HAGERSTOWN WASHINGTON COMMISSIONERS MD POLITICIAN BANKER BIKLE DOCUMENTS SIGNED

Here’s a Pair of Official 1880’s Documents Signed by the “OFFICE OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS” OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND <> ONE OF THE DOCUMENTS IS SIGNED BY HAGERSTOWN POLITICO JOHN LUTHER BIKLE (1847 – 1904) LEADING and MOST HIGHLY RESPECTED 19 th CENTURY CITIZEN OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND, BANKER & FINANCIER – CASHIER OF THE HAGERSTOWN BANK, APPOINTED IN 1883, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1870-1880s, ESSENTIAL TO THE BOARD FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE AFFAIRS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, and MANAGING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BELLEVUE ASYLUM DURING HIS TERM OF OFFICE, APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF STREET COMMISSIONERS BY MAYOR KEEDY 1898-1901, MANAGING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HAGERSTOWN ~&~ DEACON OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, and SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 25 YEARS. Bikle was an ardent member of the Republican Party, although only once was he a candidate for an elective office. That was in 1879, when he was nominated for Register of Wills. He was not an aspirant for the nomination and accepted it with reluctance. He was defeated. The documents measure 8 ½” x 14” and are in very fine condition. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES: <> JOHN L. BIKLE DIES AT DANSVILLE, N.Y. Cashier of the Hagerstown Bank Succumbs to General Break Down While Undergoing Treatment at Jackson Health Resort, Aged 57 Years. John L. Bikle , cashier of the Hagerstown Bank, and one of the leading and most highly respected citizens of Washington County, died about 8 o’clock Sunday evening at the Jackson Health Resort, Dansville, N.Y. Death was due to a general breakdown of the system. He had been under treatment at Dansville since the middle of May. Friday evening there was a change for the worse in his condition and he gradually grew weaker. A telegram received in Hagerstown on Sunday stated he was sinking. He slept away. Gathered about his bed at the time were his devoted wife and his two sons, Rev. Charles G. Bikle, of Dansville, and E. Blaine Bikle, of Hagerstown. The latter left Baltimore Saturday evening for Dansville and reached there in time to see his father alive. John L. Bikle was born at Smithsburg, this county, February 21, 1847, being a son of Christian and Barbara Bikle. He received his education in the schools at Smithsburg and afterward taught school. About 1872 he moved to Hagerstown and engaged in the grocery business. While conducting this store, he was appointed a deputy clerk in the office of the county tax collector. He was afterward appointed clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. During his term in office, Bellevue Asylum was built. On January 31, 1883, Mr. Bikle entered the Hagerstown Bank as bookkeeper. From that position he was promoted to teller, and when Edward W. Mealey resigned as cashier to take charge of the finances of the Crawford Bicycle Company Mr. Bikle was made cashier. As a bank official Mr. Bikle was held in the highest esteem, not only by the patrons of the institution with which he was connected, but by all bankers with whom he came in contact. Mr. Bikle was an ardent Republican, although only once was he a candidate for an elective office. That was in 1879, when he was nominated for register of wills. He was not an aspirant for the nomination and accepted it with reluctance. He was defeated. In 1898 he was appointed a member of the Board of Street Commissioners by Mayor Keedy to succeed Daniel W. Reichard. He served out his term of three years with credit to himself and to the city. It was during his term that the city light plant was built. While not one of those who advocated the city spending $65,000 in the erection of a lighting plant when the time came to establish the system Mr. Bikle did his duty unflinchingly. Mr. Bikle was a member of and an officer in St. Johns Lutheran Church, being a deacon at the time of his death. For nearly 25 years he was superintendent of the Sunday School. He took a deep and active interest in church work and gave liberally toward its support. He was also a member of the following fraternal organizations, having filled the highest offices in the local branches of some: Friendship Lodge, A.F and A.M.; Potomac Lodge, I.O.O.F.; Pen-Mar Council, Royal Arcanum; Blue Mountain Ruling, Fraternal Mystic Circle; Washington Lodge, Knights of Honor. Last winter Mr. Bikle’s health began to fail, and at the urgent solicitation of the directors of the bank he took a much-needed rest. After spending several weeks in Baltimore with his daughter, Mrs. Robert