UNION COUNTY, OHIO - 1883 HISTORY - CHAPTER IX - THE BENCH AND BAR

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CHAPTER IX.

THE BENCH AND BAR OF UNION COUNTY.

THE BENCH.

UNDER the first constitution of Ohio, a President Judge was elected by the Legislature for each Common Pleas District in the State, and in each of the counties of his district three Associate Judges were appointed, who were residents of the county in which they held the office. Beginning with 1820, the year in which Union County was organized, the following were the President and Associate Judges to 1851, when the present Constitution was adopted, and a change made in the courts, which is elsewhere noted:

President Judges-1820. John A. McDowell (died in office in 1823); 1823-24, Gustavus Swan; 1824-27, Ebenezer Lane; 1828-29, Gustavus Swan; 1829-33, Frederick Grimke; 1834-45, Joseph R. Swan (O. Bowen, President Judge of Second Judicial District. presided ever several terms of court at Marysville, at the request of Judge Swan, who was necessarily absent); 1846-51, James L. Torbert.

Associate Judges-1820-21, David Mitchell, William Gabriel, Nicholas Hathaway; 1822-25, David Mitchell, William Gabriel, James Curry; 1825-27, David Mitchell, William Gabriel, Robert Nelson; 1827-29, James Curry, William Gabriel, Robert Nelson; 1829-34, Amos A. Williams, William Gabriel, Robert Nelson; 1834-35, John Porter, Amos A. Williams, Robert Nelson; in 1835, Elizur Abbott and Stephen McLain occupied the office alternately, each appearing twice in the place of Mr. Williams; 1836-39, John Porter, Robert Nelson, James Hill; 1830-40, John Cassil, Nicholas Hathaway, Robert Nelson; 1840-42, John Cassil, Nicholas Hathaway, Silas G. Strong; 1842-46, Christian Myers, Silas G. Strong, James R. Smith; 1846-49, Christian Myers, James R. Smith, Levi Phelps; 1849-51, William W. Woods, James R. Smith, Levi Phelps. Those last named held a special term of court on the 10th of October, 1851, in the absence of the President Judge (Torbert), which was the last term of court held in the county under the old constitution.

John Adair McDowell, the first President Judge of the Common Pleas District, which included the newly formed county of Union, was the son of Samuel and Ann (Irvin) McDowell, and was born near Harrodsburg, Ky., May 26, 1780. He studied law, and in the war of 1812 served with distinction on the staff of Gov. Shelby. November 9, 1809, he married Lucy Todd Starling, youngest daughter of Col. William Starling, and at the solicitation of his brother- in -law, Lucas Sullivant, removed with his wife to Franklinton, Franklin Co., Ohio, late in 1815 or early in 1816, and there became a prominent and successful lawyer. In 1819, he was appointed by the court as Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Franklin. He was a member of the Lower Branch of the Legislature in 1818-19, and in 1820 was elected President Judge of his judicial district. He is remembered as a man of fine personal appearance, was possessed of great natural talent and was popular. He died September 20, 1823, leaving two children.(1) The vacancy on the bench caused by his death was filled by the appointment, by Gov. Morrow, of Gustavus

(1) The daughter of Judge McDowell become the wife of John A. Smith, of Highland County, Ohio, one of the must prominent men in the State.

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Swan, the son of John and Sarah (Mead) Swan, who was born at Peterboro, N. H., July 15, 1787. He studied law at Concord with Samuel Bell, who afterward became Governor, and was admitted to the bar in his native State. He located at Marietta, Ohio, in 1810, in which year he was admitted to the bar of the latter State. In 1811, he settled at Franklinton, then the seat of justice for Franklin County, and began the practice of the law. He soon acquired a high professional reputation, and was employed in all the important cases of the times. The bar at that time had many distinguished members, but Mr. Swan took rank among the foremost. He became thoroughly conversant with the land laws, and as there was more litigation at that day over titles to lands in the Virginia Military District than from any other source, he became especially noted for the part he took in handling affairs which were submitted to his management in that connection. His success was marked. He was a thorough student, a fine speaker, and had great power with a jury. His practice extended through the counties of Franklin, Fayette, Madison, Union, Delaware, Pickaway and Fairfield. In 1812, and again in 1811, be was elected to the Legislature from Franklin County. He was constantly engaged in the practice of his profession until his appointment to the bench in 1823. In pursuance of the resolutions of the General Assembly, passed January 22, 1825, he compiled the land laws for Ohio, including the State laws to 1815-16. He continued in active practice until 1843, but at length became engaged in other branches of business-banking, (1) etc-and remained an industrious citizen until his death, which occurred February 6, 1860. He had been a resident of Columbus since 1815, in which year he removed across the river from his first location in the town of Franklinton. At the period when he was Judge of Common Pleas for this district, it required but little time to transact the business which came before him in that capacity in each county, and Union afforded an exceedingly small share of the work to be done. Judge Swan was succeeded by

Ebenezer Lane, who appears from the records to have held courts in Marysville from 1824 to 1827. His place of residence was at Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, and it was in the light of conveniences for travel then existing in this region a long and tiresome journey for him to come to Union County. He was a man of ability and high character, and a sound jurist, and was greatly respected. His finely and neatly written signature on the old court records at once strikes the beholder with its peculiarity, and his nature-always even and unruffled-seems to stand forth in his sign-manual. Judge Lane ,was elevated to the Supreme Bench of the State, and while occupying a position thereon became noted for the shortness of his opinions. They were given in few words, but explained his position admirably. He was in all respects a model man, and an honor to his district and State. In 1828 and 1829, Judge Gustavus Swan's name again appears as President Judge of the Common Pleas Court of this district, and from 1829 to 1833,

Frederick Grimke, of Chillicothe, held that position, Judge Grimke was a tall, slim, pleasant-looking man, and had a fine legal education. He was distinguished more for his excellent knowledge of the law than for his practical application of it, but was possessed of very good ability in the latter connection. He was subsequently elevated to the Supreme Bench of the State.

Joseph R. Swan, son of Jonathan and Sarah (Rockwell) Swan, was born at Westernville, Oneida Co., N. Y., December 28 , 1802, and came of Scotch Irish ancestry. He received an academic education at Aurora, N. Y., where he began the study of law, which he completed with his uncle, Gustavus Swan, at Columbus, Ohio, where he was admitted to the bar in 1824. He at once

(1) Judge Swan was for many years President of the State Bank of Ohio.

