Levin Johnson Sothoron, M.D.

Levin Johnson Sothoron, Jr. was born on 28 November 1872 (Reno*)

** Biography (Fresco(2)*)

Dr. Levin Johnson Sothoron, Jr. Was the son of Reverend Levin Johnson Sothoron and Lydia Rebecca Canter. Reverend Sothoron was born September 12, 1844, in St. Mary’s Co., MD and died April 12, 1920 in Harford County, MD, where he was rector for 27 years. At the early age of 19, he married on December 8, 1863, Lydia Rebecca Canter. She was born June 27, 1846 in St. Mary’s Co. and died June 24, 1905, at Forest Hill, near Bel Air, Harford County, MD. The 1900 Federal Census for Harford County, MD lists Reverend Sothoron, b. September 1844, his wife Lydia, b. June 1846, daughter Grace W., b. April 1879, son Pinckney L., b. May 1885 and daughter Florence L, b. February 1887.

Dr. Levin J. Sothoron was born November 28, 1872, in a house on the grounds of the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, where his father studied for the ministry and had his first parish. He graduated from Charlotte Hall Military Academy in 1889, then after a college preparatory course, he taught at Hughesville Public School in Charles County, MD. After a brush-up Latin course at St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD, he entered Georgetown University, graduating with a medical degree in 1896.

After practicing medicine in Washington, DC for eight years, he practiced in Charlotte Hall, St. Mary’s Co. the rest of his life; serving also as school physician for the Military Academy there. In 1958, he was made an honorary member of the General Practitioners Association, a national society.

Dr. Sothoron married June 4, 1901, Margarite Tayloe (1882-1946), a nurse known as Rita, daughter of Forrest Plater Tayloe of Virginia and Lulu Dickerson. Rita Tayloe Sothoron was a direct descendant of three noted Revolutionary soldiers: Captain George Lewis (1754-1831), bodyguard of General George Washington; Colonel Fielding Lewis (1725-1781) father of George Lewis, who married Betty Washington (1733-1797) was Aide de Camp to General Washington and Chief Commissioner of the Gunnery, and thirdly, Brigadier General Uriah Forrest (1746-1805) of St. Mary’s Co. and Georgetown, DC, who married Rebecca Plater, daughter of Governor George Plater of Sotterley, St. Mary’s Co. General Forrest was Aide de Camp to General George Washington and was his personal friend. He was wounded at the battle of Germantown, PA, suffering a shattered thigh bone which had to be amputated thirteen months later. He pledged his bond as security for the planning and construction of the Federal City, Washington, DC.

Dr. Sothoron and his wife, Rita, had two children:
- Levin Johnson II, b. October 5, 1903, d. April 3, 1951, in Washington, DC where he is buried. He marr. Martha E. Huie.
- Foresta Tayloe, a daughter, b. December 12, 1907, d. February 7, 1921, of Influenza at MD General Hospital, Baltimore, and is buried at All Faith Church, near Charlotte Hall, St. Mary’s Co.

Dr. Sothoron’s wife, Margarite Tayloe, died in 1946 and he died April 19, 1959, at Charlotte Hall. Both are buried at All Faith Episcopal Church, Huntersville, near Charlotte Hall. They had three grandchildren: Ellen H., Martha L., and Margaret T. Sothoron.

The writer is indebted to Dr. Sothoron’s nephew, Colonel Norwood S. Sothoron of Lexington Park, St. Mary’s Co., and to his niece, Mrs. Julia Sothoron Buddington of Hyattsville, MD for contributing to this profile.

** Census schedules & directories

See father’s Notes for 1880 Federal Census entry.

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 1917 I nw. (Washington Directory*, 1896)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 1917 I nw. (Washington Directory*, 1897)

Levin Sothoron, physician, 1919 I nw. (Washington Directory*, 1898)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 2025 I nw. (Washington Directory*, 1899)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 2140 Pa ave nw. (Washington Directory*, 1900)

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.01) 2140 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC - ED 30, Sh 1, Ln 43, 5/8

- Sothoron, Levin J. 27 year old single white male physician, born Nov 1872 in Virginia, living alone. Both parents born in Maryland.

