Lewis Harold Sothoron

Lewis Harold Sothoron of Brentwood, Md. registered for the draft at Local Board, Prince George's Co., Md. on 5 June 1918.  He was 21 years old, born 8 June 1896 in Hughesville, Md.  His father was born in Hughesville, Md.  Employed by R. P. Andrews of Washington, DC.  Nearest relative was Mrs. E. E. Sothoron of Brentwood, Md.  Described as tall, medium build, gray eyes, dark brown hair, with no impairments.  Serial No. 130, Registration No. 67.  Ancestry.com* - image of World War I Draft Registration Card)  Signature on card:

Lewis Harold Sothoron, white, was inactivated from the service in Washington, DC on 11 December 1918. He was 22 years, 1 month of age at induction. He was born in Hughesville, MD & resided at Brentwood, Prince George’s Co., MD. Under comments: “NRF 7/25/18 yeo 2c, Navy Dept Pers Washington D.C.” (Ancestry.com* - Maryland Men in the World War, 1917-1919*) 

Lewis H. Sothoron, 25 year old single white male, U.S. Citizen, born in Hughesville, MB (sic) on 8 June 1897, living in the U.S. at 14 E. H. St. Washington, DC, arrived at the Port of New York on 29 Dec 1922 from Bermuda aboard the Araguaya.  (Ancestry.com* - New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957)

** Census schedules & directories - Maryland

See mother’s Notes for 1900 & 1920 Federal Census entries.

Sotharon, Louis J. r 906 n Charles. (Baltimore City Directory*, 1928. :1743)

1930 Federal Census (1930.04.01, Recorded 1930.04.13) 4310 Holliday Street, Brentwood, Prince George’s Co. - ED 38, Sh 5A(145A), Ln 36, 109/115

- Sothoron, Lewis H. Head, 33 year old married white male, first married at age of 22, renting non-farm home for $50 per month, no radio. Can read & write, speaks English no school since last Sept. He & parents born in Maryland. Occupation Lawyer, Legal Profession, code 5X94, class E, is working. Veteran of WW.

----, Eleanor B. Wife, 24 year old married white female, first married at age of 21. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. Born in DC, father in France & mother in West Virginia. Occupation None.

- Wright, Torey L. Sister, 40 year old widowed white female, married at age of 26. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. She & parents born in Maryland. Occupation Statistician, code 9994, class W, is working.

1940 Federal Census (1940.04.01, Recorded 1940.04.13)  4310 Holladay St., Brentwood, Dist. 17, Prince George's Co., MD - ED 17-57, Sh 8A, Ln 40, #153

- Sothoron, Lewis H.  Head, 43 year old married white male, born in Maryland, school code H-4, owns his non-farm home valued at $3,800.  Lived in same house on 1 April 1935.  Occupation Lawyer in Private Practice.  Worked 84 (sic) hours the week of 24-30 March 1940.  Earned $5,000 working 52 weeks in 1939 (Employer); had other income >$50.

-----, Eleanor B.  Wife, 35 year old married white female, born in DC, school code H-2.  Lived in same house on 1 April 1935.  Occupation Secretary in Patent Law Office, drawing private wages.  Worked 44 hours the week of 24-30 March 1940.  Earned $2,280 for working 52 weeks in 1939; also had other income >$50.

- Wright, Torey L.  Sister, 52 year old widowed white female, born in Maryland, school code H-2.  Lived in same house on 1 April 1935.  Occupation Office Clerk in Dept. of Agriculture; worked 39 hours the week of 24-30 March 1940.  Draws government wages; made $1,640 for working 52 weeks in 1939.  No other income.

Mentioned by name in obituaries of sister Torey & wife Eleanor (see respective Notes).

