CHAPTER XIV
THE BENCH AND BAR OF MARION COUNTY
The Majesty of the Law-The Bench-Traveling the Circuit in the Early Days-The First Terms of Court-Maj. George H. Busby, the First Clerk of the Courts-Indian. Litigation-Judges of the Common Pleas and Circuit Courts-Bar of the Past-Bar of the Present-The Marion County Law Library Association.
THE MAJESTY OF THE LAW.
The law has long been regarded as one of the learned professions. To understand and follow its intricate channels, explain its obscure provisions and maintain its majesty, all the learning and integrity of the best men of the ages are required. Only when the highest scholarship is coupled with integrity and energy do we see the ideal lawyer.
Every principle of civilized life, and therefore of progress, is based upon the majesty of the law. The majesty of the law can only be maintained by the integrity of judge and jury, and the faithfulness of the advocate. Honesty is no more a jewel in any profession than in the law. The widow's mite and the vast estate of the millionaire, the reward of virtue and the punishment of vice, alike depend upon honesty in the execution of the law. Well has the blind goddess of justice been chosen as her symbol.
The reply of justice Gray, of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, to the young lawyer is significant. The young attorney had won the case of his poor client in his home courts, and won it upon its merit. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court of the State, and when the. young lawyer arrived upon the scene he learned that the opposition, with wealth at their command, had employed no less distinguished talent than Hon. Benjamin F. Butler. The young man asked a continuance until his client could get equally as strong counsel. justice Gray, replied: "Young man, go on with your case. If you have justice on your side, you and I can beat all the lawyers in Massachusetts."
THE BENCH.
Under the first constitution of Ohio, the judicial power of the State was vested in a Supreme Court, in courts of Common Pleas for each county, and in justices of the peace. The Supreme Court consisted of three judges, two of whom constituted a quorum. The Common Pleas Court was composed of a president judge for each circuit and not more than three nor less than two associate judges for each county, any, three of whom constituted a quorum. The president judge was an attorney and the associate judges were usually laymen. The Court of Common Pleas, in addition to the functions now exercised by that court, had jurisdiction of all probate and testamentary matters.
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The judges of the Supreme and Common Pleas courts were appointed by joint ballot of both Houses of the General Assembly. and held their offices for the term of seven years. Each court appointed, its own clerk for a term of seven years, who was required to produce a certificate from a majority of the judges of the Supreme Court, that they judged him to be well qualified to execute the duties of the office.
The Supreme Court was required to hold court once a year in each county. The president judge of the Common Pleas Court likewise traveled from county to county in his circuit, holding court. It was the custom of leading lawyers, in those days, to travel over the circuits of the several counties with the judges. Before the days of railroads, their ordinary way of travel was on horseback, and usually each one owned his horse. The court, bar and friends journeyed together and generally put up at the same tavern. These leading and traveling lawyers had many partners, usually one in each county seat, who looked after the local business during the interim and was assisted in the trial of cases by the other, who, by his constant attendance in court, became especially proficient in the trial of cases.
On horseback, with books, briefs and clothing stored in saddle-bags, which were thrown over the backs of the horses, the lawyers in merry parties traveled from court to court over corduroy or mud roads. The legs of the riders were encased from the ankles to far above the knees in leggings of stout cloth, the material of which was soon unrecognizable because encrusted with an inch or more of mud. The way was cheered by story and jest and the woods resounded with laughter and song. One favorite amusement of these lawyers was to bet on the politics of any rider they might see ahead of them in the wools. they would then overtake him and engage in conversation with him thus deciding the wager. As the party neared a town one of them was sent ahead to engage rooms and to order a good meal prepared. The coming of a court to town was an event in those days. In the evening, judges and lawyers gathered around the huge fire-place of the tavern and told stories until a late hour.
The first session of the Common Pleas Court held in Marion was a special term, commencing May 7, 1824, by the associate judges, William Holmes, Jacob Idleman and David H. Beardsley. They selected George H. Busby, temporarily, as clerk, but inasmuch as each had a candidate for the place, in the persons of William M. Holmes, Gideon J. Messenger and George H. Busby, the matter was referred to the voters, with the result that Mr. Busby was chosen and received the appointment.
George H. Busby, commonly known as Major Busby, a title gained from militia service in the War of 1812, was a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. His father emigrated from Ireland near the close of the 18th century. Major Busby came to. Marion County in 1823, the year before its organization. In 1824 he became clerk of the courts, receiving more votes than his two opponents combined. He was clerk continuously from 1824 to 1837 and during the same period, county recorder. The early records of both offices show that he was a trusty and competent official.
Following the trial of Black Bill, Major Busby left the Whig and joined the Democratic party, because of his pronounced proslavery views. The county, which up to that time was Whig, began gradually to change hands, due partly to the influence of such leading men as Major Busby joining the Democracy partly to the strong tide of German and Irish immigration, and partly to the erection of Wyandot and Morrow counties, which took from Marion several strong Whig townships, including the Quaker settlements in the eastern part of the county. Mr. Busby was a determined and constant Democrat. The extent of his determination is shown by a proceeding in the Common Pleas Court. He was indicted by the grand jury soon after the election of Harrison to the presidency in 1840, for assault and battery on one Samuel Sparks, on November 6, 1840 (election day), on testimony sent to the jury by order of the court and the request of the prosecuting attorney. He plead guilty and was fined $32 and costs. He was a small man in stature, of strict integrity and in
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all things was the very soul of honor. He sometimes resented the unguarded remarks of those holding opposing opinions, and then was quick to demand personal satisfaction.
He was a member of the 32nd Congress, 1851-52, defeating Thomas H. Ford for that office. Alexander Stevens, who was a member of the same Congress, used to say of him, that if absent at roll-calls, he always looked to see how Busby voted before registering his own vote. Busby was usually present at all sessions, and in his judgment Stevens placed the greatest confidence. In 1853 he was defeated by William Lawrence for State Senator, in 1854 was defeated by George Snyder for probate judge, and in 1858 was defeated by Louis F. Raichley for county auditor. In 1864 he was defeated for justice of the peace of Marion Township. In 1866 he was elected probate judge, defeating Robert Hopkins for that office. He died in 1869 and rests in Marion Cemetery. Perhaps no citizen of the county has left so large and numerous a body of descendants, who are still influential in this community.
