(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 250 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY CHAPTER XVII. THE BENCH AND THE BAR OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY. Famous Jurists—Lawyers Who Have Made Brilliant Records Without the Field of Politics—Roster of Practicing Attorneys. A comprehensive history of the bar would be a history of the country in matters legislative, executive and financial. The laws of the State are made by the lawyers; they are enforced by the Governor, Attorney General and prosecuting attorney, who usually are members of the bar: and the judges of our courts are necessarily lawyers. No large financial undertaking has ever been successfully carried through without the advice and active assistance of this profession. But no Such comprehensive history is now contemplated ; and for the purposes of this work a list of the present members of the bar will begin, with a brief review of the work of those who have passed away or retired from the practice. so far as this can be obtained from court records and reliable tradition. Many of the most useful, successful and trusted members of the bar have not been prominently identified with court work ; consequently a history based solely on the records of the court would not do justice to that class. while it would exaggerate the comparative usefulness of the class who have devoted their lives to trial work. The work f the office lawyer iS frequently the most useful as well as the most profitable; but his work is hidden from the view of the historian. These sug- Editor's Note.—Almost all the material for this chapter was furnished by Hon. Philip M. Smith. of Wellsville. gestions are made in explanation of what might otherwise seem to be unjust discrimination, as record evidence has necessarily been largely utilized in securing data for this review. In the early history of the bar in this State, the successful lawyer established his reputation largely by means of his eloquence and persuasive powers with courtS and juries. He had an opportunity to appeal to the passions and prejudices of men, to an extent which would not be permitted at the present time. What. in his judgment, the law should be was more often the substance of his argument than what it was as established by adjudication. What the English law was, and how it had been modified by the change of relationship from subjects of a king to citizens of a republic, was a never ending source of controversy. The lawyer who was the most plausible reasoner. could most successfully appeal to the passions and prejudices of court and jury, and with flowery eloquence tickle the ear of the listener. was the great lawyer of that day and generation and if. in addition to this. he was possessed of superior social qualities, he became an object of veneration, love and respect. But this is changed. While an ability .to clearly express the reasons on which his contention is based is an invaluable asset of the lawyer, and while at rare intervals there may be an opportunity for eloquence and oratory, the practical. every-day appliance necessary for success is an unquestioned reputation for honesty and fair-dealing. On this AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 251 point he must be above suspicion. His argument to the court and jury must be a clear. convincing statement. based on a careful investigation of the facts from witnesses and the law as found in more than one hundred volumes of reports of this State and thousands of volumes issued by sister States. He must also inquire how far these decisions have been modified by recent acts of the Legislature, so that honesty and untiring industry are at present the touchstones of success in this work. What has been considered a profession in the past has lost many of its distinguished characteristics ; and the questions involved are presented and adjusted in a business-like manner, while only controversies which cannot be settled out of court are referred to the court and jury, as umpire. HIGH STANDARD HAS BEEN REACHED. There has been an equally great change in the personal habits of the members of the bar. It is within the memory of the present generation when it was not an unusual thing for the most brilliant and influential members of the bar to appear in court manifestly under the influence of stimulants. Now more than go per cent of the members of the bar of this county are total abstainers from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage; and not a single one of the active practitioners uses stimulants to excess. The standard of morality and honesty is equally high with the standard of temperance: and although matters of the utmost importance. social and financial. are entrusted to their care. there has never been a well-established instance in this county where a lawyer has betrayed the interest of his client, or taken a dishonest or unfair advantage of his adversary. While misunderstandings have decisionally caused criticism, vet a friendly and brotherly relationship exists between the members of the bar of this county ; and they realize they are officers of the court and ministers of justice, whose duty it is to aid the court in developing the facts and investigating the law so that justice may be done, and the trickster who would take unfair advantage of his associates is without standing or reputation among his brethren. A lawyer fully appreciates his duty to his client, which requires him to present to the court and jury, in the most convincing manner, every argument in favor of his view of the facts and the law, well knowing that his adversary is represented by another lawyer who has a like duty to perform. and when the best is said that can be said, the court then must decide. This relieves the lawyer of all obligation to decide controversies between litigants, as that it is the duty of the court ; and often it is a difficult matter for the court to decide who is right after hearing all that can be said ; and it would be impossible for the lawyer. from the statement of his client, so to do. The court is the umpire, whose entire time is bought and paid for by the State. so that he may be, at all reasonable times, available to adjust and decide. controversies which are properly laid before him. The lawyer is not expected to do that for his; client which the code of morals would not justify him in doing for himself ; and the reputable lawyer will not do a discreditable act and attempt to step behind the shield of his client's demands as a justification for improper conduct ; and although he is often slandered in romance and from the platform, he certainly measures up to the average citizen in all that goes to make up the good citizen and useful member of society. PRIMITIVE COURTS AND EARLY LAWYERS. Hon. Calvin Pease was the first judge to preside within the territory, which is now Columbiana County. One of his first acts was to appoint Rezon Beall. clerk of his court for the period of seven years from July 6, 1803. One of the early matters of record was the location of the county seat at New Lisbon. Prior to that time, after due notice, any point where the judge and his clerk with the docket were, was the county seat for the purposes of transacting the business of the court. One of the things that first attract the attention in l00king over the docket is the fictitious nameS sometimes used for plaintiff and de- 252 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY fendant. One of the actions, which seems to have made considerable work for the court, was entitled "Timothy Peaceable against Thomas Troublesome." The nature of the actions were almost entirely actions for debt, in which the amounts involved were generally less than $200, and actions which have received the attentions of the ablest lawyers in the country in many instances did not involve more than $20. What would be considered a hardship at the present time was the custom of taxing an attorney fee for the winning party against the losing party in the costs of the case. This was as a rule $5, and in some instances $6. It is a query in the mind of the present