USA > Maryland > The book of Maryland: men and institutions, a work for press reference > Part 8
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Mr. Coblentz is affiliated with the following clubs and fraternities: Baltimore Yacht. Old Colony, and Kiwanis Clubs : Columbia Lodge A. F. & A. M. No. 5S, also various Masonic fraternities.
On April 22, 1903, at Middletown. Mr. Coblentz married Margaret, eldest daughter of Rev. John W. Pontius. Children : Oscar Bechtol, dr. Edward Ponthus, Katharine Reid, John Philip and Joseph Apple Coblentz. The family residence Is at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and Frederick Road. Catonsville, Md.
Mr. Coblentz belloves that to attain success in any business the executive should be sufficiently familiar with the detalled affairs of his organization to appreciate the point of view of his associates and employees. He declares that too many so-called "specialists" are not generally well informed. insomuch as they are seemingly unable to place them- selves In the position of others. In summing up the requirements of a successful executive, he states that "breadth of vlew, liberality In criticising the acts of others, when applied to business will inspire confidence and develop a spirit of co-operation necessary to stabilize faith in our institutions and social life."
( Note : Additional data In History of Frederlek County, Mld.)
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J. HARRY ULLRICH, PI.G., M.D.
J. Harry Ulrich, Ph.G., M.D., was born July 8, 1874. in Lycoming County, Pa., son of John C. and Sarah E. (Cupp) Ullrich. Ile attended the public schools ; graduate Ohio Northern University, Ph.G. degree, 1894, and University of Maryland, (Baltimore Medical College), M.D. degree, 1897 ; took post-graduate courses, New York School of Surgery. 1902, at Johns Hopkins University (iastro-enterology ), 1915, at Sorbonne I'niversity. Paris, France, (Gastroenterology, public hygiene, and laboratory works, 1919.
Dr. Ulrich was a pharmacist in 1894: lecturer on chemistry ind toxicology. Baltimore University. 1897: surgeon U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, 1899-1904 : medical examiner. B. & O. R. R. and its surgeon. 1905-1909: lecturer Women's Medical College. 1905-07 ; medical examiner Prudential Life Insurance Company, 1905 to date. Was Professor of Physiology, Maryland Medical College. 1907.10; Proctologist. Franklin Square Hospital, 1908-10: Associate Professor Gastro-enterology. University of Maryland. 1915 to date, and has a large private practice. From 1913 to 1916 he was health warden for the Department of Health, Baltimore.
Dr. Ulrich was Regimental Hospital Steward. 4th Infantry. M. N. G., '94: 2nd Lientenant '96: 1st Lieutenant '97. He was in the Navy '09-03; Captain Ist Infantry. retiring 1909; joined the Medical Corps. M. N. G .. as 1st Lieutenant. later Captain : was Surgeon with rank of Major, 4th Maryland Infantry. 1912 ; commanding officer, 1st Maryland Field Hospital, 1914-17 : called into United States service June. 1916 : established Field Hospital, Laurel, Md. This organiza- tlon entrained July 6th for Eagle Pass. Texas; became Camp Surgeon. Camp Shatter : mustered out of service Jannary 6th, 1917 : reenlled and stationed Howard Street Armory. Baltimore. Ordered to Camp MeClellan, Ala .. August 1sth. 1917, as Sanitary Inspector, Staff of Commanding General. 29th Division : commanded recruit camp. Detention Camp about 5,000 soldiers passed through same, either as saspects of or contacts with contagious diseases; as a result MeClellan was one of the few camps free from epidemies. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel March 6th, 1918, Medical . Corps In command of 104th Sanitary Train, to prepare for everaus service: embarked from Camp Mills, New York. for Liverpool : arrived in six days ; entrained for Winchester : rested two days ; proceeded by rail to South Hampton. Commanding officer of troops II. M. S. "King George" crossing English Channel to Cherbourg. The Division took defensive position in Alsace : his hospital sretion composed of 118th, 114th, 115th and 116th Field Hospitals. (from Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia ,, functioned as two surgical, one medical and one gas hospital. Massevans, Romagny, Chavannes, Montreux Inene, and other places.
1Ils ambulance section consisting of 112th. 118th. 114th and 115th companies, rendered all ambulance service during this period direct from front line trenches to his hospitals and others. The Division moved Into the Verdun sector October 1st. 1918. Colonel EHrich becoming Acting Division Surgeon in the Mouse-Argonne battle. He had three advance dressing stations close behind the lines in the foutsenvoye woods, Brabont and Hautout areas, and three hospitals at Charney and Glorieux for gas, medical and surgical cases. In 21 days he directed collection, transporta.
