Chapter 1 The Michael Stump Family Tree The Word S-T-U-M-P signifies the same meaning in English as it does in German. It means the base of a tree after the tree has been detached. In early History this term was applied to this particular family because of the natural low heavy set physical build. This family was among that great throng which swarmed out of the Black Forests in Germany to meet Julius Caesar and his conquering Army upon whom Caesar conquered the title " Teutonic Barbarians". This family as far as their history can be traced, has been men who exhibited bravery, stability, and undaunted courage. They have been noted for executive ability, scientific knowledge, literature and art. Dr Karl Stump years ago, as a professor in the University of Berlin is credited as Revolutionizing the whole field of psychology in the sphere of science. There are many branches of this family scattered over the entire world. The Crest of the family as recorded in Burke's Peerage is a "Griffin's Head". This was used by the early American Stumps, especially those who landed in Maryland. In 1545 Henry the VIII of England confiscated all the property of the Benedictine Monks at Malmesbury England, and conveyed it to one William Stump who used the material in the huge buildings to construct homes and improve generally the needs of the town. He built for himself what was known as the "Abby House". Carved in the stone over the doorway was the family "Coat Of Arms". Finally Stump conveyed this structure to the citizens of the town for a place to worship. William Stumps eldest son, Sir James Stump left one daughter named Elizabeth who married Sir Henry Kenvett. Another daughter married Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, and by her, he acquired Charlton Park, the seat of the present Earl Of Suffolk and Parks. It appears that this lineage of Stumps coming from England were the first to enter America, though the record claims that a Thomas Stump, age 32, landed in Virginia as early as 05-15-1635. Another record shows that a John Stump settled at Perryville, Maryland, in the year 1700. There it is claimed he died in 1747. A son of his named Henry Stump about the same time moved to Deer Creek in Harford County, Maryland, where he married a Rachel Perkins. to this union were born several children among whom were many notables in the early history of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. One of these men was Herman Stump who was admitted to practice law, and rose to fame in that field. He was elected to the Maryland State Senate. In 1888, he was sent to Congress, and became the Father of our first strict immigration laws, and for several years served as Commissioner General of Immigration. He held this position until 1896 when he resigned, and retired to his home known as "Waverly" in Harford County Maryland. In 1903 he married a lady named Mary Fernandez De Velasco, descendant of an illustrious Spanish family. Herman was a member of the Episcopal Church of England, and was affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity. It is pretty definitely clear that these Stumps were not closely related to the Michael Stump family, yet doubtless if traced back a few generations, we would find them related to the same family tree. The Maryland Stumps were mechanics and traders. Early in the history of the State, a John Stump organized a Company chartered as John J. Stump and Sons. The Company continud to operate through as many as three generations. They were engaged in coastal transportaion. They made whiskey, bought, sold, transported grain and tobacco. In the early days of colonial warfare they were accused of selling grain and flour to the British soldiers. John Jr. was arrested and placed under bond for the duration of the Revolutionary War. The charges finally seemed unfounded and he was exhonorated by a jury of his peers. To be continued.....Chapter II...(ARRIVAL OF STUMPS TO AMERICA) (Posted by Evelyn) Don't forget the SECOND MICHAEL STUMP REUNION June 17th. See you there :)