The first regular term of the Common Pleas Court was commenced September 23, 1824, with Hon. Ebenezer Lane, president judge, and all the associate judges, present. Milo D. Pettibone, an attorney from Delaware, Ohio, was appointed prosecutor, for at the time there were no attorneys in the county. The first case on the docket was the "State vs. Eber Baker." The indictment against Mr. Baker, the founder of Marion, charged that he did sell spirituous liquors by less quantities than one quart, to-wit: One pint of whiskey to one David A. Town, to be drank at the place where sold, to-wit, at the house of said Eber Baker, without being duly authorized contrary to the form of statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio." Mr. Baker, when arraigned, plead guilty and was fined $1 and costs.
The first and second civil cases on docket were for slander. During 1825 were altogether 17 cases on the docket. Four of these were for slander, five were appeals from justices' courts, three were for selling spirituous liquors without a license, two for larceny and three for stealing hogs. The latter was a common offense, when a man's property in a wild and razor-backed hog was determined by the particular cut of the ear.
As the Delaware and Wyandot Indian reservations adjoined Marion County on the north, and as Crawford County was for several years attached to Marion County for judicial purposes, some early litigation in this county concerned the Indians. At a special term held September 1, 1825, Half John Frost, alias Donnuho, and General Washington, alias Mendundo, two Wyandot Indians, were arrested by the constable of Salt Rock township on a warrant from John Green, justice of the peace, and brought before the court, charged with an attempt to kill Alexander Frazier at his house in this county, but were dismissed. The law was not always invoked against the poor Indian, but sometimes for his protection, as the following very interesting account will show. Rev. James B. Finley, in 1824, was not only a missionary to the Wyandots at Upper Sandusky, but was sub-agent for the government as well, and did all in his power to protect and educate the Indians. The following notice, which is in the possession of the writer, will give the reader an idea of the possessions of the ordinary Indian, as well as the method pursued to apprehend the guilty party. It reads:
UPPER SANDUSKY, Dec'r 4, 1824.
STOP THE THIEF.
A man past the middle age, bald headed with a sunk place in his skull, on the thirteenth of last month robbed an Indian family of the following articles, to Wit: 2 cotton shirts, I pair leggins, one shroud cloth, 1 fir hat, 2 blankets, one large shawl, one big coat, one ax and one riffle gun. It's supposed that he has made for the head of Mad River. Ten dollars will be given for the thief and the property if so secured that the owner gets the property and the thief so confined as to be brought to justice, or five dollars for either and all reasonable charges paid.
By James B. FINLEY,
Sub-Agent.
P. S. He had on a blanket coat and white pantaloons cloth such as soldiers wear. J. B. F.
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The thief, Thomas Young, with the property in his possession, was apprehended by William McClaud and Charles Fielden and, on April 29, 1825, an indictment was returned against him, to which he plead not guilty. Upon trial at the September term, 1825, he was found guilty by a jury and was sentenced by the court to be "confined in the dungeon of the jail of Marion County for the full term of twenty days, to be fed oil bread and water only and pay a fine of ten dollars and costs. The Indians, from whom the articles were stolen, were named Lynendethty, Standing Stone and Nancy and Elizabeth Wright.
In some instances estates of Wyandot Indians were administered upon in the courts of Marion County. In one such matter in 1826, in the estate of Robert Armstrong, deceased, his widow, Sally Armstrong, was appointed administratrix. Thereupon the lawyer representing her son filed a motion asking that the letters of administration be set aside, because she was an Indian, knew not the meaning of the word nor the duties of the office and received from the United State
government an annuity. The motion was sustained and Sally was saved the trouble of administering on the estate of her deceased husband.
There were usually three terms of these early courts held each year, and all the lawyers, litigants, witnesses and a large and interested body of spectators were in constant attendance.
The president judge, of the Common Pleas district, that included Marion County under the first constitution, were: John Adair McDowell, Columbus, 1823; Ebenezer Lane, Norwalk, 1824 to 1829; David Higgins, Norwalk, 1829 to 1837; Ozias. Bowen, Marion, 1838 to 1851..
The associate judges of the Marion County Common Pleas Court with year of election were: David H. Beardsley, William Holmes and Jacob Idleman, 1824; Enoch B. Merriman, 1825; Alson Norton, 1827; Isaac E. Jones, 1830, Sanford S. Bennett, 1831 ; Thomas J. Anderson, 1834; George Gray, 1837; John Bartram, 1840; Thomas J. Anderson, 1841 ; Samuel Irey, 1844; John Merrill and Thomas J. Anderson, 1848; and Samuel Irey, 1851.
The first session of the Supreme Court in Marion was held August 8, 1825, by President judge Jacob Burnett and Associate judge Charles R. Sherman. The latter was the distinguished and, brilliant father of Senator John Sherman and Gen. William T. Sherman. Other judges of the Supreme Court, ,who, held court in this county, under the first constitution of Ohio, were: Peter Hitchcock, Joshua Collett, John C. Wright, Ebenezer Lane, Reuben Wood, Frederick Grimke, Matthew Birchard and Nathaniel C. Reed.
The constitution of 1851, wrought a radical change in Ohio's judiciary. Under the new constitution, all judicial Officers became elective; the office of associate judge of the Common Pleas Court was abolished; and a Probate Court was established in each county, thus relieving the Common Pleas Court of merely testamentary and administrative matters.
The Supreme Court ceased its wanderings and took up its permanent abode at Columbus. The practice, too, took oil new forms and the long and complex pleadings of the common law gave way to, the shorter and clearer pleadings under the code.
The State was divided into common pleas districts for purposes of election and holding courts. At first Marion County ,was in the Third District, and judges of this sub-division with their places of residences and term of service were; Lawrence W. Hall, Bucyrus, 1852 to 1856; William M. Lawrence, Bellefontaine, 1857 to 1864; Chester R. Mott, Bucyrus, 1864 to 1871; Abner M. Jackson, Bucyrus, 1872 to 1874; Thomas Beer, Bucyrus, 1874 to 1884.
