Individual NarrativeIndividual Narrative






Pentland Family History and Genealogy
The Journey of a Scots-Irish-American Family
 
 

 James Pentland Narrative Summary

James Pentland was born in Grey Abbey, County Down, on the Ards Penninsula in Northern Ireland the son of John and Margaret Findlay Pentland. The exact date of his birth is unknown since no original record of birth or baptism has been located. The 1900 U.S. census cites October 1820 as his birthdate.1

IMMIGRATION

The Pentland family emigrated from Ireland when James was a boy of eleven or twelve years. He presumably arrived with his parents and siblings in 1832 at the port of  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Passenger arrival documents for the Pentlands have not been located.23 There is a possibility that the family temporarily resided in England before continuing their journey to America. As a young man, James Pentland left his family in Philadelphia and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. This was probably between 1843 and 1844.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

The Pentlands have long been associated with the Presbyterian church, in Ireland as well as in the United States. In Baltimore, the Pentlands originally attended Aisquith Street Presbyterian Church which was founded in 1844. James Pentland was an early member having been accepted on 12 April 1844 by examination. By the end of the nineteenth century, the Pentlands were attending Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church. James and his wife Henrietta were dismissed from the Aisquith Street congregation on 7 Jan 1874 with the notation, "no particular church named."4

MARRIAGES

In all, James Pentland was married three times. His first marriage occurred sometime before 1847 when he wed Roseanna [--?--]. He was widowed by the death of his first wife on 8 July 1862 after roughly 15 years of marriage. Secondly, James married Henrietta [--?--] in approximately 1863. This marriage endured about two decades until the death of Henrietta on 18 July 1883. At the age of 64, James married his third and last wife. Despite the fact that this union occurred in Canada, it is his only marriage for which an extant record has been unearthed.

Jenny Polley, who was baptised Eliza Jane was the daughter of Hugh Polley and Mary Finnigan. She wed James Pentland on 30 September 1885 in Ontario, Canada. Information from the marriage record includes: "Groom: James Pentland, age 63 residing in Baltimore, U.S., a widower who was born in Ireland and earned his living as a florist. His parents were John and Margaret Pentland. Bride: Jennie Polly, age 31 residing in Ashfield. She is the spinster daughter of Hugh and Mary Polly. Witnesses were Sam Shepherd and Sarah Polly, both of Ashfield. The minister was the Reverend John Turner." James Pentland and Jenny Polley are first cousins once removed. His sister, Jane Pentland Finnigan is the maternal grandmother of Jenny Polley.13,14