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 927 20th nw. (Washington Directory*, 1901)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 927 20th nw. (Washington Directory*, 1902)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 927 20th nw. (Washington Directory*, 1903)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 927 20th nw. (Washington Directory*, 1904)

Levin J. Sothoron, physician, 927 20th nw. (Washington Directory*, 1905)

1910 Federal Census (1910.04.15, Recorded 1910.05.11) Three Notch Road, District 5, St. Mary’s Co., MD - ED 85, Sh 16A (119A), Ln 7, 261/264

- Sothoron, Johnson L. Head, 37 year old white male, married 8 years. Born in Virginia, both parents born in Maryland. Occupation Doctor in General Practice, paid on Own Account, no unemployed time. His non-farm home is mortgaged.

-----, Margaret. Wife, 28 year old white female, married 8 years. Has had 2 children, both still living. She & parents born in Virginia. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation None.

-----, Levin J. Son, 6 year old single white male. Born in DC, both parents born in Virginia. Occupation None, no school since last Sept.

-----, Forrester T. Daughter, 2 year old single white female. Born in Maryland, both parents born in Virginia. Occupation None.

- Brooks, Myrtle. Servant, 17 year old single black female. She & parents born in Maryland. Can neither read nor write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. Occupation Cook for Private family, no unemployed time, working for wages.

1920 Federal Census (1920.01.01, Recorded 1920.01.09) South of the road lead from Dubois to New Market to Huntersville to Persimmon Creek, District 5, St. Mary’s Co., MD - 110, Sh 4A (97A), Ln 27, 74/75

- Sothoron, Lev. J., M.D. Head, 47 year old married white male, owns his home with a mortgage. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. He & parents born in Maryland. Occupation physician, medical phy., earning on his own accord, coded 858.

----, Margaret. Wife, 38 year old married white female. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. She & parents born in Maryland. Occupation none.

----, Levin, Jr. Son, 16 year old single white male. Can read & write, speaks English, attended school since last Sept.  He & parents born in Maryland. Occupation none.

----, Foresta T. Daughter, 12 year old single white female. Can read & write, speaks English, attended school since last Sept. She & parents born in Maryland. Occupation none.

1930 Federal Census (1930.04.01, Recorded 1930.05.03) Charlotte Hall Village, St. Mary’s Co., MD - ED 8, Sh 1A (85A), Ln 19, 5/5

- Sothoron, Levin J. Head, 57 year old married white male, married at age of 28, owns non-farm home valued at $5,000, has a radio. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. Born in Virginia, parents in Maryland. Occupation Doctor of Medicine, code 9294, class O, is working. Not a war veteran.

----, Rita T.. Wife, 48 year old married white female, married at age of 20. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. She & parents born in Virginia. Occupation None.

1940 Federal Census (1940.04.01, Recorded 1940.04.13)  Charlotte Hall Town, Dist. 5, St. Mary's Co., MD  - ED 19-10, Sh 1B, Ln 51, #13

- Sotheron (sic), Levin.  Head, 67 year old married white male, born in Virginia, school code C-4, owns his non-farm home valued at $4,500.  Lived in same house on 1 April 1935.  Occupation Medical Doctor in private practice, paid on Own Account.  Worked 70 hours the week of 24-30 March 1940.  No income for 52 weeks of work in 1939; had income >$50 from other source(s).

-----, Rita.  Wife, 58 year old married white female, born in Virginia, school code 8.  Lived in same house on 1 April 1935.  No income, unable to work.

** School activities

The School Examiner & others, including L. J. Sothoron, are to attend Teacher’s Association. (Wearmouth* 5:247 {Vol. XLVIII, # 6}, Charles Co., MD, Reported 1891.07.17)

L. J. Sothoron was a debater at the Teachers Association meeting. (Wearmouth* 5:226 {Vol. XLIX, # 25}, Reported 1892.11.25)

L. J. Sothoron of Leonardtown a St. Mary’s Co. School Commissioner, serving until 1922. (Arch MD 127:225 {MD Manual}, 1916)

L. J. Sothoron of Leonardtown was a St. Mary’s Co. School Commissioner, to serve until 1922. (Arch MD 128:228 {MD Manual}, 1917)

L. J. Sothoron of Leonardtown a St. Mary’s Co. School Commissioner, serving until 1922. (Arch MD 129:241 {MD Manual}, 1918)

L. J. Sothoron of Leonardtown was a St. Mary’s Co. School Commissioner, serving until 1922. (Arch MD 130:249 {MD Manual}, 1919)