practicing lawyer how his predecessors were able to earn a living from the limited number of cases which were then tried and the small amounts involved. A reasonable estimate, of the amount of work done on the .common pleas docket, by the half dozen lawyers of this county, prior to 1815, would not indicate an earning capacity greater than $300 or $400 per year for each of them. The first criminal charge found on the docket is against a resident of St. Clair township, charging him with being guilty of the crime of assault and battery ; but after a full trial to the court and 12 jurors, it was decided that he was pot guilty of the crime charged. In the early history of this county, the court records would indicate that the people were law-abiding, as there were but very few criminal prosecutions; and although at the present time about one in 10 of the actions that are presented in our Court of Common Pleas are actions brought for the purpose of securing a divorce. vet there are no instances of applications for divorce in the early history of this county: and it is only within the last 25 years that these actions have become common. Another matter that attracts the attention in looking over the old records is the fact that 1/4 c, ½ c and 3/4 c are figured as parts of judgments, and in the costs, and the payment to the "uttermost farthing" seems to nave been exacted. There are also a large number of actions brought for the possession of real estate. and the determination of lines and roadways were subjects furnishing frequent causes for litigation; but the present common form of action for personal injury received on railroad electric line, or in mine or factory, were unknown at that time to the practice. Among the earlist names found on the docket of attorneys practicing in this court are those of King and Larwell: and for a number of years these names appeared with great frequency. The name of Obadiah Jennings is also found quite frequently in connection with many of the actions, both civil and criminal. as he seems to have been acting as prosecutor. But the source of his authority does nut appear of record; and about in the following order the early practice of the county seems to have been conducted by the persons named : Fisher A. Blocksom, Benjamin Tappan, Elderkin Potter and Obadiah Jennings : and in the early history probably no names appear more frequently in connection with the records of the courts of this county than those of Jennings and Blocksom. Another matter which is noticeable on the records is the fact that in a very large number of actions the attorneys were plaintiffs themselves: but the record does not disclose whether they are representing themselves as individuals or representing clients by transfer of claims or otherwise. One remarkable fact appears, that in August, 1820, Fisher A. Blocksom, on one day. brought 20 suits in sums averaging from $106 to $1,120, in which the Bank of New Lisbon was plaintiff and various citizens of the county were defendants. The records do not disclose anything further in these actions: and what precipitated the bringing of them is not disclosed, vet it would seem as though the amounts claimed had been paid in full in each if them. In December, 1803. one Adam Poe, nut unknown to fame, brought a suit against one Hugh Druggan, and also one against Thomas Gillingham et al, the amounts involved in each case being less than $5. One of the earliest fines assessed was one against John Oyster in 1811, in which he was fined the sum of $8. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 253 EARLY PRACTITIONERS. At the time cf the organization of this county and its courts, the county had but few, if any. lawyers actually residing within its borders, and the larger part of the early work in the county was done by members of the bar who resided outside of the geographical boundaries of Columbiana County. However, within a year or two after its organization, there is record evidence of the location of a number of lawyers in the county, principally in New Lisbon. Among the first was Fisher A. Blocksum, who located in New Lisbon very early in the century, where he continued to reside until his death, on the 14th day of December, 1876. being at that time about 96 years of age. Mr. Blocksom, early in his practice. was quite active and successful, as shown by the records of the court, and in common with other members of his profession devoted himself quite largely to politics, holding a number of offices, including those of prosecuting attorney, postmaster at New Lisbon, member of the State Legislature and presidential elector f the Democratic party. The name of Elderkin Potter appears quite frequently on the docket .from 1810 to 1830: and in 1810 John H. Reddick was admitted to the practice of the law and was quite prominent for the few years he resided in New Lisbon. From 1820 to 1840. the name of William Russell appears quite often in connection with the litigations of the county, he having established himself in the practice of the law in New Lisbon about 1820 and continuing to be a resident of that place until the time of his death in 1850. He also was interested in political matters, and was especially active in the affairs of his home municipality. He was a man of fine literary attainments and culture and of average ability as a practitioner. One of his contemporaries from 1820 to 1824 was John Laird. who died in 1824, and of whom little is known other than that he was a member of the State Senate in 1823 and 1824, and was connected with a number of the actions on the docket of the court at that time. De Lorma Brooks makes his appearance in this court at the September term, 1824, at which time he was admitted to practice law in this State, being a native of the State of Vermont. Early in his practice. his name appears quite frequently on the docket, but he gradually drifted into outside matters and abandoned his practice for more profitable and congenial work. Andrew W. Loomis, Charles D. Coffin mid Anson L. Brewer, three men who attained great prominence in their profession, seem to have located in New Lisbon between 1825 and 1830. Andrew W. Loomis was not only actively engaged in the trial of cases in this county, but was well known all over Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as a trial lawyer, and in 1840 he moved to Pittsburg, where he took high rank in his profession aS a lawyer and an orator. He was a member of Congress from this district in 1836, but disliking the duties, he resigned his seat in that body and devoted himself to the practice of the law. Charles D. Coffin was the successor in Congress of Mr. Loomis. having at that time attained prominence in the Democratic party and established a reputation for himself in politics and at the bar. Soon after his service as member of Congress was terminated, he removed to Cincinnati. where he took a prominent place in the practice of law and was elected as common pleas judge, which position he filled for a number of years and gained the reputation of being an able, conscientious and just judge. The name of A. L. Brewer first appears on the docket in 1826. He was connected with a number of important litigations, but lost his life by the blowing up of a steamboat in 1861. while in the service f the government in the War of the Rebellion. William D. Ewing was also an active member of the bar of New Lisbon from 1826 to 1840. and established the reputation of being one of the most successful trial lawyers of our county. at that date. He also removed to PittSburg. Pennsylvania, where he died about 1850. Dorsey B. Pentacost was admitted to the practice of the raw in New Lisbon and opened an office there in 1827. His name appears but a few times on the docket. Another of the practitioners was Isaac Stetson. who left this county in 1832. From 1830 to 1839, E. T. Merrick was one 254 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY of the active members of the bar, but about 1840 he removed to the State of Louisiana and afterwards served as a member of the supreme bench of that State and took high rank as a jurist. Charles Morgan