Maryland in the American Civil War a majority of the legislature, wished to remain in the Union, but did not want to be involved in a war against their southern neighbors, and sought to prevent a military response by Lincoln to the South's secession. After John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, many citizens began forming local militias, determined to prevent a future slave uprising. The first bloodshed of the Civil War occurred in Maryland. Anxious about the risk of secessionists capturing Washington, D.C., given that the capital was bordered by Virginia, and preparing for war with the South, the federal government requested armed volunteers
A History of the Adjutants General of Maryland Governor Harry W. Nice, 1935. Appointed Maryland secretary of state, 1939–41 by Governor Herbert R. O'Conor. Adjutant general, 1941–45. Member, Frederick County Bar Association. Attorney for the Maryland Industrial Finance Company; Frederick County Beer Dealers' Association. Commander of the Francis Scott Key Post American Legion. Commander of Washington and Lee Chapter, Disabled American Veterans of the World War. President, Frederick Kiwanis Club. Exalted Ruler of Frederick Lodge No. 684, B. P. O. Elks. First vice president of the State Elks Association. President, Catoctin Country Club. Member, Executive Committee, Frederick Cotillion Club. George M. Gelston's tenure as adjutant general of Maryland