In 1879, the Tenth District was organized, with Hancock, Hardin, Seneca and Wood counties as the First Sub-Division; Crawford, Marion and Wyandot counties as the Second Sub-Division; and Logan and Union counties as the Third Sub-Division. The judges of the Second Sub-Division of the Tenth judicial District, as at present organized, with resi-
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dence and term of service are: Thomas Beer, Bucyrus, 1879 to 1884; Caleb H. Norris, Marion, 1884 to 1897; Allen C. Smalley Upper Sandusky, 1890 to 1900; James C.. Tobias, Bucyrus, 1897 to 1907; Boston G. Young, Marion, 1900 to 1910; Daniel Babst, Crestline, 1907 to 1913.
The Constitution of Ohio was amended October 9, 1883, establishing circuit courts. By the first sub-division of Ohio, into circuits in 1884, the Third judicial Circuit was made to include Mercer, Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Fulton, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Auglaize, Wood Hancock, Hardin, Logan, Union, Seneca, Marion, Wyandot and Crawford counties. By an act of March 21, 1887, the State was redistricted by the General Assembly and the counties of Williams, Fulton and Wood were detached from the Third Judicial Circuit and, became a part of the Sixth judicial Circuit.
The judges of the Third Circuit, with their politics, residence and terms of service are as follows:
Thomas Beer, Dem., Bucyrus, 1885 to 1893.
John J. Moore, Dem., Ottawa, 1885 to 1895.
Henry W. Seney, Dem., Kenton, 1885 to 1896.
James H. Day, Dem., Celina, 1893 to 1905.
James L. Price, Rep., Lima, 1895 to 1901.
John K. Rohn, Tiffin, 1896.
Ebenezer Finley, Dem., Bucyrus, 1896 to 1897.
Caleb H. Norris, Dem., Marion, 1897 to 1909.
William T. Mooney, Dem., St. Marys, 1901 to 1905.
Edward Volrath, Rep., Bucyrus, 1905 to 1906.
Silas E. Hurin, Rep., Findlay, 1905 to1911.
Michael Donnelly, Dem Napoleon, 1906 to 1913.
The practice of the law has kept, pace with the progress of the county, though the lawyer of to-day counts his success in the settlement, instead of the litigation, of cases. As stated, there were but 17 cases on the docket in 1825. In 1856 the number of cases had, increased to 400 and court was held 21 days during the year. Now court is held almost continuously and there were on the civil docket during the last year more than 700 cases.
It will be a matter of some interest to mention two offices that have been continuously occupied by law firms for a long period of time. When the B. & I. Railroad was built in the early '50's, the rooms now occupied by Jacoby & Donithen were built and especially furnished in walnut, with large book cases, for James H. Godman, president of the road. This was about 1852. For 10 years or more the quarters were occupied by the Godman's, then by H. C. Godman and W. Z. Davis, and after 1871 by judge Davis alone. When judge Davis became supreme judge in 1900, Mr. Donithen took possession and the rooms are now occupied by the firm of Jacoby & Donithen. The other offices are over Fahey's Bank. These offices have been occupied for 43 years by the Scofields and the Durfees. In fact, Capt. William E. Scofield and Bradford R. Durfee were law partners, occupying these offices when the war broke out, and fathers and sons have been continuous occupants of them until this day.
BAR OF THE PAST.
The attorneys who practiced before the Common Pleas Court of this county in 1824 and 1825 were I. M. May, Edson Harkness, Milo D. Pettibone, Orris Parrish and Thomas Backus, all non-residents. Milo D. Pettibone was prosecuting attorney in 1824 and Thomas Backus filled the office the following year.
Milo D. Pettibone, the first prosecuting attorney of the county, and one of the first regular practitioners in this county, was a native of Connecticut. He was a graduate of Yale, a good scholar and a trustworthy lawyer. He came to Delaware, Ohio, in 1818, and maintained his high standing at the bar of that
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PAGE 180 PICTURES: CAPT. BRADFORD R. DURFEE, HON. H. T. VAN FLEET, CAPT. WILLIAM E. SCOFIELD, HON. OZIAS BOWEN, HON. JAMES H. GODMAN, HON. JOHN BARTRAM AND MARION PUBLIC LIBRARY.
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place until the time of his death in 1849. He was a large speculator in land, owning at one time an extensive tract of land in Waldo township. In 1831 he laid out the village of Waldo. He was sociable, honest and possessed of exemplary habits. His most decided convictions lead him to advocate the. abolition of slavery, which he looked upon as the most wicked and nefarious institution in the world.
Thomas W. Powell was another Delaware attorney who practiced here in an early day. Born in South Wales in 1797, he came, with his parents, to this country in 1801, was admitted to practice in 1820, and located at Delaware in 1830. He excelled in special pleading and equity, and devoted much time, when not occupied with the law, to history and literature. He built the Mansion House in Delaware, which afterwards became the first home of the Ohio Wesleyan University. In politics he was a Democrat, though never a partisan. He was the father of Hon. Thomas E. Powell, now a resident attorney of Columbus, Ohio.
Charles Sweetser studied law in the office of Thomas W. Powell of Delaware, and began to practice in Delaware in 1832, at the age of twenty-seven. He had only a commonschool education, and though active, industrious and persevering was never able to overcome its defects. he frequently became involved in violent quarrels; even in court. In practice and in politics he was remarkably successful. He regularly attended court in Marion and gained considerable notoriety in his defense of the Virginians in the trouble growing out of the trial of Black Bill. He served in Congress from 1849 to 1853. He was liberal in matters that showed well for himself and was distinguished for the taste and elegance of his equipment. While canvassing for Congress, he kept an elegant carriage and a span of cream-colored horses. In addressing a political gathering, he once said that some of his friends advised that he should, while a Democratic candidate, dispose of his carriage and cream-colored horses; "But," said he, "I will do no such thing, for I think that a good Democrat has as good right to a fine carriage and horses as anybody else." He died in 1864.
Sherman Finch, a graduate of Yale, came to Delaware in 1832, and frequently thereafter appeared in the local courts. He was a fine scholar and a distinguished lawyer.