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commenced practice, and soon won an enviable reputation as a learned, honest and safe lawyer. From 1830 to 1834, he was Prosecuting Attorney of Franklin County, and in the latter year was appointed President Judge of Common Pleas in the district composed of We counties of Franklin, Madison, Clark, Champaign, Logan, Union and Delaware. In 1841, he was re-appointed, but resigned the position late in 1845 or early in 1846. By his satisfactory and impartial discharge of the duties of his office be obtained the reputation of being one of the best Judges in the State. After his resignation, he resumed practice in Columbus. In 1854, he was elected Supreme Judge, and his record was brilliant in that position. In 1859, be again resumed the practice of his profession. His pen was wielded to advantage, and numerous volumes compiled and written by him have filled important places in the legal literature of the State. He is still a resident of Columbus, and is the present attorney for the Little Miami Railway Company; he is, therefore, enjoying a vigorous old age. His duties while Common Pleas Judge were hardly to be compared in magnitude with those of this district at the present day. It did not require his full time to attend to all the business on his circuit , while now it occupies the time of one man fully to look after matters in the two counties of Union and Logan. Judge Swan was always a popular, highly respected, honorable gentleman, and is said to have enjoyed the highest reputation of any man who has ever occupied the bench in this district.



James L. Torbert, the last President Judge of the district of which Union County formed a part, was a resident of Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio. He located in that place in 1824, and being a young man of fine classical education, employed his time in teaching school, carrying his pupils through the common English branches and bringing some of them up into the higher branches, both in mathematics and the languages. He taught a number of years; was admitted to the bar, became Prosecuting Attorney of his county; edited the Springfield Republic in 1848, was an ardent Whig in politics. and was President Judge of this Common Pleas district from 1846 to 1851. His last term of court at Marysville was held September 29, 1851. By the provisions of the new constitution, the office was abolished, and Mr. Torbert was subsequently elected Judge of Probate for Clark County. His decisions while on the Common Pleas bench were remarked as able and impartial, although he is remembered as being somewhat over-particular in his administration of affairs.

Benjamin F. Metcalf, the first Judge of Common Pleas for this district under the new Constitution, lived most of the time during his term of office at Lima, Allen County, although his home when elected was at Delphos, on the line between Allen and Van Wert. It is thought he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Sidney, Shelby Co., Ohio, and he is known to have practiced at that point before his election to the bench.. Considering his limited opportunities, he was a good lawyer; that which he lacked in education for his work he made up by his good, strong common sense and shrewdness. He was a man of strict integrity, was socially popular, and was reasonably impartial in his decisions. His reputation was somewhat tarnished by his habits, as was too often the case among the members of the early bar, while even at the present day the appetite for strong drink has too tenacious a hold upon very many men in public positions. Judge Metcalf died at Lima, soon after the war of the rebellion.

William Lawrence, Judge of Common Pleas from 1856 to 1865, and the successor of Judge Metcalf, resided at Bellefontaine, Logan County. He was a well read lawyer, possessed remarkable industry and energy, and was a satisfactory judge. Morally, he was without stain or blemish. He was always

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pleasant and affable, and was popular both with the people and the bar, In the fall of 1864, he was elected to a seat in Congress, and resigned his position upon the bench to enter upon his new round of duties. Near the close of the term of President. Hayes, he was appointed First Comptroller of the United States Treasury, which position he now occupies. Upon the resignation of his judgeship, the vacancy thereby occurring was filled by the election of Jacob S. Conklin, of Sidney, Ohio, who was possessed of good ability, but had not been as long in practice as Judge Lawrence. As a man, he was honest and conscientious. His habits are, to some extent, unfavorably commented upon. He is now located at Sidney, in the practice of his profession. In the fall of 1882, he was a candidate for Congress on the Republican ticket, but was defeated by Benjamin LeFevre. His successor as Judge of Common Pleas was

P. B. Cole, of Marysville, Union County. This gentleman was born at Columbus, Ohio, in .1815, and in 1820 was taken by his father, with the others of the family, to a locality on Mill Creek, in Delaware County, where he continued to reside until 1833. In that year he came to Marysville, and in 1834 entered the office of William C. Lawrence, and began reading law, boarding in the family of his preceptor. He was admitted before the court in banc at Columbus, December 3, 1836, and began practice immediately afterward at. the town which has since been his home. In 1847, he formed a law partnership with George D. Witter, which continued until the death of the latter in 1849. In the same year, he entered into partnership with John B. Coats, the relation thus formed continuing until the latter part of 1851. (1) In 1871, he was elected Judge of Common Pleas, serving five years. Since the expiration of his term, he has resumed active practice, and is to-day the oldest attorney in Union County, anti one of the oldest in the State. Admitted when but twenty-one years of age, his practice has extended through a period of forty-six years, in which many of the brightest lights of the Ohio bar have reached their zenith and been triumphant in their profession, only to be finally gathered to that solemn realm where earthly laws are no longer known. He is still vigorous, and bids fair to enjoy many years of active life. He is the father of three promising attorneys, who honor the profession they have chosen. Judge Cole's decisions were reasonably impartial, and in his official position he commanded the respect of the bar. His vigorous manner of ruling and of delivering decisions at times was a feature of his administration; yet he was not rapid in the formation of opinions. He discharged the duties of his position faithfully and in a worthy manner, and his record is good. He has all his life been a man of strictly temperate habits.



John L. Porter was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 10, 1827, and has been a resident of 'Union County since the spring of 1849. In the same season, he began reading law in the office of Cole & Witter, at Marysville, and finished with Cole & Coats, the last-named gentleman being admitted to the firm in that year (1849) in place of Mr. Witter, deceased. Mr. Porter was admitted to the bar before the last term of the old Supreme Court, which was held at Marysville in June, 1851. judge Joseph R. Swan was his principal examiner, the other members of the committee being Otway Curry, C. W. B. Allison, P. B. Cole and probably one other. He began practice at once at Marysville, entering into partnership about that time with P. B. Cole, and continuing with him for two or three years. He then, for a short time, practiced

(1) In 1850, he was elected to the Legislature, being the last Representative from the district including Union County, under the old constitution, and was reelected in 1851 front Union County alone, under the new constitution. He served also in the State Senate two years, being elected In 1865. In 1844, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, serving two years

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alone, subsequently forming a partnership with J. B. Coats, which was con tinned at intervals until August, 1862, when Mr. Porter enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining until the close of the war, in June, 1865. In 1855 and 1857, he had been elected Prosecuting Attorney for Union County, and was chosen to the same position in 1865, 1867 and 1873, serving altogether ton years, his last nomination and election being almost without his knowledge. in the fall of 1876, he was elected Judge of Common Pleas, and served on the bench until February 12, 1882, when be was succeeded by the present incumbent, who defeated him for the position after a close canvass. After the close of the war he formed a law partnership with Col. A. James Sterling, and this firm was not dissolved until Mr. Porter"s nomination to the Judgeship. Porter & Sterling transacted a very large business in the collection of extra bounties for soldiers, probably more than all other lawyers and agents in the county. Aside from the positions mentioned as having been held by Mr. Porter, he was one year Mayor of Marysville (about 1854), was twice chosen to the Town Council, and was a member for a time of the County Board of School Examiners, resigning the latter office when he enlisted. He is at present actively engaged in the practice of his profession in partnership with his son, Edward W. Porter, under the firm name of Porter & Porter. Judge Porter's record on the bench is excellent. It is said of him that he was rigidly impartial, and made his decisions " according to the law and the evidence, without fear or favor," being very careful to seek the aid of only the best legal authorities.

