Adjutant General of Maryland facts for kids

The Adjutant General of Maryland is the top military leader for the Maryland National Guard and other state military groups. This important person manages the military department's money and takes care of all state-owned armories (places where military equipment is stored) in Maryland.

History of Maryland's Adjutant General

The role of the Adjutant General in Maryland started in 1792. This was because of a new law from the U.S. Congress. This law wanted all states to have a strong State Militia for national defense.

In October 1794, Maryland appointed its first Adjutant General. The Maryland General Assembly decided this person should be paid. Their salary started at 200 pounds and grew over time.

The Adjutant General's military rank also changed. In 1834, they were a "Colonel of Artillery." By 1864, they became a "Brigadier-General." Finally, in 1867, the rank became "Major-General," which is the rank today.

Meet Maryland's Adjutant Generals

Here are some interesting facts about the people who have served as Maryland's Adjutant General. Many of these stories come from the Maryland State Archives.

Henry Carbery (1794–1807)

Henry Carbery was Maryland's first Adjutant General. He was born in St. Mary's County, Maryland, in 1757. He was a soldier during the American Revolutionary War. He started as a cadet and rose to become a captain. He was even wounded in battle.

After the Revolutionary War, he served in the U.S. Army. He fought against the Miami Indians in 1791. Henry Carbery was appointed Adjutant General on October 6, 1794. He served under several governors. He later became a colonel in the U.S. Infantry during the War of 1812. He passed away in 1822.

Samuel Turbutt Wright (1807–1810)

Samuel T. Wright was the second Adjutant General. He was born in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, in 1749. He was a second lieutenant during the Revolutionary War. He was captured at the battle of Long Island but later exchanged.

After the war, he became a lieutenant-colonel in the Maryland Militia. He was appointed Adjutant General in 1807. He helped prepare Maryland's militia when there were tensions with other countries. He died in 1810.

John Kilty (1810–1811)

John Kilty was the third Adjutant General. He was born in England in 1756. He served as an ensign and then a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. He was part of the Flying Camp and later a dragoon regiment.

After the war, he became a brigadier general in the Maryland Militia. He was appointed Adjutant General in 1810. He also held several government positions. He passed away in 1811.

John Gassaway (1811–1817)

John Gassaway was the fourth Adjutant General. He was born in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in 1754. He was a sergeant in the Revolutionary War. He rose to the rank of captain. He was captured at the Battle of Camden and remained a prisoner until the war ended.

After the war, he continued to serve in the Maryland Militia. He became a lieutenant-colonel. John Gassaway was appointed Adjutant General in 1811. He also served as a register of wills for Anne Arundel County. He died in 1820.

Richard Harwood, of Thomas (1817–1835)

Richard Harwood was the fifth Adjutant General. He was born in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in 1775. He studied at St. John's College in Annapolis. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He served in the Maryland Militia, rising from lieutenant to lieutenant-colonel. Richard Harwood was appointed Adjutant General in 1817. He was also involved in building the county courthouse in Annapolis. He died in 1835.

John Nelson Watkins (1835–1856)

John N. Watkins was the sixth Adjutant General. He was born in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in 1790. He served as a corporal and private in the War of 1812.

He rose through the ranks of the Maryland Militia. He became a brigade inspector. John N. Watkins was appointed Adjutant General in 1835. He also served as a delegate to the legislature and clerk of the Senate. He died in Baltimore.

John Wilmot (1856–1858)

John Wilmot was the seventh Adjutant General. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1778. He served as an ensign in the War of 1812. He fought bravely at the Battle of Bladensburg and the battle of North Point. He was even mentioned for his courage in a military report.

He was promoted to lieutenant and later captain. John Wilmot was appointed Adjutant General in 1850. He also served as a judge. He died in Annapolis in 1858. His funeral was a big event, attended by the governor and state officials.

Nicholas Brewer, of John (1858–1864)

Nicholas Brewer

Nicholas Brewer was the eighth Adjutant General. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1808. He studied law and became a state's attorney. He did not have a military background before this role.

Nicholas Brewer was appointed Adjutant General in 1858. He served during the American Civil War. His main role was to equip and review troops sent to the front lines. He resigned in 1864 and died in 1874.

John Summmerfield Berry (1864–1869)

John S. Berry was the ninth Adjutant General. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1822. He was a successful merchant and manufacturer. He was also a member of the Maryland Legislature and served as speaker of the house.

John S. Berry was appointed Adjutant General in 1864. He helped defend Baltimore when Confederate forces approached. He was re-appointed in 1867 with the rank of major general. He worked hard to create the "Maryland National Guard." He died in 1901.

George Henry Bier (1869–1871)

George H. Bier was the tenth Adjutant General. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1824. He entered the United States Naval Academy and became a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He resigned from the U.S. Navy in 1861.

