has been filled each night with tramps who come and apply for food and lodging. A great many of the discharged crews of oyster pungies pass through on their way to Washington.[1] They -apply for food and shelter at the farm-houses, where their pitiful condition excites compassion. Many of them have frost-bitten feet, hands or ears, and appear to have suffered terribly, all of them have harrowing tales of cruelty by their captains to tell.[2]

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[1] John Wennersten. 2007. The Oyster Wars of Chesapeake Bay.  p. 99.

"The securely name to pungy boat was a direct descendent of the Virginia pilot schooner and came into use in the oyster industry in the 1840s. Plungies were colorful boats painted in light pink and an bottle green, with large keels and two tall raking masts. In the words of maritime historian Robert Burgess, "In all but superficial details of construction, the pungy was merely a reduced version of a Baltimore clipper." The pungies were strong sailing vessels of 23 to 69 tons and where long favored by oyster dredgers."

[2] Sun, published as The Sun; Date: 01-18-1893; Volume: CXII; Issue: 54; Page: [1]; Location: Baltimore, Maryland.

Transcribed by John Peter Thompson, January 18t^h 2014.

Stand Your Ground in Old Prince George's (1877) - updated 30 Dec 2013

3-22-1877

SHOOTING AFFAIR IN MARYLAND.

Major Bowie, Prince George's Co. fatally wounds a young man.

               Yesterday, about noon, a shooting affair took place on the farm of Major Francis M. Bowie, near Forestville, Prince George's county, Md., in which Major Bowie shot, and,  is stated, mortally wounded a young man named Edward Oliver, son of William Oliver, who resides near Forestville. The facts in the case are said to be as follows: Young Oliver with a wagon on Tuesday last to the farm of Major Bowie, and, it is alleged, carried off some corn or fodder, the property of the major. Major Bowie, hearing of it, took up a bridge which crosses a creek, and by which access is had to the place, and locked his gates. Yesterday morning Oliver came with his wagon and succeeded in forwarding the stream. On making his exit he was compelled to pass near the Bowie mansion, and finding the gate locked talk it from the hinges. Bowie at this stage of the affair appeared and told Oliver if he removed the gate, he would shoot one of his horses. Oliver thereupon picked up a stone and approached Bowie, and it is alleged applied in on complimentary remark with an oath, all the while closing upon Bowie, who warned him not to approach. Not heating the warning, bowie drew and fired a navy revolver at Oliver, the ball entering the left nipple and lodging in the shoulder. The wounded man was removed to his home, and was attended by doctors bird, Thomas and Brent, who this morning pronounced the wound fatal. Bowie was arrested and carried before Justice fund, of Forest Hill, who committed him to the upper Marlborough jail to await the action of the grand jury, which will meet April 1st. The excitement in and around Forestville is intense, and opinions differ as to the justice of the affair, many alleging that Willie acted in self-defense. Though he is one of the oldest inhabitants of that section of the country. It will be remembered that Bowie was attacked sometime since on the road by a party named Fowler, and severely beaten.[1]

4-17-1877

TRIAL OF MAJOR FRANCIS M. BOWIE.

               The indictment against Francis M. Bowie, found by the grand jury for Prince George's county, Md., charging him with an assault, with intent to murder, A. Edward Oliver by shooting him with a pistol on this 21st day of March, 1877, whilst trespassing upon his (Major Bowie's) farm near Forestville, in that county, was called for trial at the opening of the circuit court and Upper Marlboro', yesterday morning. Prosecution was represented by William J. Hill, and the defense by the Messrs. Walter W. N. Bowie, Jos. K. Roberts, Jr., and A. Snowden Hill. The trial attracted a considerable crowd about the courthouse, and the case was the first case called upon the opening of the court; the regular panel of jurors was exhausted and seven jury men taken from it; the other five were made up from talesmen [sic], and in a few minutes the trial was opened by the prosecuting attorney.