Judge John A. Price, elected to this position in the fall of 1881, and the present Judge of the third sub-division of the Tenth Judicial District, which includes Union and Logan Counties, was born in Callaway County, Mo., November 9, 1840. His father died two years later, and his mother removed with her family to Logan County, Ohio, where the son has since continued to reside. He received a common school education, read law with Stanton & Allison, a Bellefontaine, and was admitted to the bar in 1862. At the beginning of the rebellion, in 1861, he enlisted in the first company which was raised in Logan County, but was taken sick at Camp Jackson and discharged. January 1, 1864, he was commissioned First Lieutenant in the Fifth United States Colored Troops, and served in the campaigns of that year around Petersburg, Va. He resigned in November, 1864, on account of ill health. While he was in the service he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, and re-elected in 1866 and 1868. He resigned, in 1869, to accept a seat in the Ohio Legislature, to which he had been elected on the Republican ticket.

The gentlemen who have sat upon the bench in Marysville have been mostly men of marked ability, and the district has been fortunate in choosing them. Some of them might have improved somewhat upon certain of their habits, but it is the history of things that all is not perfection. The business which threescore years ago was transacted by the judges in a single day has grown to proportions that would astonish those who then wore the official robes could they awake and look in upon a court of to-day. Very much more knotty points in law are presented, and a multiplicity of questions come before the legal tribunal in the place of the old land litigations which occupied the greater part of the attention of the early courts. The bench and bar of Ohio have numbered among, their members some of the most brilliant and able lawyers of the nation, and it is a well known fact that some of them tried cases in the Union County courts.

THE BAR.

Among those who have practiced at the bar in Union County, are many who never resided within its limits, and of whom but little can he here said. In-



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eluded among them were Gustavus Swan, afterward President Judge of the district, Abraham D. Van Horn, John R. Parish, Moses B. Corwin, Daniel S. Bell, James Cooly, (1) Orris Parish and Jonathan E. Chaplin: these all before there was a settled lawyer in the county of Union Of these, all but Swan, Corwin, Bell and Orris Parish, were appointed at different times Prosecuting Attorney for this county, Vanhorn being the first, in 1820. He lived at London, Madison County, the Messrs. Parish at Columbus, and Cooly, Bell, Corwin and Chaplin at Urbana, Champaign County. Mr. Cooly was one of the earliest lawyers to locate at Urbana, and in July, 1826, was appointed to the Court of Peru, South America, Charge d'Affaires, of the United States. It is. said he was sent down there to "get him out of the way of Joseph Vance," who had political aspirations which he feared Cooly might defeat if allowed to remain at home Mr. Cooly died at Lima, Peru, after a violent bilious attack, on Sunday, April 24, 1828, and his memory is greatly revered at his old home. Benjamin Stanton, a well known and prominent lawyer of Logan County, practiced considerably in Union County.

The first lawyer who came to Union County, with a view of settling, was a man named Barlow, who arrived in Marysville about 1828-30, and boarded for a short time with Silas G. Strong. He soon departed for other fields, and this is all that can be learned of him. It will be the endeavor, in this chapter, to give the various attorneys, as nearly as possible, in the order of their admission to the bar; but as in numerous instances dates can only be approximately given, slight mistakes may occur. In all cases where these dates are not definitely known, reliance is had upon the memory of the oldest legal gentlemen in the county -Judges Cole and Coats, Hon. James W. Robinson and Judge Porter.

The first lawyer who located permanently in Union County, and one who became one of its most prominent citizens, was William C. Lawrence, who was born in Beaver, Beaver Co., Penn., March 2, 1804. He was one of seven children, and when he was quit quite young his father, John Lawrence, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, locating on the State road midway between Marysville and Delaware, in what is now Delaware County. William C. Lawrence lived on his father's farm and attended the country schools of his neighborhood. At the age of seventeen or eighteen years, he entered Washington College, in Pennsylvania, where he received a thorough course, during his last year re. viewing and studying the Greek language. By a judicious disposition of his time while in college, he was enabled to accomplish much more than many of his classmates, and emerge from the school in excellent health and with vigor unimpaired. After being graduated he returned to his home in Ohio, and shortly after, having a desire to see and become acquainted with the South, he set out for that country. He taught a Latin school one year in Alabama, and a mixed school one year in Tennessee, and then pushed on to New Orleans. He remained in the South about four years, and read law while teaching. After his return home, he continued in the pursuit of legal knowledge, and was admitted to practice at Medina, Medina Co., Ohio, about the autumn of 1831. He had, in April, 1831, entered into a matrimonial alliance with Rosanna Piper, of Delaware County. Her father, Robert Piper, had made a location in Union County, but died while on the way there with his goods, after settling his family upon his purchase. In June, 1831, Mr. Lawrence removed with his bride to Marysville, which was then a very small and insignificant village, notwithstanding it was the seat of government for Union County. Rooms were rented for a time in the hotel which is now known as the American House, and which was then but two years of age. Not long after, Mr. Lawrence pur-

(1) This name is spelled elsewhere Cooley.

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chased an acre of ground in the eastern part of town, upon which was a small, unfinished house. This was fitted up by its new owner, and occupied two or three years. The family next moved upon the property at the northwest corner of Main and South streets, now occupied by the family of D. G. Cross.

