Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-10-12

nor of Maryland, ex-United States Sem
ator from that State, collector of the
port of Baltimore, and man we'll
known in Delaware, where lie had
family connections, died suddenly at 10
O'Clock last night week at his residence,
No. 2 East Preston street, Baltimore.
The ex-governor, with his family, spent
the summer at Cooperstown, N. Y.
They returned short time ago, and re-
manned until two weeks ago at their resi-
dence in Elkton. Mr.. Groome was in
apparent good health till Sunday week,
when he was attacked with a spell of
nausea, and was too i'll to sec some
friends who called upon him. lie re-
covered from the attack, though he was
unable to leave the house. No fears of
q fatal result were entertained, and not
until his sudden demise had his family
been at all uneasy regarding his condi-
ton. Governor Groome had been
sufferer from heart disease for several
years. A year ago he told friend that
he had to be very careful of how he
exercised, and that he was in dread lest
he be fatally attacked.
Governor Groome leaves widow and
one daughter. His mother is living, and
resides at the old homestead in Elkton.
He has also three sisters living-Mrs.
Albert Constable of Elkton, Mrs. Will
liam Knight of Baltimore and Mrs DR..
John j. Black of New Castle, Del.
The ex-governor served in the United
States Senate from March 4th, 1879, to
March 4th, 1885, and was appointed
collector of customs for the port of
Baltimore by President Cleveland in
1886. Until his appointment as col
lector, with the exception of short
residence in Annapolis when governor,
he resided in Elkton, Cecil county.
When appointed collector he went to
Baltimore and purchased the house No.
Il. Preston street, where he bas lived
ever since. He has since his retirement
| from the collectorship made frequent
Visits to Cecil county, where he had
large landed interests. Mr.. Groome
several years ago purchased a cottage
with several acres of woodland at
Cooperstown, N. Y, where he spent
the last two summers with his family.
SKETCH OF THE DECEASED.
Governor Groome was the son of Col.
John Charles Groome. He was born in
Elkton, Cecil county, Md, April 4th,
1888. Besides the fortune of birth, he
had such advantages as wealth and
social position bestow, and by an honor
able career reflected credit ON his
ancestors. Before completing his pre-.
paratory studies, his close application
thereto so affected his sight that he was
compelled to abandon his intention of
taking collegiate course, and for seve-
raj years thereafter to undergo medical
/. treatment. He then entered as student
of the law in the office of his father, and
was admitted to the Cecil bar in
1861. He soon attained to creditable
position and remunerative practice. Like
his father, he had the reputation as a
high-toned and honorable lawyer. Social
In his personal intercourse, affable in
his manners, courteous and considerable
TO all-he had always been favorite
in society, but delayed matrimonial
alliance until February Goth, 1876, when
he married Alice L Edmondson, daugh-
ter of Col. Horace Leeds Edmondson of
Talbot county, Md.
Politically, MIR. Groome had ALWAYS
been a consistent and Jealous Democrat.
He fully identified himself with that
party at the outbreak of the civil war,
was active in keeping up and maintain
ing Its organization through many de-
feats, until, in the fall of 1866, it again
secured majority in Cecil county. In
1867 he was elected a member of the
Reform convention, called to frame a
new constitution for the State. His
first speech was on the usury laws, and
was generally considered and so pro.
nounced by the press of the State, as an
able and mastery effort. From 1867 to
1871 Mr.. Groome evinced no desire for
political preferment, but was always
active in the canvass of his county for
the success of his party.
In 1871 he was elected to the House
OF Delegates. At that session he at once
took rank as one of its prominent mem.
bers. Early in the session an election
was held for United States Senator.
After q number of ballots had been
taken, there were but three Of the ten
gentlemen voted for that received a
larger number of votes than Mr.. Groome.
lie then stated that he was not candi-
date, asked privilege to withdraw his
name, and declared his preference that
the Senatorial contest should be speedily
ended by the success of any prominent
Eastern Maryland Democrat, rather
than II should be protracted in the hope
that he might be successful.
During the session he not only took
an active and leading part in the debates
OF the House, but was an indefatigable
worker on the several committees of
which he was member, especially the
Judiciary. At the close of the session
Mr.. Groome had made reputation
rarely acquired by so young man;
legislator In his first term. He was on
posed TO the nomination of Horace
Greeley for the Presidency, but acting
with his party, he accepted place on
the electoral ticket, and entered actively
snto the canvass.
In 1878 he was again elected to the
Legislature, and was abundant in labors
during that session. He was chairman
OF the Judiciary committee, was mem
ber OF the committee on ways and
means, and on elections.
HIS ELECTION AS GOVERNOR,
EARLY in the session an election fol
United States Senator took place, and
Governor William Pinkney Whyte was
chosen. Governor Whyte resigned, and
1t became necessary for the Legislature
to fill the vacancy. A large number of
prominent gentlemen were named fol-
the place; but such was the popularity
of Mr.. Groome, that in the caucus he
received so of the 70 votes cast on the
first ballot. In few days after he was
elected governor by the Unanimous vote
OF his party.
During his term of office he maintained
at all times the dignity of his position
and increased his popularity. The ex-
ecutlye mansion at Annapolis was con,
Quoted with true Maryland hospitality
and Governor Groome retired from Office