THE FIRST WITNESS WAS YOUNG OLIVER HIMSELF.

               He gave a clear and explicit account of the affair, to the effect that during the last year he had rented lands from Major Bowie, and the difficulty arose from the division of some twenty-three shocks of fodder raised on the rented lands. Louis accused him of stealing fodder from the place. He turned and faced Bowie, dropping the reins of his team, being about 15 or 20 feet distant. Some oath past, and Bowie fired the shot, the pistol being about on a level with his waist; the shots struck Oliver in the right breast; his coat being folded over his breast.

               Tyler Suit and R. S. Cator, the state's witnesses, both corroborated Oliver; and the doctors then testified as to the injuries.

TESTIMONY OF THE ACCUSED.

               The statement made by Mister Roberts was that it was a case of self-defense.

               Major F. M. Bowie (as allowed by the recent act of the Maryland legislator) was called and sworn, agreed testimony with the prosecuting witnesses' statement up to exact moment of shooting, when he stated that Oliver, with most insulting epithets, was advancing on him, and uplifted as if to strike, and within four or 5 feet, Oliver was shot. The intention was to shatter his right arm, but not kill him.[2]  

        

4-18-1877

THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY. (Md) SHOOTING CASE.             

MAJOR FRANCIS M. BOWIE ACQUITTED.

               The trial of Major Francis M. Bowie for an assault, with intent to murder, on A. Edw'd Oliver by shooting him with a pistol on the 21st day of March, 1877, whilst trespassing upon his (Major Bowie's) farm, near Forestville, in Prince George's county, Md., was continued in the circuit court in Upper Marlboro', Maryland, on Monday after our report closed. The prosecution was represented by Wm. J. Hill, and the defense by Messrs. Walter W. N. Bowie, Jos. K/ Roberts, Jr., and A. Snowden Hill.

               After the testimony of Major Bowie in his own behalf, as given in THE STAR of yesterday, Frank Bowie testified that the party trespassing on Major Bowie's farm left the public roads, which were then in good traveling order, to get into his field by and on frequented approach. Elisha E. Berry, living on an adjoining farm to Major Bowie's, testified to the same effect as previous witness. John H. Besn testified to threats made by A. Edward Oliver against Major Bowie - that he intended to giving Bowie a worse thrashing than Fowler gave him, if Bowie fooled with him. The case was presented at length and ably; all the Council submitting their views to the jury. At 5:10 p.m. the jury retired for consultation and to make up their verdict, and at 5:45 p.m. they returned a verdict of not guilty. [3]

3-29-1893  

Author's note - Interestingly, there were two men named Francis Magruder Bowie in 19th century Prince George's County.  The younger Francis Magruder Bowie (1847-1893) was a cousin of Major Francis Magruder Bowie (1812-1877), a wealthy slaveholder. While the newspaper described the younger Francis M. Bowie, see below, as being a millionaire, his elder cousin whose home farm and plantation was known as Dunblane, died broke. Dublane is located on Westphalia road near  I495 and Pennsylvania Ave (Rte 4) in Prince George's County, Maryland.

A full accounting of the murder of Francis Magruder Bowie in 1893 will be posted soon.

Earlier versions of this posting stated that Francis M. Bowie (1847-1893) was a Republican. This information was posted erroneously; there is a third Francis Bowie , J. Francis Bowie of whom I have no information at this time. December 31, 2013 

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[1] Evening Star, published as The Evening Star.; Date: 03-22-1877; Page: 4; Location: Washington (DC), District of Columbia

[2] The Evening Star.; Date: 04-17-1877; Page: 4; Location: Washington (DC), District of Columbia

[3] The Evening Star.; Date: 04-18-1877; Page: 4; Location: Washington (DC), District of Columbia

[4] Times-Picayune, published as The Daily Picayune; Date: 03-29-1893; Page: 2; Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

[5] Oswego Times, New York, March 30, 1893. p. 2.

