[From the library of James Hector McNeal of Easton, Maryland:] Sketches of the Life and Travels of Rev. Thomas Ware, who has been an itinerant Methodist preacher for more than fifty years. Written by himself.

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This particular book is notable for having the bookplate of James Hector McNeal, Jr. (1846–1915) of Easton, Talbot County, Maryland, the son of James Hector McNeal, Sr. (1807-1868) who was a state Senator. McNeal, Jr. worked for the Shannahan and Wrightson Hardware Company of Easton.

The bookplate, modestly ornamental, intriguingly displays the date of February 11th, 1869. The reason why this date was printed is unknown to us. Interestingly, but likely tangential, this date coincides with the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting African American men the right to vote.

This book was hand-numbered as being the fifth volume in McNeal’s library. Beneath an effaced 19th-century gift inscription lies a series of pencil lines, now indecipherable to our eyes.

The book’s subject, Thomas Ware, preached throughout 18th century Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Long Island and was at one point a presiding elder and missionary to Jamaica.

Price: $100.00