"Oases of the Year"

"Twas the week before Christmas, when all thro' the cemetery,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a ________________."

Although the possibilities are limitless, the necessity to have a word that rhymes with cemetery is a tough task. The best I can do is "hereditary," an appropriate term that connects with graveyard genre, but one too many syllables and makes no sense at all when inserted in my bastardization of Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 holiday masterpiece "A Visit from St. Nicholas." To be grammatically correct, the noun version "heredity" should be used, but now we don't have a proper rhyme with cemetery. I will now quit while I'm ahead.

It only feels fitting to write a Christmas-themed "Story in Stone" this week, but I think I better leave the true message of the season in the hands of a capable writer of the 19th century. In this case, I wanted someone more local than Clement Clarke Moore, Charles Dickens or Washington Irving. I soon found my author in Mr. Charles E. Knauff, editor of the Frederick Examiner newspaper. The edition of December 25th, 1872 contains a powerful message, and I was taken by the following passage:

"Cheering is the assurance that we can celebrate Christmas Day as an epoch in the history of our deliverance from the fear of the future."

I just love this assessment, not only as an historian, but the message holds true today just as much as it did back then 152 years ago. The author laments the fact that Christmases of the time (1872) were not "as interesting as the olde-fashioned ones were," however he states that young people will look back longingly and lovingly at these modern Christmases (ie. 1872) when in their own later years as they reminisce and reflect back and compare. Mr. Knauff's full editorial can be found below:

Frederick Examiner (Dec 25, 1872)

Charles E. Knauff had a great deal of olde-time Christmases under his belt as he was 45 years-old in late 1872. The newspaper veteran was born on April 20th, 1827, and earned distinction for his long career as a printer, reporter and editor in Frederick. He had been affiliated with his former boss, Charles H. Keefer, and The Examiner for quite some time, and soon became a partner and co-publisher of the local paper. As a matter of fact, I was surprised to see the Keefers and Knauffs as next door neighbors in the 1870 census. However, this makes complete sense as they lived at the business site located at the Examiner Building on the southwest corner of Market and Church streets. Many know this location today as the home of the Orchard Restaurant.

1870 US Census showing Knauff and Keefer families living in Frederick

The Frederick Examiner printing office on the southwest corner of Market and Church streets

Back in 2018, I wrote a "Story in Stone" about a terrible train accident at Point of Rocks which took the life of several leading Fredericktonians. Among them was Charles H. Keefer of The Examiner. Charles E. Knauff was responsible for reporting on the tragic incident for the newspaper he shared in managing with Keefer. In essence, Knauff had to detail the death of his mentor and friend who is today buried in Mount Olivet's Area R/Lot 116. 

Frederick Examiner (June 6, 1877)

Charles E. Knauff

I tried finding biographical information on Mr. Knauff, but the best I could muster was what I would see in two obituaries in early April, 1915. He died on April 5th, and the two newspapers of record at that time, the Frederick News and Frederick Citizen paid homage to this man who never missed a day of work during a career that spanned over six decades.

Frederick News (April 6, 1915)

Frederick Citizen (April 9, 1915)

Our cemetery records show that Mr. Knauff was buried on April 7th, 1915 alongside his wife (Anna Bragonier) in the grave plot of his parents, Jacob Knauff (1788-1867), a War of 1812 veteran, and wife Deborah (Philips) Knauff. Interestingly, Charles E. Knauff would die on the very day of the 15th anniversary of his wife's death. Both Charles and Anna rest in unmarked graves in Area A/Lot 77.

Knauff family lot in Area A with graves of Charles Knauff's parents in forefront

In that same Examiner Christmas issue of 1872, holiday advertising can be found in many columns adjacent Mr. Knauff's thoughtful editorial. Two such ads that caught my eye were "barking" for the local businesses of A. R. Ruse and A. C. McCardell. I was familiar with the latter gentleman, but did not know Mr. Ruse. I would soon learn his full name of Addison R. Ruse, proprietor of  Ruse's Novelty Emporium on North Market Street.

Frederick Examiner (Dec 25, 1872)

This was certainly one of the leading toy stores of town at the time, and a  place where holiday shopping could be done for the entire family. This was Frederick's Wal-Mart if you will, but it was not quite the pinnacle. No that was David Smith's Temple of Fancy, billed as Santa Claus' Frederick headquarters. 

Addison Rufus Ruse was born July 30th, 1849 and lived to October 11th, 1927. He was married to Martha J. Kussmaul of the family that would eventually produce an educator whose name would grace Frederick Community College's spacious theater.

Addison Ruse in the 1870 US Census living on S Market St in Frederick City

A Google search aided me greatly with a biography on Mr. Ruse. It comes from John Thomas Scharf's History of Baltimore City and County, page 728 and was attached to Addison R. Ruse's memorial page on Findagrave.com.