CENSUS DATA

The first federal U.S. census in which James Pentland appears is that of 1850. On 15 August 1850 in Baltimore City, Maryland, the enumerator described the Pentalnd household as follows: James Pentland a 29-year old Irish florist; Rose A. a 26-year old female from Ireland; John P. A. Pentland 3-years old and Thomas W. Pentland, one year old, both children were born in Maryland. Other members of James Pentland's household in this census enumeration included Elisabeth a 30-year old female from Pennsylvania and possibly the wife of Robert Pentland who was described as a 30-year old Irish florist; William Clockworthey a 23-year old laborer from Ireland and lastly Henry Bouis a 15-year old florist from England. Living at the next residence is the family of John and Ann Bouis from England who may be related to 15-year old Henry.5  In the federal census for 1860, taken on the 21st day of July, the enumerator included quite a large number of people living in the Pentland residence, "James Pentland 38-year old white male florist from Ireland with real estate valued at $6025 and personal property valued at $2220; Rosanna Pentland 37-year old white female from Ireland; John P. Pentland 14-year old male from Maryland; Ella M. Pentland 10-year old female from Maryland; Julia A. Pentland 7-year old female from Maryland, Robert F. Pentland 5-year old male from Maryland and Carrie Pentland, 9/12 months old female." Additionally the following people were enumerated in this same household and as the same family unit: "August Volandt 27-year old male labourer from Bavaria; John Remmer a 27-year old male laborer from Hesse Cassel; Mary McCullough a 17-year old female from Pennsylvania; Elizabeth Muler a 35-year old seamstress from Maryland; Patrick Mullen 18-year old male labourer from Maryland and finally Elizabeth Pentland a 4-year old female from Maryland." Possibly Volandt, Remmer, McCullough, Muler and Mullen were employees in James Pentland's nursery.6  The census enumerator for 1870 recorded the following information for James and his family on 17 August of that year, "James Pentland 47-year old white male florist from Ireland; Henrietta 43-year old white female from Pennsylvania; Julia 17-year old female; Robert 15-year old white male; Elizabeth 13-year old white female; Clara 10-year old white female; Jefferson 8-year old white male and William 3-year old white male. All of the children were born in Maryland. Catherine Gleason 37-year old white female servant from Ireland, John Dixon 17-year old white male apprentice florist from North Carolina and William Sheen 17-year old white male apprentice florist from Maryland."  The Pentlands have notPentland residence, 1510 Greenmount Avenue been located in the 1880 federal census of Baltimore City. By 1900, the last census in which James is included, the make-up of the family has changed considerably. The residence is identified as 1510 Greenmount Avenue. The household consisted of James M. Pentland, born October 1820 in Ireland who was 79-years old. Mary E., his wife was born in May 1860 in Canada. William P. L. Pentland a son was born in March 1867 and Mary A. was born in July 1886. Also in the household were Rebecca Barter born in August 1873 in New York and Annie Butler born in May 1876 in Maryland.1

OCCUPATION

Unlike his father who was a textile designer and weaver and his elder brother Robert who was a coal dealer, James made his living as a florist, gardener and nursery man. His career is described in several floral trade papers, newspaper articles and in a Baltimore vanity merchants directory.

James is said to have served an apprenticeship in Philadelphia where he learned the floral or floriculture trade. His first job in Baltimore was as the gardener for the newly opened Greenmount Cemetery. In 1849, he purchased land directly opposite the1870 Sachse lithograph main gate of the cemetery on Greenmount Avenue where he grew bedding plants, roses, exotic grapes and cut flowers. He developed several varieties of outdoor roses. In addition, he constructed his home on this site which faced the cemetery gates. Although the buildings have long ago vanished, several of the street names in this neighborhood reflect its history, namely Nursery Lane. In a very unusual 19th-century landscape photograph, the Pentland residence at 1510 Greenmount Avenue was made into a cabinet card photo.

One of the earliest descriptions of Pentland's business is found in the Baltimore Daily Gazette on 26 September 1864 as follows:

Fine Grapes: We are in receipt of some magnificent specimens of grapes from the well known nursery of Mr. James Pentland near Greenmount Cemetery. They comprise the Black Hamburg, Muscat of Alexandria and several other choice varieties and in point of size and flavor are unsurpassed by any we have seen this season. Mr. Pentland has bestowed great care on the culture of this luscious fruit and has certainly achieved a great success. They may be had by our citizens at W. C. Martins & Co. under the Museum Building and at the different green houses in the city.
In 1886 James Pentland had the following write-up in a publication about local Baltimore businesses:
James Pentland, Florist, No. 115 North Charles Street. The occupation of a florist has of late years been followed as one of the professions, and the growing desire to ornament gardens and lawns and to grow flowers for decorative purposes makes the calling an important one. A prominent house and one of the oldest and largest in Baltimore in this line of industry is that of Mr. James Pentland, whose greenhouses and gardens are located at Greenmount Avenue, opposite Greenmount Cemetery gate, office and salesrooms at No. 115 North Charles street (old no. 27). This house was established in 1850 and has been conducted by its present accomplished proprietor with marked ability and signal success. The premises occupied are very large and attractive comprising as they do, two acres of ground, upon which are erected nine beautiful greenhouses, with a store 15 X 60 feet in dimensions, and every department being fitted up with all necessary appliances and conveniences for the successful prosecution of the business. Mr. Pentland is prepared to supply the largest demands either at wholesale or retail, for all kinds of flowers, including the rarest and finest varieties of foreign and nativive flowering plants and shrubs and especially excels in super floral decorations. He furnishes bouquets, wreaths and various emblematic designs for weddings, balls, parties and also funerals in new and original conceptions of artistic forms. Ferneries, brackets and hanging baskets are always on hand. Orders by mail or telegraph receive prompt attention and floral decorations are sent to any part of the city or country. A large and first-class trade is supplied all through the State of Maryland. Mr. Pentland is a native of Philadelphia but has resided in Baltimore for forty-three years (since 1844).15

