LEWIS RASE

Lewis Rase, superintendent of the farms of the Maryland Division of The Consolidation Coal Company at Frostburg, has held that position continuously for thirty years, and the magnificent condition of the fine properties under his control are convincing proof of his faithfulness and efficiency as well as evidence of the capable manner in which he has discharged the responsibilities of his trust. He was born and reared on a farm in the Frostburg region of Allegany county, Maryland, being one of the nine children born to Conrad and Sophia Rase, both of whom are now deceased, His parents were natives of Germany, came to the United States prior to the war of the '60s, and passed the remainder of their life in Allegany county, Seven of their children reached maturity, namely: Elizabeth, Lewis, whose name heads this review, Mary, Justice, Henry, Milton, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work and Frederick who is now deceased.

Lewis Rase had the educational advantages offered by the public schools of the neighborhood, and his training was a strictly practical one. He remained on the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age, then he commenced his long connection with The Consolidation Coal Company, beginning as stable boss, and rising to be superintendent of the company's farms, of the Maryland Division as before stated. Throughout the long period he has held this responsible position he has been in trusted with the inspection of feed, and supervision of the livestock of the company, also has had the care of its lumber and sawmill interests in the Georges Creek region. Mr. Rase has found the development of the excellent property in his hands a most interesting work. He has devoted himself unreservedly to the study of its possibilities in the light of local conditions; and what has been accomplished elsewhere, and has followed the trend of scientific farming in his operations, in which he has shown superior judgment. These modern methods, which he has adopted, have resulted in bringing the company's farmlands into the highest state of cultivation, the yield under his management showing the largest crops obtained on any land in Western Maryland. In 1915 the wheat yield was thirty-six bushels per acre on a seventy-acre field, the highest average in the State. In 1920, he won the State prize of $500.00 for the largest yield of wheat per acre in the State, which was 41.4 bushels per acre. Large quantities of oats, red clover, timothy, alfalfa, and potatoes are also produced. He was awarded first prizes on wheat alfalfa, oats and timothy, and first and second prizes on potatoes, at the Cumberland Fair, for 1921, 1922, 1923.

The abundant crops and trim appearance of the farms are the best comment on Mr. Rase's good management that could be offered. He is a member of the Maryland Crop Improvement Association, and of the Western Maryland Seed Potato Growers Association.

Mr. Rase was married to Miss Jeanette Pengelly, of Eckhart, Maryland, October 20, 1887, and two daughters, Golda M., and Edna L., were born of the union. The family are Protestant in religious belief. Although a Republican in his sympathies, Mr. Rase has never cared for office, contenting himself with giving the candidates of his party a loyal support. He holds membership with Frostburg Lodge, No. 470, B. P. O. E., with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with the Heptasophs.

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