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EDWIN WARFIELD was born at "Oakdale" in Howard County, Maryland on May 7, 1848. His education was attained in the public schools of his native state, and at St. Timothy's Hall in Catonsville. He taught while studying law, was admitted to the bar, and then established his legal career in Ellicott City. Warfield entered public service in 1874, with an appointment as the Howard County Register of Wills, a position he held for seven years. He also served as a member of the Maryland State Senate from 1882 to 1886, where he was president in 1886, and served as the surveyor of the port of Baltimore from 1886 to 1890. Warfield secured the 1903 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win election to the Maryland governorship on November 3, 1903. He was sworn into office on January 13, 1904. During his tenure, the state flag was adopted; the Poe Amendment was rejected; the Public Records Commission was instituted; and the State House's historic senate chamber was restored. After completing his term, Warfield retired from political life. He stayed active, serving as a member of the Maryland Sons of American Revolution, and as the president of the Maryland Historical Society. Governor Edwin Warfield passed away on March 31, 1920, and was buried in the family graveyard at "Cherry Grove" in Howard County, 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.

Maryland State Archives