User:Qmcleod/sandbox

Marse Callaway was a Republican political leader who was a major influence on the local community of Baltimore. He rose from porter to real estate man, and began politics on a large scale in 1923. To many he was considered a smart politician who helped create equality in many areas for all people. He was a kind man who helped many people achieve goals. For instance, He convinced Theodore Mckeldin that he could win the campaign for mayor of Baltimore after being defeated previously. Callaway directed much of the 1950 campaign for McKeldin, which led to a victory against the incumbent William P. Lane. Callaway would work alongside Baltimore's Republican Governor McKeldin as his chief political aide and would become a good friend. Together they promoted racial justice for citizens. His political stronghold was the Fourth District where he eventually gained statewide recognition as a GOP Leader. Moreover, he taught residents about the importance of the ballot and voting and the influence it had on securing citizenship, and economic security. He spoke of the importance of having colored representatives on all state and municipal issues and became the head of the Maryland Colored Voters League. He was honored at an elaborate affair of over 1500 people at the Bethel AME church located in Baltimore in 1939 for his work. At this affair, he was honored as Citizen No. 1 in community achievement. In addition, Callaway helped organize training that would prepare African Americans to take the civil service hiring test, which was a success. He organized the first "police training school" in 1937. It was through his efforts that Baltimore hired its first colored police officers. Later in his life, Marse faced legal difficulty when he was charged with "8 counts of receiving money under false pretenses and one count of failing to pay a former employee seven weeks wages." Then again, more charges were brought against Callaway and he pleaded guilty through his attorney for 12 cases of” larceny after trust” of funds paid by persons as deposits on pieces of property. Judge Robert France recognizing that Callaway had been “ a respected and outstanding citizen in his own community and the city of Baltimore” and issued a suspended three year sentence and probation. Callaway was also ordered to pay restitution. Shortly after his legal troubles he would continually battle with an illness that would later claim his life.