HENRY A McCOMAS, a well known and highly respected citizen, died at 1 o'clock yesterday morning, at his home on West Washington St., from complications, aged 77 years. Mr. McComas was a pioneer in the insurance business in this section and had a large acquaintanceship throughout the entire state. Four weeks ago he was taken seriously ill and had not been in office since that time.
H.A. McComas was one of a group of men which was prominent in Hagerstown's development and advancement, all of whom with one or two exceptions, have passed from the stage of their activities. He was a man of strong convictions, of positive likes and dislikes, of untiring energy and a successful businessman.
He was a member of a family that for years, exercised a great influence in this community. In his death the last of his name in Washington County, except his widow, is gone.
Mr. McComas was much interested in the development of the Western Maryland Railroad. He also had much to do with the development of Blue Ridge Summit, where he had his summer home. He was an earnest Republican and for many years took part in the activities of his party but did not run for office. He was a most excellent school commissioner and was a member of the board appointed by Governor Brown in 1895 and reappointed by Governor Lowndes, which did so much to advance the schools of the county. He was a great admirer of Col. Theodore Roosevelt and took an active part in his behalf in several campaigns.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland House of Correction and treasurer of that institution he did efficient and valuable service which was commended by the governor an d other members of the board, regardless of political affiliation.
He was active in St. John's Episcopal Church of which he was vestryman and also of the Episcopal Church at Blue Ridge Summit. In the insurance business which was his particular line, he was not only successful but authority in the State an stood high in the confidence of the many companies he represented.
For several years he had been in failing health and had not been at his usual post of duty with his accustomed regularity. In the past few months he had been rapidly failing; however, he maintained, up to the last, his old-time vigor and while sitting in his office and undoubtedly suffering, he was bright and cheerful in conversation with his friends and clear and alert in the handling of their business matters.
His death in a way marks the end of an era in Hagerstown affairs and while his days of usefulness were past he will be missed by many for he was a safe and long-headed ad adviser, basing his conclusions on experience gained through a long and active life.
Mr. McComas was born in Springfield, Ill., November 2, 1842, and was the eldest son of Frederick C. and Catherine Angle McComas. He was six months old when his parents returned to this county and settled on a farm near Williamsport in 1842.
Mr. McComas attended private school and the old Hagerstown Academy. In 1862 he became a clerk in the store of Updegraff A. Aughinbauth in Williamsport. In 1863 the firm removed to Martinsburg and Mr. McComas went with them. He came to Hagerstown in the fall of that year and became a clerk to the store of his uncle, John L. McComas. In 1864 he went to Baltimore and attended a business college. In 1865 he was appointed by Gov. Thomas as assistant grain inspector of the port and held the position until the following year when he engaged in the insurance business. In 1887 he removed to Washington and was engaged in the same business. In 1867 he returned to Hagerstown and established himself in the insurance business, and was actively engaged under the firm name of H.A. McComas & Company until his death.
He was the founder of the Hagerstown Building and Loan Association, a director in the Washington County Manufacturing Association, and connected with the Fair Association for many years. He became vice-president and manager of the Fair in 1886. He was a director of the B & CV Railroad until it was absorbed by the Wabash in 1906. He was a member of Friendship Lodge of Masons, Itiel Chapter R.A.M. and Potomac Lodge of Odd Fellows.
Mr. McComas was married in 1869 to Miss Anna V. Smith of this city, and is survived by his widow and two children, Rev. Dr. Joseph P. McComas, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, NY City; and Frederick C. McComas, of Baltimore. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Emma G. Wallace, of Cambridge, Md.
Mr. McComas was a brother of the late Judge Louis E. McComas, former United States Senator from Maryland.
The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, services at St. John's Episcopal Church; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Messrs. John R. Kieffer, Lewis T. Byron, Harry H. Humrichouse, W. Merrick Huyett, John S. Kausler, O.H.W. Hunter, William E. Foltz and George W. Fechtig.
Source: Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD)
Tuesday, March 11, 1919
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H.A. McComas was one of a group of men which was prominent in Hagerstown's development and advancement, all of whom with one or two exceptions, have passed from the stage of their activities. He was a man of strong convictions, of positive likes and dislikes, of untiring energy and a successful businessman.
He was a member of a family that for years, exercised a great influence in this community. In his death the last of his name in Washington County, except his widow, is gone.
Mr. McComas was much interested in the development of the Western Maryland Railroad. He also had much to do with the development of Blue Ridge Summit, where he had his summer home. He was an earnest Republican and for many years took part in the activities of his party but did not run for office. He was a most excellent school commissioner and was a member of the board appointed by Governor Brown in 1895 and reappointed by Governor Lowndes, which did so much to advance the schools of the county. He was a great admirer of Col. Theodore Roosevelt and took an active part in his behalf in several campaigns.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland House of Correction and treasurer of that institution he did efficient and valuable service which was commended by the governor an d other members of the board, regardless of political affiliation.
He was active in St. John's Episcopal Church of which he was vestryman and also of the Episcopal Church at Blue Ridge Summit. In the insurance business which was his particular line, he was not only successful but authority in the State an stood high in the confidence of the many companies he represented.