During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Navy and Army. He participated in naval attacks and commanded blockade-runners. He was captured in 1864. George H. Bier was appointed Adjutant General of Maryland in 1869. He resigned in 1871 and died in 1905.

Charles Henry McBlair (1871–1874)

Charles H. McBlair was the eleventh Adjutant General. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1809. He joined the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1823. He served in the Mexican War and commanded a bomb-barge. He resigned from the U.S. Navy in 1861.

During the Civil War, he served as a commander in the Confederate States Navy. He commanded several ships and was involved in battles at Mobile Bay. He surrendered in 1865. Charles H. McBlair was appointed Adjutant General in 1871. He died in 1890.

Frank A. Bond (1874–1880)

Frank A. Bond was the twelfth Adjutant General. He was born in Harford County, Maryland, in 1838. He formed a company of infantry called the "United Rifles."

During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Army. He fought in the Gettysburg campaign and was wounded and captured. After being exchanged, he continued to serve. After the war, he returned to Maryland and became a colonel in the Maryland National Guard. Frank A. Bond was appointed Adjutant General in 1874.

John Wesley Watkins (1880–1884)

J. Wesley Watkins was the thirteenth Adjutant General. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1807. He became a contractor and builder.

He was very active in the state militia, rising through the ranks. He became a captain and then a lieutenant colonel. He served in the Mexican War. He was appointed brigadier general in 1861. J. Wesley Watkins was appointed Adjutant General in 1880. He died in 1887.

James Howard (1884–1892)

James Howard was the fourteenth Adjutant General. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1832. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the West. He resigned his commission in 1861.

During the Civil War, he joined the Confederate Army. He served as an artillery instructor and later commanded heavy artillery. He was captured near the end of the war. After the war, he served in the Maryland National Guard. James Howard was appointed Adjutant General in 1884.

Henry Kyd Douglas (1892–1896)

Henry Kyd Douglas

Henry Kyd Douglas was the fifteenth Adjutant General. He was born in Shepherdstown, Virginia (now West Virginia), in 1840. He studied law.

He enlisted as a private in the Confederate Army in 1861. He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a captain and then a major. He served on General "Stonewall" Jackson's staff. He was wounded at Gettysburg. After the war, he practiced law. Henry Kyd Douglas was appointed Adjutant General in 1892. He died in 1903.

Lemuel Allison Wilmer (1896–1900)

L. Allison Wilmer was the sixteenth Adjutant General. He was born in Charles County, Maryland, in 1849. He graduated from St. John's College with top honors and became a lawyer.

He enlisted as a private in the Maryland National Guard in 1877. He became a second lieutenant, then a captain, and later a colonel. L. Allison Wilmer was appointed Adjutant General in 1896. He also served as a state's attorney for Charles County.

John Selden Saunders (1900–1904)

John S. Saunders

John S. Saunders was the seventeenth Adjutant General. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1836. He graduated from West Point, the U.S. Military Academy, with honors.

He served in the U.S. Army before the Civil War. During the war, he joined the Confederate Army. He commanded artillery and was in charge of fortifications during the siege of Vicksburg. He was captured but later exchanged. After the war, he joined the Maryland National Guard. John S. Saunders was appointed Adjutant General in 1900. He died in 1904.

Clinton Levering Riggs (1904–1908)

Clinton L. Riggs was the eighteenth Adjutant General. He was born in New York City in 1866. He graduated from Princeton University as a civil engineer.

He joined the Maryland National Guard in 1890. He became a major in the 5th Regiment. He served in the Spanish–American War as a major in the U.S. Volunteer Infantry. Clinton L. Riggs was appointed Adjutant General in 1904.

Henry M. Warfield (1908–1912, 1916–1920)

Henry M. Warfield was born in Baltimore in 1867. He enlisted as a private in the Maryland National Guard in 1885. He rose through the ranks, becoming a second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain, and major. In 1903, he became a colonel.

He was appointed Adjutant General in 1908. He also served as a major in the Spanish–American War. He was re-appointed Adjutant General in 1916. General Warfield was also involved in business and social clubs in Baltimore.

Charles F. Macklin (1912–1916)

Charles F. Macklin

Charles F. Macklin was born in Ft. Sully, South Dakota, in 1871. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy. He served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He joined the Maryland National Guard in 1901. He became commander of the 4th Maryland Infantry. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1909. Macklin was a strong supporter of rifle marksmanship in the Maryland National Guard. He was a captain of a successful Maryland rifle team. Macklin was assigned as Adjutant General in 1912. He retired in 1916 and died in 1945.

Milton A. Reckord (1920–1941, 1945–1965)

Milton Reckord

Milton Atchison Reckord was a very important figure in the history of the National Guard. He was born in Harford County, Maryland, in 1879. He joined the Maryland National Guard in 1901. He quickly rose to command his company as a captain.