Aten. of New Lisbon, was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in August, 1805, studied law in Steubenville, and was admitted to the practice of the law in 1828. He lived to an old age and had an office in New Lisbon for about 60 years. His name appears, in the early years of his life, quite frequently on the docket of the Court of Common Pleas, and he transacted. in a careful and conscientious manner, a large amount of office and court business in his many years of service at the bar. SOME FAMOUS LAWYERS. From 1840 to 1860, the bar of Columbiana County took very high rank, and its practitioners were certainly equal to any then in the State ; and compared with the bar of the State certainly as favorably as it has ever done either before or since. The names, which are most familiar to the older persons of this generation, and are describable as giants among men. are those of S. L. Wadsworth, who was known as one of the greatest advocates and jury lawyers of Eastern Ohio : William Upham. who by many was thought to be the greatest equity lawyer of his day : John M. Gillman, who afterwards moved to St. Paul. Minn., and became one of the leaders of the bar of that city : Lyman W. Potter and the firm of Mason. Potter & Woods: Thomas Woods of this firm being one of the brightest and strongest young men of the bar. but dying in early life before he had an opportunity to fully display his ability : James L. Smith. forcible, eloquent and strong in his presentation of the facts : Anson L. Brewer. Samuel W. Orr. with great knowledge of the law, James Clark and Judge John Clark. who had one of the most profitable practices in the county for many years. and was especially strong in equity work and Edwin M. Stanton, who had an office in New Lisbon, although he was not a resident, and established a great reputation for himself by his work, back in the '50's. From 1850, for many years, the names of Henry Ambler, Jacob A. Ambler. James . Reilly, Peter A. Laubie, Simon J. Wisden, and Jonathan H. Wallace appeared with great frequency in connection with the litigations of this county. From 1860 of those who are not still in the practice, the names of . A. Nichols. Henry E. Frost, . I. Jordan. G. . Love, Charles M. Snyder, J. G. Beatty. and J. . and H. Morrison, seem to have been most actively engaged in court work. CUT OFF IN EARLY PRIME. A number of exceedingly promising young men began the practice of the law in the later '70's and the early '80's, whose life work was only begun at the time of their deaths. who. if they had lived, would certainly have taken very prominent places in the practice and some of them surely would have been the leaders of the present day. Thomas A. Collins. a graduate of Mount Union College. a conscientious and earnest advocate and well learned in the law, died at Salineville, while in the active practice early in the '80's. Daniel F. McQueen. a graduate of the same college and class, who was for a short time located in East Palestine and read law in New Lisbon. and was admitted there but afterwards went to the far West, died at about the same time as Collins. George Love was very prominent at the bar and in politics from 1880 until the time of his death. Charles N. Snyder. who was his partner in the practice of the law in Leetonia, removed to Lorain, Ohio, and soon after died. his health having failed while he was practicing in this State. George Duncan. now of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and John King. who afterwards went West and continued in the practice of the law. both began their professional work in Columbiana County. George Duncan was in 1905 one of the leading lawyers of Martin's Ferry and has been very successful in his practice. The earlier records of the court do not con- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 255 tain memorials of deceased members of the bar. and it is only within more recent years that it has been customary to make such memorials a matter of record. From these recent records the following matter is culled : IN MEMORIAM. William J. Jordan, a member of the bar of Columbiana County, was an active and successful lawyer in the practice in this county until the date of his death, which occurred on the 25th (lay of February, 1886. he dying at the age of 53 years. He had been in the active practice of the law for about 16 years. having been admitted to the bar in 1854. although absent from the practice for quite a number of years during his two terms as clerk of the ,courts of Columbiana County. and as a soldier in the 104th Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf. In this regiment he served as captain until the end of the War of the Rebellion, being discharged with the rank of colonel. As an officer of this regiment he was faithful and efficient : a strict disciplinarian. cool in action and prompt to meet all calls of duty: conspicuous for acts of personal courage and bravery. and a man held in the respect and love of his soldiers. In the latter part of his life, he was engaged actively in the practice of the law. and was able, strong. resourceful, painstaking and industrious. His honesty and fair-dealing were at all times recognized. He was an active and earnest worker in the church and a fervent advocate of the advancement of the Christian religion. and a promoter of good government. Hon. Jonathan H. Wallace was. for many years. one of the best known and popular members of the bar of this county, being one of the leaders in court practice from about 1850 to the time of his death. Judge Wallace was a college graduate. being a member of the class of 1844 at Washington College, graduating when he was about 20 years of age. He read law and was admitted to the practice in 1847. and from that time until the date of his death he was prominent before the people of this part of the State. He was. at one time. associated as a partner with Edwin M. Stanton. and was noted for his loyalty to his clients, his untiring industry, ability and integrity. He became one of the leading practitioners in this county, retaining that position until the time of his death. He was elected prosecuting attorney of this county and served in that position for two terms: was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1864. and in 1882 elected as Representative in Congress from this district: and on expiration of his term in Congress, he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas for this sub-division, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Peter A. Laubie, who had been elected as first circuit judge in this subdivision. Judge Wallace was one of the most courteous members of the bar, and was the soul of honor in all his relations in life. He was probably connected with more litigations than any other member of the bar who has ever practiced law in this county. Hon. Simon J. Wisden was one of the active members of the bar of this county from 1860 to the time of his death which occurred on the 50th day of December, 1890. He was a native of England. and began the practice of the law in 1851 at New Lisbon, Ohio. He served as prosecuting attorney of this county from 1860 to 1864. and as probate judge from 1872 to 1878. He was identified with some of the most important litigations of this county, and was noted for his forcible and pleasing arguments to the iury. His energetic nature stimulated him to the most thorough investigations of his cases. and his extensive knowledge. gathered from literature and experience, furnished him a source of illustration and argument which made him a most entertaining as well as convincing advocate. Hon. P. C. Young was one of the leading members of the bar of Southern Columbiana County from 1875 until about 1890. During this period he was located at Wellsville, Ohio, and was connected with all of the prominent litigations from the southern part of the county. In 1800 he was elected probate judge. and reelected in 1893. At the termination of his second term as judge of the Probate Court. he went into the practice of the law at Lisbon, 256 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY Ohio, and there continued