Apparently, Addison Ruse worked in the newspaper business like Charles E. Knauff. The two gentlemen are also buried a short distance away from one another in Mount Olivet's Area A. Ruse grew up near the South Market Street bridge over Carroll Creek, and his stationary and music store, the location I presume mentioned in the 1872 advertisement at 54 North Market very near Frederick's City Hall (which is Brewer's Alley Restaurant today).

​His newspaper career with the Frederick Times was a short one in the mid 1880s and prompted him to leave Frederick for Baltimore because of an expense, not an opportunity. I learned this from a letter to the editor written a week after after his obituaries appeared in mid-October, 1927. Speaking of obituaries, I include two below, one from our Frederick paper, and another from The Baltimore Sun.

Frederick News (Oct 13, 1927)

Baltimore Sun (Oct 12, 1927)

Also buried with Addison here is his wife, Martha Alice J. (Kussmaul) Ruse, who predeceased him, and a daughter Nellie Mae and her husband, a man named Alonza Cover.

Frederick News (Oct 22, 1927)

Ruse family plot in Area A/Lot 107

Another merchant of note included in that 1872 Frederick newspaper was A.C. McCardell, proprietor of a local confectionary, a shop that sells candy. I was familiar with this man and even possess a few items in my personal collection including a Victorian advertising card and a signed billhead from his business. 

Frederick Examiner (Dec 25, 1872)

Frederick Examiner (Nov. 27, 1872)

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A. C. McCardell in the 1870 US Census living in Frederick

I have always been intrigued by two things in connection to the above billhead. First, that Mr. McCardell billed himself and business as a "fruiterer," a word that I haven't seen used anywhere else. Second, I found it ironic that the store that sold the healthiest food in town (fruit), also manufactured the unhealthiest food in town. I guess you could call it a bittersweet business with a diverse portfolio.

In my research on this particular gentleman, I found myself feeling like "a kid in a candy store," both literally and figuratively. There are extensive writings on Adrian Coelfrid McCardell (1845-1932) and his business endeavors to be found. One of those endeavors includes my employer, as he served as Mount Olivet Cemetery's fifth president of our board of directors from 1919 until his death in 1932.

In conducting research, I was once again aided tremendously by T.J.C. Williams and his History of Frederick County, published in 1910. In Volume II of that work, one can read a lengthy biography on our subject, and see his photograph as well. Both are featured below:

"Adrian C. McCardell, a leading and highly esteemed citizen of Frederick County, Md., who is prominent in business and financial circles, is a native of Washington County, Md., where he was born December 25, 1845. He  is a son of Wilfred D. and Catherine E. (Humrichouse) McCardell.
 
The McCardells are of Scotch-Irish origin. As far as can be ascertained, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Thos. McCardell, was one of three brothers who emigrated from Ireland at an early date. One went west to Missouri, and one located in New Jersey, Thomas, who married Annie Nogle, settled in Williamsport District, Maryland, where they owned a large farm, and a number of slaves. Mr. McCardell was held in high esteem by his neighbors and was widely known as a successful agriculturist. He was the father of the following children: Richard P.; Wilfred D.; Courtney; Upton; Willoughby Rebecca, who became the wife of Frank Dugan; and Annie, who was married to John French.
 
Wilfred D. McCardell, son of Thomas and Annie (Nogle) McCardell, was born in 1814, and was accidentally drowned at Williamsport, Washington County, Md., in 1861. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him and was an influential and prominent citizen of the community. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and his opinions carried much weight. He was also prominent in political circles, being an active supporter and stanch adherent of the Whig party, and his best efforts were always put forth towards the furtherance of that organization. Mr. McCardell’s services to his party were recognized by his election to the Maryland House of Delegates from Washington County, in which capacity he discharged his duties with great ability and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. McCardell was married, in 1845, to Catherine Humrichouse, daughter of Frederick Post Humrichouse, of Colonial and Revolutionary fame, who was a descendant of one of the oldest and most respected families of Washington County, Md., where their ancestors were numbered among the early settlers. Wilfred D. and Catharine (Humrichouse) McCardell were the parents of the following children: Adrian C.; Thomas E., of Washington, D. C., where he is employed in the printing office of the United States Government; Mary A., widow of Abraham Seidenstricker ; Wilfred H. a well-known merchant of Hagerstown, Md., where he is engaged in the clothing business; Odelo D., in partnership with his brother, Wilfred, in Hagerstown; Lucretia P., a resident of Hagerstown; and Alburtus, died in childhood.
 
