On January 25, 1775, Jacob Weller, B.S., was born. He became famous as a master blacksmith, thus the B.S. after his name. He was the first manufacturer of friction matches in America. He did this from a small stone building in Mechanicstown (Thurmont). He also donated the land for the first United Brethren Church in Mechanicstown. He died June 6, 1846. On January 25, 1927, Professor George Edward Smith, three times mayor of Frederick, an Orphans' Court Judge, and a Register of Wills, died in his Frederick County Courthouse office. He was born November 11, 1850, on a Washington County farm. If anyone can add information to these History Moments, or would like to suggest an item for another calendar day, please contact me privately. John W. Ashbury (wasps65@earthlink.net)