to practice until shortly before his death, when lie was chosen supreme ruler of the Fraternal Mystic Circle, and moved to Philadelphia to assume the duties of that office, and there died July 23, 1899. Judge Young had an enviable record as a member of the 195th Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf.. having enlisted as a boy from his home at Achor, in this county. He was at one time editor of the Buckeye State, but after going into the practice of the law gave this his undivided attention excepting during the period when lie was acting as probate judge, and the short period of time, which he gave, near the close of his life, to the Fraternal Mystic Circle. He was one of the most eloquent. tactful and chivalrous practitioners of this generation of the bar, and had he seen fit to have continued in the practice, and had lie lived out his expectancy of life. he had the ability to become a lawyer of national reputation. A death that occurred on the 16th day of April, 1893, removed from the bench one in the prime of life, who had been for many years a leading practitioner of the county. Hon. William A. Nichols was born in Fairfield township. of this county, in 1839: and from 1861 until the time of his death, no man stood higher in the estimation of the people of Eastern Ohio for legal learning, mental culture and sterling honesty. He was prosecuting attorney of this county from 1868 to 1870. and at no time has this office been more ably filled than it was during his term. In October. 1885, he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas for this subdivision, and reelected in November. 1890: and within the recollection of the present generation, it is probable that, without disparagement to either his predecessors or his successors, lie was the greatest judge that has graced the bench in Eastern Ohio. He was invariably kind, patient and courteous, ready and anxious to aid the beginner and smooth away the rough places: and with a profound knowledge of the law and its application, with a mind broadened not only by study but by an active experience for many years in the court, he was especially well equipped for his work. and his death was recognized as a great loss to the bench and the bar. He was looked upon as a just judge, who held the balance evenly without respect of persons. and whose motto was to "hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may." One of the busiest lawyers of this county for many years prior to his death. which occurred March 28, 1903. was Henry C. Jones. of Salem. While not as actively engaged in his profession in the Court of Common Pleas as lie was in the Probate Court. lie was identified with many of the prominent matters in both courts, and for many years but few names appeared oftener on the docket of our courts than that of Henry C. Jones. In the 'settlement of estates. and office business. lie was the trusted attorney of many persons in Salem and the adjoining- townships and the quality of his work was best evidenced by the fact that as long as his health permitted he was busily engaged in important and profitable business. Mr. Jones was not only a successful lawyer, but lie also had an enviable record as a 1st lieutenant in the 12th Regiment. Ohio Vol. Cay., leaving the army only at the close of the war in 1865. Harvey Morrison passed away on the 29th day of November, 1897 at his residence at Lisbon, Ohio. being about 58 years of age. He also was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion. in Company K. 143rd Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf. Soon after the close of the war he formed a partnership in the practice of the law with his brother. John W. Morrison. This partnership continued up to the time of his death. and from 1875 for 20 years no firm of lawyers was identified with a larger number of litigations than the firm of John . and Harvey Morrison. This was especially true of the active trial work before the justices of the peace and in the Court of Common Pleas. Circuit and Supreme courts of the State. Harvey Morrison was possessed of a keen intellect, a discriminating mind, and was able to analyize and determine the issues of a law suit to an unusual degree. He was especially noticeable for his accurate and discriminating use of language. expressing himself with unusual clearness. especially in his arguments to the court, with whom he was always frank and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 257 honest. He was the tutor of many of the active and successful members of the bar of the present generation. The brother. John . Morrison, still survives; and at a ripe old age has retired from the active work of the profession, having probably been connected with a greater number of litigations than any living member of the bar. He was forcible to the jury, convincing with the court, and especially dangerous in the defense. He had, when in the practice, the largest law library in the county. Taking but little recreation, his life was largely spent in his library, reading and preparing the causes with which he was connected. One of the noted cases with which Mr. Morrison was connected was his successful defense of Annie Van Fossan. charged with the death of a child, in East Liverpool. in 1885. His defense in this action and his connection with the Hunter murder trial of Salineville, are two matters of litigation of which Mr. Morrison has just reason to be proud, and which he takes pleasure in reviewing. William Kilgore Gaston located in the practice of the law in East Liverpool, Ohio, soon after his admission to the bar in 1897, and continued in the practice up to the time of his death, which occurred, after a short illness, on June 24, 1905. Mr. Gaston served as city solicitor of East Liverpool for one term, and established a reputation for honesty, ability and caution in his work as city solicitor, and as a lawyer in the general practice he gave promise of his ability to reach the front rank in the profession. He had a mind well qualified to understand and expound legal principles ; and by his unfailing courtesy with the members of the bar and persons with whom he came in contact in his professional work. he made many friends, who had faith in his future; and his ability to hold friends so acquired would have been of infinite use to him in the practice of his profession. But he was cut off at the very threshold of an enlarged held of usefulness, at that point in the life of a practitioner of the law where he is prepared by experience to do his very best work. The earliest practitioner in East Liverpool, and probably the earliest in the county, was William Larwell, who located at Fawcettstown, now East Liverpool, very early in the century. His name appears on the docket about 1810 in quite a number of instances; but nothing is known of his later history, and he evidently abandoned the practice or left this county very early in the century. A. R. Mackall located in the practice of the law in East Liverpool is 1876. and served as city solicitor for a number of years. He was quite actively engaged in the practice for some time ; but in the later years of his life he devoted himself almost entirely to dealing in real estate, in which he was very successful, and accumulated a large amount of property. Mr. Mackall was remarkable for the energy and enthusiasm with which he carried through whatever he undertook ; and had he been given the usual years of life and made the law his life work, Ile. undoubtedly would have been quite prominent. However, about 1886. his health broke down, and from that time until the date of his death he was not able to give his accustomed vigor and intelligence to his work ; and for the last six months of his life was entirely unfitted for business.. He was of a social and genial disposition. accommodating and courteous with his brethren in the practice of the law and in his business and his early death was the source of great sorrow to his friends and associates. Gen. E. S. Holloway was quite a prominent figure in the business and legal world in the village of Columbiana, of this county, from the time he was admitted to the bar in 1877, to the time of his death. He served with distinction in the 41st Regiment, Ohio. Vol. Inf. He entered the service as 1st lieutenant, and during, the war gradually but steadily rose in rank until he had filled all the offices up to brigadier general. He served his country faithfully until the close of the war. when he was honorably discharged. As a member of the bar, he was faithful and conscientious, and well respected by his brother practitioners. He was connected during the to years prior to his death with all the prominent litigations from his home town and the surrounding country. 