Mr. Lawrence was possessed of a remarkable memory, and to such an extent did he rely upon it that he never troubled himself about keeping a set of books. All his accounts were "in his head," and as it was never his custom to look after them very closely, the result was that his death destroyed the record, and the family lost probably many thousand dollars, of which the eater part could have been collected, if he had taken the pains to make greater minutes of his dues. He realized the importance of such a step during the last days of his life, but it was then too late. He had an extensive practice during his entire residence in Marysville, and was known as a sharp arid brilliant lawyer. No point in a case that would give him the slightest advantage was ever overlooked, and he often brought discomfiture upon his opponents in a manner even ludicrous. His practice extended over the counties of Union, Hardin. Logan. Franklin, Delaware, Marion and Champaign. From 1833 to 1838, he was Prosecuting Attorney for Union County, and some of the indictments drawn up by him indicate the witty characteristics of the man. Strange as it may seem, many of the offenders who were brought to trial in those days were charged with stealing hogs, said animals being hardly considered domestic, from the fact that they were allowed to run at large the country over, and it was a difficult matter for a man to distinguish his own pork, except when he had it safely in a barrel. When a hog was wanted, it was customary to go out and shoot it; and doubtless numerous persons had not the requisite fear of the law to prevent them from occasionally shooting the wrong hog. A certain citizen, name now forgotten, had been arrested for stealing a hog, and Mr. Lawrence was employed to defend him. Now, the lawyer was fully convinced that the man was guilty, but, as in duty bound, proposed to do all in his power for him and, possibly, he may have been out of pork himself. In conversation with the culprit, he said to him, " Now, I haven't a doubt but you stole that hog-your countenance shows it; but you just divide it exactly in halves, and when it is dark bring one part. to my house-don't let anybody see you-and I will see that you are cleared." The man promised, and faithfully remembered his word, and that night the worthy lawyer's larder was replenished by the half of a fine porker. When the trial came on, which was probably before a Justice of the Peace, Lawrence requested the privilege of testifying. saying he knew something about that hog. Upon being sworn, he remarked, "That man hasn't any more of that hog than I have!" It would have been a preposterous idea to accuse Mr. Lawrence of stealing. and taking him at his word the man was discharged, evidently to enjoy both the joke and the meat. And thus was one of the many "hog cases" settled.

Mr. Lawrence finally concluded that Marysville was not possessed of sufficient enterprise to induce him to remain in it, and he accordingly purchased considerable unimproved property at Kenton, Hardin County, rented a place to live in. and made arrangements to remove to that town. bat immediately upon his return to Marysville he was stricken with typhoid fever, and at his home in the latter place on the 21st of September, 1846, aged forty-two years and six months. He left a widow and three children (sons); the former is yet living at Marysville. The youngest child, an infant but five months of age when its father died, lived but a year after that event, its decease occurring in September 1847. The oldest son. Col. Maecenas C. Lawrence, after winning an honorable record as a soldier and civilian, died in

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December, 1881; the only survivor is Joseph W. Lawrence, now a guard at the Ohio Penitentiary. This sketch of Mr. Lawrence has been drawn to considerable length, on account of his being the first lawyer to settle in the county. He is well remembered by the older citizens.

Augustus Hall, from Mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, was the second lawyer to take up his abode in Marysville, coming in the spring of 1836. He stayed here several years, was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and finally went to Iowa, in which State he was elected to Congress. He is now deceased.

P. B. Cole, a sketch of whom appears among the Common Pleas Judges, was next, and John F. Kinney, who located in the place in the fall of 1836, was admitted at Columbus the following year and began practice here. He removed to West Point, Lee Co., Iowa, was twice elected to the Supreme. Bench of that State, and subsequently became a resident of Utah, of which he was one of the Chief Justices, and from which Territory he was elected as a Delegate to Congress. His home is now at Plattsmouth, Neb., and he formerly had large interests at Lincoln, the capital of that St State. Succeeding him came Otway Curry, who was admitted in 1840, probably at Columbus, and who was one of the finest lawyers and most brilliant writers the young West produced. An extended sketch of him will be found elsewhere. He was for a long time in partnership with C. W. B. Allison.

James E. Wilson found his way to Marysville about 1842, but practiced little while he remained here. He was connected with the local newspaper for a time, and was Deputy Clerk of the Courts. He finally became a Methodist Protestant minister, and removed from the place.



Charles W. B. Allison, recollected as a fine young man and a good lawyer, settled in Marysville at about the same time with Wilson, and was for a long time the law partner of Otway Curry. He enjoyed a large practice; left Marysville about 1850; lived subsequently at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Martinsburg, Va., and died about 1880, at Wheeling, W. Va.

Jackson C. Doughty, who arrived in Marysville in 1844, remained until about 1859, when he removed to Missouri. During the war he was driven out of that State by the rebels, returned to Urbana, Ohio, and practiced with John A. Corwin. He enlisted in the Union army as a private soldier. He is believed to be now living near Mendota, Ill.

Somewhere between 1840 and 1850, Edward Stillings and Hiram Culver read law in Marysville,, the former with W. Lawrence and P. B. Cole, and the latter with Mr. Cole. Both were admitted to the bar. Culver went to Oregon subsequently, and died there, and Stillings is now a resident of Leavenworth, Kan. Both were very capable lawyers. Stillings was admitted in 1846, and Culver about 1845.

George D. Witter read law with P. B. Cole, and was admitted to the bar in 1847. In the same year he formed a partnership with his preceptor, which continued until the death of Mr. Witter in 1849. He was a bright, capable lawyer, and was only twenty-six years of age at the date of his decease.

Ransom C. Clark, who was admitted and began practice in Marysville in 1849, left the place about 1866-67, and removed to Hardin County, Iowa. He was a native of Union County, and was at one time Prosecuting Attorney. The last known of him, he was living in Fayette County, Mo.

John B. Coats is a native of Windham County, Vt. In September, 1842, he made his way westward to Greene County, Ohio, making Xenia his first stopping place. He taught school in that county from 1842 to 1848, and during that period read law at Xenia in the office of John H. Watson, who subsequently removed to Kansas and was elevated to the bench. Watson was a

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nephew of Samuel D. Ingham, who was for several years a member of the cabinet of President Jackson. Mr. Coats was admitted to the bar at Xenia, June 17, 1847, before Judges Hitchcock and Avery of the old Supreme Court. In 1848 he returned to Vermont because of impaired health, and remained there until December, 1849, when he located at Marysville, Union Co.. Ohio. He formed a partnership with P. B. Cole. and began practice at this place. which has since been his home. The firm of Cole and Coats existed until the latter part of 1851, and in 1854 Mr. Coats entered into partnership with John L. Porter, continuing two years. A second partnership was formed between these two gentlemen in 1860. which was dissolved in 1862, when Mr. Porter entered the army, Mr. Coats hold the office of Justice of the Peace for several years, and in 1859 was elected Prosecuting Attorney, which position he filled for six years. He was at different times connected with the press of Marysville, as elsewhere appears, and in 1869 was elected Judge of Probate for Union County, in which capacity he has served the public to the present time. The active practice of Judge Coats has been somewhat limited, and for thirteen years, or during the time he has occupied his present position, he has, as required by law, taken no part in legal matters other than those incumbent upon him as Probate officer. He has held the office longer than any of his predecessors, and the walls of the room he has occupied so long in the old court house will miss his familiar presence when he shall have vacated his present quarters and "moved up into the new," where a much pleasanter place has been set apart to the uses of the office.