Baltimore Wholesale Business Directory 1853
The Florists Club of Baltimore held their Golden Jubilee banquet on 23 October 1937 at the Lord Baltimore Hotel in Baltimore City. James Pentland was listed as the eighth past president of the organization. No date of his service was listed. The accompanying article explains the origins of the club begining in March 1887 at the invitation of Mr. Robert J. Halliday of Baltimore Street. James Pentland attended the first meeting.16



PHILANTHROPY

For many decades, James Pentland was involved with the Maryland Institute of Art. The Maryland Institute was founded as a drafting school for engineers but evolved into a premier art school. James served on the Board of Directors or Board of Managers from about the time of its founding in 18?? until his death in 1902. In 1874, James Pentland petitioned the Mayor and City Council for funds for the Maryland Institute of Art. This document, now housed at the Baltimore City Archive, is signed by James Pentland, listed as one of the "managers" of the Institute. Unfortunately, it is not an original signature. The entire letter was copied by the corresponding secretary Edward Clark. Jane Sponheim, current archivist at the Maryland Institute Library has stated that the great Baltimore fire of 1904 destroyed all the Institute's records. The current library has copies of some earlier documents that were donated to the institution. James Pentland is found as a manager in the board minutes from 1882 to 1901.10,11  The Pentland role at the Maryland Institute was carried on by his son William P.L. Pentland and later by a daughter-in-law. Service to the  Institute came to an end in 1966 after the death of Gertrude Hartzhorn Pentland who had served as Librarian at the school for more than 30 years.

POLITICS

Pentland was aligned with the Democratic Party in Maryland. During the Civil War, the Democrats supported the Southern cause. Maryland remained a Unionist state although the citizens of Baltimore were divided in their allegiance. Shortly, after the war, James Pentland served as a Democratic representative to the Maryland House of Delegates for Baltimore City from the second district in 1868 in Annapolis together with G. Morris Bond, George Colton, Ferdinand C. Latrobe, Michael A. Mullin and H. Tillard Smith.7 Latrobe was later elected governor of the state. During his term in Annpolis, Pentland served as one of the board directors of the Male House of Refuge. Pentland's obituary claims, "He was for many years prominent in Democratic politics of this city having held various offices ..."

In addition to Democratic politics, Pentland was an active member of various fraternal organizations, particularly the Masons.
where he was described as a very prominent member having been associated with both the St. John's Lodge and Waverly lodges of that organization. He raised in Masonry such men as ex-governors Bowie and Swann. He was also reportedly a member of the Masons Veterans Association although there is no evidence that Pentland was ever in any military organization.
James Pentland is mentioned in the1881 initial printing of Scharf's History of Baltimore City as follows: James Pentland a charter member of Waverly lodge No.152 AF & AM. He is also cited as secretary of Homestead Grange No. 170 P.of H. in Govanstown.12

DEATH

Death apparently came suddenly for James Pentland although he had lived a long life. One obituary states that he was well until a matter of two hours before his demise. He died on 19 March 1902 aged 81 years. Dr. Robinson, his physician stated the cause of death as old age and exhaustion and noted that he had been "quite feeble for about two months" Pentland was interred in the family burial plot in Greenmount Cemetery on the 20th of March.20 The funeral arrangments were handled by Evans Undertakers of 1006 Baltimore Street."17