Andrew Coffinberry. One of the most widely known of those, who, from 1827 to 1840, attended the terms of court here, was Andrew Coffinberry, a native of Virginia, who came with his parents to Ohio in 1806. He was noted for his exquisite neatness of dress, and his refined manners. Because of his resemblance to Count Puffendorf, and his exceeding kindness to the younger and less experienced members of the bar, he obtained the sobriquet of "Good Count Coffinberry," and "Count". Coffinberry is well known where Andrew has never been heard of. His home was at Lima and his circuit extended from Marion to Lake Erie and as far west as the Indiana State line. This circuit he made on horseback and took weeks for its accomplishment.
Other non-resident attorneys of note who have appeared before our local courts and juries are Joseph and Gustavus Swan, John Sherman, Columbus Delano, H. C. Noble, R. P. Ranney, and, in later years,, William McKinley, Durbin Ward and Charles H. Grosvenor.
Charles L. Boalt was the first resident lawyer in Marlon. He began practicing his profession in the local courts in 1826. He was a successful lawyer. About 1838 he removed to Norwalk, Ohio, where he was a leading lawyer until his death. He was the first resident prosecuting attorney, serving in 1826-27. He was succeeded in that office by Joseph R. Swan, author of the celebrated and indispensable "Swan's Treatise." At the May term, 1827, Boalt was indicted by the grand jury on the charge, that "in a certain tavern then and, there kept by one Edward Kennedy, a licensed tavern-keeper, he did then and there unlawfully
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play with one James H. Holmes at a certain with cards commonly denominated brag, not a game of athletic. exercise, contrary to the form of the statue in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio." He was tried to a jury at the May, 1827, term, and acquitted. Thereupon the indictment against Holmes was nolled by the court on the advice of Prosecutor Swan.
Gen. James H. Godman began practicing law in Marion County in 1828, before he was 20 years old. He was born October 19, 1808, in Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia), and came with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1812, and to Franklin County in 1816. He received his education in the private schools of the day, finishing his education at the old Columbus Academy. He read law with judge Orris Parrish, of Columbus, Ohio, who since the organization of Marion County had regularly attended the sessions of the local courts, and who, in 1827, had 28 cases on the local trial docket. This large practice of his preceptor in the Marion County, courts probably induced Mr. Godman to come to Marion soon after he was admitted to the bar in 1828. In November of the same year he married Ann S. Davis, daughter of Benjamin Davis, a tavern-keeper of the village. Mr. Godrrian served as prosecuting attorney in 1833 and 1834, and in 1845 and, 1846; as State Representative in 1839 and 1840; as State Senator in 1840 and 1842; as auditor of the State of Ohio from 1864 to 1872. In 1862 he came within a few votes of being elected to Congress. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he recruited a company and was elected captain. His company became a part of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., of which he was appointed major, then lieutenant-colonel, and finally colonel. He was severely wounded in two places in the right leg while leading his regiment at the battle of Fredericksburg, on December 13, 1862. After the war he was brevetted brigadier-general for distinguished services in the field. He died at Columbus October 4, 1891, and is buried in the Marion Cemetery. It is said that he was of fine personal appearance, a neat dresser, a good mixer and be best jury lawyer at the bar before the Civil War. He enjoyed the confidence of the jury, as perhaps no other practitioner at the local bar ever enjoyed during his day or since.
Ozias Bowen, by many considered the greatest of Marion County's lawyers, was born July 21, 1805, at Augusta, New York. At 18 years of age he came to Ohio, studied law in the office of Gregory Powers, at Canton, and was admitted to the bar September 23, 1828. The same year he came to Marion and began the practice of the law. In 1830 and again in 1835 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Marion County. The Legislature, in 1838, elected him president judge of the Common Pleas Court, which office he held for 14 years. Governor Salmon P. Chase, in 1856, appointed him supreme judge, and the same year he was elected to that high office by the people. In 1860 he was a presidential elector and cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln. In 1861, 30 years after his first election to that office, he was again elected prosecuting attorney. He was undoubtedly the best read lawyer of his day in Central Ohio. This was due partly to his close application and study, and partly to his long service on the bench at a time when the laws of the State were being fundamentally interpreted and construed. With Swan, Ranney and Thurman, he helped to lay the foundations of our jurisprudence and in this service became, like his co-workers, a giant at the bar.
George Rowe read law with James H. Godman and began the practice of the law about 1838. He was the local attorney for the Virginians in the celebrated trial of Black Bill in 1839. He was indicted for assault and for resisting an officer after the trial and was tried to a jury on March 24, 1840, and acquitted. The following year he was elected prosecuting attorney, defeating Elias Spelman, and served one term. He was elected major-general of the 13th, Division of Ohio Militia by the General Assembly of Ohio on January 12, 1843. He was a Democrat, a "good stumper, full of
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anecdote and humor, a large man of singular appearance, especially in respect to his eyes, and was rather uncouth in manner." In 1849 when the gold craze arose, he left Marion, journeyed overland with a company from this place, settled in Marysville, California, acquired riches and more or less distinction in his profession. Subsequently he lost all and died poor.
Almeron Wheat came to Marion from Sandusky in the '30's, and for a time was a partner .of James H. Godman. In 1837 he was elected prosecuting attorney on the Whig ticket, defeating George Rowe. Soon after his term as prosecutor expired, he removed to Indiana, where he succeeded in his profession.
Cooper K. Watson was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, June 18, 1810. He was admitted to the bar in Newark, Ohio, about 1833, went to Delaware in the following year, and came to Marion about 1839. He was appointed prosecuting attorney in August of that year by the court, and at the following October election was defeated for that office by Samuel Kelly. During the time he was prosecutor, he became widely known for his anti-slavery sentiments, his defense of Black Bill and the subsequent contempt proceedings and indictments against the Virginians. He was assisted in these proceedings openly by James H. Godman, and privately by Gustavus Swan, of Columbus, and by Thomas W. Powell of Delaware. Watson was a handsome man, of striking appearance. He was an able lawyer and forceful stump speaker. About 1847 he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where he soon became prominent in his profession. In 1854 he was elected to the 34th Congress as a Whig, from this district, defeating Josiah S. Plants, of Bucyrus. He served one term, in Congress and in 1856 ran on the Republican ticket, for reelection, but was defeated by Lawrence W. Hall, of Bucyrus. Some years afterward he removed to Norwalk and in 1875 was elected common pleas judge in the Fourth District From this time he served continuously on the bench until his death, which occurred May 20, 1880.
