-SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF THE SENATE. 205

Queen Anne's County—JAMES E. KIRWIN, Democrat.

Mr. Kirwin was born in Baltimore city, June 9, 1848.
His father was Capt. Lemuel Kirwin, of Dorchester county.
At the age of 16, he took command of the schooner William
Barnes and continued as master of different Chesapeake bay
schooners for a number of years. For two years he was
department commander of the oyster navy, and was one of
the most active men in the service. While still commander
of a bay vessel, he engaged in mercantile business in Stevens-
ville, Kent Island, and made himself one of the most success-
ful business men in the county. He is a large real estate owner
on Kent Island, and is a director in the Centreville National
Bank. He is connected with Arcanna Lodge of Masons, in
Baltimore, and is also a member of the Improved Order of
Heptasophs and Knights of Pythias on Kent Island.

St. Mary's County—WASHINGTON WILKINSON, Republican.

Washington Wilkinson is now filling his third term as
Senator for St. Mary's county. His education was obtained
in the primary schools of the county. When the Governor's
"Green Bag" came down, in 1898, Senator Wilkinson's name
was found in it for State Fire Marshal. He was promptly
confirmed by his fellow Senators. After he was confirmed,
it was discovered that the law that created the office, had
been passed in 1894, whilst Mr. Wilkinson was Senator.
This rendered him ineligible. He was last elected to the
State Senate in 1897. Mr. Wilkinson is an attentive member
to the business of the session, and believes in a broad system
of advanced State government.

Somerset County—LEMUEL E. P. DENNIS, Republican.

Mr. Dennis was born in Somerset county. He is a success-
ful merchant of Crisfield, He served a term as collector of
the port of Crisfield. His high character brought him a
large vote in his native county.

Talbot County—H. CLAY DODSON, Republican.

H. Clay Dodson was a member of the House of Delegates
in 1888 and also in 1896. He is slightly over fifty years of
age, was born and raised in St. Michael's, and is a prominent
drug merchant there. He was elected to the State Senate
in 1897.

Washington County—B. ABNER BETTS, Democrat.

Mr. Betts was born January 8, 1852, and raised in Chews-
ville, Washington county, being the son of the late Luther
D. Betts. At the age of 12 years he became clerk in the