Adrian C. McCardell, son of Wilfred D. and Catherine (Humrichouse) McCardell, grew up on his father’s farm in Williamsport District, Washington County, Md., where he remained until he was sixteen, when he went with his parents to Williamsport, Md. He received his education in the public schools of Washington County, and evinced much aptitude for study. In 1861, the year of his father’s death, he went to Hagerstown and was employed as clerk by D. H. Phreaner, who was engaged in the confectionery business. Here he remained for a short time and then entered the service of George Bowman, also a confectioner. Mr. McCardell’s choice of Frederick City as a home was the result of an accident. In July, 1863, he was on his way to Washington, D. C., to join the Commissary Department of the United States Army under Gen. Bell. Arriving in Frederick, he was unable to communicate with the General on account of the second battle of Bull Run. He reconsidered the matter, and decided to remain in Frederick and work for his old employer, D. H. Phreaner, of Frederick City, with whom he remained until 1867. In that year, he gave up his position on account of poor health, and went to Hagerstown. After a short time, however, he went to Funkstown, where he was employed as clerk in the store of Beachley & Fiery, and J. H. Beachley, dealers in general merchandise. Mr. McCardell remained with this firm until 1869, when he returned to Frederick City, and purchased the confectionery store of his old employer, D. H. Phreaner, located at No. 4 North Market street. At this location, he carried on a general wholesale and retail confectionery business until 1882, when he purchased the property at No. 52 North Market street, where he is actively engaged in his branch of business. This is one of the oldest established business house; in Western Maryland; having been in existence for forty years, and ranks foremost in its own special line of trade.

​From the time that he took charge of the business, Mr. McCardell has met with substantial success, and today ranks as one of the leading merchants of the county. He has directed the affairs of his establishment with an ability, foresight and sagacity that stamp him as a man of high executive ability, and rare mercantile acumen. He has become widely prominent in confectionery circles as one of the ablest and most representative men identified with that particular branch of industry. He is honorable in all his dealings, and his business methods have always been characterized by the highest principles, until now he commands the respect of business and financial circles generally."

Assorted views of confectionary stores of the 19th century

"Mr. McCardell has not however, devoted all of his time to the confectionery business, but has been connected with many other of the thriving and prosperous industries of Frederick. He has always been ready to lend a helping hand to anything that promises to serve the best interests of the community, and is known as a thoroughly public-spirited citizen. For eleven years he served as president of the Business Men's Association of Frederick City. From 1888 until 1892 he served as a director of the Fredericktown Savings Institute. In 1891, he was elected vice-president of the Frederick County National Bank, and served in this official capacity until 1904, when he was elected president of the bank. He still holds this responsible position, whose duties he had discharged with marked fidelity and ability, being recognized throughout the county as a keen financier. He is also a director in the Mount Olivet Cemetery Association. Since 1893, he has been a director of the Woman's College, of Frederick, and has been treasurer of its endowment fund since its organization. For many years he has been one of the directors of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Frederick County, and in May, 1909, succeeded Charles E. Truit as president. Mr. McCardell has always been active in church work. For twelve years he has been an elder and the treasurer of the Evangelical Reformed Church, and for sixteen years has been superintendent of the Sunday School connected with the church.

​Mr. McCardell is thoroughly a self-made man, having begun life without means or influence, and by his own efforts has raised himself to his present enviable position. His success in life is directly traceable to hard work, close application to business, and sober and temperate habits. He is a man of vigorous intellect, and has a wide range in general knowledge. In his personal tastes, he is thoroughly refined and domestic, and takes particular pride in his home and family. He is undoubtedly, one of the foremost and best known citizens of his county.
 
Adrian C. McCardell was married, in April, 1872, to Alforetta R. Stonebraker, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Knode) Stonebraker, who is descended from a prominent family which was numbered among the early settlers of Washington County, Md. Adrian C. and Alforetta (Stonebraker) McCardell are the parents of the following children: 1, Adrian L., assistant cashier of the Frederick County National Bank; 2, Edgar S., conducting a retail department for confectionery in his own name; 3, Albert N., a well-known merchant of Germantown, Md.; 4, Wilfred S., traveling salesman for the wholesale department of his father's confectionery establishment; 5, Mary A., unmarried: 6, Ernest W., of Frederick, Md.; 7, Pauline R., unmarried." 

McCardell's later confectionary establishment is thought to have been housed in the building directly south of City Hall (extreme right in this photo). This would later be renumbered as 118 N. Market and today a building at this location serves as office space for Frederick County Government.