Hon. James W. Robinson is a native of Union County, Ohio. He read law with Otway Curry, was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in the spring of 1851, and admitted to the bar by the District Court at London, Madison County, in April of that year. He formed an immediate partnership with his preceptor, Mr. Curry, which relation continued, with the exception of about one year, until the death of the latter in 1855. Engaging in practice alone for a few years, he at length admitted his brother, Col. A. B. Robinson, as a partner, the firm taking the name of Robinson & Robinson. In 1869, Leonidas Piper was admitted as a third partner, and the law firm of Robinsons & Piper ;till exists, it for several years enjoyed a very large business, but of late years this has not pushed so extensively, although it has always been good. J. W. Robinson was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1851, holding the position two years. In 1858, he was chosen to represent Union County in the lower branch of the Legislature, and was reelected in 1860. In 1864, upon the resignation of A. J. Sterling, he was elected to fill the vacancy thus occurring. In 1872, he was elected to Congress, serving two years. He was a candidate for re-election in 1874, but as it was an unfortunate year for the Republicans of Ohio, he was defeated by the Democratic nominee Early F. Poppleton. Since his services in Congress, Mr. Robinson's health has been considerably impaired, and it is owing largely to this reason that he has not been as persistent as formerly in the solicitation of business. He is a gentleman whom to know is to respect, and has acquired a fine property in his practice and various other pursuits.

John L. Porter was the next attorney to begin practice at Marysville, but of him a sketch has already been given in connection with the bench. Horace, Ballou was here at about the same time, and read with Cole & Coats. He removed to Logan County, Ill., where he finally died.

S. Morton Tucker, a native of Vermont, came to Union County, Ohio, when small, with his parents, who settled in Union Township. He read law with Cole & Coats, commencing about the summer of 1850, and was admitted to the bar in 1852. In the fall of the latter year he removed to Lewis, Cass

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Co., Iowa. Afterward lived at Atchison, Kan., from which place he enlisted in the army, although having some years before lost his left hand by the premature discharge of a cannon at a Fourth of July celebration at Bridgeport, Union County, a man named Simpson being badly maimed at the game time. Mr. Tucker served as a Lieutenant during the war, and afterward located at Fort Scott, Kan., where he is now engaged in the practice of his profession.

I. B. Allen located in Marysville in the fall of 1852, and removed about 1855 to Wilmington, Clinton County, near which place he now resides. It is said of him that he was particularly susceptible to, all sorts of practical jokes, and the fact was not slow in finding its way into the minds of his co-laborers in the legal field. An occasion in particular is remembered, when certain of his fellow-practitioners " put him through" a so-called initiation, which so excited the sense of the ludicrous in the mind of Otway Curry, that the last named gentleman was nearly to the point of explosion with an exuberance of mirth. The lawyers "of those days" found time to conjure up the most soul-harrowing and side splitting "initiations " which it was ever the lot of mortal man to undergo; and among the most prominent and respected members of the bar to-day are found many who, were members in good standing of the ancient and honorable orders of thirty or more years ago, whose " spells " wrought terror in the breast of the novice, and afforded the most hilarious amusement to those who were in the secret and were witnesses to the various performances.

"Dem good ole days am past an' gone,"

but the memory of them clings tenaciously to the gray-headed and mature men of the present, whose earlier years teemed with experiences which could scarcely be recorded in the pages of history. These men appreciated fully the sublime, and enjoyed heartily the ridiculous, and it is scarcely an untruth to say that, with all the weight of years and dignity upon them, they can yet indulge in a series of chuckles at the recollection of bygone pleasures.

John D. Vandeman, who was admitted before the Union District Court, August 8, 1853, never resided in Union County. He was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University about 1850. is a resident of Delaware, Ohio, and a member of the law firm of Carper & Vandeman. He has practiced in the courts at Marysville at different occasions,

H J. King, a native of Schuylkill County, Penn., came to Ohio when a child, in 1824, with his parents, the family locating in Pike Township, Madison County, Mr. King began reading law with Samuel Kerr, at London, in 1842, and became a citizen of Union County in 1853. He practiced many years before the lower courts (nisi prius ) before his admission to the bar, which did not occur until 1869, before the Supreme Court at Columbus. He was for three years a member of the firm of Randall, Cameron & King, and afterward was a partner with Andrew Stevenson until 1878, since when he has practiced mostly alone.



Aaron Irwin Gould settled in Marysville probably early in 1854, and practiced about a year in company with Jackson C. Doughty. He removed finally to Iowa, and is believed to have engaged in the newspaper business. He had a most ungovernable temper, and was consequently the butt of many good natured jokes. It is not recollected that in his frenzy he ever swallowed any of his victims, yet he often threatened punishment even more dire. Because of his physical appearance, some one in the town had dubbed him Shanghai, and when Gould heard of it, his rage was terrific. He was in a fever to discover the man who had thus insulted his dignity, and avowed his ability to whip him, whoever he might be. Messrs. Coats and Porter, to whom he ap-

388 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

plied for information, could only surmise the name of the offender, and Gould was about to depart dissatisfied, when Mr. Porter told Mr. Coats to call him back and he would tell him who had thus transcended the bounds of decorum. Gould came in again hastily, and Mr. Porter, with all the gravity of which he was possessed, remarked that " Dave Welch was the; man." " Oh, hell!" said Gould, "I can't lick him; but I'll cut his d--d heart out!" and away he hastened with foul intent. Mr. Coats undertook to get ahead of him and warn Welch, but was too late. It is probable that no man was ever more soundly scored by tongue of lawyer than was poor Welch, who didn't know what it all meant. He was one of the most powerful citizens of the town, physic y, and Gould dared not lay hands on him, and Welch, in relating the experience afterward, said he had not the first idea what Gould was making such a fuse about. Had he been a smaller man, it is possible the information given by Mr. Porter might have caused greater trouble; but it is also probable that had he been smaller the latter would not have made the statement to Gould. It afforded the two legal gentlemen a fine opportunity for a laugh, and they, no doubt, heartily enjoyed it.

C. S. Hamilton, of whom an extended notice will be found in Chapter XIV, of this volume, was admitted to the bar at Cincinnati, in the spring of 1854.

George Lincoln, from the State of Connecticut, settled in Marysville in the spring of 1854, engaging in the practice of law, and in the fall of the same year formed a partnership with C. S. Hamilton. He finally removed from the place, and is now a resident of London, Madison County, and Judge of the Common Pleas Court of that district.