· tion, treatment and evacuation of 7,000 casualties, horstly from the 29th, 1,000 from the 20th, some from the $3rd Division, sonte French and many Germans, Established Divisional Field Hospital at Mangeville. Bar-le-duc area. On December 10th Pobonel L'Ürich resumed command of the 104th Sanitary Train, and established a communicable disease hospital at Volsey, Bourbonn Les Bain area, France. On March 6th, 1919. he was detached to enter Sorbonne I'niversity :
(Continued on page 153)
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LUTHER MARTIN REYNOLDS WILLIS.
Eminence in the legal profession is less ditheult of attainment when the student is enabled to study the complex problems of litigation under the tutorage of a qualified authority. Our subject was fortunate in that he studied under his father, George Robert Willis, cuntil his demise on September 11. 1919, one of the foremost members of the Ballimore bar), and also in that he possessed the ability to protit by his teaching to the extent that he in turn has made his mark in legal circles.
Luther Martin Reynolds Willis was born in Baltimore in 1882. He received his earlier education at Eli Lamb's School, from 1890 until 1900: studied at Johns Hopkins from 1900 antil 1904, graduating with A. B. degree, and received the degree of LI.B. from the University of Maryland in 1906.
As before stated. Mr. Willis started to practice law in the offices of his father, (who was senior member of the law firm of Willis, Homer, France & Smith in 1906, and became a member of the firm of Willis & Homer in 1909, which partnership continued until 1912. at which time Mr. Willis practiced with his father under the firm name of Willis & Willis, until the death of Mr. George R. Willis in 1919. Luther M. R. Willis then formed a partnership with William II. Hudgins, Esquire, under the firm name of Willis & Hudgins, and continued his practice at 213 Courtland Street, Baltimore, where he has been located during his entire professional career.
Mr. Willis is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, of the Maryland Club, Merchant's Club, Baltimore Country Club, and of the Johns Hopkins Club.
He was married April 18, 1911. to Miss Sophie Caroline Vogeler, and has two children, Mary Helene and George Alan Willis,
Offices, 213 Courtland Street. Residence, 13 Overhill Read. Roland Park.
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ALBERT FRED WOODS.
Albert Fred Woods, President University of Maryland. (College Park, Md, and Baltimore, was born at Bons Prairie, near Belvidere, Illinois, on December 25, 1866, son of Fred Motht and Eliza Olivia (Eddy) Woods, Ile at. tended the public schools of Downer's Grove, Illinois; received at the University of Nebraska the B.S. degree in 1590. M.A. degree in 1892, and D.Agr .. Honorary Course. in 1910.
Was assistant botanist, I'niversity of Nebraska, 1890-1893 : assistant chief and first assistant pathologist. Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology, 1893-1900; pathologist and physiologist and assistant chief of the Bureau of Plant Industry. 1900-1910. I'nited States Department of Agriculture : dean Minnesota State Agricultural College and director of Experimental Station. 1910-1917 ; executive officer Maryland State Board of Agriculture since July, 1917. and president the Maryland State College of Agrienlture, since 1920 the University of Maryland.
Was United States delegate to the International Institute of Agriculture. Rome, Italy, in 1905, and International Botanical Congress, Vienna, in 1905. Was general chairman of the commissions on food production and conservation. Maryland Conneil of Defense, in 1917.
Is a member of Sigma Xl. Honorary Society of Agriculture (fiamma Sigma Delta), and of Alpha Zeta Honor Fra. ternity ; member of the Botanical Society of America : Follow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; member the American Phyto-Pathological Society : American Society of Agronomy : life member the National Farmers' Congress and the Minnesota Horticultural Society ; member the National Conservation Association, the American Forestry Association, the American Agricultural Society : member executive committee. Division of Biology and Agrlenlture, of the National Research Conneil, at Washington, D. C .: member Society of Morphology and Physi. ology, Botanical Society of Washington, and Washington Academy of Sciences. Patrons of Husbandry, Maryland Agri- cultural Society, Maryland Forestry Association, etc.
Is a member of the Cosmos Club. Washington, D. C. Is anthor of numerous reports and publications of the Department of Agriculture, scientific journals. Plant Diseases in the Encyclopedia Americana, etc.
Dr. Woods married in June. 1898. Miss Bertha Gerneanx Davis. Has two sons, Mark Winton, age ten, and Winton De Ruyter, age six years. Address, Berwyn, Md.
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JAMES RUSSELL WHEELER.
