John Van Lear McMahon
Encyclopedia
John Van Lear McMahon, lawyer, was born in Maryland
in 1800, received his education equipment at Princeton, studied law and achieved eminence at the Maryland Bar. On account of his oratorical gifts, he wielded an influence of wide extent on the politics as a state legislature. He adapted the old turnpike laws of Maryland to the new condition of affairs caused by the incorporation of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad
, and was for some years its counsel. He is said to have contributed more than any other to the prosperity of the Jackson party in Maryland, but subsequently deserted it on the United States bank question. He took a conspicuous part in the canvass of 1840, and presided at a great ratification meeting, where Henry Clay
, Daniel Webster
, and William C. Preston
made speeches. The failure of his eyesight compelled him to relinquish his profession about 1855, and much of his later life was spent in Ohio. St. John's college, Annapolis, gave him the degree of LL. D. in 1869. He published " An Historical View of Maryland," which is a standard authority on the early history of the province (Baltimore, 1831). He published 'An Historical View of Maryland', a work of very great value dealing with the early colonial days. He died in Cumberland, Md. on June 15, 1871.
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
in 1800, received his education equipment at Princeton, studied law and achieved eminence at the Maryland Bar. On account of his oratorical gifts, he wielded an influence of wide extent on the politics as a state legislature. He adapted the old turnpike laws of Maryland to the new condition of affairs caused by the incorporation of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was one of the oldest railroads in the United States and the first common carrier railroad. It came into being mostly because the city of Baltimore wanted to compete with the newly constructed Erie Canal and another canal being proposed by Pennsylvania, which...
, and was for some years its counsel. He is said to have contributed more than any other to the prosperity of the Jackson party in Maryland, but subsequently deserted it on the United States bank question. He took a conspicuous part in the canvass of 1840, and presided at a great ratification meeting, where Henry Clay
Henry Clay
Henry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives...
, Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster was a leading American statesman and senator from Massachusetts during the period leading up to the Civil War. He first rose to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests...
, and William C. Preston
William C. Preston
William Campbell Preston was a senator from the United States and a member of the Nullifier, and later Whig Parties...
made speeches. The failure of his eyesight compelled him to relinquish his profession about 1855, and much of his later life was spent in Ohio. St. John's college, Annapolis, gave him the degree of LL. D. in 1869. He published " An Historical View of Maryland," which is a standard authority on the early history of the province (Baltimore, 1831). He published 'An Historical View of Maryland', a work of very great value dealing with the early colonial days. He died in Cumberland, Md. on June 15, 1871.