Articles transcribed by John Peter Thomposn, December 2013

White House Steward 1901 - 1909, Henry W. Pinckney of Fairmount Heights, Maryland

               Prince George's County, Maryland is rich in history. It surrounds its residents hidden in plain sight and mostly ignored.  With hundreds of historic places (nearly 400), Prince George's County tells the story of an unwilling partnership that grew together to build a state and a country. Residential homes now keep open secrets of the men and women who struggled to overcome social and economic barriers to eventually reach the White House and the summit of American political power.

Henry Pickneys son Roswell Playing with Teddy Rosevelts son Rosevelt Quentin

               Fifty years before Eugene Allen served his country and seven of its Presidents, Henry W. Pinckney of Fairmont Heights, came from New York as the valet to Governor and then Vice President Roosevelt. When Roosevelt became President (1901-1909, Pinckney became the White House steward, and, later, messenger in President Taft's administration (1909-1913). Mr. Pinckney's son, Roswell, the eldest of the four children of Henry and Leonora Pinckney, played with Quentin Roosevelt, youngest son of Theodore Roosevelt, and was one of his "White House Gang" playmates. The 'White House Gang' was "...known for their mischievous childhood pranks. Quentin Roosevelt later joined the Army Air Service and was killed during combat in WWI (Delegado. 2013. History - Never to be Forgotten).

               The magazine section of the Breckenridge News describes Mr. Pinckney's day around the Christmas Holiday celebrations:

Such marketing as is necessary to fill out the menu for the President's Christmas dinner is done by Henry Pinckney a colored man who holds the position of White House Steward and draws a salary of 1800 a year [$1800 dollars in 1905 had the same buying power as $46938.62 dollars in 2013[1]] from the government for managing the domestic affairs at the White House A day or two before Christmas Steward Pinckney sets out in the unpretentious vehicle which serves as the President's private market wagon and makes the round of the markets for the White House patronage is not confined to any one merchant In preparation for the Christmas dinner."[2]

               Mr. Pinckney travels with the President were reported regularly in the press including his trip with Mr. Roosevelt and others to vote for the Republican ticket in Oyster Bay, New York in the elections of 1902.[3]

               Henry Pinckney saw to more than meals. He oversaw travel arrangements attending to the details of packing of personal items and the loading of them onto the Magnet, the President's private train car. Newspaper accounts describe is role in Presidential trips to places like Pine Knot in Albemarle County, Virginia.[4]

               Henry Pinckney along with other members of the Roosevelt White House was invited to attend the wedding of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. in June 1910.

"Invitations to the ceremony have been received by practically all those who were part of the White House establishment at the time Mr. Roosevelt relinquished the presidential chair. The fact that many of the servants were Negroes apparently has

made no difference in the issuing of invitations for the marriage of "Mr. Ted." Charles Boeder, footman on the White House-carriage in the former administration (McKinley), has signified his intention of being present. Wilson Jackson, a household messenger for the family, and Henry Pinckney, also a member" of the Roosevelt establishment, have received invitations and are anxious to go to the wedding."[5]

               When questions arose about Roosevelt's "drinks" in Europe, the President was vindicated through Mr. Pinckney's mint juleps recipe was reported by the Chicago Day Book, May 28, 1913:  Roosevelt "never drank any mint juleps at all. He [just] bruised the mint. It was the late Henry Pinckney, negro factotum of the Roosevelt's in the White House, who made the T, R. juleps, and the recipe he left behind read: "A. lump of sugar, a teaspoonful of water and some mint leaves stirred in with the liquid."[6]

               In 1910 Mr. Pinckney was caught up in the meat packing scandals made famous by Upton Sinclair's novel, The Jungle. Headlines blared  FORMER STEWART STEWARD OF THE WHITE HOUSE DENIES CHARGES  MADE BY MADE BY MEAT INSPECTOR DODGE.  

