SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 303

EDGAR M. PETERSON, Republican—1120 Cleveland Street.

Mr. Peterson, who represents the 21st Ward of Baltimore
City in the General Assembly, was born on the 7th day of
March, 1867, in Baltimore City, Maryland. His father, Charles
A. Peterson, was born in Sweden, his mother, Susan K. Peter-
son, was born in Caroline County, Maryland.

Mr. Peterson received his education in the public schools
of Baltimore. After leaving school he adopted paperhanging
as an occupation and served his full apprenticeship. In 1890,
he took up his residence in Southwest Baltimore, where he
engaged in business for himself, and where he has resided ever
since. He is an ardent Republican, and a natural inclination
led him into politics. He took an active interest in the affairs
of his party in his ward, and his strong devotion to its interests
earned for him the respect and esteem of the members of his
party, which culminated in his election to the Legislature. Mr.
Peterson has never held office. In 1889 he married, and is the
father of four children.

BENJAMIN N. STONE, Republican—1415 Light Street,

Benjamin M. Stone was born in Washington, D. C., on Au-
gust 25, in the year 1868, remaining in Washington about five
years thereafter, thence removing to Baltimore, Md., with his
parents about the year 1873, where, a short while thereafter, he
entered the public schools, and continuing until graduating at
the Baltimore City College.

A short while after finishing schooling, was engaged in a
clerical position with the packing firm of Moore & Brady, and
continuing in their employ for several years, when he resigned.
For a number of years he was connected with the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company in the Transportation Department,
and whilst so engaged took up the study of law, graduating in
the year 1899, when he was admitted to practice at the Mary-
land Bar. Has been actively engaged in the practice of law
ever since.

BALTIMORE COUNTY—Six Members.

JAMES W. AYRES, Democrat—Parkton.
Mr. Ayers is a merchant of Parkton, Baltimore County.
Is fifty-one years old and was born in Harford County. Re-
ceived a public school education, and in early life was engaged
in farming. Was always interested in the welfare of the
Democratic party, but never held any other public office. This
is the first time he has ever been nominated for any office.