Elias G. Spelman began the practice of the law in 1838, and was at the same time recorder of the town of Marion. He was the young leader of the mob that rescued Black Bill in 1839, and it is said that it was he, who on that day, forced the door of the arsenal and seized upon the public arms. He was a determined anti-slavery advocate. In 1841 he was defeated for prosecuting attorney by George Rowe and soon after removed to Kenton, Ohio, where he became prominent in his profession.
Peleg Bunker began the practice of the law in Marion in 1844. Previous to coming to Marlon, he had, while sheriff of Delaware County, studied law. About 1860 he removed to Zanesville, where he died April 3, 1864. He was a fair lawyer, a poor financier, and mistook noise for eloquence. He was an upright, temperate man.
William Fisher, a brother of Dr. T. B. Fisher, practiced in the Marion courts in 1840 and 1841, then removed to Bucyrus, where he was a partner for a short time of judge Scott, and later moved upon a farm in Morrow County, where he died.
William Robbins was twice elected and once defeated for prosecuting attorney. In 1843 he was defeated by John E. Davids for that office, in 1845 he was defeated by James H. Godman; and in 1847 was elected over Godman. He never had a large practice and later moved to Morrow County.
Bradford R. Durfee was one of the leading members of the Marion bar for 20 years before the Civil War. He was born January 20, 1816, in Tiverton, Rhode Island, now Fall River, Massachusetts. He was a descendant of Thomas Durfee, who came from England in 1660. His grandfather, Joseph Durfee, was a colonel in the Revolutionary Army. In 1816 the Durfees came to this State, first residing in Athens County, then in Cleveland. In 1834 young Durfee came to Marion, where he worked for several years in the cabinet and carpenter shops of his brothers, and at nights
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studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1841, and was wont to say that he went from the "bench" to the bar. He was at different times associated with Cooper K. Watson, George Rowe and Ozias Bowen. In the later years of his life he engaged in the banking business with marked success. When the Civil War broke out, he volunteered as a private soldier in the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, December 31, 1861, and soon after became its colonel. He died at Marion, February 20, 1863. He was the father of E. B. Durfee, now in active practice in Marion.
John E. Davids studied law under James H. Godman and was admitted to the bar in 1842. He was an indifferent practitioner, devoting most of his time to the mercantile business. He died February 12, 1889.
John J. Williams was born near Steubenville, Ohio, August 23, 1818. He graduated from Franklin (Ohio) College in September, 1840, and came to Marion in December. That month he opened the Marion Academy, conducted it successfully for one year, studied law with James H. Godrnan and was admitted to the bar in June, 1843. He practiced law with James H. Godman for nine years, with J. F. Hume from 1852 to 1858, and then with Addison Osborne and J. C. Johnston. He was a member of the State Senate for one term (1852-54). On December 18, 1861, he was commissioned major of the 64th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and resigned August 10, 1862. It is said that he was not a "shining success" as a teacher, lawyer or army officer, but at all times a man of dignity. He died in Marion, May 18, 1893.
Noah M. Runyan was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He came to Marion about 1846. In August, 1861, he joined the 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol. Cav., and at the time of his discharge on September 15, 1863, held the rank of major. Returning to Marion, he was elected prosecuting attorney in October, 1863, defeating Ozias Bowen for that office. He was not considered much of a lawyer, but was a shrewd man and it is said was a fine judge of horses, of which he was extremely fond.
E. H., Hull was admitted to the bar in this county; after practicing a few years, he went to Texas, married and settled on a farm.
William Hull, E. H. Hull's cousin, was also admitted to the bar in this county. He became a partner of Peleg Bunker. He was an exceptionally talented and promising young man. In 1850 he became mayor of Marion. A few weeks later he attended the Democratic Congressional Convention at Mount Gilead, that nominated Major Busby for Congress, and immediately upon his return was stricken with cholera at Byerly's Tavern and died.
John F. Hume came to Marion in 1852, without wealth or friends, and went into the office of John J. Williams, who was at the time a member of the State Senate. By his ability and faithfulness he soon established himself in the profession. In 1855 he was elected on the Know Nothing ticket to the Legislature. He removed in 1858 to St. Louis, Missouri, purchased the Missouri Democrat, now the Globe-Democrat, which he edited from 1861 to 1868. He was noted during the period of reconstruction as a clear and able writer. He then became railroad comrnissioner of the State of Missouri. After acquiring a large fortune, he removed to Poughkeepsie, New York, where, by his ability as a financier, he has added to his wealth.
James H. Anderson, a son of Judge Thomas J. Anderson, was born in Marion, March 16, 1833. At the age of 15 he began to clerk in the dry goods store of John E. Davids. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan University from 1848 to 1852, and in 1854 graduated from the Cincinnati Law School. The same year he began the practice of the law in Marion. In the spring of 1855 he was elected mayor of Marion, and in October of the same
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year was elected prosecuting attorney of Marion County, which office he held for one term. He was appointed United States consul to Hamburg by President Lincoln in 1861. He afterwards became a successful lawyer and banker in Columbus, Ohio. He has written "Life and Letters of T. J. Anderson and Wife," a very interesting and, from a local standpoint, valuable biographical and historical work. He is a member of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society and has contributed an interesting sketch on Col. William Crawford to the publications of the society.
John R. Knapp, Jr., was admitted to the bar in Marion about 1855, but never practiced at the local bar. He founded the. Marion Mirror and Bucyrus Forum, was clerk of the courts from 1852 to 1855 and was clerk of the State Senate several years.
Addison Osborne was editor of the Mirror before the war. He was elected prosecuting attorney and began practicing in 1857. He served two terms as prosecutor, continued to practice during the war and died in 1865.
Henry C. Godman, son of James H. Godman, was born June 14, 1832, attended Ohio Wesleyan University and was admitted to practice before the war. He succeeded to his ,father's practice during the Civil War, and for several years was a partner of William Z. Davis. He then removed to Delaware where he practiced his profession for two., or three years. He was a good lawyer, but abandoned his profession and became a shoe manufacturer in Columbus, where he has amassed a large fortune. He is noted for his charity.
