Abram Claude
MSA SC 3520-13688
Anne Arundel County Court Clerk, 1865
Biography:
Abram Claude, born on December 4, 1818, was the son of Dr. Dennis Claude and Anne Jacob Claude of Annapolis. Dr. Dennis Claude was Mayor of Annapolis from 1828-36 and also briefly in 1853. He served as State Treasurer from 1854 to 1860. The couple had three other children: Ann H., William Tell, and Elizabeth. Abram Claude graduated from St. John's College in 1835. After graduation, he studied medicine at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Upon completion of his studies, he set up a medical practice in Annapolis. During the Civil War, he was an assistant surgeon.1 On July 16, 1850 he married Rachel Ann Tuck.2 Together they had twelve children: Dennis, Washington Clement, Gordon Handy, Caroline Laurens, Anna (Annie) Jacob, Elizabeth Harwood, Sophia, William Hallam, Levely, Lucy Clara Bell, Clara Bell (Carrie), and Isabella.3 The family lived in Annapolis at 249 Maryland Avenue in 1880, but in 1900 they resided at 22 State House Circle, at the Governor George Calvert House, which Claude purchased in 1854. A few boarders and servants also lived at the home.4
Dr. Claude continued to work as a physician, and later became a professor of natural sciences at St. John's from 1871 until 1883. He also served on the Board of Visitors and Governors at the college. Claude frequently held public office. He was elected an Alderman, and served as Mayor of Annapolis for several terms: 1849-51, 1854-55, 1867-69, and 1883-89. While serving as Mayor in 1849, Claude welcomed Henry Clay to the city. After the death of Nicholas H. Green, Claude briefly served as Clerk of the Court for Anne Arundel County , from August 26 to November 26 1865. From 1895-99 he served as postmaster.5
Claude died on January 10, 1901, at the age of 82. He had suffered from senility and exhaustion.6 The obituary in the Evening Capital described him as one of the city's "oldest and most highly esteemed citizens." The article stated that he "lived for others..." and possessed a "noble character, indomitable courage, and Christian grace and fortitude."7 Claude willed his wife all of his personal property and his real estate. After her death, Claude stated that the real estate on State House Circle to Main Street would be left to his sons, and the property on State House Circle to East Street would be left to his daughters. According to the will, Rachel was to sell the property on College Avenue.8 There was no inventory taken of Claude's estate, but the value of his property in the 1870 Census was listed as $7500 for real estate and $4000 for his personal estate.9
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