JAMES BLACK GROOME was born in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland on April 4, 1838. His education was attained at the Tennent School in Pennsylvania. He studied law with his father, was admitted to the bar in 1861, and then established his legal career in Elkton. Groome entered politics in 1867, serving as a delegate to the Maryland Constitutional Convention. He also served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1872 to 1874, and was a presidential elector on the 1872 Horace Greeley (Democratic) ticket. On March 4, 1874 Governor William Pinkney Whyte resigned from office. The Maryland Legislature then elected Groome to fill the unexpired term of Governor Whyte. During his tenure, a revision to the 1867 Maryland Constitution was sanctioned that permitted a change in venue when the question of getting a fair and objective trial was raised. After completing the remainder of Governor Whyte’s term, Groome left office on January 12, 1876. Two years later, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, a position he held six years. He also served as collector of Port of Baltimore from 1886 to 1893. Governor James Black Groome passed away on October 5, 1893, and was buried at the Elkton Presbyterian Cemetery in Elkton, Maryland.
Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.