John Bartram.The attorneys in the early days of Marion often chose the law for a profession after many hard knocks such as are experienced by the pioneers of a new country. Such was the case with judge John Bartram. Born sixth in a family of 11 children, on a farm near Redding, Fairfield County, Connecticut, June 12, 1804, he attended common schools and labored on a farm until he was apprenticed to a hatter to learn the trade. Ill usage led him to renounce his apprenticeship. He came first to Jackson County, Ohio, and then to Pickaway County, where he taught school. In 1827 he married and landed in Marion with his wife and 75 cents. From his arrival until 1832 he taught school in the winter and ran a brick-yard during the summer. He was elected justice of the peace and held the office till 1841. In 1840 he became an associate judge and at the expiration of his term, in 1847, was admitted to the bar. He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1849, State Representative in 1860 and State Senator in 1870. He was one of Marion's ablest attorneys, practicing his profession until his death November 17, 1879.
John N. Abston was a native of Virginia, came to Logan County, Ohio, in his youth and became a resident of Marion County in 1872. He was admitted to the bar in 1855 and immediately opened a law office in Kenton, Ohio, later becoming prosecuting attorney of Hardin County.
George Diegle, a native of Tully township, Marion County; served as county treasurer from 1868 to 1872, read law under Judge A. M. Jackson, of Bucyrus, and about 1873 was admitted to the bar. He died October 27, 1892.
Capt. William E. Scofield. An eminent student of the trend of the times has declared that forensic eloquence is on the retrograde; that, while there are a few glaring exceptions to the rule, in the main no such flights of eloquence are heard to-day as thrilled bench jury and spectators, alike, two or three decades ago. With all due respect to the members of the Marion County bar of today, those of middle life and over will concede that this contention is not without force. One need not go far for an explanation. Save in all exceptional case - exceptional in that it is of a highly sensational order, or one of interest to a great number of people the Marion attorney of to-day speaks to court, jury. a court official or two,
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three or four attorneys and possibly half a dozen spectators. Such were not the conditions 20 or 30 years ago. The court-room then was the Mecca to which the populace made its way. The attorney of that time spoke to crowded benches, and had the inspiration which such an audience brings. And back in those good old days, perhaps no member of the local bar proved a greater magnet than Capt. William E. Scofield. Born in Muskingum County, October 4, 1834, He graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University and, after studying under Charles Sweetser, of Delaware, was admitted to practice in 1857. At the date of his admission to the bar, Captain Scofield had been a resident of Marion a year, and from that time till July 3, 1883, when, in the prime of life and the zenith of his intellectual powers, he was taken off by death, he was one of the most notable figures of the Marion County bar and prominent in the affairs of the county. Such was his brilliancy as a speaker that his great success as an attorney was often attributed to his oratorical powers alone. But. those who knew him best and were best able to judge him, as a lawyer recognized his force as a speaker as but one of the attributes which made him a power in the courts. They knew him as one who knew the law thoroughly; as one, who, possessing the ability to sway others, never lost himself. He ever had the most minute detail of his cause at his command, and. never for a moment lost sight of the smallest incident contributing to the structure-whether of offense or defense-whicli he was building. Captain Scofield was one of the leading Democrats of the county, held a number of positions of trust, and brilliantly served his country in the War of the Rebellion.
J. C. Johnston came to Marion in 1859. He studied law with Lawrence & West, of Bellefontaine, from 1852 to 1854, and at the same time taught school. In the latter year he was admitted to the bar by Chief Justice John A. Corwin, and began to practice in Van Wert, Ohio. He was mayor of Marion for three terms-1863, 1864 and 1865. His administration as mayor was probably not excelled in the entire history of the village. He enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company B, 136th Reg., Ohio National Guard, but never saw active service at the front. He was, at different times, a partner of John J. Williams, John F. McNeal, Capt. William E. Scofield, C. C. Fisher and Boston G. Young. Mr. Johnston was an original and entertaining speaker and during the period of his active practice took a prominent position among the local legal fraternity.
H. T. Van Fleet.-The history of the Marion bar may be divided into three periods:The pioneers, as it were, whose services preceeded the Civil War; then those whose fame began during the exciting days of that great conflict, and who in the succeeding years of reconstruction molded public opinion; finally, the present bar, most of whose members were born after the war. H. T. Van Fleet was a representative and commanding figure of the second period both at the bar and in the public forum. He was born in Big Island township, Marion County, March 9, 1837, read law with judge John Bartram and was admitted to the bar in 1860. Except for a short period of service in the Union Army, he practiced his profession continuously and successfully until the time of his death, November 26, 1891. In politics he was a Democrat. He served as solicitor of Marion and as prosecuting attorney of the county. His magnetism, and ability as a platform orator caused him to be in demand on the political forum in almost every campaign. As a successful speaker he has probably not been excelled by any of Marion's many able campaigners. In law he usually addressed his remarks to the jury. He had the reputation of winning many cases, considered by those who listened only to. the evidence, as hopeless. His fine knowledge of human nature, coupled with his versatile and ready speech, usually carried theday with a jury.
John F. McNeal was born in Iberia, a village now in Morrow County, but which at the time of his birth, April 28, 1840, was in Ma-
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rion County. His parents, Allen and Nancy McNeal were among the first of Marion County's pioneers. Mr. McNeal, after obtaining an education at the Ohio Central College at Iberia and serving his county throughout the Civil War, began the study of the law with judge Ozias Bowen on April 8, 1865. He was admitted to the bar from Champaign County May 16, 1867, and from that date until a few months before his death which occurred February 22, 1907, continued in active and uninterrupted practice at the Marion bar. Mr. MeNeal was a thorough student of the law, and possessed that even temperament. quick perception and courteous bearing that made him one of the best trial lawyers in Central Ohio. An extended sketch of Mr. McNeal will be found in the biographical portion of this work.
B. F. Stahl was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1838. In 1850 he went to Union County, in 1862 to Delaware County, in 1864 moved to LaRue, and in 1867 took up his residence at Marion he was recorder of Marion County from 1867 to 1873, was admitted to the bar in 1876, and about 10 years later went to Columbus, where he died a few years ago.
J. Q. Codding read law with John F. McNeal, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. From that date until 1880 he was a partner of M. B. Chase. He then became a partner of Stephen A. Court for two years. He is now a resident of Findlay, Ohio.