For nearly fonr score years, the State of Maryland and the city of Baltimore has been fortunate in retaining the good will and co-operative activities of that able financier and public-spirited citizen. James Russell Wheeler.
Born May 21, 1843, at Cheltenham, England, son of James and Ann (Barrett) Wheeler, his parents brought James Russell Wheeler to America and to Baltimore, he being educated in the public and private schools in Baltimore and vicinity. Ile then became a newspaper compositor, but at the outbreak of the Civil War entered the Confederate army. On October 9. 1863, he was taken prisoner and was in confinement for six months. He served throughout the war, then returned to Baltimore. Governor Warfield desired that Mr. Wheeler necept the rank of Inspector General of Maryland In recognition of his services. Mr. Wheeler, however, declined, declaring his intention of remaining as a private citizen. He engaged in the contracting business, which was successively followed by various activities. He was manager of the Maryland White Lead Company from 1870 until 1890. In 1894 he organized and was elected president of the Common- wealth Bank, This institution has expanded under the conservative but progressive policies of its leader, to a position of power In Baltimore's financial circles.
Mr. Wheeler Is also president of the State Mutual Building Association, which he organized, and of the Fear Improve- ment Company.
Ile Is president of the Two Houses of the Good Shepherd, and of the Confederate Widows' Home; member of the Board of Managers of the Confederate Soldiers' Home, of the executive committee of the Federated Charities, the Con- sumers' League and the Playgrounds Association. He is a leader in many Catholic societies, and one of the most intimate friends of Ils Eminence, James Cardinal Gibbons.
So devoted to his business and publie obligations Is Mr. Wheeler, he has never married. His is n life devoted to others, and he is known above all us "one who loves his fellowmen."
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WILLIAM T. WARBURTON.
William T. Warburton was born in Cecil County, in the Ninth Election District, and there grew to manhood. His father was one of the leading agriculturists of the county, owning fine farms, on one of which he resided.
The subject of this sketch was educated at West Nottingham Academy and Delaware College. After leaving college he studied law, and has, since his admission to the bar, resided at Elkton, where he has practiced his profession.
He has a large and lucrative practice, and is regarded by the profession as one of the leading lawyers of the State.
He is an eloquent speaker and orator, and his public addresses, made in all parts of Maryland, have attracted great public notice.
He is president of the Second National Bank of Elkton and has been since 1889.
He is owner of one of the largest and finest apple orchards in this section of the country.
He is owner of the Gilpins' Falls Electric Company. one of the best hydro electric plants in the State.
He is a Republican in politics.
His family consists of a wife and two sons, Charles E. Warburton, prominent in business life, and Henry A. Warburton, who is a lawyer and is now State's attorney for Cecil County.
Mr. Warburton has been very successful in his profession and business ventures, and is now possessed of valuable property from which he derives a large income.
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REV. LEANDER M. ZIMMERMAN, D.D.
A man whose life is dedicated to his fellowmen, who seeks not glory nor personal gain, who lives for and Incessantly labors that others may, while living, make their peace and prepare for that day of entrance into the presence of their God-such a man is the Reverend Leander M. Zimmerman. D.D., who has created joy in the hearts of many despairing throughout the land by his rare gifts as minister of the Gospel, author, counsellor and friend.
Doctor Zimmerman was born at Manchester, Maryland. August 2:1, 1%60, son of Henry and Leah Zimmerman. He graduated at Pennsylvania College and Seminary at Gettysburg. Pa .. in 1884: was ordained to the ministry and sent in 1887 to Baltimore by the Lutheran Board of Home Missions to found a Lutheran church in South Baltimore. He began with neither members not church building, and yet within one year he had organized a church which was self-supporting. Since February 5, 1888, Christ Lutheran Church in the downtown section of Baltimore, has developed to a church which seats nearly one thensand and which is ever filled to overflowing with the faithful of not only Baltimore City, but also from the ontlying districts for many miles around.
The beloved pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, impon whom the degree of Doctor of Divinity was bestowed in 1901 by Susquehanna University, has the sincere admiration of the most prominent citizens of Baltimore and Maryland. The following extracts from the editorial published in the "Baltimore American" on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Christ Lutheran Church, on Sunday, December 15, 1912. enables the to appreciate the exalted position of Doctor Zimmerman in the eyes of all, teh and poor alike-"Dr. Zimmerman, who has grown gray in his faithful service to the church to which he was called will preach a special sermon for the eventful occasion and tell his flock of the reminiscences which come to him down through the long cycle of years that he has been in their midst.