"WASHINGTON Feb 8 Former President Roosevelt was not fed on half putrid beef to keep him savage according to Henry Pinckney who today denied yesterday's testimony of meat inspector Dodge regarding the meat supplied at the White House. Dodge testified before the special committee of the House which is in investigating the food question. Pikney [sic] the steward at the White House under Roosevelt's administration is highly indignant at the charge."[7]  

Mr. Pinckney forcefully "declared that no unfit and unwholesome meat ever gracedthe table of that president."[8] He was answering the charge made before a special committee that was investigating the cost of living in the District of Columbia.   

               From typical over the top news reporting with which we are so familiar today as to forget our long national history of ad hominem attacks on public figures, we know that Bulbous Bill's White House (President Taft) paid Mr. Pinckney $1300.00 per year as a messenger.[9]  This salary in 1910 had the same buying power as $33900.12 current dollars.[10]

Fairmount Heights lost it famous resident in April 2011. The obituary in the Washington Bee spoke of his accomplishments and friendships to a diverse community over the early years of the 20th century.

"The funeral of Mr. Henry W. Pinckney late steward of the White House took place from the First Presbyterian Church on last Sunday. A large crowd attended among whom were Major Brooks and many White House attaches. Rev. T. J. Smith pastor of the church officiated with the assistance of Rev. M. W. Clair of Asbury church. The floral designs were numerous and beautiful among which was a handsome cross of lilies and roses by Mrs. Alice Longworth. (daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt). The deceased was esteemed by all who knew him especially the citizens of this section. Interment was held at Woodlawn Cemetery; funeral director, Mr. J. W. Winslow.  Resolutions were read from the Progressive Citizens Association of this section, expressing loss."[11]

               Mr. Pinckney's house still stands in Prince George's County, silent sentinel of those who worked so hard to enable the words of Thomas Jefferson to apply to all men of all color and creeds. The Pinckney House was built for Henry Pinckney, "who at the time of the 1910 census, was 48 years of age; he had been born in South Carolina and lived in this house with his wife Leonora and their three children. His dwelling was a large and substantial house; in its original form, it would have been one of the most noticeable early buildings in the community of Fairmount Heights (Patterson, 2009).

Henry Pickney House
Fairmount Heights, Prince George's County, Maryland

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[1] Historical Currency Conversions. [accessed August 14, 2013] http://futureboy.us/fsp/dollar.fsp?quantity=1800&currency=dollars&fromYear=1905

[2] The Breckenridge News., December 20, 1905, Magazine Section Part Two, Image 8. Library of Congress.

[3] Evening Star., October 31, 1902, Image 1. Library of Congress.

[4] The Washington Times., May 17, 1907, Last Edition, Image 1. Library of Congress

[5] The Broad Ax., June 11, 1910, Image 2. Library of Congress.

[6] The Day Book., May 28, 1913, Image 6. Library of Congress.

[7] The Daytona Daily News., February 08, 1910, Page 5, Image 5. Library of Congress.

[8] The Enterprise., February 16, 1910, Image 6. Library of Congress.

[9] The Labor World., January 15, 1910, Image 6. Library of Congress.

[10] Historical Currency Conversions. [accessed August 14, 2013] http://futureboy.us/fsp/dollar.fsp?quantity=1300&currency=dollars&fromYear=1910

[11] The Washington Bee., April 15, 1911, Image 5. Library of Congress.

Pittman House Burns: Prince George's County loses touch with its important past

Wm S & Portia M. Pittman House, Fairmount Heights, Maryland in better days
PG-MNCPP Historic Survey Database

               We have lost another historic structure to neglect and perhaps a vandal's fire (Gazette.,net story). On December 15, 2012 a fire destroyed a house designed by African-American professional luminary, William Sydney Pittman. And you say Pittman, Pittman who, because we do not teach the history that surrounds us nor do we make it easy to learn the stories of the extraordinary men and women who once walked and lived right here in Prince George's County. In fact there are a few who would have you believe that the county is an empty, blank slate just waiting to be paved over.