Stephen A. Court, a native of this county, studied law with John F. McNeal and was admitted to the bar in 1878. He was solicitor of Marion from 1880 to 1884 and prosecuting attorney from 1880 to 1887. Later he went to Toledo, Ohio, and is now in the insurance business, with headquarters at Columbus.
Charles F. Garberson was born in this county in 1851. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1873, studied law with W. Z. Davis and was admitted to the bar in 1876. For a time he was in partnership with William E. Scofield. He remained in active practice in this city until 1905 when he went West. He was of a poetic and literary nature, wrote considerable poetry and was an apt and eloquent speaker.
John A. Wolford, a native of Marion County, was born March 15, 1853. He graduated in the classical course from Hillsdale College, Michigan, and three years later received the degree of Master of Arts from the same college. He studied law with John F. McNeal and was admitted to the bar December 31, 1878. The next day he formed a partnership with his former preceptor, which continued until 1894, when he withdrew from the firm and opened an office of his own. In 1897 he formed a partnership with D. R. Crissinger and so continued in active practice until the time of his death in 1898. He was one of the most successful practitioners at the Marion bar.
Rolla C. Perry read law with Scofield, Durfee & Scofield, was admitted to, the bar and began practice in 1896. The same year he was elected prosecuting attorney of Marion County, and died November 15, 1897.
BAR OF THE PRESENT.
No county in the State of Ohio, with the population of Marion County can at this time boast of the triple honor of a supreme, circuit and common pleas judge in active service. This of itself should be ample proof of the high standing of the local bar. It will not be out of place here to give a brief sketch of the three able jurists who are reflecting honor on the county by their service on the bench.
Judge William Z. Davis was born in Loydsville, Belmont County, Ohio, June 10, 1839. In 1857 his father, Dr. B. W. Davis, came to Caledonia, and in 1859 the son became deputy county clerk of Marion County. At the same time he began reading law with James H. and H. C. Godman, and in 1862 was admitted to the bar. In 1864 James H. Godman, having been elected Auditor of State, Mr. Davis be-
188 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
came a partner of H. C. Godman under the firm name of Godman & Davis, which terminated in 1871, when Mr. Godman removed to Delaware, Ohio. Mr. Davis, after that date, practiced most of the time alone until his elevation to the bench of the Supreme Court of Ohio, in 1900.
Judge Caleb H. Norris was born in Waldo township, September 29, 1849. He graduated from the Cardington High School in 1866 and from the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1869. The same year he was elected prosecuting attorney of Marion County, and held the office for eight consecutive years. In 1884 he was elected common pleas judge, and continued in that position until 1897, when he became circuit judge.
Judge Boston G. Young was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1850. He attended, the Ohio Wesleyan University, read law with William Z. Davis and was admitted to the bar in 1876. The same year he was elected prosecuting attorney and served two terms. He was a member of the Lower House of the 66th, 67th and 68th general assemblies of Ohio. In 1900 he became common pleas judge and in 1904 was reelected to that office. (He was judge in The State of Ohio vs Jerry Sims in 1905)
Samuel H. Bartram, the oldest attorney at the local bar, was born December 22, 1828, at Marion. He graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He has been in continuous and active practice at the bar until a few years ago.
T. C. Bowen was born October 14, 1840, and was admitted to the bar in 1871. He has not practiced law for a number of years, but is actively engaged at present as a surveyor.
M. V. Payne was born in Waldo township in 1833, admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1856, and came to Marion in 1873.
Marcus B. Chase was born in Windham County, Connecticut, June 26, 1849, studied law with John F. McNeal, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He is now in the real estate business.
Charles C. Fisher, son of Dr. T. B. Fisher, was born in Marion June 10, 1855. He graduated from the Marion High School in 1872, and in the classical course from Kenyon College in 1876, read law with John F. McNeal, graduated from the law department of Harvard University in 1878, and was admitted the bar the same year.
William E. Scofield was born in Marion September 3, 1860. graduated from the Marion High School in 1877, read law with his father and was admitted to the bar in 1881. He is the senior member of the law firm of Scofield, Durfee & Scofield. (Attorney in the trail The State of Ohio vs Jerry Sims in 1905)
George D. Copeland was born in Marion December 14, 1860. He was graduated from the Marion High School in 1880, studied law with McNeal & Wolford, attended the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1882. He is now the senior member of the firm of Copeland & Bartram.
E. B. Durfee was born May 25, 1859. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1883, and from the Law Department of Harvard College in 1884. He was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1886. He practiced in Colorado and Illinois and became a member of the law firm of Scofield, Durfee & Scofield in 1894.
Daniel R. Crissinger was born December 10, 1861. He graduated from Buchtel College, Akron, in 1885, and from the Cincinnati Law School in 1886. He is senior member of the firm of Crissinger & Guthery.
George B. Scofield was born July 13, 1862. He read law with his brother, William E. Scofield, was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1888 and is a member of the law firm of Scofield, Durfee & Scofield.
John D. DeGolley was born in Washington
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County, Maryland, May 26, 1855. He read law with Governor Hamilton, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and was admitted to the bar in Ohio in May 1876. He practiced at Galion and Mount Gilead before coming to Marion.
Luther V. Uncapher was born May 21, 1868, read law with Douglass & Douglass of Mansfield, and graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1889. He practiced in Marion for one year and, is now secretary and manager of the Central Ohio Lime & Stone Company.
Grant E. Mouser was born September 11, 1868, at LaRue, Ohio. He graduated from the LaRue public schools, attended the Ohio Normal University, graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1890. He is senior member of the firm of Mouser & Quigley and represents this district in Congress. (Defense attorney in The State of Ohio vs Jerry Sims in 1905)
Fred E. Guthery was born in Bowling Green township, Marion County, January 13, 1868. He graduated from the Ohio, Normal University in 1888, read law with McNeal & Wolford and graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1891. He is a member of the law firm of Crissinger & Guthery. John C. McNally was born in Zanesville, Ohio, February 17, 1866. He received his education in the common schools, read law with Boston G. Young and was admitted to the bar in December, 1891.
George H. Van Fleet was born April 20, 1864, attended Ohio Wesleyan University, read law with his father, H. T. Van Fleet, and with C. C. Fisher, and was admitted to the bar in 1891. He is now managing editor of the Star.