Col. Maecenas C Lawrence, eldest son of William C. Lawrence, was born at Marysville, Ohio, early in 1832. He read law with Judge P. B. Cole, and was admitted at Marysville by the district court, August , 1856. Inheriting the wonderful memory of his father, he became remarkably well posted in the law, and was, besides, possessed of clear perception and sound judgment-the requisites for a successful lawyer. The oldest members of the bar more than once consulted him upon knotty points of the law, and his opinion was always respected, because it was based upon absolute knowledge. He made an excellent military record as an officer in the Thirteenth and One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which latter he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1865 and 1867, he was chosen from Union County to the Ohio House of Representatives, and in 1873 to the Senate. He died at his home in Marysville on the 5th of December, 1881, aged nearly fifty years. The funeral exercises, which were beautiful, solemn and impressive, were conducted by Ransom Reed Post, G. A. R., of Marysville, whose members turned out in force to pay the last tribute of respect to a departed comrade. The members of the bar, also, attended his funeral in a body.

Col. Aaron B. Robinson, a member of the law firm of Robinsons & Piper, studied law with his brother, Hon. James W. Robinson, at Marysville, and afterward attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Law School. He was admitted to the bar at that city in the spring of 1859, having been a classmate of Gen. E. F. Noyes, who has since won honor and fame in the course of a long public career, civil and military. Col. Robinson gained his title in the service of his country during the rebellion, as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was successively Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, having been commissioned Captain, September 12, 1862, to date from the 16th of August, and Colonel May 18, 1865. He was the junior member of the old law firm

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. - 389



of Robinson & Robinson, before Mr. Piper became a member and the name was changed. He does not engage actively in practice, but attends to the mercantile branch of his business, having charge of the well-known "Factory Store" at Marysville. In 1879, Col. Robinson was elected to the lower house of the Ohio Legislature, and again in 1881, being the present member from Union County.

William M. Randall arrived in Marysville in August, 1863, and took charge of the Democratic paper at that time published in the place (see chapter on the Press). A man named Cummings practiced with him for a time, but did not remain long. Randall had subsequently a partner named Clark, and formed also other law partnerships during his residence here. He (Randall) finally removed from the town, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession at Defiance, Ohio.

Hon. Hylas Sabine, although not regularly a practitioner in this county, still deserves mention in this connection, as he was a graduate from the law department of Harvard University in 1863, and can properly be classed among the attorneys who hive been residents of the county, of which he has been a lifelong citizen. As a journalist, real estate dealer and enterprising citizen, he bears an honorable reputation, and is at present, by appointment of Gov. Foster, occupying the position of State Commissioner of Railroads and Telegraphs.

Andrew :Stevenson located in Marysville in 1872 or 1873. He was associated with W. M. Randall for a short time, also with H. J. King and A. H. Kollefrath, and was engaged in practice until about 1880, when he returned to his former residence-Mansfield, Ohio.

N. A. Gilbert became a citizen of Marysville about 1865--66. He had read law in Mahoning County, and had been admitted to practice before coming to Union County. He was a partner with W. M. Randall for a short time, afterward, in 1868-60, with J. B. Coats, and subsequently with D. W. Ayers. He was a good lawyer, industrious and energetic. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, about 1871, and has there gained an enviable reputation and enjoys an extensive practice.

Ulysses D. Cole, eldest son of Judge P. B. Cole, read law with his father and attended law school at Cleveland, Ohio, and at Harvard University. Early in 1866, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus. He was in the Union service about two years daring the rebellion, with the rank of Captain. He practiced about one year in company with his father, and, January 1, 1867, removed to Huntington, Ind. About 1876, he was elected Joint Representative for the counties of Huntington and Wabash, in the Indiana House of Representatives, and was also, for a time, Deputy United States Assessor while a resident of Huntington. He is now a resident of Rushville, Rush Co., Ind.

Col. A. James Sterling was born October 12, 1836, in Harrison County, Ohio, and was brought by his father with the family to Union County in the following year. He was educated at the old Marysville Academy and the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. In 1861, soon after the breaking out of the war, he raised a company, of which he was commissioned Captain, being assigned to the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was severely wounded in the right arm and shoulder at Chickamauga, and was soon after discharged for disability. In 1864, he was elected to the lower house of the Legislature, but resigned his seat in that body as soon as he recovered from his wounds, and re-entered the army. He was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and saw active service during the remainder of the war. He received numerous com-

390 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

pliments from his superior officers for his marked courage and gallantry in the field. Soon after his return from the army (probably about 1866), he was admitted to the bar, and formed a partnership with John L. Porter, which continued until the latter was elected to the bench in 1846. In 1870 and 1872, Col. Sterling was chosen to a seat in the Legislature. During his residence in Marysville, he became the possessor of a fine fortune, but through unfortunate circumstances lost the most of it. He removed to Leadville, Col., about 1878.

Leonidas Piper was born November 22, 1836, in Union Township, Union Co., Ohio. Commencing about May 20, 1865, he read law at Marysville with Col. M. C. Lawrence, and was admitted to practice before the District Court at Delaware, Ohio, June 26. 1867. After his admission, he remained with his preceptor about eighteen months, and on the 15th of March, 1809, he united with the firm of Robinson & Robinson, thus forming the present well-known firm of Robinsons & Piper, the oldest in the county; and perhaps theirs has been the longest continued law partnership ever known in the place. He had been for about two years Superintendent of the Marysville schools, and success fully engaged in teaching elsewhere. In 1869 and 1871, Mr Piper was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney for his county. He wits Secretary of the Union County Agricultural Society from 1867 to 1,874, and has been for several years a member of the County Board of School Examiners. He is the present Clerk of the Marysville School Board, a position he has held eight years; has been a member of said board since 187). The firm to which Mr. Piper belongs has had from one to three students during tiring most of its existence, up to the fall of 1881, and among thorn ware several who have since become prominent members of the profession, now residing at Marysville and elsewhere. The firm has an honorable record, and its days of usefulness are not yet numbered.

J. L. Cameron is a native of Jackson Township, Union Co., Ohio, and subsequent to the close of the war he began reading law in the office of J. W. Robinson. He was admitted by the District Court at Marysville, in August, 1867, and soon after began practice at the same place. In July, 1868, he was admitted to the bar of the United States Court, at Cleveland, Ohio, and in that year or 1869, formed a partnership with W. M. Randall, which continued until 1871. For a short time he practiced alone. and subsequently for a time in company with Joseph M. Kennedy. January 1, 1878, he admitted Thomas B. Benton as a partner; this firm wits dissolved in the fall of 1881, since when Mr. Cameron has practiced alone. He served three years in an Ohio Cavalry regiment during the rebellion.