William Sydney Pittman
1875-1958
image form the Dallas Texas Observer
"Demolition by Neglect"

Mrs. Portia Marshall Washington Pittman
image URL

               William Sydney Pittman, whose "trailblazing professional deeds" are a part of little-known black history moments and almost lost to history, was born in Alabama on April 21, 1875.[1] He attended Tuskegee Institute. There he studied woodworking and architectural-mechanical drawing completing his studies in 1897. He then enrolled in the Drexel Institute in Philadelphia and received a degree in Architectural and Mechanical drawing in 1900.[2] From late 1900 to 1905, William S. Pittman was employed at Tuskegee Institute as department head of architectural drawing. 

               In 1905 Mr. Pittman came to Maryland and Fairmount Heights in Prince George's County. He went to work for John Anderson Lankford at the offices at 1448 Q Street, NW, in Washington. D.C., and within a short time opened his own practice. He designed the house, now lost to us by vandals, in to which his bride, the daughter of Booker T. Washington, Portia Marshall Washington moved after their marriage in 1907. There they entertained national dignitaries such as the editor of Boston's Alexander Magazine. A newspaper account in April of 1908 described the guest list which included an employee of the War Department, a judge and the Recorder of Deeds as well as other guests.[3] The Pittman House was located at 505 Eastern Avenue, Fairmount Heights, Maryland (PG#72-9-18).

               Mr. Pittman was very much involved in the growth of Fairmont Heights taking an active interest in the establishment of the town. He founded the Fairmont Heights Mutual Improvement Company, designed the town hall and the first elementary school. In his professional life he became the first African-American to win a federal commission for the Negro building at the national Tercentennial Exposition at Jamestown, Virginia.[4] He also designed Garfield Elementary School (1909) and the 12th Street YMCA building (1912) the cornerstone of which was placed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908.[5]

12th Street YMCA, Washington DC
image from Blackfives.com

               The town of Fairmount Heights, finally incorporated in 1935, is one of the oldest African American municipalities in Maryland contending for the prize of "first" with North Brentwood also in Prince George's County [Meet the 27 Historic Municipalities of Prince George's County, Maryland - Ready for Adaptive Re-use]. The Pittmans would leave Fairmount Heights in 1913 and the house began its long slow descent into obscurity recognized by the community and a few preservationists but forgotten by the county generally. How easy it is to lose our history and our connection with those who cleared the way for us today.

               For a detailed account of Mr. Pittman's life and achievements, see:

Susan G. Pearl, "WILLIAM SIDNEY PITTMAN (1875-1958)," in Drexel University Archives Digital Collections, Item #84,  http://archives.library.drexel.edu/displays/exhibits/show/pittman/1897-1898/item/84 (accessed January 14, 2013).  4 (accessed January 14, 2013).

http://archives.library.drexel.edu/displays/archive/files/pearlsusang-williamsidneypittman1875-1958_d68def9e1d.pdf

Kentland volunteer fire Department Facebook page photo

              

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[1] Norma Adams-Wade, Pioneer black architect’s life to unfold at symposium. Dallas Morning News. March 15 2010. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/norma-adams-wade/20110315-pioneer-black-architects-life-to-unfold-at-symposium.ece

[2] Everett L. Fly, "PITTMAN, WILLIAM SIDNEY," Handbook of Texas Online(http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fpi32), accessed January 14, 2013. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.

[3] Washington Bee, published as The Washington Bee; Date: 04-18-1908; Volume: 27; Issue: 47; Page: [5]; Location: Washington (DC), District of Columbia

[4] Historic Site Summary Sheet. http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/stagsere/se1/se5/018000/018800/018833/pdf/msa_se5_18833.pdf

[5] Dreck Spurlock Wilson. African-American Architects: A Biographical Dictionary, 1865-1945. Taylor & Francis. 2004. 550 pp.