Several obituaries were published in various local dailies. On the same day as he died, the Baltimore Sun printed the following account which contains at least one notable error, namely his country of birth:

James Pentland one of the oldest florists in Baltimore died this morning shortly before one o'clock at his home 1510 Greenmount Avenue. He had been in good health up to two hours of his death. Mr. Pentland was 80 years old and was born in Scotland. He came to this country with his parents when 10 years old. Fifty five years ago he came to Baltimore and opened a florist establishment at 1510 Greenmount and continued active in business until his death. A widow and three children survive him.18


The following day, March 20th, The Baltimore News American published this account:

Mr. James Pentland aged 81 years died early yesterday morning at his home of old age and general debility. Mr. Pentland was born in Ireland and came to this country in 1832 and resided in Philadelphia five years after which he came to this city. He had been a florist all of his life and was the oldest gardener in this city. He had always been an ardent worker in the Gardeners Club and served one year term as president of it. He was for many years prominent in Democratic politics of this city having held various offices. He was sent as a delegate to the state legislature in 1868 and served as one of the board directors of the Male House of Refuge. Mr. Pentland was also a very prominent Mason having been a member of both the St. John's Lodge and Waverly lodges of that organization. He raised in Masonry such men as ex-governors Bowie and Swann. He was also a member of the Masons Veterans Association. Mr. Pentland had up to the time of his death served 33 years as a member of the board of directors of the Maryland Institute. He was married three times and is survived by a widow who was formerly Miss Jennie Polley of Nile, Ontario Province, Canada and three children: Miss May Hazel and Messers. James J. D. and William P. L. Pentland. Mr. Pentland was for many years a member and trustee of the Aisquith Street Presbyterian Church but afterwards joined the Brown Memorial Church."2
An account of his funeral was provided in The Baltimore World as follows:
Laid to Rest. Funeral of Mr. James Pentland, who died Wednesday morning, took place yesterday from his late home, 1510 Greenmount Ave. Rev. Dr. Oliver Huckel conducted the services, assisted by Rev. David T. Neeley, Aisquith Street Presbyterian Church. Mr. Pentland was a native of Ireland, immigrating to United States in 1832. He was widely known in business and fraternal circles, and was also connected with benevolent and philanthropic institutions. In 1868 he was elected to the state legislature. Presbyterian church held him as a distinguished member. He was married three times and leaves his last wife and three children."22
DESCENDANTS

Twelve children were known to have been fathered by James Pentland by three wives.

Children of James1 Pentland and Roseanna [--?--] all born in Baltimore City, Maryland, were as follows:

     2. i. John P.A.2 was born circa 1847 in Baltimore, son of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. He was buried
     on 9 August 1869 in Greenmount Cemetery..

     He appeared in the federal censuses of 1850 and 1860 in his father's household. His funeral notice on 9
     August 1869 in The Baltimore Sun reads: On August 8th, 1869, John P. A. Pentland in the 24th year of his age.
     His friends and those of the family are respectfully invited to attend his funeral on to-morrow (Tuesday) afternoon at five
     o'clock from his father's residence, Greenmount Garden. The alumni of Baltimore City College are invited."

     3. ii. Thomas W. was born circa 1849, son of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. He was buried on 23 October
     1852 in Greenmount Cemetery. He appeared on the census of 15 August 1850 in his father's household.

     4. iii. Ella Margaret was born circa 1 August 1850, daughter of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. She died on
     10 October 1867 and was buried on 13 October 1867 in Greenmount Cemetery, Baltimore City. Her obituary reads as
     follows: Suddenly, on the evening of the 10th instant, Ella Margaret, eldest daughter of James Pentland, aged 17 years 2
     months and 9 days. The friends of the family are requested to attend her funeral on tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at three
     o'clock from her father's residence opposite Greenmount Cemetery gate.