For several years he had been in failing health and had not been at his usual post of duty with his accustomed regularity. In the past few months he had been rapidly failing; however, he maintained, up to the last, his old-time vigor and while sitting in his office and undoubtedly suffering, he was bright and cheerful in conversation with his friends and clear and alert in the handling of their business matters.
His death in a way marks the end of an era in Hagerstown affairs and while his days of usefulness were past he will be missed by many for he was a safe and long-headed ad adviser, basing his conclusions on experience gained through a long and active life.
Mr. McComas was born in Springfield, Ill., November 2, 1842, and was the eldest son of Frederick C. and Catherine Angle McComas. He was six months old when his parents returned to this county and settled on a farm near Williamsport in 1842.
Mr. McComas attended private school and the old Hagerstown Academy. In 1862 he became a clerk in the store of Updegraff A. Aughinbauth in Williamsport. In 1863 the firm removed to Martinsburg and Mr. McComas went with them. He came to Hagerstown in the fall of that year and became a clerk to the store of his uncle, John L. McComas. In 1864 he went to Baltimore and attended a business college. In 1865 he was appointed by Gov. Thomas as assistant grain inspector of the port and held the position until the following year when he engaged in the insurance business. In 1887 he removed to Washington and was engaged in the same business. In 1867 he returned to Hagerstown and established himself in the insurance business, and was actively engaged under the firm name of H.A. McComas & Company until his death.
He was the founder of the Hagerstown Building and Loan Association, a director in the Washington County Manufacturing Association, and connected with the Fair Association for many years. He became vice-president and manager of the Fair in 1886. He was a director of the B & CV Railroad until it was absorbed by the Wabash in 1906. He was a member of Friendship Lodge of Masons, Itiel Chapter R.A.M. and Potomac Lodge of Odd Fellows.
Mr. McComas was married in 1869 to Miss Anna V. Smith of this city, and is survived by his widow and two children, Rev. Dr. Joseph P. McComas, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, NY City; and Frederick C. McComas, of Baltimore. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Emma G. Wallace, of Cambridge, Md.
Mr. McComas was a brother of the late Judge Louis E. McComas, former United States Senator from Maryland.
The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, services at St. John's Episcopal Church; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Messrs. John R. Kieffer, Lewis T. Byron, Harry H. Humrichouse, W. Merrick Huyett, John S. Kausler, O.H.W. Hunter, William E. Foltz and George W. Fechtig.
Source: Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD)
Tuesday, March 11, 1919
**************************
HENRY A McCOMAS, a well known and highly respected citizen, died at 1 o'clock yesterday morning, at his home on West Washington St., from complications, aged 77 years. Mr. McComas was a pioneer in the insurance business in this section and had a large acquaintanceship throughout the entire state. Four weeks ago he was taken seriously ill and had not been in office since that time.
H.A. McComas was one of a group of men which was prominent in Hagerstown's development and advancement, all of whom with one or two exceptions, have passed from the stage of their activities. He was a man of strong convictions, of positive likes and dislikes, of untiring energy and a successful businessman.
He was a member of a family that for years, exercised a great influence in this community. In his death the last of his name in Washington County, except his widow, is gone.
Mr. McComas was much interested in the development of the Western Maryland Railroad. He also had much to do with the development of Blue Ridge Summit, where he had his summer home. He was an earnest Republican and for many years took part in the activities of his party but did not run for office. He was a most excellent school commissioner and was a member of the board appointed by Governor Brown in 1895 and reappointed by Governor Lowndes, which did so much to advance the schools of the county. He was a great admirer of Col. Theodore Roosevelt and took an active part in his behalf in several campaigns.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland House of Correction and treasurer of that institution he did efficient and valuable service which was commended by the governor an d other members of the board, regardless of political affiliation.
He was active in St. John's Episcopal Church of which he was vestryman and also of the Episcopal Church at Blue Ridge Summit. In the insurance business which was his particular line, he was not only successful but authority in the State an stood high in the confidence of the many companies he represented.
For several years he had been in failing health and had not been at his usual post of duty with his accustomed regularity. In the past few months he had been rapidly failing; however, he maintained, up to the last, his old-time vigor and while sitting in his office and undoubtedly suffering, he was bright and cheerful in conversation with his friends and clear and alert in the handling of their business matters.
His death in a way marks the end of an era in Hagerstown affairs and while his days of usefulness were past he will be missed by many for he was a safe and long-headed ad adviser, basing his conclusions on experience gained through a long and active life.
Mr. McComas was born in Springfield, Ill., November 2, 1842, and was the eldest son of Frederick C. and Catherine Angle McComas. He was six months old when his parents returned to this county and settled on a farm near Williamsport in 1842.