D. W. Ayers, a native of Pulaski, Lawrence Co., Penn., and a resident of Union County, Ohio, since 1868, read law with James W. Robinson at Marysville, and was admitted before the Supreme Court at Columbus in November, 1870. He has been City Solicitor of Marysville, and in 1875 was elected Prosecuting Attorney, serving two years. In 1871, he formed a partnership with R. L. Woodburn, which continued two years. He had been previously, for a short period, a partner with N. A. Gilbert. In 1876, he entered into partnership with Col. A. J. Sterling, which was dissolved in 1878, Since when he has practiced alone. Mr. Avers has enjoyed a large and active practice, and has been especially busy and very successful with criminal cases. He is a hard worker, a vigorous and earnest speaker, and besides, considerable of a politician, always taking great interest in the campaigns. He has a good reputation as a stump speaker, and is known throughout Union County, enjoying also a wide acquaintance in the surrounding region. He enlisted, during the war, from Pennsylvania, although quite young, and was with Sheridan during his term of service; wits present with the army at the surrender of Lee.

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. - 391

R. L. Woodburn is a native, "to the manor born; " his birthplace being in Jerome Township, Union Co., Ohio. August 10, 1869, he commenced the study of law in the office of Robinsons & Piper, at Marysville, and was admitted by the District Court at the same place, August 11, 1871. He at once formed a partnership with D. W. Ayers, and began practice at Marysville, where he is still located. This partnership continued two years, since when he has enjoyed a fine practice individually. In 1877 and 1879, he was chosen Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Union, serving four years in that capacity. From 1873 (1) until 1878 , he was Secretary of the County Agricultural Society. Since 1872, he has served as Clerk of the County Board of School Examiners.

Joseph M. Kennedy, a native of Madison County, Ohio, first read law in 1858, with Harrison & McCloud, of London. Upon application, he was admitted by the Union District Court, at Marysville, August 11, 1871. He had opened an office at this place in the previous May and for one and a half years was a partner with H. J. King, subsequently three years with J. L. Cameron. After practicing alone for a time, he formed a second partnership with Mr. King, which continued as long as the first one. Since its dissolution, he has been alone in practice. In 1858, Mr. Kennedy was elected Justice of the Peace in Monroe Township, Madison County, serving three years, In 1864, having removed to Pike Township, he was elected to a similar position, also holding one term. In the spring of 1871, he removed to Marysville, of which town he was elected Mayor in the spring of 1872, serving two years, and hold. ing that office during the exciting events of the temperance crusade.

A. T. Carpenter is a native of Delaware County, Ohio. In 1870, he located at Marysville, and during that and the following years read law in the office of Porter & Sterling. He was admitted in December, 1871, by the Supreme Court at Columbus, and immediately opened an office at Marysville, which has since been his place of residence. For two or three years he was a partner with W. D. Pudney, and subsequently with John M. Brodrick, the latter firm being dissolved upon Mr. Brodrick's election to his present position as Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Carpenter is now engaged in practice alone, and enjoys a good business. In 1872-73, he was First Assistant Journal Clerk in the Ohio House of Representatives.



James B. Cole, son of Judge P. B. Cole, was graduated in 1866 from the United Stater, Military Academy at West Point, and served five years on the Texas frontier, in Company C, of the Fourth United States Cavalry, holding the rank of First Lieutenant when discharged at the expiration of his term of service in 1871. His last duty took him to the City of Mexico, on special detail from the Secretary of War. he read law with his father, and in February, 1872, was admitted at Columbus by the Supreme Court, since when he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Marysville.

Walstine D. Pudney was admitted at Marysville by the Union District Court, August 27, 1872, and practiced here for a time in company with A. T. Carpenter. He is now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a native of Chenango County, N. Y.

A. H. Kollefrath came to Marysville about 1872, where he has since been engaged in practice. He is of German parentage, and had lived previously in Springfield.

William B. Hamilton, youngest son of Hon. C. S. Hamilton, read with Col. M. C. Lawrence, was admitted to the bar, and practiced for a time at Marysville. He is now a resident of London, -Madison Co., Ohio.

(1) See sketch of L. Piper, ante. Mr. Woodburn was elected to the position in 1873, and entered upon its duties January 1, 1874.

392 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

F. T. Arthur, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a resident of Union County since about 1867, read law while Clerk of the Courts of said last named county (between 1869 and 1875), and was admitted by the Supreme Court at Columbus, in January, 1874. He has never practiced, and is now engaged in mercantile business in Marysville.

Charles W. Fairbanks, a native of Union County, Ohio, was admitted in 1874 by the Supreme Court at Columbus, and immediately after was appointed Attorney in Chief of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railway, with headquarters at Indianapolis, Ind. This position he still holds, and since his appointment thereto has gained both distinction and wealth.

George O. Hamilton, born in Union County, Ohio, and son of Dr. I. N. Hamilton, was admitted to the bar at Columbus in 1874, and practiced for some time at Marysville with Col. M. C. Lawrence. In the fall of 1880, he formed a partnership at Columbus with W. O. Henderson, but soon after relinquished practice on account of ill health. He died at Marysville, September 1, 1882.

T. B. Fulton, of the firm of Powell, Fulton & Hoskins, is a native of Homer, Licking Co., Ohio. He read law with Gen. George W. Morgan, at Mount Vernon, Knox County, and was admitted at Lima, Allen County, by the District Court, April 5, 1875. At once entering into partnership with his preceptor, at Mount Vernon, he practiced there about six months, when he removed to Newark, Licking County, and formed a partnership with Joel M. Dennis. About six months later he went to Illinois (spring of 1876), and on his return a few months afterward (August of same year) he opened an office at Newark and practiced alone until March or April, 1879, when he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Licking County Courts, performing all the duties of the office. In July, 1880, he removed to Marysville, and formed a partnership with Thomas E. Powell, of Delaware, who has not changed his residence from the latter place. This partnership still exists, Emery L. Hos. king having been admitted as a member of the firm July 1, 1882.

J. M. Brodrick, the present Prosecuting Attorney for Union County, is a native of Allen Township, in this county, and began studying law with Porter & Sterling, at Marysville, January 17, 1874. September 6, 1875, he was admitted by the District Court at this place. Being somewhat broken in health from hard study and overwork, he did not begin practice at once, but taught school for a short time and recruited on the home farm. November 14, 1876, he began practice in the office he now occupies, over the Farmers' Bank at Marysville. From February 15, 1879, until November 15, 1881, he was a partner with A. T. Carpenter, the relation being dissolved at the latter date to enable Mr. Brodrick to attend to the duties of his present office, to which he had been elected in the previous month of October. Mr. Brodrick was Clerk of the Corporation of Marysville for four years. He read at the same time and in the same office with



Thomas B. Benton, now of Marysville, and the two were admitted together. After their admission they began practice together, forming a partner. ship which continued until January 1, 1878. Mr. Benton is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and the partnership between him and Mr. Brodrick began November 14, 1876. Upon its dissolution, the former on the same day became a partner with J. L. Cameron, so continuing until May 6, 1882, since when be (Benton) has practiced alone. He is a second cousin of the renowned Thomas H. Benton.