In 1916, he commanded a battalion that went to the Mexican border. During World War I, he commanded the 115th Infantry and fought in the Meuse–Argonne offensive. In 1920, he became Maryland's Adjutant General. He also commanded the 29th Infantry Division starting in 1934.

Between the World Wars, Reckord worked to make the National Guard more important for national defense. He helped create a law that made National Guard members both state and federal troops. He served in World War II as a provost marshal in Europe. After the war, he returned as Adjutant General. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1961 and retired in 1966.

Francis Petrott (1941–1945, acting)

Francis Petrott was born in New York City in 1896. He studied at Georgetown and Yale Universities. He served in the U.S. Army from 1917 to 1921. He was promoted to brigadier general during World War II.

He practiced law in Frederick, Maryland. He was appointed Maryland's Secretary of State. Francis Petrott served as the acting Adjutant General from 1941 to 1945. He was also active in many community organizations.

George M. Gelston (1965–1970)

George Gelston

George M. Gelston's time as Adjutant General was very busy. The Maryland National Guard was called to state duty many times. This was to help with serious public disturbances in Maryland. Gelston played a key role in calming situations like the Cambridge riot of 1963 and the Baltimore riot of 1968.

During World War II, Gelston was a pilot. He joined the Maryland National Guard in 1947. He later commanded an anti-aircraft artillery battalion. He became assistant Adjutant General in 1966. An armory in White Oak was named in his honor.

Edwin Warfield III (1970–1979)

Edwin Warfield III

Edwin Warfield III was born in Baltimore in 1924. He lived at the "Oakdale" family estate in Howard County. He served as a P-51 Mustang pilot in the Pacific during World War II. He attended several universities.

He was a member of the General Assembly's House of Delegates for Howard County. He retired as a Commander in the Maryland National Guard. Edwin Warfield III was Adjutant General of Maryland from 1970 to 1980. He also led "The Daily Record," a newspaper founded by his grandfather. He died in 1999.

Warren D. Hodges (1980–1987)

Warren Hodges

Warren D. Hodges was born in Lawrence, Kansas. He played baseball and football at the University of Kansas. He joined the Army in 1942. He served in World War II in France and Germany, where he was wounded. He was later assigned to Japan.

In 1950, he served in Korea as a battalion commander. He also served in Greece and Pakistan. He was a brigade commander in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1972. Warren D. Hodges was named head of the Maryland National Guard by Governor Harry R. Hughes in 1980. He held the position until 1987. He received many military awards, including the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

James F. Fretterd (1987–2002)

James Fretterd

James F. Fretterd served as the Adjutant General of Maryland from 1987 to 2003. He was born in Staten Island, New York, in 1930. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College.

He was involved in many state commissions and task forces. These included groups on military monuments and youth violence prevention. He was also a key leader in the National Guard Bureau. He served as chief of staff for the Maryland Army National Guard. He was also assistant Adjutant General for the Army.

Bruce F. Tuxill (2002–2008)

Bruce Tuxill

Major General Bruce F. Tuxill served as the Adjutant General of Maryland from 2003 to 2008. He was born in Geneva, New York, in 1945. He graduated from Salem College.

He was an officer and pilot in the Maryland National Guard from 1968 to 2000. He flew with the 104th Fighter Squadron. He commanded the 175th Fighter Group. He also served as an assistant to the commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe. He was involved in Maryland's Homeland Security and Anti-Terrorism efforts.

James A. Adkins (2008–2015)

James Adkins

Major General James A. Adkins served as the Adjutant General of Maryland from 2008 to 2015. He was born in Cambridge, Maryland. Before joining the Army, he worked for the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office.

His military career lasted over 30 years. He served in intelligence, infantry, and cavalry roles in the U.S. and other countries. He helped Estonia become a democracy after the Soviet Union fell. He received awards like the Legion of Merit. He also served as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Maryland.

Linda L. Singh (2015–2019)

Linda L. Singh

Major General Linda L. Singh served as the 29th Adjutant General of Maryland from 2015 to 2019. She was born in Frederick, Maryland. She received her commission in 1991.

Her military career spanned over 30 years. She served in many command and staff roles. She had overseas deployments to Kosovo and a combat tour in Afghanistan. Her previous roles included commander of the Maryland Army National Guard. She retired in 2019.

Timothy E. Gowen (2019–present)

Major General Timothy E. Gowen is the 30th and current Adjutant General of Maryland. He was appointed on September 1, 2019.

Images for kids

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  Nicholas Brewer

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  Henry Kyd Douglas

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  John S. Saunders

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  Charles F. Macklin

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  Milton Reckord

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  George Gelston

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  Edwin Warfield III

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  Warren Hodges

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  James F. Fretterd

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  Bruce Tuxill

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  James Adkins

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  Linda L. Singh