     5. iv. Julia A. W. was born on circa 1853, daughter of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. She died on 10 February
     1873 in Baltimore City, Maryland. She was buried Greenmount Cemetery, Baltimore City, Maryland. There is no
     tombstone for her. Her obituary in The Baltimore News American on 11 February 1873 reads as follows: On the
     morning of the 10th of February, Julia A. W. Pentland, eldest daughter of James and Anna Pentland. Aged 19 years and
    11 months. Interment in Greenmount Gardens.

     6. v. Robert Findley was born on 20 April 1855, son of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. He was baptized on 6
     October 1855 at Aisquith Presbyterian Church, Baltimore City.

     7. vi. Elizabeth B. was born on 14 October 1856. This date was calculated from her age given in the death record.
     Baptismal records from Aisquith Presbyterian Church provide what is a more accurate account. She was born on 17
     October 1856. She died on 24 August 1876 at age 19. Information from her death record
     includes, "Elizabeth B. Pentland died 24 Aug 1876 aged 19 years 10 months and 7 days. White female single.
     Birthplace: Baltimore. Place of death: on Greenmount at Baltimore. Cause of death: severe cold, phthisis pulmonalis
     about six months' duration. Burial: Greenmount Cemetery on 27 Aug 1876 by John H. Weaver of 22 West Fayette
     Street. M. Hammond, MD of 53 N. Paca Street." She appeared in the 1860 federal census in the household of her
     father James Pentland Baltimore City, Maryland.

     8. vii. James Martin was born on 10 August 1858, son of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. He was baptized on 12
     November 1858 at Aisquith Presbyterian Church, Baltimore City.

     9. viii. Clara Virginia was born on 24 October 1859, daughter of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. She was
     baptized on 3 May 1860 at Aisquith Presbyterian Church, Baltimore City. She was also known as Carrie Pentland.

     10. ix. James Jefferson Davis was born on 6 January 1862, son of James Pentland and Roseanna [--?--]. He was
     baptized on 14 January 1863 at Aisquith Presbyterian Church. The birthdate has been left blank in the
     church register. He married Mary Elizabeth Stinner, daughter of Johannes Stinner and Catherine Bossle, and widow of
     John Westphale, Jr on 31 January 1889 at the Harford Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore City, Maryland.
     The ceremony was performed by the Reverend Benjamin F. Clarkson. Jefferson Pentalnd died on 13 April 1944  in
     Sykesville, Carroll County, Maryland, at age 82. His death certificate contains the following data: "James Jefferson Davis
     Pentland. Died in Carroll County near Sykesville where he had resided 7 years, 5 months and 27 days at Springfield State
     Hospital. His usual residence was in Baltimore City at 1831 Rutland Avenue. He was a widowed white male who had been
     born 6 January 1862. His age was noted as 81 [overwritten 82] years 3 months 7 days. Birthplace: Baltimore. Usual
     occupation: night watchman. Industry: florist. Father: James Pentland from Scotland. Mother: Elizabeth from Canada.
     Date of death: 13 April 1944 at 5:15 PM. Robert Bertrand May, MD. Cause of death: acute pyelitis due to
     accident due to foreign body (sliver in foot 7 weeks prior)." He was buried on 17 April 1944 in the family plot  at
     Greenmount Cemetery. There is no tombstone for James Jefferson Davis Pentland.

James Pentland's second wife was Henrietta [--?--] who was born on 10 October 1826 in Stewartstown, York County, Pennsylvania. Her birthdate is calculated from the age given at the time of death. She died on 18 July 1883 in Baltimore City, Maryland, at age 56. Her death certificate states that she had been a resident in Baltimore for 40 years and that she had died at her home on Greenmount Avenue and Oliver Street. The cause of death as diagnosed by Dr. P. W. Kohler was pulmonary consumption of nine months' duration. She was buried on 20 July 1883 in Greenmount Cemetery where her tombstone reads: 'Henrietta, wife of James Pentland. Born October 10, 1826; Died July 18, 1883. One of the noblest of her sex.' Interestingly, sexton records for Greenmount do not include an interment in this plot for Henrietta. Notice of her death was published on 19 July 1883 in The Baltimore Sun as follows, "On the morning of the 18th instant, Mrs. Henrietta Pentland, wife of James Pentland. Funeral will take place on Friday at 5 PM from her late residence to which friends and relatives are invited." An obituary appeared in the same edition. It reads, "The death of Mrs. James Pentland. Mrs. Pentland, the wife of Mr. James Pentland, a well-known citizen of the eighth ward, died yesterday after a somewhat prolonged sickness, of consumption. She was a lady of retiring disposition but possessed of many domestic virtues and much given to acts of private charity. Her funeral will take place on Friday."