258 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY WELLSVILLE LAWYERS. Owing to the relative importance of the county seat as compared with the remainder of the county, and the difficulty of reaching the county seat from the borders, a large part of the litigations in the early history of the county was conducted by members of the bar who resided in New Lisbon ; but improved facilities for travel, and the large growth of the cities on the borders changed this; so that a very large majority of the members of the bar of this county now reside in the border cities of the county. In Wellsville, prior to about 1850, there was no resident member of the bar, although work was done prior to that time by John M. Jenkins, before he was admitted to the bar. He was, however, a member of the Legislature. and was afterwards admitted to the bar. and was quite a factor for many years. especially in the trial of actions before the various justices of the peace in this vicinity. The earliest member of the bar who located in Wellsville was George M. Lee. who came from the northern part of the State. and practiced law here for a number of years in the early '50's. He was quite successful, indefatigable in his search for facts tending to sustain his clients' cause, and while perhaps not as well posted in legal principles as some of his contemporaries, was a great case lawyer. and very industrious in his search for the report of a case similar to the one he had under investigation which he might use as a precedent. He went from Wellsville to New Lisbon and formed a partnership with John M. Gillman. with whom he practiced law for a numbers of years, and then removed to Cincinnati. Ohio. where he was quite successful, especially as a patent lawyer. He died at early middle age. George M. Lee was the preceptor of Gen. James W. Reilly. who was admitted to the bar in 1853, and has had an office continuously in Wellsville from that time, except during his three years absence in the army from 1862 to 1865. On his admission to the bar, General Reilly formed a partnership with his preceptor, and the firm of Lee & Reilly did business for a number of years at their offices on the north side of the Public Square in Wellsville. After the partnership was dissolved by Mr. Lee moving to New Lisbon. General Reilly continued the practice alone and soon accumulated a large and lucrative practice; and until his retirement a few years ago he had a very large business in est Virginia, Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. He was connected with many important litigations in court, but made a specialty of office work, and as counsel his services were valued with the ablest lawyers of the State. He was educated at Allegheny College. Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Mount St. Mary's, near Emmitsburg. Maryland. He was endowed by nature with a strong mind, well fitted to appreciate legal principles. on which he based his conclusions, which were seldom wrong. In 1862. he entered the service as colonel of the 104th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.: but soon afterwards received a commission as brigadier general. He left the service at the end of three years as a major general. He left the service with the highest commendation of his superiors, and with the universal respect, love and admiration of the soldiers in his command. After the removal of George M. Lee. J. H. Trainer and A. H. Batten located in Wellsville, each of them remaining a few years and then removing to Steubenville. Jefferson County, where they became the leaders of the bar of that county. Hon. W. G. Wells was admitted to practice law in the early '60's. having read law with General Reilly. Soon after his admission. he opened an office at Wellsville. and was one of the most active and influential citizens of the city during his residence there. and was actively connected with a large part of the litigations from the southern part of the county from the time of his admission to the bar until he removed to New Lisbon. as probate judge in February, 1879. About the year 1875. P. C. Young located in Wellsville and continued in the practice there until he ent to New Lisbon as probate judge in 1891. Philip M. Smith located in Wellsville in AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 259 1879, as the successor in the office of Judge Wells, on the latter's election as probate judge. A. G. Smith began the practice of the law in 1892, has devoted himself largely to probate court work and office business, and was city solicitor of Wellsville for a number of terms. J. W. Clark moved to Wellsville from Steubenville and continued in the practice there until he went to Lisbon and associated himself with the firm of Billingsley & Tayler, where he is now located as a member of the firm of Billingsley. Clark & DeFurd. Mr. Clark was mayor of the city of Wellsville and city solicitor a number of terms each. The next in order to locate in Wellsville was W. F. Lones, who succeeded Judge Young having real law in Columbiana County and located for a number of years in Tennessee, from which State he returned and has been actively engaged in the practice of the law in Wellsville from 1891 up to the present time (1905). F. L. Wells returned from Lisbon to Wellsville. his native place, in 1890. He opened a law office and soon after established a building and loan company, in both of which vocations lie has been eminently successful. Soon after his admission to the bar in 1898. W. R. MacDonald associated himself with F. L. Wells. and is still I in 1905) with him in the law and building and loan business, at their office on the corner of Fifth and Main streets. W. A. Snediker also began the practice of the law in Wellsville, giving promise of taking a leading rank at the bar ; but he is now devoting practically all his time to the management of a building and loan company, and expects to make banking his life work. G. W. Adams, who was born and reared in Yellow Creek township, located in Wellsville in the practice of the law in 1894. He has, connected with his law business, a large insurance business, and has been quite successful in both lines of work. The latest addition to the practice of the law in Wellsville is Charles Boyd. who read law in Wellsville. and was admitted to practice in 1897. He is now ( in 1905) city solicitor, and is actively engaged in his professional work and in looking after the legal' affairs of the city. Hon. E. E. Roberts. of Warren. Ohio, is also a Wellsville product, being born and reared in this vicinity, and educated in the ellsville schools, although he never was located there in the active practice of the law. C. R. McGregor was admitted to the bar and gives some attention to his profession, but is devoting practically all his time to the work of his office, that of city auditor. EAST LIVERPOOL HAD FEW LAWYERS. With the exception of a short time, East Liverpool was without a resident lawyer until about 1860, and the law business was largely transacted by the justices of the peace. Sanford C. Hill was one of the earliest justices of the peace in East Liverpool, having his office on the first floor of the building at the corner of Second street and Peach alley, which was still standing in 1905. He was a justice of the peace for many years; also a civil engineer and surveyor. He was also the leading astromoner of the United States in those days, making the calculations for practically all the almanacs that were, at that time, published in this