John S. White (1897-1960)
MSA SC 3520-1728
Biography:
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1897. Attended Philadelphia Central High School; Wharton School of Finance; Georgetown University, LL.B., 1923. Admitted to the Maryland bar, 1929. Married to Mary L.; three children: John S., Jr., Mary M., and Thomas P. Died, Nassau, the Bahamas, on May 15, 1960.
Served in U. S. Navy in World War I. Moved to Washington, D.C. after war. Attorney in private practice, Hyattsville, 1927. First Mayor of Colmar Manor, 1927-1931; began political career when he entered race out of dissatisfaction with other candidates. Elected to the Maryland House of Delegates as a Democrat, 1935; promised to sing newly-adopted state song "Maryland, my Maryland" if elected. During first term, called for investigation of possible Communist infiltration in state university system. Campaigned for Herbert R. O'Conor in his 1938 bid for Governor. For his support, he was made chair of Ways and Means Committee and the Democratic Floor Leader. In 1943, led "sit-down strike," holding all Senate bills in his committee in response to the Senate's refusal to pass one of his bills. Elected Speaker of the House in 1943. Ran unsuccessfully for Attorney General in 1946, losing to Hall Hammond. Ran for Congress, Fifth District, 1952; lost to Frank Small, Jr. Member, Elks, Moose, Kiwanis clubs.
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