Children of James1 Pentland and Henrietta [--?--] both born Baltimore City, Maryland, were as follows:

     11. i. Charles Jennings2 was born on November 1864, son of James Pentland and Henrietta [--?--]. He died on 16 July
     1869 in Baltimore City at age 4. He was buried on 18 July 1869 in Greenmount Gardens

      His obituary on 17 July 1869 in The Baltimore Morning Sun reads as follows: On Friday the 16th instant, Charles
      Jennings Pentland son of James and Henrietta Pentland, aged four years and eight months. The friends of the family are
      respectfully invited to attend his funeral on to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon July 18th at 5 o'clock from his parents'
      residence, Greenmount Gardens.

     12. ii. William Penn Lightner was christened on 12 April 1874. This information is contained in the Church Register card
     catalogue at the Maryland Historical Society where it is referenced as having been extracted from Brown Memorial
     Presbyterian Church, Baptismal Register. Interestingly, James and Henrietta Pentland were  recorded to have
     been dismissed from the Aisquith congregation just prior to the christening in January 1874. William Pentland married
     Gertrude J. Hartzhorn on 6 April 1904 in Baltimore. The presiding minister was Reverend Bartlett R. James. William died
     sometime before 4 March 1966 which is the date of death of his widow..
 

Jenny Polley Pentland and daughter Mary Hazel James Pentland's third wife was Jenny or Eliza Jane Polley who was born on 25 August 1854 in Nile, Huron County, Ontario, Canada, daughter of Hugh Polley and Mary Finnigan. An alternative birth date for her is 25 August 1858 as reported by her nephew and recorded on her Canadian death certificate. Jenny married James Pentland in Canada when she was 31 years of age. After the death of her husband in Maryland, Jenny Polley Pentland returned to her homeland with her surviving grandchild Nancy Kleff. Jenny died on 2 April 1922 in Dungannon, Ontario, Huron County, Canada, at age 67.

Children of James1 Pentland and Jenny Polley were:

     + 13. i. Mary Hazel2, born after 1886 Baltimore City, Maryland; married Charles Lore Kleff.

Generation Two

13. Mary Hazel2 Pentland (James1) was born after 1886 in Baltimore City, daughter of James Pentland andMay Hazel Pentland
Jenny Polley. She married Charles Lore Kleff  before 1914. She died on 20 January 1917 in New Orleans, Louisanna,. She  was killed in a street car trolley accident in New Orleans. She had been in Louisiana with her husband who was stationed there while serving in the U.S. Army. Hazel Kleff took a job working with the Gulf Oil Company. One evening while returning from a business affair, she stepped off a running board of an automobile and was struck and instantly killed by an on-coming trolley. This tragedy occurred on her daughter's third birthday. She was buried on 24 January 1917 in Baltimore's Greenmount Cemetery.

Charles Lore Kleff died in 1960 in Maryland. He was buried in Loudon National Cemetery, Maryland. After the death of his first wife, Charles L. Kleff apparently married two or possibly three more times and fathered additional children.

Mary Hazel2 Pentland and Charles Lore Kleff had two children of whom only one survived to adulthood.
James Pentland was born  circa December 1915, son of Charles Lore Kleff and Mary Hazel Pentland. He died
on 7 March 1916 in Baltimore City and was buried on 7 March 1916 in the family plot in Greenmount Cemetery.
 

 

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