Robert Ranson Lawder (August 17, 1894 – September 3, 1967) was an American politician from Maryland. Lawder served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1924 to 1930. He served as mayor of Havre de Grace from 1939 to 1951. He served as a member of the Maryland Senate from 1953 to 1954.
Robert R. Lawder | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Maryland Senate | |
| In office November 1953 – 1954 | |
| Preceded by | D. Paul McNabb |
| Succeeded by | William S. James |
| Constituency | Harford County |
| Mayor of Havre de Grace, Maryland | |
| In office 1939–1951 | |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates | |
| In office 1924–1930 | |
| Constituency | Harford County |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Ranson Lawder August 17, 1894 Havre de Grace, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | September 3, 1967 (aged 73) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Resting place | Angel Hill Cemetery Havre de Grace, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Helen May Cobourn (m. 1916) |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent |
|
| Alma mater | University of Maryland |
| Occupation | Politician |
Early life
Robert Ranson Lawder was born on August 17, 1894, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to Esther Roxanna (née Moore) and Harry C. Lawder. His father was a postmaster and a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. His mother was the daughter of Captain William Moore and a descendant of John O'Neill.[1][2][3][4] He graduated from Havre de Grace High School and the University of Maryland.[2][4][5]
Career
After graduating college, Lawder worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for two years. He then became a clerk of the United States mail service. Starting in 1919, Lawder worked in the hay and grain business.[4]
Lawder was a Democrat.[6] From 1924 to 1930, Lawder served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County.[3] In 1927, Lawder worked to extend fishing rights on the Chesapeake Bay.[7]
Lawder ran for mayor of Havre de Grace in 1933. He was defeated by incumbent mayor George D. Pennington.[8] From 1931 to 1933, Lawder served as a member of the city council in Havre de Grace. He served again from 1934 to 1936 and served as president of the city council.[4] Lawder defeated Pennington's brother, Robert R. Pennington, in the election for mayor of Havre de Grace in 1939.[9] He served as mayor for six terms until 1951, when he did not seek re-election and was succeeded by Walter McLhinney.[10] During World War II, Lawder served on the rationing board. He also served on the county planning and zoning board.[5]
Lawder was appointed by Governor Theodore McKeldin as a member of the Maryland Senate, representing Harford County, in November 1953, after D. Paul McNabb resigned.[6][11] He then served as a judge in the Harford County court.[2] He served as president of the Columbian Building and Loan Association and as vice president of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Havre de Grace.[5]
Personal life
Lawder married Helen May Cobourn, daughter of Ambrose B. Cobourn, on June 21, 1916.[1][4] They had a son, Robert Cobourn[4][5] He was a member of the Episcopal church.[4]
Lawder died September 3, 1967, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was buried at Angel Hill Cemetery in Havre de Grace.[2][5]
References
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