John S. Biddison
John S. Biddison | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Gardenville, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | July 9, 1921 (aged 48) Overlea, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, judge, bank president, state senator |
| Years active | 1894–1921 |
| Known for | Maryland Senate (1904–1912), president pro tempore of Maryland Senate (1910), judge on the appeals tax court, president of Overlea Bank |
John S. Biddison (February 18, 1873 – July 9, 1921) was a prominent figure in Maryland's political and legal spheres, serving as a lawyer, judge, bank president, and state senator. His tenure in the Maryland Senate spanned from 1904 until 1912.
Early life
Hailing from Gardenville, Maryland, Biddison was the son of Julia (née McCawley) and Thomas C. Biddison. He completed his education through Baltimore County's public school system and attended Sadler's Business College before earning his law degree from the University of Maryland Law School. In 1894, he gained admission to the Baltimore County bar.
Career
Biddison established his legal practice across Baltimore and Baltimore County, initially joining forces with John S. Gontrum. Following Gontrum's passing in 1909, the firm continued under the name Biddison & Gontrum with John B. Gontrum as partner. Among his notable legal work was representing interests in the Friedenwald estate will dispute in Towson. Additionally, he provided legal services to the Baltimore County Commissioners over a four-year period.
As a member of the Democratic Party, Biddison served Baltimore County in the Maryland Senate from 1904 to 1912. During this time, he held the position of president pro tempore in 1910 and led the judiciary committee for three consecutive terms.
In April 1920, he was appointed as a minority judge on the appeals tax court. Beyond his judicial role, Biddison co-founded and presided over the Overlea Bank until his passing and also contributed as a member of its board of visitors.
Personal life
In 1896, Biddison wed Eva Nichols; together they had five children: John S. Jr., Thomas N., Lulu, Stella, and Eve.
Residing in Raspeburg, Maryland, he died on July 9, 1921, after experiencing an attack at Overlea bank. His death occurred at the cashier’s apartment located in Overlea, and he was laid to rest in the family cemetery situated in Gardenville.