ANDREW C. ELDRIDGE
He Was a Prominent Resident of Jackson District
Came here from Vermont in '44
Was a Descendendant of One of the Leading families of New England --- A Man of Great Mental Ability and Strong convictions.
In the death of Andrew C. Eldridge, of Myersville, which was reported in Yesterday's NEWS, there passes into history a man of unusual character who could have been one of the foremost men of the county, had he desired positions of honor and public trust. Mr. Eldridge was a descendant of one of the leading and most distinguished families of New England. He was born at Pownal, Bennington county, Vermont, March 22, 1822. When but a youth he was a leading debator in a literary society which was presided over by two men who subsequently became Presidents of the United States, Garfield and Arthur.
His grandfather, Nathan Eldridge, of revolutionary fame, rode horseback from Rhode island to Bennington, Vt., a distance of 300 miles, and took part in the famous battle of Bennington August 16, 1777. A willow used by him as a whip he planted near Bennington, which grew into an immense tree, and is still standing. He was one of the advisors of Ethan Allen and Gen. Stark, of New Hampshire. His father's only sister married Rev. Dr. Dewey, a leading clergyman of the Congregational church. Admiral Dewey is a descendant of Dr. Dewey, uncle of Mr. Eldridge.
Mr. Eldridge left his home in Vermont for the West India Islands. Taking the advice of a prominent Congressman, he decided to go no further south than Maryland. He came to Maryland in 1844 and located near Frederick. In 1852 he married Caroline, daughter of late john Harp. Preferring a quiet life, he located near Myersville, where he remained until his death, which occurred August 26, in his 82nd year. He was a man of strong convictions and followed them to the very letter. In 1856 he cast the only Republican vote in Jackson district. In 1860 through his efforts, Jackson district was the banner Lincoln district in this county. His devotion to the Union caused him to denounce the South in bitter terms and at great risk of his life, but never faltered nor feared, but stood by his convictions. His memory was marvelous, and his command of language was unusually good. He could and did denounce wrong in the strongest terms.
He is survived by his second wife, one sister, Emma Augusta Eldridge, of Santa Monica, Cal., and four children, viz: John H., of near Hagerstown; Chas. D., George C. and Mary, living at home.
The funeral will take place tomorrow morning from the U. B. church, of which he was a consistent member for many years. Rev. F. M. Glenn will officiate, assisted by Rev. Rev. W. L. Martin, of Thurmont; Rev. J. B. Ridenour, of Middletown, and Elder John M. Bussard , of Myersville. The pallbearers are: James C. Clarke, Hiram Houpt, Wesley Palmer, Josiah Leatherman, Park Green and Daniel Shipley. Capt. Jacob Koogle will have charge of the funeral.
The News, Frederick, MD, Thursday, August 27, 1903, P 3
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ANDREW C. ELDRIDGE
Andrew C. Eldridge, one of the oldest and best known farmers of Jackson district, died this morning, at his home near Myersville, of general debility, aged about 80 years. He is survived by his wife, who is a daughter of Dr. Wheeler, of Boonsboro, and three sons and one daughter: John Eldridge of Washington county; Charles D. and George Eldridge, Myersville, and Miss Mary Eldridge, at home. Mr. Eldridge came to Myersville from Vermont about 60 years ago as a school teacher. He taught school for several years and then went to farming and is considered an authority on the care of the farm.
The funeral will take place at the U. B. church at Myersville tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. Interment will be made at the graveyard adjoining the church.
The News, Frederick, MD, Wednesday, August 26, 1903, P 3
Family links:
Spouses:
Caroline Harp Eldridge (1829 - 1891)
Mary F. Wheeler Eldridge (1837 - 1904)
Children:
Mary A. Eldridge (1851 - 1923)*
Charles D. Eldridge (1861 - 1915)*
George Clement Eldridge (1866 - 1931)*
*Calculated relationship