L. J. Sothoron of Leonardtown is on the Co. Board of Education, serving until 1922. (Arch MD 131:221 {MD Manual}, 1921)

L. J. Sothoron of Leonardtown served as a member of the St. Mary’s Co. Board of Education, his term expiring in 1922. (Hammett* :260)

Dr. L. J. Sothorn (Georgetown University) a Lecturer in Hygiene. (Arch MD 150:313 {MD Manual}, 1933)

On the faculty of Charlotte Hall School, Doctor L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University), Lecturer in Hygiene. (Arch MD 151:332 {MD Manual}, St. Mary’s Co., 1934)

Doctor L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University) a Lecturer in Hygiene at Charlotte Hall School, St. Mary’s Co. (Arch MD 152:316 {MD Manual}, 1935)

Dr. L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University) is a Lecturer in Hygiene at Charlotte Hall School, St. Mary’s Co. (Arch MD 155:324 {MD Manual}, 1936)

Doctor L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University) on the faculty as a a Lecturer in Hygiene at Charlotte Hall School, St. Mary’s Co. (Arch MD 156:38 {MD Manual}, 1937)

Dr. L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University) a Lecturer in Hygiene at Charlotte Hall School, St. Mary’s Co. (Arch MD 157:40 {MD Manual}, 1938)

Faculty of Charlotte Hall School, St. Mary’s Co. includes Dr. L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University), Lecturer in Hygiene. (Arch MD 158:42 {MD Manual}, 1939)

Dr. L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University) was on the faculty as a Lecturer in Hygiene at Charlotte Hall Academy. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Female Seminary, to serve until 1945. (Arch Md 159:53 {MD Manual}, 1940)

Dr. L. J. Sothoron (Georgetown University) a Lecturer in Hygiene at Charlotte Hall School, St. Mary’s Co. (Arch MD 160:48 {MD Manual}, 1943)

Dr. L. J. Sothoron of Charlotte Hall, MD a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Female Seminary, St. Mary’s City, to serve until 1945. (Arch MD 160:49 {MD Manual}, 1943)

Dr. L. J. Sothoron of Charlotte Hall serving on Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Female Seminary, St. Mary’s City, until 1961. (Arch MD 161:48 {MD Manual}, 1945)

L. J. Sothoron a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Seminary, St. Mary’s City, serving until 1957. (Arch MD 165:66 {MD Manual}, 1953)

L. J. Sothoron a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Seminary Junior College, St. Mary’s City, serving until 1957. (Arch MD 68:55 {MD Manual}, 1955)

L. J. Sothoron was a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Seminary Junior College, St. Mary’s City, to serve until 1963. (Arch MD 167:66 {MD Manual}, 1958)

** Miscellaneous

Levin Johnson Sothoron, M.D. married Margarite Tayloe (born King George Co., VA, 4 June 1901). (Personal Notes of Julia Sothoron Buddington, on file at St. Mary’s Co. Historical Society)

Deed of 4 January 1906 by John H. Mattingly & wife E. Kate of St. Mary's Co., MD. For $2,000 they convey to Levin J. Sothoron of King George Co., VA, tract known as "Johnson's Land," about 80 acres, 55 acres of which are in 5th District of St. Mary's Co. & about 25 acres in Charles Co., bounded as follows: on north by farm of Thomas Mack, on south & west by farm of John Z. Swann & property of Charlotte Hall School, on east by Washington, Chesapeake & Potomac Railroad, being part of land conveyed by Henry C. Adams, trustee, to Mattingly (about 20 acres, on east side of railroad being excepted), by deed dated 23 October 1900 & recorded at EBA#1:435 of St. Mary's Co. Land Records. A commission, in obedience to provision of Act of General Assembly of Maryland, Chapt. 65, Session 1902, constructed the county line such that part of this property is in Charles Co. Signed Jno. H. Mattingly & E. Kate Mattingly, witnessed by L. Johnson Canter. Certified same date, recorded 9 Jan 1906. (St. Mary's Co., MD Land Records EBA#5:318)

