Horace Capron was born August 31, 1804 in Attleboro, Massachusetts

He was the son of Revolutionary War veteran Seth Capron and Eunice Mann Capron

The family moved to New York state, where Seth became a prosperous wool and cotton manufacturer.

As a young man Horace's family connections gave him a front row seat to major events in America during his youth.

He met the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824 at West Point.  Lafayette was at the time making a grand tour of the United States, and everyplace he stopped became a major social event.

"I...had the honor of shaking hands with the Hero" Horace Capron Autobiography

He was there at the opening of the Erie Canal.

"...the grand opening of the Erie Canal...I also witnessed." Horace Capron Autobiography p. 87

Family financial setbacks kept Horace from college.  He also failed to get a desired appointment to West Point (which one of his brothers had attended.)

Coming Into Maryland 1829

Horace first worked at a family mill.
 

He was soon hired to run a large mill in Warren, Maryland on the Gunpowder River. Unfortunately, the mill burned.

A new opportunity quickly arose.

 

"I accepted an offer from the Messrs Williams of Baltimore to take charge of their works on the little Patuxent river,...called the Savage factory, at a largely increased salary. Horace Capron Autobiography p. 40.

Capron was an employee at Savage Mill Savage Mill from approximately 1832-1834/35.

While there he helped quell labor riots during construction of the Washington Branch of the B&O railroad-- which ran through Laurel beginning in 1835.

"Under my command a March was commenced for the capture of the murderers of the poor fellow..the bugle sounded the charge, and we rode down upon them shouting and firing.." Horace Capron Autobiography p. 44.

As a result of these actions, Capron received a commission from Governor Thomas to the Maryland Militia, first as a Major, then Colonel.  These were his first military commissions.

His efforts also took him to Montpelier, to consult with the prominent Maryland family about the situation.