In vetting Mr. McCardell's vital dates, I did find that the birthdate given by T.J.C. Williams in the bio was too good to be true. I subsequently learned that "Frederick's Candyman" was not born on Christmas Day as written, but, instead, four days later on December 29th. Another interesting familial sidelight involves one of Mr. McCardell's grandchildren, a woman whose storied-career had nothing to do with candy and fruit, but everything to do with women's fashion. She would even grace the cover of Time Magazine in May, 1955. "Yes, Virginia, she was Claire McCardell."

Time Magazine (May 2, 1955)

Curbside marketing in 1915 for McCardell's Restaurant

McCardell's candy store evolved into a restaurant that was well-known for its decadent desserts (also apparently spelled as "deserts" in the above right photo, just as another connection to our story title regarding deserts and oases). McCardell's had quite a run here in town as a home-grown business.

Adrian C. McCardell passed away on March 30th, 1932 at the age of 86. Apparently being around all those sweets for the balance of his life had little to no effect on his longevity. He would be buried in Mount Olivet's Area R/Lot 17. His wife, Alforetta is here as well, dying in 1923. A daughter, Ruth Pauline, would be buried here in 1965.

Baltimore Sun (March 31, 1932)

Well its time for me to wrap up this "Story in Stone" so I can wrap up some presents. I will end with one more tidbit from that Frederick Examiner newspaper from Christmas Day, 1872. The article deals with an element of fashion that Adrian C. McCardell's granddaughter helped "bury" forever with her own sportswear designs. Our holiday incident involved a young man named David Otho Thomas.

Frederick Examiner (Dec 25, 1872)

For those not familiar with this antique clothing accessory, a bustle is a padded undergarment or wire frame used to add fullness, or support the drapery, at the back of women's dresses. The fashion was popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. Bustles are worn under the skirt in the back, just below the waist, to keep the skirt from dragging. Heavy fabric tended to pull the back of a skirt down and flatten it. As a result a woman's petticoated skirt would lose its shape during everyday wear (from merely sitting down or moving about).

Bustles were all the rage

I could not find a follow-up story to this specific incident in later editions of the paper. I'd like to believe that the pretty-young lady was one Marie Virginia Quynn (1852-1927). She was a daughter of Allen G. Quynn of early Frederick hardware lore. Like Cinderella missing her glass slipper, perhaps Miss Quynn read the Frederick Examiner article above and dared stepping into the Thomas snuff shop in order to retrieve her bustle, and thus her destiny. 

Born June 18, 1849 in Buckeystown, Mr. Thomas came from a well-known local family as well. He worked as a pharmacy clerk before getting into the tobacco business with his shop located on the northwest quadrant of the Square Corner (Market and Patrick streets) just west of Frederick County National Bank on West Patrick. Photographs exist of this location in a later incarnation as Flemings Tobacco Shop. The 1870 census shows David O. Thomas living at the City Hotel just down the street. 

David O. Thomas in the 1870 US Census living at Frederick's City Hotel

Frederick Examiner (Dec 25, 1872)

William W. Fleming would eventually acquire the tobacco shop from David O. Thomas

Maria V. Quynn living with her family in Frederick City in the 1870 Census

One way or another, David Otho Thomas married the abovementioned Miss Quynn in October of 1873, just ten months later. Could it have been the same pretty, young lady who lost her bustle? We may never know. However, we can only imagine the bustle and train employed by the young bride on her wedding day, perhaps using the very one dropped on the street just before Christmas, 1872. If by design, more interesting bait has rarely been used by young ladies seeking matrimony. Again, I'm just wishful speculating here. 

By 1880, David O. Thomas was working as a dealer of hay and straw, more things that burn I guess. He was living with his bride and widowed mother in Frederick City.

1880 US Census showing D. O. Thomas family in Frederick

Interestingly enough, our subject died on New Years Day, 1926 after what seems to have been a good life. He and Maria never had any children, but he finished his days working as a hardware salesman at Quynn's on East Patrick Street. His obituary proves that he had quite a business career, you could even say it was "bustling."

David and Maria Thomas are buried in a plot adjacent Mount Olivet's "Pumphouse Hill" in Area Q/Lot 18. Maria died the following year after her husband and is buried in this plot along with David's mother. 

Frederick Post (Jan 2, 1926)

I'd just like to leave you with two separate, yet poignant, quotes from a pair of 19th century wordsmiths that still hold true today:

"Were the views of those who are cheerless and despondent adopted and time regarded as a desert, still it would have its oases. Holidays are the oases of the year; some of them are so enchanting that upon their recurrence we allow ourselves to forget all else save the memories they commemorate. In their enjoyment outside cares vanish; we do not so much as throw a glance forward towards the always important tomorrow, but revel in the delights that the present affords.Years pass and generations die with them, but such principles endure and are transmitted from father to son."
           -Charles E. Knauff 

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" 
           -Clement Clarke Moore

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