** Professional career (This is by no means complete. Much additional information is available in the Archives of Maryland, which is accessible on-line)nd, which is accessible on-line)

L. Harold Sothoron is a new member in the McAdoo for President club at the National University law school. (Washington Post :11, Reported 1924.01.06)

Sothoron of Prince George’s Co. is one of 3 sponsors of a bill in the House of Delegates for a ½ cent tax on all petroleum products. (Denton {MD} Journal :4, Reported 1937.04.03)

L. HAROLD SOTHORON—As a professional field in which men of ability may find satisfaction and a career of distinction, the law perhaps, has most to offer. The District of Columbia is fortunate indeed in the excellence of its legal talent, in the ability here evidenced so generously, and in the integrities of those men who possess it. One whose practice has not been of extended duration, but whose talent has quickly been recognized, L. Harold Sothoron stands high in the estimation of confreres at law.

- L. Harold Sothoron was born in Charles Co., Maryland. June 8, 1896, son of Joseph H. and Emma E. (Lucas) Sothoron. Both of his parents were born in the State of Maryland, the father died in 1898, and the mother died June 23, 1921.

- In the public schools and at Charlotte Hall Military Academy, Mr. Sothoron secured a sound academic training in preparation for higher studies. He entered the National University department of law, and from it took the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1924, at the age of twenty-eight years. In 1925 he took the degree of Master of Laws, and also in that year, that of Master of Patent Law. Admitted to the Maryland and District of Columbia bars in 1925, Mr. Sothoron began the practice of his profession without delay, with offices located in the National Press Building, and has continued in this practice through the years succeeding. He is considered by colleagues and by a large clientele to be among the foremost of the capital's younger lawyers. Corporation counsel for the town of Brentwood, Maryland, this is but one of the important posts held by him. He is a director of the Mutual Building Association, and widely interested in varied financial and commercial movements of private and public character. Fraternally, he is prominently identified with the Knights of Columbus, being editor of all publications pertaining to the order within the District of Columbia. He is a member of the City Club, of Washington, the Chamber of Commerce, Hyattsville, and the Washington Canoe Club, while in religious adherence he is a communicant of St. James' Roman Catholic Church. During the World War Mr. Sothoron gave his services to the common cause, and was assigned to duty in the Great Lakes Training Station, with the rating of yeoman, United States Navy. This service done, he resumed the course of his professional preparation where postponed by war activities.

- Mr. Sothoron married, in 1927, Eleanor B. Frear, of Virginia. They make their residence at No. 4310 Holladay Street, Brentwood, Maryland. (Proctor* :750, Published 1930).  Photo in article:

Louis Harold Sothoron of 4100 41 St Brentwood, Pr. Geo. Co., MD registered for the draft at Local Board No. 2, Upper Marlboro, MD on 27 April 1942.  He was 46 years old, born 8 June 1896 in St. Mary's Co., MD.  His telephone number was Warfield 2199.  Person always aware of his address was Mrs. Eleanor Sothoron of same address.  Self-employed at 815 15 St. NW, Wash., DC.  Described as White, 5' 6 1/2" tall, 170 pounds, Blue eyes, Brown hair, Ruddy complexion.  Order No. 548.  (World War II Draft Registration Card)  Signature on card:

Senator L. Harold Sothoron, of Prince George’s Co., is member of the Committee on Public Activities of the Maryland Commission on Post-War Reconstruction and Development. The Committee has recommended several construction projects, including a Baltimore Harbor bridge, which will provide almost 59 million work hours. (Denton {MD} Journal :7, Reported 1944.02.25)

L. Harold Sothoron of Maryland is the chairman of a four-state commission on the Potomac river basin. They are scheduled to meet near New Germany, MD the end of this week to consider fixing of water use zones for the 4-state area. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :8, 1946.05.21)

Senator L. Harold Sothoron (D., Prince Georges) opposed the Miles proposal, which called for shifting of State funds to avoid tapping those planned for the 1950-51 biennium, as had been recommended by the Governor. The Miles proposal failed. (Denton {MD} Journal :1, Reported 1948.03.28)

Gun-Toting Legislator Keeps State House Free of Pigeons

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – AP–Senator Joseph M. George of Sudlersville, MD., a nationally recognized marksman, has carried a gun all through the current session of the General Assembly.

- It’s a .22 rifle that shoots a charge of fine pellets about the size of mustard seed. During the legislative lulls, Senator George has been making life miserable for statehouse pigeons.

