John C. Bannon
Anne Arundel County Court Clerk, 1894-1895
MSA SC 3520-13114
Biography:
John Clark Bannon was born on July 22, 1865 at his family's home, "Airy Hill", in Jessup. He was the firstborn son of Michael and Eveline Clarke Bannon. Both Michael and Eveline were well-known in Anne Arundel County political and social circles.1 He had one sister, Mary E., and four brothers, James, Thomas, Philip, and Joseph.2 He studied at Rockville and Georgetown Collegs, and then went on to study at the Maryland Law University. Throughout his college career, Bannon was quite active in campus politics.3 He remained a bachelor his entire life.
After graduation, he began to practice law in Anne Arundel County. His first attempt at public service was made in 1887 when he campaigned as the Democratic candidate for a seat in the House of Delegates. He did not win the seat, but the following year he got his first chance to serve the public as he was appointed Secretary and Examiner of Public Schools for Anne Arundel County.4 He held that position until 1894 when he was appointed to serve the remainder of Sprigg Harwood's term who had died in office. He was appointed because he was quite qualified for the job, but also because of his gracious bow-out to Harwood during the previous election. His kind and politically-savvy act was rewarded with this appointment to succeed Harwood.5 Bannon only served until 1895, but the Evening Capital reports that one of the most gruesome cases before the court, one involving the rape and assault of a young girl causing her death, was tried during Bannon's service.6
Bannon left the Clerk's office to make another attempt at a state office, this time running for the Maryland State Senate. The Democratic candidate was defeated again, as Republicans nearly swept all state and national elections that year. He was offered a job in Baltimore, but declined due to health problems.7 On February 29, 1896 John C. Bannon succumbed to those problems. He died after suffering from pulmonary sickness for several months. He had been living in an Annapolis boarding house on West St.reet, but his remains were taken to his family home in Jessup for ceremony and burial.8
Biographical Profile-
Born - John Clark Bannon, July 22, 1865 at his family home "Airy Hill" in Jessup, AA Co (Cap)
Family - firstborn son of Michael and Eveline Clarke Bannon; both of his parents were very well-known in AA Co political and social circles(Cap); siblings - sisters: Mary E., Frances; brothers: James, Thomas, Philip, Joseph (census 1880)
Education - Rockville and Georgetown Colleges; Maryland Law University; frequently involved in campus politics
Occupation - lawyer
Married - remained a bachelor, lived in a boarding house on West St.
Children - none
Political Highlights -
1887, House of Delegates candidate, unsuccessful bid for a seat in the legislature; Democratic candidate (Cap)
1888, Secretary and Examiner of Public Schools
1894, Clerk of the Court, appointed to serve the remainder of the late Sprigg Harwood's term; he was appointed b/c he was quite qualified for the job, but also b/c of his gracious bow-out to Harwood during the previous election - his kind act was rewarded with this appointment to succeed Harwood (Cap); Cap reports one of the most gruesome cases before the court, one involving the rape and assault of a young girl causing her death - however the man was acquitted due to a lack of evidence against him (need name of case)
1895, MD Senate candidate, part of the Democratic ticket in AA Co; unsuccessful bid, nearly all victors were Republicans in MD and throughout the nation (Cap)
Death - died February 29, 1896 after suffering
from pulmonary problems for several months; remains taken to his family
home in Jessup
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