"From Cabinetmaker to Prominent Man of BusinessJ. Hall Pleasants ("Joshua Johnston, The First American Negro Portrait Painter," Maryland Historical Magazine 37 (June, 1942), pp. 121-149.) says this of James McCormick.
James McCormick (1763-181) emigrated from Ireland to Baltimore around 1786 and advertised himself a cabinetmaker trained in the 'first shops' of Dublin. From 1803 to 1824, he is listed in city directories as a merchant, cabinet maker, carpenter, and owner of a steam 'plaister mill'. Like many successful artisans McCormick pursued a variety of business interests and firmly established himself among Baltimore's rising middle class. In 1798, McCormjck made an advantageous marriage to Rachel Ridgely Lux (1762-1810), the daughter of Colonel Darby Lux, Jr. (1737-1795). Rachel's father owned a substantial estate, 'Mount Airy' in near Towson, Maryland and ranked among Baltimore County's Elite citizens. Such an alliance undoubtedly benefited McCormick. It is thought the McCormicks live at either Hanover Street or North Charles Street when this painting was done. They have been one o Joshua Johnson's Neighbors." -- Maryland Historical Society
"James McCormick (1763-1841), of Baltimore. He was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1763, and died in Washington, D. C, June 16, 1841. He was the youngest of three brothers who settled in Alexandria, Virginia, soon after the Revolution. He removed to Baltimore, where he was first employed by the firm of John P. Pleasants & Sons, merchants, and, although unrelated, gave the name Pleasants to two of his children. Later he engaged in business for himself as a merchant at 236 Baltimore Street. He married first, April 12, 1798, Rachel Ridgely Lux (1762-1810). He married secondly, in 1813, Elizabeth Anderson. His first wife, Rachel, and three of his four children, are shown in this painting."
Rachel Ridgely Lux McCormick
"Mrs. McCormick (Rachel Ridgely Lux) (1762-1810). She was the daughter of Colonel Darby Lux, Jr. (1737-1795) of Mount Airy, Baltimore County, and his wife, Rachel Ridgely (1734-1813). She died November 26, 1810." -- J. Hall Pleasants
William Lux McCormick
"William Lux McCormick (1803-liv. 1826) . He was born March 8, 1803, and married March 15, 1826, Esther Hough Cottman (1806) of Somerset County, Maryland. He has not been traced further." -- J. Hall Pleasants
Sophia Pleasants McCormick
"Sophia Pleasants McCormick (c. 1801- ). Nothing further has been learned of her except that she married a Mr. Hammond." -- J. Hall Pleasants
John McCormick
"John Pleasants McCormick (1799-1862), of Baltimore. He died March 26, 1862, aged sixty-two. He married, March 22, 1830, Ann Elizabeth Cottman, of Somerset County, Maryland, the sister of his brother's wife." -- J. Hall Pleasants
James McCormick is buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC ( Range
49 site 7).
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| Loretta Castaldi |
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