- One time he broke up a Republican caucus when he invaded a committee room, gun in hand, to get a strategic shot at a pigeon on the roof. The senator is a Democrat.

- Today he burst in on the Senate Finance committee. The deliberating senators took time out to discuss guns and target shooting.

- “Want to see a pretty shot pattern?” asked George.

- The senators did.

- Senator L. Harold Sothoron, before he caught on, was prevailed upon to hold up to his chest a thick file containing the 500 bills which have been introduced in the senate. George blazed away with his .22 across the committee table.

- Sothoron dropped the bill file and blanched. A colleague steadied him. Sothoron needn’t have worried. The shot got only as far as the $17,000,000 budget bill for the University of Maryland. (Zanesville {OH} Signal :1, Reported 1947.03.29)

An administration leader’s move for quick committee action on an emergency Chesapeake Bay bridge bill collapses when members voiced fears of possible “boon-doggling.

- Senator Sothoron (D., Prince Georges), chairman, asked the Senate Finance Committee to approve a plan to let the State bargain with bridge contractors.

- The State Roads Commission would be allowed to negotiate contracts on its own after rejecting any regular bids as too high.

- After further rankling the committee was adjourned without a vote on the bill. (Denton {MD} Journal :1, Reported 1949.04.01)

Bonus Bill Gets Rules Group Approval

- The $89,998,800 Phoebus-Goldstein World War II Veterans Bonus Bill received a “green light” from the State Senate’s Rules Committee this week.

- Republican Floor Leader Robert B. Kimble of Allegany county moved that the Rules Committee, which is screening all legislation at this session, report favorably on the measure. He said:

- “It is a State-wide measure and it affects the budget.”

- Democratic Floor Leader L. Harold Sothoron, Prince George’s county, asked Kimble:

- “Did you say ‘wrecks the budget’?”

- When Kimble reiterated that the word he used was affect, Sothoron replied:

- “You were right the first time.”

- However, the committee voted unanimously to move the bill along. It will now go before the Finance Committee, of which Sothoron is chairman. (Denton {MD} Journal :1, Reported 1950.02.17)

Senator L. Harold Sothoron, of Prince Georges county, served as chairman of the State Democratic convention, held at the Emerson Hotel in Baltimore on 2 October. (Denton {MD} Journal :1, Reported 1950.10.06)

SOTHORON OUT FOR CONGRESS

Prince George’s Lawyer Enters Fifth Democratic Fight

- L. Harold Sothoron, the majority leader of the State Senate in the administration of former Governor Lane, announced yesterday his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to Congress from the Fifth (Southern Maryland) district.

- The Prince Georges county lawyer is expected to have the backing of Lansdale G. Sasscer, powerful lower Southern Maryland leader, who once held the House seat himself.

- Mr. Sothoron will be bucking Representative Richard E. Lankford, Anne Arundel county Democrat., who turned out a Republican two years ago.

- Anne Arundel For Mahoney

- Democratic forces in Anne Arundel county have lined up almost solidly in support of George P. Mahoney's candidacy, for the nomination to the United, States Senate. Mr. Lankford is believed to have thrown in his lot with them.

- Mr. Sasscer, who lost the Senate nomination to Mr. Mahoney in 1952, is opposed to Mr. Mahoney—and is a close friend of Mr. Sothoron's.

- The Sothoron-Lankford fight may thus become a phase of the battle to stop Mr. Mahoney.

With the two "big" counties—Anne Arundel and Prince Georges on opposite sides in the contest for the congressional district nomination, the four smaller counties making up the district—Howard, Charles, St. Marys and Calvert will, in all probability, been the keys to the decision.

- Mr. Sothoron, who is 59, served in the House of Delegates from 1935 through 1941. and was elected to the Senate in 1942. He was defeated by a narrow margin in his bid in 1950 for a third term.

- L. Harold Sothoron is a familiar name in Maryland politics, but, as far as public office is concerned, he has been on the sidelines since 1950.

- That was the year he served his last term in the Senate of Maryland where he was the

majority floor leader.

