Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-09-08
JOHN (. M'COMAS DEAD
MARYLAND PIONEER BREATHES
HIS LAST IN THIS CITY.
Was Loyal to the Government During
Civil War, and Had Many Mar
y row Escapes.

John E. McComas, one of the pioneers OF
the state of Maryland, and an uncle Of SEN
ator McComas of that state, died at the
Columbian University Hospital yesterday,
sfter an illness which had lasted several
years.
During the three weeks preceding his
death Mr. McComas had been confined to
the hospital suffering from heart trouble,
that ailment being the immediate cause OF
his DEATH He was seventy-nine years of
age
The remains will be cremated at Lees
undertaking establishment tomorrow morn
ing at 1890 o'clock. The ashes will be
taken to Hagerstown. Nd, his old home. for
burial at b:3O o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. McComas was the father of DR.. E.
NJ. McComas, a well-known local pharma-
cist. His other children are Dr. T. g. NC
Comas and e. r. McComas Of this city. F.
G. McComas OF Philadelphia and E. M. Nc
Comas of Pendelton, Ore.
The elder McComas was born in Hagers-
town, and after receiving a common school
education N the common schools OF wash
ihgton county, engaged in business at Bal
timore in partnership with his cousin,
George M. McComas. At the outbreak of
the civil var Mr.. McComas returned to
Hagerstown and settled there in the har-
ness business. A number Of raids by the
confederate soldiers there. however, re-
duced his business and made him f1nan-
cially bankrupt.
Mr. McComas was a strong and enthu-
siastic supporter of the federal government
during the civil war, and has always been
a loyal republican. He was deputy col
lector of internal revenue for Washington
county, Maryland, for many years, and
during the stirring times of the rebellion
he had many narrow escapes, both In life
and limb and in the matter Of losing gov
eminent funds. Upon one occasion during
the wa Mr. McComas had large sum of
m q
home. A confederate raid was reported,
end Mr.. McComas proceeded to bury the
geld in his back yard, so that the raiding
soldiers might not get it. He had just sue
ceeded in throwing the last spadeful Of
earth upon the treasure when the soldiers
approached. 1t was saved.
DR.. McComas of this city, in speaking of
his fathers career, spoke of the attempts
or the confederates to purchase supplies OF
his parent. The elder McComas, he said,
had taken large quantities of confederate
money for supplies thus purchased but all
the money eventually proved worthless.
and the loss to his father was complete. The
elder Mr.. McComaS was once captured by
the confederate soldiers He was impris-
oned all night, and in the morning was
summoned by the commanding officer for
trial. When taken before the commandment
the latter recognized Mr. McComas as an
old friend and ordered his release. Mr..
McComas was subsequently escorted to the
northern lines and released.
Mr.. MCComaS afterWard retired from the
deputy collectorship and also from business
His wife died twelve years ago in Hagers-
town, and at the request Of his sons the
eider Mr. McComas gave up his Maryland
nome and lived in Washington
Mr.. >McComas was one of three MARYLAND
brothers, all Of whom looked a great deal
alike. Frederick c. McComas, one of the
proIners. lied about ten years ago: John
McComas. the second brother, is also dead
Louis c. McComas another brother is stilI
living in Hagerstown.