John H. Bartram was born in Marion December 10, 1870, received his education in the Marion High School and at Wooster University, studied law with George D. Copeland and graduated from Cincinnati Law School in the class of 1892.
Harry N. Quigley was born June 27, 1866, graduated from the University of Michigan in 1890 and from the law department of that university in 1891. He began to practice in Marion in 1894. (Defense attorney in The State of Ohio vs Jerry Sims)
H. Edmund Hill was born in Fayette County, Ohio, June 7, 1868, read, law with Judge E. J. Blandin and C. C. Fisher and was admitted to the bar in March, 1892.
Alfred F. McNeal was born December 9, 1869. He attended Cornell University, read law with McNeal & Wolford and was admitted to the bar in December, 1893.
Louis Bertel McNeal was born in Marion, April 28, 1868, was graduated from Cornell University, read law in the office of McNeal & Wolford and was admitted to practice in June, 1894.
Elmer T. Boyd was born July 14, 1862, admitted to the bar in January, 1894, and began practice in Marion January 1, 1905.
Louis E. Myers, born in Bowling Green township, Marion County, October 9, 1875, was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar in June, 1896, He began practice the following October.
Charles H. Conley was born February 1, 1874, was graduated from the Marion High School in 1894, attended Ohio State University and graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1897. He is now a justice of the peace.
Harry J. Nichols was born September 20, 1875, in LaRue, Ohio. He graduated from the Marion High School in 1894, read law with F. E. Guthery and graduated from
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the Cincinnati Law School in 1897.
John Wilbur Jacoby was born in Richland township, Marion County, December 23, 1871. He graduated in the classical course from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1893 and from the Cincinnati Law School in 1897. He is a member of the firm of Jacoby & Donithen.
Hoke W. Donithen was born in Richland township, Marion County, March 13, 1874. He attended Ohio Normal University, read law with Judge Gilbert H. Stewart, of Columbus, and was admitted to the bar in 1898. He is now city solicitor.
John H. Clark was born in Bowling Green township, Marion County, May 19, 1872. He attended the Ohio Northern University and was admitted to the bar in June, 1900. He is now prosecuting attorney.
Harry C. Thompson was born November 19, 1874. He received his education in the Marion High School, read law in the office of Fred E. Guthery and was admitted to the bar in June, 1900. He is now a justice of the peace.
Hayes Thompson was born in Salt Rock, township, Marion County, May 31, 1876. He graduated from the Marion High School in 1895, read law with George D. Copeland and at the Ohio Normal University, and was admifted to the bar in June 1901.
William P. Maloney was born in Prospect township, Marion County, September 2, 1878. received his literary education at the Ohio State University and graduated, from the law department of that university in 1903. The same year he was admitted to the bar.
George T. Geran was born in Warren County, Ohio, October 29, 1878. He graduated from the law department of the university of Michigan in 1903 and in September of that year began, practicing in Marion.
Patrick J. Monahan was born August 10, 1878. He graduated from the Marion High School in the class of 1895, read law in the office of Scofield, Durfee & Scofield, and was admitted to the bar in December, 1903.
Fred L. Carhart was born December 16, 1879. He attended the Ohio Northern University, read law with Copeland & Bartram and was admitted to the bar in December, 1903.
James H. Eyman was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 19, 1872. He graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1903, and began practice in Marion in July of the same year.
French Crow was born May 24, 1876, read law with Crissinger & Guthery and at the Western Reserve Law School, and was a admitted to the bar in June, 1904.
Fred W. Warner was born February 22, 1882, in Union County, Ohio. He attended the law department of the Ohio Northern University, read law in the office of Mouser & Quigley and was admitted to the bar in December, 1904.
Lloyd P. DeGolley was born in Galion, Ohio, September 19, 1879. He read law with his father, John D. DeGolley, and finished his legal education in the law department of the Ohio State University. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1905.
Charles L. Justice was born in Ottawa, Ohio, November 26, 1880. He pursued a literary course at the University of Michigan and graduated in the law department of that university in 1905, and in August of the same year began to, practice in Marion.
John W. Himmiger was born August 1, 1880, in LaRue, Ohio. He attended the University of Tennessee and the law department of Ohio State University and was admitted to the bar in June, 1905.
William K. Harder was born in Cass County, Michigan, December 31, 1869, graduated from the National Law School, Washington, D. C., and was commissioned special legal examiner in the United States Pension Bureau in 1896. He was admitted to practice in Ohio in 1906.
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Burle Hume was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, April 8, 1878. He graduated from the law department of Ohio Northern University in 1902. He began the practice of the law in November, 1906.
T. A. Gruber, who practices at Caledonia, was born in 1874, and was admitted to the bar in 1897.
Edward Maag practices law at Prospect.
THE MARION COUNTY LAW LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Was organized in 1895 for the purposes of acquiring and maintaining a library of law books and kindred matter for the encouragement, culture, advantage, education and use of the bar of Marion County, and for the use of all county officers and the judges of the several courts of the county, free of charge.
The first trustees were John F. McNeal, George D. Copeland, John A. Wolford, William E. Scofield, and D. R. Crissinger. The county furnishes library rooms in the Court House. It has been the policy of the association to place in its library such law books as are not otherwise accessible to the members of the bar from the private libraries of its members.
Perhaps no member of the local bar has been more zealous in the advancement of the library's: interests than E. B. Durfee of the local bar. He has superintended all of the buying of books from the very first, and it is due to his good judgment that the bench and bar now have access to one of the best libraries in the State outside of Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati. The association began with the purchase of the complete publication of the "West Reporter System," and the "West" series of reports have been kept up since its organization, to which have been added the reports of different States, so that at present the library contains the complete reports of every State in the Union. Dating from the beginning of the "West Reporter System," and, by the purchase of original State reports up to the beginning of the "West" system, it contains the complete reports of Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey Law, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania State, Oregon, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, Nebraska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, California, West Virginia and Virginia.
The library also contains the entire reports from the beginning of the government of all United States courts, a set of the "Lawyers Reports Annotated," the "American Decisions," "American Reports," "Ohio Supreme and Circuit Court Reports" and numerous digests.