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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

LLOYD LOWNDES, JR. was born in Clarksburg, Virginia (West Virginia today) on February 21, 1845. His education was attained at Clarksburg Academy, Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, at Allegheny College, from which he graduated in 1865, and at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a law degree in 1867. After establishing his legal career in Cumberland, Maryland, Lowndes became the owner of several successful businesses, one of which was the Cumberland Daily News. He first entered politics in 1873, serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held for two years. In 1895, Lowndes secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win election to the Maryland governorship on November 5, 1895. He was sworn into office on January 8, 1896. During his tenure, a state geological survey was initiated; the "Eastern Shore Law" concerning congressional representation was annulled; a new charter for the city of Baltimore was instituted; a reform election law was sanctioned; and troops and provisions were organized for the Spanish American War. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Lowndes left office on January 10, 1900. He continued to stay active in his various business interests, as well as remaining active in his political role as the State's Republican leader. Governor Lloyd Lowndes passed away on January 8, 1905, and was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Cumberland, Maryland.

Sources:

Eisenberg, Gerson G. Marylanders Who Served the Nation. Annapolis, MD: Maryland State Archives, 1992.

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

White, Frank F., Jr. The Governors of Maryland, 1777-1972. Annapolis, MD: Hall of Records Commission, 1970.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Maryland State Archives