- Mr. Sothoron, who is 60, is a Prince Georges countian and is engaged in the practice of law.

- The candidate's law offices are in Washington. He is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia bars.

- His legal career also includes service as corporation counsel for the towns of Seat Pleasant and Brentwood, in Prince Georges county.

- Career Started Early

- Mr. Sothoron was chairman of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and he was a member of the Maryland Cooperation Commission and the Council of State Governments.

- His political career started early. Mr. Sothoron was elected to the House of Delegates in 1935.

- He served in the House of Delegates until 1941.

- In 1942, Mr. Sothoron was elected to the Senate of Maryland and in the closing years of his senatorial tenure was named Democratic floor leader.

- The candidate is married and lives in University Park, a community near the University of Maryland. (Hayward File* - Baltimore Sun : 1/19/1956; Evening Sun - 5/3/1956)

L. J. Sothoron a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Seminary Junior College in 1951, serving until 1957. (Arch MD 164:60 - Maryland Manual, 1951-2)

** Death

Lewis Harold Sothoron, formerly of 4320 Woodberry St., Hyattsville, MD, died at Manor Care Hyattsville, Prince George’s Co., MD at 9:30 AM on 13 October 1978. He was an 82 year old self-employed white male lawyer, born on 8 June 1896 in Maryland. His father was Joseph Sothoron & his mother Emma Lucas. He served in WWI & his SSN was 217-18-2241A. The immediate cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest, due to Parkinson’s disease & severe arteriosclerosis of years duration. Cachexia was a contributing factor. The certifying physician, Stephen J. Williams, M.D., of 1712 Eye St., NW, Washington, DC, was his attending physician, who had cared for him from 29 June 1977 & had last seen him alive on 20 September 1978.

- Burial was on 16 October 1978 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Montgomery Co., MD. Services were provided by Francis Gasch’s Sons Funeral Home, P.A., Hyattsville, MD. (Death Certificate #78 26549, Signed 1978.10.13)

On October 13, 1978, L. HAROLD SOTHORON, of University Park, Md., dearly loved husband of Eleanor B. Sothoron. Friends may call at GASCH'S FUNERAL HOME, 4739 Baltimore ave., Hyattsville, Md., from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, and from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday. Mass of The Christian Burial will be held at The St. Marks Catholic Church, 7501 Adelphi rd., Hyattsville, Md., on Monday, October 16, at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the charity of your choice. Prayers at the above funeral home, 3:30 p.m. Sunday. (Washington Post :C4, Reported 1978.10.14)

L. Harold Sothoron, 82, a member of the Maryland General Assembly for 16 years and a leader in the old-guard faction of the Prince George's Co. Democratic Party, died Friday at Manor Care nursing home in Hyattsville. He had suffered from arteriosclerosis.

- He served in the House of Delegates from 1935 to 1941, then was a member of the state Senate until defeated for reelection in 1950. During his years in the Senate, Mr. Sothoron, at different times, chaired the finance committee, served as Senate majority leader and was president of the Senate.

- He was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee for Prince George's Co. during the 1950s.

- He challenged Richard E. Lankford, (the incumbent member of Congress), for the Democratic nomination in Maryland's Fifth Congressional District in 1956 and was defeated.

- Mr. Sothoron was born in St. Mary's Co., Md., and grew up in Charles Co.. He served in the Navy during World War I. He earned three law degrees at National Law School in Washington and taught law there during the early 1930s.

- He maintained a law practice in Upper Marlboro and a 350-acre cattle and tobacco farm near Davidsonville until the early 1970s.

- He was a counsel and director of the Citizens Bank and Trust Company of Maryland for more than 25 years. Mr. Sothoron was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Hyattsville.

- A member of the District, Maryland and American bar association, he had been admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court.

- Mr. Sothoron had been a grand knight of the Washington Council of the knights of Columbus. His other memberships included the Elks, Lions, Disabled War Veterans, the American Legion and the legion's 40 and 8.

- Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Blanche, of the home in University Park. (Washington Post :B8, Reported 1978.10.15)

Grave Marker, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Montgomery Co., MD.