James M. Schley

James McCannon Schley
Born	Frederick, Maryland, U.S.
Died	November 15, 1883(1883-11-15) (aged 73) Cumberland, Maryland, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Lawyer, politician, bank president, railroad executive
Years active	1841–1883
Known for	Member of the Maryland House of Delegates; president of Third National Bank (Cumberland); president of Pennsylvania Railroad in Maryland

James McCannon Schley (died November 15, 1883) was a Maryland-based lawyer and politician in the United States. He held office in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Frederick County between 1841 and 1842, and later Allegany County from 1845 to 1846.

Early life

James McCannon Schley was born in Frederick, Maryland to parents Eliza Asbury (née McCannon) and Frederick Augustus Schley, a practicing attorney in western Maryland. His lineage traces back to John Thomas Schley, the builder of Frederick’s earliest residence in 1746. Schley completed his education at Princeton College and subsequently gained admission to the bar after undertaking legal studies in Frederick.

Career

Following his graduation, Schley established his legal practice in Frederick County. Affiliated with the Democratic Party, he served as a delegate for Frederick County in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1841 to 1842. He declined an offer to run for the state senate and relocated to Cumberland in 1843. Subsequently, he represented Allegany County in the House between 1845 and 1846. Governor Enoch Louis Lowe appointed him deputy state's attorney for Allegany County, and in 1855 he was elected state's attorney, a position he held for nine years while again turning down a state senate candidacy. Schley also contributed to municipal governance as a member of Cumberland’s board of commissioners, where he played a role in developing the city's water infrastructure. In 1880, he partnered with J. W. Thomas to form a law firm and made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. Congress.

At the time of his passing, Schley was serving as president of the Third National Bank located in Cumberland and had been leading the Pennsylvania Railroad in Maryland since 1879. His leadership extended to local militia groups such as the Cumberland Guards and Allegany Guards, which took part in the Inauguration of James Buchanan. Additionally, he held the position of president for the Allegany County Jockey Club.

Personal life

Schley was married twice; first to Ellen N. Stull until her death in 1880, then around 1881 to Mrs. Guy Allen. He did not have any children and practiced the Presbyterian faith. Schley died at his residence in Cumberland on November 15, 1883, and was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick.