SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF THE SENATE. 251

on. In 1856 he undertook a mercantile business at Easton—
lumber, coal, phosphate, steamboating and insurance—which
is still conducted under the firm name of Robert B. Dixon &
Co. He also later took an active interest in many local en-
terprises, and became director in a number in various parts of
the State. At the present time he is president of the Easton
National Bank, the oldest and largest financial institution on
the Eastern Shore; also, treasurer Workingmen's Permanent
Building and Loan Association, president Easton Furniture
Company, treasurer Easton Water Company, treasurer
Easton Ice Company, directors. C. & A. Railroad Company,
Director United States Fidelity and Deposit Company, also
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montgomery County, and
others.

In politics he is a Republican, but not a partisan, desiring
to secure the very best men for office.

He is a member of the Society of Friends, his ancestors on
both father's and mother's side for over two centuries being
consistent members thereof.

In 1861 he married Miss Amanda Amoss, of near Belair.
They have four daughters and two sons; three daughters and
one son married.

In 1886 he was elected to the House of Delegates, the only
political position he ever held.

Washington County—B. ABNER BETTS, Democrat.
Mr. Betts was born January 8, 1852. At the age of twenty
he purchased a half interest in his father's store and later
engaged in the grain and fertilizer business. In 1889 Mr.
Betts was elected a County Commissioner, being the only
Democrat elected on the tjcket that year. In 1891 he was
elected "a director of the Western Maryland Railroad, serving
four years. In 1895 he again received the nomination for
County Commissioner, but was defeated with the balance of
his ticket. In 1897 he was elected a member of the Legisla
ture. In 1899 he received from his party a unanimous nomi-
nation for the State Senate and was elected. In 1903 he was
again renorninated by acclamation for the same office and was
elected.

Wicomico County—MARION V. BREWINGTON, Democrat.

Mr. Brewington, Democratic member of the Senate from
Wicomico County, was born at Salisbury, Maryland, Decem-
ber 26, 1866. He entered politics when he was twenty years
of age, and managed several of the hottest campaigns in
Wicomico. He is junior editor of the Wicomico News, the