George W. Albaugh
George W. Albaugh - A Well Known Citizen of Westminster
by Milton Schaeffer, Democratic Advocate - Carroll, MD
October 8, 1898
Among those prominent in the commercial field at Westminster,
and whose life-work may well be chronicled in a special article is George W. Albaugh, one
of the leading financiers and merchants of Carroll county. He has truly been the
architect of his own fortune, his business ventures having been marked with an unostatious
adherence to a conservative yet enterprising policy. Sagacity and tenacity of
purpose are conspicuous traits of his character, and they are evident in all his
undertakings.
On February 22, 1857, which is known in history as Washington's
birthday, Mr. George W. Albaugh was born near Sam's Creek, this county. Here he also
acquired his education at the public schools and at the private academy of Prof. Rippard,
at Westminster, which he left in 1872 to accept a clerk-ship at the store of J. Yingling
& Co., dry goods dealers of this city, where he remained until 1875. Then
forming a partnership with John T. Orndorff in the dry goods and clothing business, he
continued at it steadily during five years, when he decided to start out in business alone
and opened a "general merchandise" store which he conducted quite successfully
until 1895.
The present Albaugh-Babylon Company mentioned at length in this
edition was then formed, the reputation of which is not confined to the limits of Carroll
county. The gradual expansion of his business has enabled Mr. Albaugh to do much
towards improving Westminster, his present blocks of elegant stores and houses and the
magnificent hotel which he is erecting at great cost, are ornaments in the architectural
line. A man of keen foresight, he is interested to a great extent in its various
enterprises; being now president of the Westminster Water Company and a director in the
Westminster Deposit and Trust Company and connected with many other enterprises. A
Democrat in politics, he takes an active interest in party affairs. He never sought
public office, but was nominated for presidential elector in 1896 and lead the ticket in
the state..
(Submitted by Sue Billings)