Mr. McComas attended private school and the old Hagerstown Academy. In 1862 he became a clerk in the store of Updegraff A. Aughinbauth in Williamsport. In 1863 the firm removed to Martinsburg and Mr. McComas went with them. He came to Hagerstown in the fall of that year and became a clerk to the store of his uncle, John L. McComas. In 1864 he went to Baltimore and attended a business college. In 1865 he was appointed by Gov. Thomas as assistant grain inspector of the port and held the position until the following year when he engaged in the insurance business. In 1887 he removed to Washington and was engaged in the same business. In 1867 he returned to Hagerstown and established himself in the insurance business, and was actively engaged under the firm name of H.A. McComas & Company until his death.
He was the founder of the Hagerstown Building and Loan Association, a director in the Washington County Manufacturing Association, and connected with the Fair Association for many years. He became vice-president and manager of the Fair in 1886. He was a director of the B & CV Railroad until it was absorbed by the Wabash in 1906. He was a member of Friendship Lodge of Masons, Itiel Chapter R.A.M. and Potomac Lodge of Odd Fellows.
Mr. McComas was married in 1869 to Miss Anna V. Smith of this city, and is survived by his widow and two children, Rev. Dr. Joseph P. McComas, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, NY City; and Frederick C. McComas, of Baltimore. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Emma G. Wallace, of Cambridge, Md.
Mr. McComas was a brother of the late Judge Louis E. McComas, former United States Senator from Maryland.
The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, services at St. John's Episcopal Church; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Messrs. John R. Kieffer, Lewis T. Byron, Harry H. Humrichouse, W. Merrick Huyett, John S. Kausler, O.H.W. Hunter, William E. Foltz and George W. Fechtig.
Source: Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD)
Tuesday, March 11, 1919
**************************
H.A. McComas was one of a group of men which was prominent in Hagerstown's development and advancement, all of whom with one or two exceptions, have passed from the stage of their activities. He was a man of strong convictions, of positive likes and dislikes, of untiring energy and a successful businessman.
He was a member of a family that for years, exercised a great influence in this community. In his death the last of his name in Washington County, except his widow, is gone.
Mr. McComas was much interested in the development of the Western Maryland Railroad. He also had much to do with the development of Blue Ridge Summit, where he had his summer home. He was an earnest Republican and for many years took part in the activities of his party but did not run for office. He was a most excellent school commissioner and was a member of the board appointed by Governor Brown in 1895 and reappointed by Governor Lowndes, which did so much to advance the schools of the county. He was a great admirer of Col. Theodore Roosevelt and took an active part in his behalf in several campaigns.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland House of Correction and treasurer of that institution he did efficient and valuable service which was commended by the governor an d other members of the board, regardless of political affiliation.
He was active in St. John's Episcopal Church of which he was vestryman and also of the Episcopal Church at Blue Ridge Summit. In the insurance business which was his particular line, he was not only successful but authority in the State an stood high in the confidence of the many companies he represented.
For several years he had been in failing health and had not been at his usual post of duty with his accustomed regularity. In the past few months he had been rapidly failing; however, he maintained, up to the last, his old-time vigor and while sitting in his office and undoubtedly suffering, he was bright and cheerful in conversation with his friends and clear and alert in the handling of their business matters.
His death in a way marks the end of an era in Hagerstown affairs and while his days of usefulness were past he will be missed by many for he was a safe and long-headed ad adviser, basing his conclusions on experience gained through a long and active life.
Mr. McComas was born in Springfield, Ill., November 2, 1842, and was the eldest son of Frederick C. and Catherine Angle McComas. He was six months old when his parents returned to this county and settled on a farm near Williamsport in 1842.
Mr. McComas attended private school and the old Hagerstown Academy. In 1862 he became a clerk in the store of Updegraff A. Aughinbauth in Williamsport. In 1863 the firm removed to Martinsburg and Mr. McComas went with them. He came to Hagerstown in the fall of that year and became a clerk to the store of his uncle, John L. McComas. In 1864 he went to Baltimore and attended a business college. In 1865 he was appointed by Gov. Thomas as assistant grain inspector of the port and held the position until the following year when he engaged in the insurance business. In 1887 he removed to Washington and was engaged in the same business. In 1867 he returned to Hagerstown and established himself in the insurance business, and was actively engaged under the firm name of H.A. McComas & Company until his death.
He was the founder of the Hagerstown Building and Loan Association, a director in the Washington County Manufacturing Association, and connected with the Fair Association for many years. He became vice-president and manager of the Fair in 1886. He was a director of the B & CV Railroad until it was absorbed by the Wabash in 1906. He was a member of Friendship Lodge of Masons, Itiel Chapter R.A.M. and Potomac Lodge of Odd Fellows.
Mr. McComas was married in 1869 to Miss Anna V. Smith of this city, and is survived by his widow and two children, Rev. Dr. Joseph P. McComas, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, NY City; and Frederick C. McComas, of Baltimore. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Emma G. Wallace, of Cambridge, Md.
Mr. McComas was a brother of the late Judge Louis E. McComas, former United States Senator from Maryland.
The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, services at St. John's Episcopal Church; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Messrs. John R. Kieffer, Lewis T. Byron, Harry H. Humrichouse, W. Merrick Huyett, John S. Kausler, O.H.W. Hunter, William E. Foltz and George W. Fechtig.
Source: Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD)
Tuesday, March 11, 1919
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