Charles B. Newsom, the only colored man ever admitted to the bar in Union County, studied with P. R. Kerr, at Richwood, and was admitted before the District Court, at 11arysville, September 6, 1875. His trade was that of a barber, and he is remembered as a thorough master of that business. From

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. - 393

Marysville he went to North Lewisburg, Champaign County, and there practiced his dual professions, with marked success at least in one. He finally went to Tennessee as agent of a mutual aid association, and is believed to be now practicing in that State.

J. H. Kinkade was born at Marysville in 1853. He began reading law in the office of Robinsons & Piper in 1873, and was admitted to practice by the Union District Court September 7, 1875. After remaining a short time in the office where he had studied, he finally began practice by himself in his native town, and in the spring of 1882 was elected Mayor thereof, being at the same time commissioned Justice of the Peace, which positions he now holds.

Edward E. Cole, one of the three sons of Judge P. B. Cole who are practicing in their native place-Marysville-read law with his father, and was admitted to the bar by the District Court for Union County March 14, 1876, since when he has been an active practitioner in this place, From 1879 to 1882 he hold the position of Justice of the Peace.

A. H. Beightler, a native of Paris Township, Union Co., Ohio, read law with R. L. Woodburn, beginning in 1874, and was admitted before the District Court at Urbana, Champaign County, April 20, 1877. He engaged to some extent in practice for a few months and in the beginning of 1878 opened an office at Marysville, where he is still located. In the spring of 1881, he was elected Clerk of Paris Township, and served in that capacity one year. In 1879, he succeded R. L. Woodburn as Secretary of the Union County Agricultural Society; a position which he still holds, being last chosen at the election of the society held in the fall of 1882.

William O. Henderson, son of J. A. Henderson, of Marysville, was admitted to the bar at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, in July, 1877, and since the autumn of that year has been engaged in practice at Columbus.

Henry D. McDowell, from Holmes County, Ohio, practiced at Marysville a couple of years, coming about 1879.

James S. McCampbell, a native of Madison County, Ohio, read law in Marysville, beginning with Col. M. C. Lawrence. April 1, 1878, and finishing with Robinsons & Piper. He was admitted at Columbus, December 7, 1880, by the Supreme Court, and opened an office at Marysville April 1, 1881, having remained a few months after his admission with the men he had last studied under. He is still engaged in practice at this place.

W. T. Hoopes, attorney and real estate agent at Marysville, is a late accession to the Union County bar, having been in the place about a year. He is a native of Morgan County, Ohio.

Edward W. Porter, son of Judge John L. Porter, and a member of the firm of Porter & Porter, was born at Marysville, read law under the tuition of his father, beginning in 1879, and was admitted by the Supreme Court, at Columbus, December 10, 1881. He began practice at his home (Marysville), and in his first case, assisted by D. W. Ayers, he appeared before his father, then near the close of his term on the bench. In February, 1882, the firm of' Porter & Porter was formed.

Emery L. Hoskins, one of the firm of Powell, Fulton & Hoskins, of which he became a member July 1, 1882, was born in Leesburg Township, Union Co., Ohio. After reading law with Col. M. C. Lawrence, and Powell & Fulton, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court, at Columbus, June 7, 1882, being the latest accession to the bar at Marysville.



At Richwood, the first settled lawyer was Louis Blake, who located at that place about 1870. P. Ray Kerr, still a resident, came next; and Seth S. Gardner and S. W. Van Winkle are also resident lawyers of that village, the latter having been admitted to practice in the present year, 1882.

At Milford Center, Clarence Cranston practiced for a short time at a

394 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

recent date. He is now at Topeka, Kan. T. H. Bain, who read in Marysville, went to Kansas after his admission, and is now with Mr. Cranston.

Several persons have read law at Marysville, who have never practiced at that place, but were admitted to the bar and opened offices subsequently in other localities. Some of them have become prominent among the members of their profession. The records show the following persons to have been admitted at Marysville, who have not been mentioned in the foregoing list:

James F. Freeman, admitted before Hon. Ebenezer Lane and Hon. P. Hitchcock, Judges of the old Supreme Court. June 30, 1838. Mr. Freeman was a resident of Madison County, and was one of the few men admitted by the Supreme Court as held in Union County under the old State Constitution, Lucius Case, of Newark Licking County, being another. The others were admitted by the District Court.

William T. Buckner read with Robinsons Piper; admitted Angus 12, 1871; is not now in Union County, and never practiced here.

B. A. Board, from Delaware or Morrow County; admitted August 28,1872.

Wilson S. Bailey, admitted January 4, 1878; went to Kansas, in which State he now resides.

T. S. Cheney, admitted August 28, 1872; was a non-resident.

A. G. Carpenter, lived at Mansfield; admitted September 6, 1875.

Stephen A. Court, not a resident Of Union County; admitted January 4, 1878.

Erwin G. Dudley, admitted August 21, 1854; not a resident of this county.

Eugene D. Hamilton, not a resident; admitted March 12, 1879.

Jacob A. Jackson, of Springfield, Ohio; admitted September 6, 1875.

Samuel F. Marsh, from Woodstock, Champaign County, admitted September 1, 1868; is now living in Columbus.

John H. Miller, admitted March 14, 1876; was not a resident of Union County.

Richard M. McCloud, of London, Madison County; admitted March 12, 1879.

Robert B. Montgomery, of Columbus, admitted March 12, 1870.

Anthony J. McCaffery, not a resident of this county; admitted March 12, 1879.

James T. O'Donnell, of London, Madison County; admitted March 17, 1874.

George H. Purdy, of Delaware County, was admitted August 20, 1857; entered the Union army during the rebellion, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, Penn., in July, 1863.



Thomas H. B. Park, read with Robinsons & Piper, at Marysville, and was admitted September 1, 1869; removed subsequently to Kansas.

George Randall, from Muskingum County, was admitted August 22, 1861; served in the army during the rebellion; located afterward in Kansas, from which State he went to New Mexico, but finally returned and is now living in Kansas.

Arthur I. Varys, admitted March 12, 1860; was not a resident of Union County.

The present Union County bar is composed of a class of gentlemen with whom it is a pleasure to be acquainted, and undoubtedly many of them are destined to win honorable reputations; while, so far as the writer knows, all are worthy members of their profession, and stand before the public in an enviable light as courteous, genial citizens, of whom their county and State need never be ashamed. That they will ever preserve the dignity of their calling, and the honor which should be the pride of the profession, seems assured.

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