country. There was issued for many years an publication known as "Hill's Almanac," which was a household necessity for all pioneers of the county. William P. Morris was also a justice of the peace in East Liverpool for many years, having his office on Second street. He was an uncle of Andrew Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie's mother being a sister of 'Squire Morris. He was a man of sound judgment and unquestioned honesty, and was a very useful member of the community. He was inclined to keep peace in die community, and to discourage litigation. In the early history of jurisprudence in East Liverpool. a large part of the work before- the justices of the peace was done by what were known as pettifoggers—men with some knowledge of the law and some ability to present matters intelligently to the court. Among the most noted practitioners of this class was 260 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY Enoch Bradshaw. who appeared in many cases, and did his work fearlessly and with great energy. The first attorney who located in East Liverpool was William Larwell, who located there about 1803, but only remained for a short time. There was thereafter no attorney regularly admitted to the bar who-was a resident of East Liverpool until the arrival of Col. H. R. Hill. who located there in the practice prior to the war of the Rebellion. He entered the service in 1862, having raised a company for the to4th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.. but was transferred to the 115th Ohio. in which he was made ranking captain, and was afterwards promoted to major and later to the colonelcy of this regiment. Colonel Hill had spent a year in the South, in Louisiana, teaching school in that State. immediately before the war. : and during his residence there was surprised to have the gentleman. with whom he was living, bring to his home one of "Hill's Almanacs" for that year (1839) which had been prepared by his father. Colonel Hill continued active in the practice until about 1900. Having accumulated a competence. and owing to the great inconvenience of practicing law at the county seat and residing in East Liverpool. he withdrew from the active practice: and after that time his business was continued by his sons. Walter B. Hill and William M. Hill. Colonel Hill was connected with every important litigrttion from East Liverpool and vicinity from soon after the close of the war until he quit the practice, and undoubtedly had a larger clientage than any lawyer in the county at that time. The next lawyer to locate in East Liverpool was Hon. John M. Cook now circuit judge in this division. He remained in the practice there for two or three years, and then removed to Steubenville. Jefferson County. The next contemporary of Colonel Hill was Hon. R. W. Tayler, now judge of the United States Circuit and District courts at Cleveland. Ohio. Judge Tayler remained in East Liverpool until about 1880, when he was elected prosecuting attorney and removed to New Lisbon, where he served five years in that capacity. An amusing anecdote is told of the experience of Colonel Hill and Judge Tayler in their practice. They were trying a case before Jethro Manley, who was of English origin, and who for many years filled the office of justice of the peace with honor and ability, being noted for his Solomonic wisdom rather than for his technical knowledge of the law. Mr. Tayler was seeking to offer in evidence a letter purport: ing to have been written by Mr. Hill's client. to which the Colonel was making strenuous objection. After the attorneys had wrangled for some time, to the manifest annoyance of the 'Squire’ who wished to end the controversy. he finally called counsel to order and turning to Colonel Hill said. "Let 'im read it. Kurnel, let 'im read it : 'e canno' change ma mind." About the same time that Judge Tayler located in East Liverpool. A. H. Clark of Salineville opened an office, and entered into the active practice of the law and acquired a large business.. He is still ( in 1905 ) in the active practice. but for a number of years has been suffering with impaired health. At about the same time A. R. Mackall also located in East Liverpool. and continued in the active practice until he became broken in health shortly prior to his death, which occurred about 189;. For many years. while Colonel Hill was the only lawyer in East Liverpool. in contested cases Gen. J. W. Reilly, W. G. eils and P. C. Young were principally employed on the opr, site sides of the case, and occasionally John W. Morri:on was brought from Lisbon. At the present time in 1905) there are 22 resident lawyers at East Liverpool. In 1894. The Southern Columbiana County Bar Association was organized from members of the bar of East Liverpool. Wellsville and Salineville, and has been an exceedingly useful and pleasant arrangement from a social as well as business standpoint. Judge Philip M. Smith has been president of this organization during its entire existence. Its first vice-president was A. R. Mackall, and after his death, the office was filled by A. H. Clark. The first secretary was William M. Hill, who was afterwards succeeded by Walter B. Hill. The first treasurer AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 261 was J. J. Purinton. who was afterwards succeeded by W. E. Lones. These are the only office-holders of this organization. This association has enabled its members, by joint action, to arrange for their court work and other Matters in which they are jointly interested. The inconvenience of reaching the county seat suggested the organization, and the results have fully justified all expectation of benefits anticipated by its promoters. SALEM'S "TRIUMVIRATE,” AND OTHERS. Hon. John H. Clark in his address upon the "Bench and Bar of Columbiana County," at the Lisbon centennial in 1903, paid this compliment to a trio of Salem's distinguished men : "I cannot close even this rude sketch of the bar of Columbiana County without some mention of that triumvirate of great lawyers. which has added so much to the character and learning, and so much to the honor of this bar. I mean, of course, J. Twing Brooks. and Judges J. A. Ambler and P. A. Laubie." Of this great trio, one had in 1905) passed away—Mr. Brooks, who died in the fall of 1901, when but little beyond the very prime of life; Judge Ambler had retired at a ripe age. full of honors ; while Judge Laubie was still utilizing his ripe experience and masterly legal ability on the circuit court bench. Mr. Brooks was born in Salem. October 27, 1840; read law with Judge Potter and was admitted to the bar in August. 1865— the year in which he was chosen to the State Senate, where he served until 1869: then succeeding to the business of his father, J. J. Brooks, who was long a solicitor of the Pittsburg, Fort ayne & Chicago Railway Company (.afterwards the Pennsylvania Company), in connection with a general law practice, the son formed a little later a partnership with Judge Laubie, and the two associated with each other for some years. In time the great corporation demanded practically all of Mr. Brooks' time. and for some years before his death he was second vice-president of the Pennsylvania Company. Hon. J. A. Ambler was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1829. He read law with his brother. Henry Ambler. in Salem ( the latter at the time a prominent attorney at the Columbiana County bar) : was admitted at Cincinnati, March 27, 1851, served one term in the Ohio Legislature, 1858-59. resigning to accept appointment as judge of the First Sub- Division of the Ninth Judicial District to succeed Judge Lyman . Potter. resigned: was elected to fill the unexpired term and the following full term-1861-67; was elected to Congress and served 1868-70. and served also on the United States Tariff Commission in 1882. A brief sketch of Judge Laubie's public service and also of his military record is given elsewhere in this work. Hon. B. S. Ambler was born in Salem March 31, 1853 ; after being admitted to the bar he practiced with his father, J. A. Ambler, until 1898 ; in 1902 appointed by President Roosevelt judge of the Court of First Instance at Manila, P. I.. which position he resigned in 1904.. Hon. . . Hole was another of the Salem attorneys who pressed to the front in the dosing years of the old century. He had built up for himself an enviable practice when, in 1899. he was elected judge of the Common Pleas Court for the Ninth Judicial District of Ohio. and re-elected in 1904 for a second term of five years. Among the earlier members of the bar of Salem—the work of some has been mentioned elsewhere in this work—and probably all of whom are favorably remembered by some of the older of those who are yet in the legal harness. were J. J. Brooks. Thomas Kennett. Cornelius Curry, Allen Thomas and Asa Battin. Hon. J. C. Boone, after serving six years as probate judge—from 1897 to 1903—returned to Salem and resumed a very busy and lucrative practice. The firm of Carey & Mullins, Salem, succeeded, some years ago, to a similar practice— only enlarging no doubt as the years go by,— as that for so many years engaged in, and so. successfully, by father and son, J. J. Brooks and J. Twing Brooks, in connection with the Pennsylvania Company's railroad lines. 