"There are few pastors in Baltimore to-day who have tiner records than Dr. Zhumerman. He has sacrificed
all the pleasures that life can give for the spiritual welfare of his congregation. He has laid his life on the altar dedicated to his Christ in the field to which the Savior called him. Dr. Zimmerman is in his fifty-second year, but he Is not one whit less active than he was twenty years ago. Dr. Zimmerman's sterling worth has long since been tested and few there are. indeed, in the local ministerial field, who have such a wide circle of friends, irrespective of denomination or creed. . For him the Bible, a pen and pad are all sufficient. He does not choose his sermon from the latest news sensation of the day, but studies the Word of God alone to teach his people the precepts of Jehovah. . . A short time ago a minister wrote to Dr. Zimmerman from far-off Nome, in the frozen North, to ask his secret of snecess. Dr. Zimmerman replied, 'If you want to achieve success in the ministerial tield, yon must be willing to lead a life of pure unselfishness.'
"Year In and year out Dr. Zimmerman may be seen trudging over the cobblestoned streets of Sonth Baltimore, making his daily visits. The greatest pleasure that he knows is to enter the home of a poverty-stricken family and to quietly give them the wherewithal to obinlo food and warm clothing. . . . Dr. Zimmerman Is beloved by men (Continued on page 151;
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ROBERT BRUCE BIGGS.
The paternal ancestors of Robert Bruce Biggs came to America from England in 1760. settling first in Bucks County, Pa. In 1779 they removed to Frederick County, Maryland, where they took up a large tract of land on what is now known as the Great Bend of the Monocacy River.
Ills maternal ancestors who were related to the Bruce family of Scotland, came from that country to America at the close of the War of 1812 and settled in Frederick County, Maryland.
Robert Biggs is a son of Joshna Biggs and Phobe S. Biggs. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, on the 23rd day of February, 1861. He received his carlier education in the public schools of that county and later went to Mt. St. Mary's College for his collegiate education. He graduated from that school in 1880 and in the fall of that year entered the University of Maryland, law department, from which school he graduated in May, 1882.
Mr. Biggs began the practice of his profession in 1885 in the City of Baltimore and is now recognized as being among the most eminent attorneys in the State.
The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by Mt. St. Mary's College in 1908 and the same degree was later conferred upon himt in 1913 by Loyola College.
Mr. Biggs has always been actively interested in civic and philanthropie movements which might tend to benefit the city and its people. He takes a prominent part among the laymen of the Catholic Church in all of their charitable movements and has for the past fifteen years been the president of the St. Vincent de Pant Society, a world-wide organization of Catholle faymen organized for the relief of all persons who fall into need or who require help of any kind.
Mr. Biggs is affiliated with the Catholic Club, the City Club and the I'niversity Club.
As an expression of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens, Mr. Biggs was elected in January. 1920. to the Maryland State Senate, to succeed the Honorable Peter Campbell. It may be regarded as fortunate that the State is enabled to secure the services of a man of his great ability and knowledge, especially in view of the fact that Mr. Biggs has hitherto declined all offers of public otlice.
Mr. Biggs married on June 17. 1891, Miss Allee C. Betts, of Baltimore City. One daughter, Eleanor Crawford Biggs, was born of this marriage.
Mr. Biggs' residence is at 203 St. Martins Road, Guffford, Baltimore, and his suite of offices Is in the I'nion Trust Building, Baltimore.
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RT. REV. MSGR. CORNELIU'S FRANCIS THOMAS.
Cornelius Francis Thomas was born on West Baltimore Street. Baltimore, on May 12. 1858, and was baptized in St. Peter's Church by Father McColgan. His father was Cornelius Thomas, of the Thomas family of Westmoreland County, Virginia, and his mother was Mary Clare Boarman, of the old Maryland family of that name, whose ancestors came to the colony of Maryland in 1645.