V. White, Mr. Bikle returned to Hagerstown feeling much better. The relief, however, was only temporary, and as spring came on it was plain to see that he was not a well man. Again Mr. Bikle was reluctant to take the rest which it was apparent his body needed, and it was only after much persuasion on the part of the bank directors that he agreed to accept the indefinate vacation which they granted him. On May 16 Mr. Bikle, accompanied by Mrs. Bikle, went on a visit to their son, Rev. Charles G. Bikle, who is pastor of the Lutheran church at Dansville, N.Y. A few days later he entered the Jackson Health Resort to undergo a system of treatment. The relief hoped for, however, was not forthcoming. While there were many days when he felt good, he did not regain his strength. On Thursday of last week Rev. Dr. S. W. Owen, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran church, this city, was at Dansville and called to see Mr. Bikle. The latter was not feeling at all well on Thursday, although he spent a very comfortable day the Wednesday before. Recently an ulcerated throat had prevented him from taking proper nourishment. Mr. Bikle was a quiet, unassuming gentleman, who was devoted to his home. He was possessed of superior executive ability and excellent judgment. His thoroughness, coupled with his methodical ways and his energy, made him the successful banker that he was and caused him to be honored and respected by all. Mr. Bikle took a deep interest in the affairs of the city, county, State and nation and was perhaps as well posted on current events as any man in Hagerstown. For years Mr. Bikle had been a member of the executive committee having in charge the arrangements for the Lutheran church reunion at Pen-Mar. He manifested deep interest in these reunions and always worked hard to make them a success. At the last reunion held less than two weeks ago, although unable to be present, he was re-elected a member of the committee. Surviving are his widow, who before marriage was Miss Georgia Riddlemoser, daughter of Dr. William A. Riddlemoser, of Smithsburg, and the following children: Miss Elizabeth G. and E. Blaine, at home; Rev. Charles G., Dansville, N.Y.; John L. Jr., and Mrs. Robert Vinton White, Baltimore. He is also survived by seven brothers and one sister as follows: Rev. Dr. L.A., King’s Mountain, N.C.; Charles, Christian and Miss Barbara A., Hagerstown; Maj. William I., Waynesboro; Ferdinand, Smithsburg; Daniel V., Harrisburg; Rev. Dr. Philip Bikle, dean of Gettysburg College. Of the nine children in the family Mr. Bikle is the first to pass away. The body is expected to arrive in Hagerstown Tuesday morning at 7:30. While not definately known the funeral will probably take place at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from St. John’s Lutheran church. Interment will likely be made at Smithsburg. The news of Mr. Bikle’s death will doubtless be quite a shock to many people, as few persons, aside from his relatives and intimate friends were aware that his condition was serious. The deepest sympathy is extended to his family. Source: The Morning Herald Newspaper, Hagerstown, Maryland, 08 August 1904 <> John L. Bikle , who at the time of his death in 1904, was a deacon in St. John’s, was also cashier of the Hagerstown Bank. Mr. Bikle had won for himself a high reputation as clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, through a number of years, and upon him the Board largely relied for the administration of the affairs of the County. He possessed great business ability, incorruptable honesty and an exceptional faculty for inspiring confidence and making friends. His capacity i dealing with the affairs of Washington County attracted the attention of William T. Hamilton, President of the Bank, and he was engaged as bookkeeper. When Edward W. Mealey resigned the place of cashier, Mr. Bikle succeeded to it. There almost seems to have been some connection between St. John’s Church and the Hagerstown Bank, for another of the elders, George B. Oswald, was for a number of years before he became clerk of the Circuit Court, the book-keeper for the bank. Source: History and Biographical Record of Washington County, Maryland <> John Luther Bikle Sr. Birth 21 Feb 1847, Maryland, USA Death 7 Aug 1904 (aged 57), Dansville, Livingston County, New York Burial Smithsburg Cemetery , Smithsburg, Washington County, Maryland I am a proud member of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC), The Ephemera Society of America, the Manuscript Society and the American Political Items Collectors (APIC) (member name: John Lissandrello). I subscribe to each organizations’ code of ethics and authenticity is guaranteed. ~Providing quality service and historical memorabilia online for over 25 years.~ WE ONLY SELL GENUINE ITEMS, i.e., NO REPRODUCTIONS, FAKES OR COPIES!