262 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY COLUMBIANA COUNTY'S LIVING LAWYERS. Following is a roster of the lawyers of Columbiana County, living and practicing in 1905, with their tutors and date of admission to the bar in each case : G. W. Adams, of Wellsville, was born in Yellow Creek township. and began the practice of the law in 1894. J. C. Boone was born in Salem ; read law with J. A. & B. S. Ambler : admitted in 1878; probate judge Columbiana County, 1897-1903. N. B. Billingsley, Lisbon. was born October 9, 1850, in Columbiana County; read with Hon. Jonathan H. Wallace, Lisbon : admitted to practice, September 24, 1873 ; was judge of Common Pleas Court May I. 1893, to December 3. 1895. E. E. Black, born in Columbiana County: has practiced at Salineville since about 1885. A. E. Bowdler has practiced in East Liverpool since early in the present century. Charles Boyd, born July 12, 1873. in Wellsville; studied with W. F. Lones; admitted in 1897; served as city solicitor of Wellsville. 1902-05. J. H. Brookes, born in East Liverpool May 18, 1863: read law with Col. H. R. Hill : admitted to practice February 22, 1886: prosecuting attorney, 1898-1904. W. H. Burgess. born in East Liverpool. December 5. 1872; read law with . F. Lones, and attended law school. Ada, Ohio : admitted December 7, 1901. James R. Carey, of Salem. was born in Salem in 1852; read law with Laubie & Brooks. and at Harvard Law School; admitted. 1877: practiced in Fort Wayne, Indiana. io years-until 1887; afterward a member of the law firms of Carey & Boyle, Carey. Boyle & Mullins, and Carey & Mullins. successively : Carey & Mullins in 1905. S. G. Cowgill, North Georgetown. Columbiana County. A. H. Clark. born Salineville March 26. 1847: read law with Nichols & Firestone, Lisbon ; admitted May, 1875 ; mayor of East Liverpool 1880-82: city solicitor. 1891-95. J. W. Clark, Lisbon : born in Columbiana County May 15, 1855; studied with Battin & Andrews. Steubenville: admitted April, 1819; mayor of Wellsville, 1890-92; member law firm of Billingsley, Clark & DeFord. Kertis L. Cocurn, born in Columbiana County. January 15. 1871 ; read law with A. W. Taylor. Salem ; admitted June 13, 1901; served as justice of the peace 1897-1900. C. C. Connell. born April 27. 1871. at New Lisbon, Ohio ; Cincinnati Law School, admitted May 31. 1894; city solicitor, Lisbon, 1899- 1902 : State Senator. 20th-22nd District, 19021906. George E. Davidson. East Liverpool ; read law with Walter Ba. Hill : Ohio State University : admitted 1899: city solicitor, 1903-06. J. E. Davis. East Liverpool : born in Columbiana County October 19, 1874: read law at Ada Law School and with L. T. Farr. Rogers, Ohio : admitted January. 1901 ; justice of the peace. 1898. C.. C. DeFord, born in Carroll County. Ohio, November 13. 1863: studied with Raley & Pimple; admitted 1888; mayor of Carrollton. 1888-1902 ; probate judge. Carroll County. 1894-1900: entered law firm of Billingsley. Tayler & Clark. upon withdrawal of Judge Tayler in 1903. C. D. Dickinson. born in Poland. Mahoning County. Ohio, December 13. 1848: read law with George Duncan. Columbiana, Ohio; admitted August 28. 1872: township clerk. Fairfield : solicitor of Columbiana and Leetonia. and referee in bankruptcy, August, 1898 to 1905. John M. Dickinson. born in Columbiana County. February 20. 1836: read law with Wadsworth & Orr. New Lisbon: admitted 1864: mayor of New Lisbon several terms : member of State Legislature, 1881-85. William S. Emmons, born in Columbiana County August 11. 1865; read with A. W. Taylor. Salem : admitted 1890: justice of the peace in 1886. L. T. Farr. born July 24, 1865, in Columbiana County; read law with J. W. and H. Morrison. New Lisbon : admitted December 3, 1801 : deputy State supervisor of elections for Columbiana County. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 263 George T. Farrell, born in New Lisbon ; read law with C. S. Speaker ; admitted March 1.5, 1898; mayor of Lisbon, 1900-05. S. J. Firestone, horn October 2, 1833. in .Columbiana County ; studied with McSweeney & Giren. Wooster: admitted June, 1860; probate judge of Columbiana County 1866-71: treasurer of Union School Board, Lisbon, for 15 years. Ross W. Firestone. born at New Lisbon January 7, 1868 : read under Judge Nichols and at Cincinnati Law School ; admitted 1893. J. D. Fountain. born in New York City in 1840; read law under Cornelius Curry, Salem; admitted August 2, 1872 ; sheriff of Columbiana County, 1873-77; mayor of Salem 1877- ; justice of the peace 1888-90, and again in 1903-05. Frank E. Grosshans, East Liverpool, admitted about 1894. H. E. Grosshans. East Liverpool, admitted to practice about 1895. H. R. Hill, born in East Liverpool November 12, 1834; graduated from Jefferson College in 1858 ; read law under Judge Jonathan H. Wallace, Lisbon: admitted March 21, 1861. Never ambitious to hold office; member Board of Education of East Liverpool for many years. Walter B. Hill, East Liverpool ; graduated Princeton College, 1890, with degree of A. B. ; Cincinnati Law School, 1892, with degree of LL. B.; admitted 1892 ; member Board of Education of East Liverpool. William M. Hill, East Liverpool ; graduated Princeton College and law department of Ohio State University ; admitted 1895. Lorin B. Harris. Salem; born in Butler township, Columbiana County, May 3, 1870; read law at Ohio State University : admitted June I I, 1902 ; member of law firm of Taylor & Harris. Conrad Hune, born in Germany, September 4, 1837; read law with Hon. John H. Clark, New Lisbon; practiced in Lisbon until 1905. J. F. Johnson, New Waterford; born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, March 25,1864; studied Ohio State University; admitted 1894. A. V. Johnson, born in Salineville, Ohio, March 20, 1849; read law with John W. and H. Morrison, New Lisbon; admitted September 14, 1876; mayor of Hanoverton for three terms; member School Board and clerk of Hanover township. Willis Jordan, born in New Lisbon June 28, 1864: read law with Colonel Jordan, New Lisbon, and took course at Cincinnati Law School: admitted May 4, 1886. C. B. Kenty, born in New Lisbon November 8. 1874 ; read law under Judge P. C. Young: Harvard Law School. class of 190i ; admitted in New York, 190 1, Ohio, 1902. J. J. Kerr, born in Columbiana County, May 20, 1872; read law under J. H. Brookes, East Palestine; admitted October, 1898. L. M. Kyes, East Palestine ; born in Columbiana County, May 29, 1879; studied under C. P. Rothwell, East Palestine; admitted June, 1902. Peter A. Laubie, born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1829; read law with Keith & Underhill. Massillon, Ohio ; admitted July, 1854; mayor of Salem, member of School Board, judge of Court of Common Pleas from November, 1875, to February, 1885 ; judge of Circuit Court from February 9. 1885, to 1905 —term expiring February 9, 1911. F. D. Lodge, born in Iowa, December 19, 1875: read law in Columbiana under H. G. and Ezra Bye and at Ada University ; admitted June. Iwo: city solicitor, Columbiana, 19001905. John H. Logan, East Palestine, born January 3. 