Mortgage of 4 January 1906 by Levin J. Sothoron & wife Marguerite his wife, of King George Co., VA. Are indebted to J. Edward Burroughs of St. Mary's Co., MD for $1,500, the balance due for purchase of real estate, & have given therefore, along with Richard H. Sothoron, to said Burroughs their 4 mortgage notes of even date, each for $1,375 & each bearing interest from date & payable in 6, 12, 18 & 24 months respectively. With this & an additional $1.00 Burroughs is conveyed tract called "Johnson Land," containing about 80 acres, with about 55 acres in 5th Dist. of St. Mary's Co. & about 25 acres in Charles Co. Bounded as follows: on north by farm of Thomas Mack; on south & west by farm of John Z. Swann & Charlotte Hall School, on east by Washington, Chesapeake & Potomac Railroad. Is part of same land conveyed by Henry C. Adams, Trustee, to John H. Mattingly (about 25 acres east of railroad excepted) by deed dated 23 Oct 1900, & recorded at EBA#1:435 in St. Mary's Co. Subsequently conveyed to said Levin J. Sothoron by deed even with date of this mortgage. Signed by Levin J. Sothoron & Marguerite Sothoron, witnessed by H.S. Hoblitzell. Certified same date, recorded 9 Jan 1906. (St. Mary's Co., MD Land Records EBA#5:320)

Dr. L. Sothoron, of 1921 I street northwest, attended a woman who was knocked down by a horse and buggy at Twentieth street and Pennsylvania avenue northwest yesterday. (Washington Post :2, Reported 1908.06.13)

The town of Charlotte Hall, Maryland is incorporated. The corporate limits extend to the north line of Charlotte Hall school, and to the back of the home of Dr. L. J. Sothoron. (Arch MD 377:4296 {Code of the Public Local Laws of Maryland, 1930}, 1914) (Recorded also at Arch Md 533:141)]

Levin Johnson Sothoron of Mechanicsville, St. Mary's Co., Md. registered for the draft at Local Board for St. Mary's Co., Leonardtown, MD on 17 Sept 1918.  He was 45 years old, born 28 November 1872 in USA, White.  Occupation Physician in Mechanicsville, St. Mary's Co., Md.  Nearest relative was Margaret Tayloe Sothoron of same address.  Described as tall, slender build, gray eyes, dark hair, no impairments.  Order No. 185.  (Ancestry.com* - image of World War I Draft Registration Card)  Signature on card:

Sothoron, Levin Johnson, M.D. ‘96; Physician; Member Bd. Of Education; Trustee, St. Mary’s Female Seminary; Office and Res. Mechanicsville, Md. (Georgetown University 1924 Alumni Directory - List of Living Graduates :213, Washington, DC)

Mentioned by name in records of children, parents’ obituaries, Certificate of Death of aunt Catherine Sothoron, wife’s Certificate of Death & obituaries of brother Richard & sister Margaret (see respective Notes).

** Death

DIED. On Sunday, April 19, 1959, Dr. LEVIN J. SOTHORON of Charlotte Hall, Md., beloved husband of the late Margarette Sothoron; brother of Miss Grace Webster Sothoron; father-in-law of Mrs. Martha Huie Sothoron; grandfather of Ellen, Martha and Margaret Sothoron, all of Washington, D.C. Funeral from the Robinson Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., on Wednesday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Services at All Faith Episcopal Church, Charlotte Hall, Md., at 3 p.m. Interment Church Cemetery. Prayers on Tuesday at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers make contribution to the building fund of All Faith Episcopal Church, Charlotte Hall, Md. (Washington Post :B2, Reported 1959.04.21) (Also Hayward File* - Baltimore Sun, Reported 21 April 1959)

Will of Dr. Levin J. Sothoron. Daughter-in-law Martha E. Sothoron & nephew Norwood S. Sothoron named as executors and trustees of estate. Estate to be held in trust for grandchildren Ellen H., Martha L., & Margaret T. Sothoron until their majority. Allows for disbursements before majority based on need. Asks that executors be excused from necessity of giving bond. Witnesses: Paul Calomal(?), Robert W. Raley, W. R. Chesley & Dale T. Cropper. Date of death noted to be April 19,1959.  (Wills RGC#3:627, St. Mary’s Co., MD, 1951.05.21, Proved 1959.04.29)

S O T H O R O N
LEVIN J., M.D.     MARGUERITE T.
1872 - 1959         1882 - 1946

Grave Marker, All Faith Episcopal Church Cemetery, Huntersville, MD