He received his early education at St. Peter's School, and then at Calvert Hall, which was then on Saratoga Street. near Cathedral Street. In the fall of 1873 he entered St. Charles' College near Ellicott City, where he spent five years, being gradnated in June. 187S. He pursued his course of philosophy in St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore. for one year, and followed the theological course for the next three at the same place. lle was ordained a priest on December 23, 1852, by Archbishop Gibbons, who assigned him to St. Patrick's Church, Washington. as assistant to Father J. A. Walter. In January. 1886, the Archbishop sent him to St. Stephen's Church. Washington, as assistant to Father MeNally, where he spent two years. He was then assigned to St. Peter's, Balti- more, for one year and a half. In July, 1889. he was made pastor of the Sacred Heart parish, Mt. Washington. Md .. and chaplain and confessor to the Sisters of Mercy, whose mother-house is at that place. In November, 1891. he was called to the Cathedral and made chancellor of the Archdiocese : and when Father P. J. Donohue ws appointed Bishop of Wheeling, in April, 1594. Father Thomas was appointed Rector of the Cathedral. He was assigned to St. Ann's as pastor in May. 1900 : and during the year from July, 1900, to March. 1901, he had charge also of Saints Philip and James' parish. When Monsignor Russell was made Bishop of Charleston, S. C., in April, 1917. Father Thomas was appointed Rector of St. Patrick's Church. Washington, where he had begun his sacredotal career. St. Mary's Seminary decorated him with the Magisterium of Sacred Theology in Inne. 1SS2, and with the doctorate of Canon Law in June. 1907. Loyola College, Baltimore, awarded him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1911. On the recommendation of Ilis Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons. His Holiness, Pope Pius X, in 1914, appointed Father Thomas a Domestic Prolate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor. Father Thomas, at the request of Ilis Eminence, took up the work of establishing and editing the Baltimore Catholic Review in 1913, the first number appearing on November 29, 1913.
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COLONEL ROBERT J GILL.
Robert J. Gill, member of the Baltimore law firm of Gill. Walter Murray & Greene, and Lieutenant-Colonel In the United States Army during the World War, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on Inne 22. 1889, the son of John M. and Emma C. Gill. He was educated for the legal profession at Western Maryland College (A. B., 19101. At college he was Captain of the football team in 1909, At the University of Virginia he received the degree of LL. B. in 1913. While at the University he was a member of the 'Varsity track and basket-ball teams, and was selected for "forward" in the All-Southern basket-ball team of 1913. In 1914 he began the practice of law in Baltimore.
Colonel Gill commanded the first Maryland troops to embark for overseas service on October 18, 1917. the 117th Mortar Battery. He was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was assigned as assistant Chief of Staff of the Rainbow Division. On October 30, 1918, he was assigned to the General Staff. American Expeditionary Forces.
In all. Colonel Gill served with the Army of Occupation from December 1, 1918, until April 11. 1919. He par- ticipated in five major engagements-the Champagne-Marne Defensive, July 15. 1918; Aisne-Marne Offensive, July Is. 1918 : St. Mihiel Offensive. September 12. 1918, and the two Argonne-Mense Offensives of October 1 and November 1. 1918. lle was twice awarded the Croix de guerre by the French Commanding General, one award being the Croix de guerre with Palm, an honor but rarely bestowed. Colonel Gill received his honorable discharge from the service on May 23, 1919, and returned to his law practice in Baltimore City, where he maintains offices in suite 1010, Keyser Building.
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EDMOND SHEPPARD DONOHO.
Edmond Sheppard Donoho, son of Thomas Winfield and Cecelia G. Donoho, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. September 19, 1:91. He graduated from the Baltimore City College. 1909, received the A. B. degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1913, and studied at the University of Maryland School of Law in 1915 and 1916. After the completion of his legal studies he was associated with P. H. Goodwin & Co., Bankers. In 1915, Mr. Donoho entered the First Business Men's Training Camp at Plattsburg. New York. He became a member of the Maryland Machine Gun Motorcycle Battery at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont. in 1916: was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry. O. R. C .. on April 28. 1917, and ordered to active duty as a student officer at the First Officers' Training Camp. Fort Myer, Virginia. At the conclusion of training he was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry. Regular Army. and joined the 11th U. S. Infantry, stationed at Chickamauga Park, Georgia, where he was promoted on March 15. 1918, to first lieutenant. Ile served with the 11th Infantry until July. 1918, the regiment having sailed for Brest. France, the previous spring. The regiment entered the front line in the Anould Sector in Ine. 1918, and Lientenant Donoho served as a staff officer of the 10th Infantry Brigade from July, 1918, until March. 1919. under Brigadier Generals Walter Il. Gordon and Paul B. Malone. He took part in the defensive operations of Anould Sector ( Vosges). St. Die Sector ( Lorraine), and the Frappelle attack. His offensive operations included the St. Mihiel attack and both phases of the Mouse-Argonne battle. On October 4, 1918, during the first Meuse-Argonne battle, he was promoted to Captain of Infantry.
Folowing the signing of the Armistice, he served on the staff of the 10th Infantry Brigade with the Army of Ocenpation in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg: was later executive officer of the Fifth Division Training School and subsequently commandant of the Fifth Division Voenational School.
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