1868; read law with C. P. Rothwell ; admitted October 5, 1892; mayor of East Palestine from 1894 to 1898. W. F. Lones, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 29, 1863; studied with A. H. Clark, East Liverpool ; admitted February 2, 1886: mayor of Dayton. Tennessee, 1889-91; city solicitor of Wellsville, 1894-98; member Board of Education 1900-05. E. L. Lyon, born in Columbiana County November 5, 1870; read law with C. P. Rothwell, East Palestine; admitted October 4, 1894 ; city solicitor, East Palestine, 1896-97; mayor, 1897-190o. W. R. MacDonald, born in Wellsville, December, 1871; read law under F. L. Wells,. 264 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY Wellsville, and received degree LL. B. at Cincinnati Law School; admitted June, 1898. M. J. McGarry, East Liverpool; born November 12, 1868; read law Cincinnati Law School; admitted May 29, 1895; city solicitor, East Liverpool, April 20, 1898, to 1902 ; prosecuting attorney Columbiana County, 1903- term expiring 1907. J. F. McGarry, born in Beaver County. Pennsylvania. March 18. 1873; studied law at Ohio State University; admitted December 4, 1891. C. R. McGregor born in Wellsville February 27. 1878: read law under . F. Lones: admitted in 1901 : auditor of Wellsville. James E. McDonald. East Liverpool: read law with Judge P. C. Young: admitted to the bar about 1889. S. E. McCormick, Salineville: admitted in the '90's mayor of Salineville two terms. John McVicker, Lisbon; admitted in the '60's : prosecuting attorney. Columbiana County, 1877-79. J. A. Martin. born in Jefferson County. Ohio, May 31. 1852: read law with Wallace & Billingsley, New Lisbon: admitted to the bar in 1882: justice of the peace for to years in the '80's, and early in the '90's; mayor of Lisbon. 1898-1900: probate judge 1903- term expiring 1909: chairman Columbiana County Republican Central Committee and of the Columbiana County Republican Executive Committee. 1904-05. Frank Mercer. born in Columbiana County; read law with John McVicker, Yew Lisbon ; admitted May 4, 1886 : mayor of Salem, 1890-96. L. P. Metzger. born in Mahoning County, Ohio. April 25. 1873: read law Valparaiso (Indiana) law school, and with A. . Taylor. Salem : admitted June, 1895: city solicitor April, 1900-05. James G. Moore. born in Wilmington, Delaware, August 24, 1852; read law in New Lisbon under the Morrisons: admitted September 24, 1874: township clerk and village solicitor. Salineville, prior to 1884; probate judge Columbiana County, 1885-91. L. C. Moore, born in Columbiana County: read law under Potts & Moore; admitted December 6. 1894; solicitor of Salineville from 1895 to 1901. M. C. Moore, born October 19. 1879, in East Palestine; studied at Ada Law School and under E. L. Lyon : admitted June, 1904. P. B. Moore, born in East Palestine June 18. 1876; read law with C. P. Rothwell; admitted June, 1901. J. B. Morgan, born in Leetonia April 6, 1869: read law under C. M. Snyder, Leetonia; admitted October 5, 1892; solicitor of Leetonia. 1903-05. F. J. Mullins (Carey & Mullins. Salem), born in Milwaukee, isconsin, in 1857: react law under John B. Jeffries, Wooster. Ohio: admitted in 1880. W. A. O'Grady was one of the young attorneys in Wellsville in 1905. R. H. Perry. born in Columbiana County. July 14. 1875: read under L. T. Farr. Rogers, and graduated LL. B. course, Valparaiso (Indiana ) law school ; admitted December, 1903. W. S. Potts. Lisbon; born in Carroll County. Ohio, February 9, 1846: read law under Hon. Jonathan H. Wallace and at Ann Arbor (Michigan ) law school ; admitted 1873 : prosecuting- attorney Columbiana County 1875-76. H. D. Pritchard, born in New Lisbon September 26. 1875: read law with Billingsley, Tayler & Clark. and took three years course in Georgetown University. Washington. D. C. J. J. Purinton. born in illinois. November 13, 1862; react under Col. H. R. Hill: admit- ted October 6, 1 887 : city clerk. East Liverpool. 1880-87: president City Council. 1897-98: president sinking fund commission. 1903-05. A. A. Ramsey, born in Columbiana County August 25, 1852; read law under the Morrisons. New Lisbon ; admitted September 3, 1879. S. W. Ramsey, Salem; born October 19, 1854. in Columbiana County; read law with the Morrisons. New Lisbon; admitted September. 1879. J. W. Reilly, Wellsville, born in Akron. Ohio. May 21. 1828 ; read law under George M. Lee. Wellsville: admitted to bar in 1851; Representative, Lower House of Ohio Legis- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 265 lature. in 1861resigning to enter United States service in the War of the Rebellion; served as mayor of Wellsville; in 1873 member of ®hio constitutional convention : trustee of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home. located at Xenia, 1876-78. C. P. Rothwell. East Palestine : born in Columbiana County January 20. 1860; read law with the Morrisons. New Lisbon: admitted November 1. 1881; solicitor of East Palestine for 15 years. Lodge Riddle. Lisbon; born in Wellsville, June 13. 1869: studied law at Ada University; admitted June. 1895. John E. Rogers, born in Columbiana County, May 9. 1851: read law with H. C. Jones; admitted in 1878. Philip M. Smith. born in Yellow Creek township. Columbiana County. in 1852 ; read law with Judge . A. Nichols. Lisbon ; admitted February. 1879; succeeded to practice in ellsville. of Judge W. G. Wells. when the latter was elected probate judge; prosecuting attorney. 1885-91 ; appointed judge of Common Pleas Court by Governor McKinley to fill vacancy in 1886. and resigned in 1900 to resume the practice of the law in ellsville. Alex. G. Smith. born in Yellow Creek township. Columbiana County, January 27. 1856: read law under Philip M. Smith. Wellsville; admitted October. 1882: city solicitor of Wellsville, 1887-93. Charles S. Speaker. born in New Lisbon: read law with Nichols & Firestone: admitted in November. 1880: mayor of New Lisbon. 1881-88: prosecuting attorney of county. 1891-97. John E. Scott. Salem; lit Irn in Indiana, January 13, 1870: read law with King & McVey, Youngstown, and S. W. Ramsey. Salem : admitted in 1895. W. A. Snediker, Wellsville: admitted and practiced law some years, but latterly devoted his attention to sayings and loan business. E. P. Speidel. Hanoverton born March 17. 1870: studied with Potts & Moore. New Lisbon, and in Ohio State University : admitted June 8, 1893; deputy sheriff in 1903. W. H. Spence. Lisbon : born in Columbiana County in 1859: studied at Ann Arbor and Cincinnati law schools, and with Wallace & Billingsley and J. W. and H. Morrison; admitted in 1882. A. W. Taylor. Salem; born in Hanover township. December 2, 1861 ; graduated from Cincinnati Law School May 27, 1885 ; admitted May 28, 1885: city solicitor ; mayor of Salem two terms. R. G. Thompson, born in East Liverpool in 1873; read law with J. H. Brookes; admitted in March, 1897. G. Y. Travis, East Liverpool; born at Dennison, Ohio. February 12, 1869; read law with A. R. Mackall: ,graduated Cincinnati Law School, class of 1890; admitted 1890. John C. Wallace is one of the young attorneys, a product of East Liverpool, practicing regularly at the Columbiana County bar, as is also . H. Vodrey. George S. Walton, born in Salem October 22. 1867; read law at Yale Law School: admitted New Haven. Connecticut. June, 1893. Columbus. Ohio. October, 1893 ; served as clerk Board of Supervisors of Elections, Columbiana County. W. G. Wells, born in Wellsville, June 3. 1837: read law with Gen. J. . Reilly; admitted April 3, 1860; mayor of ellsville, 1860. and again 1872-74; probate judge of county. 1879-85. F. L. Wells, born in Wellsville, September 17, 1864: read law with Hon. W. G. Wells, New Lisbon; degree of LL. B., Cincinnati Law School. 1888; admitted 1888; city solicitor, Wellsville, 1898-1902. W. E. Warren. East Liverpool: born in Columbiana County, March 7, 1865; read law with Charles S. Speaker, New Lisbon; admitted June 5. 1890; solicitor of Leetonia 189497. and 1898-1902. A. J. Withard, Homeworth, born in New Lisbon, February 28, 1848; studied at Ann Arbor Law School, Michigan ; admitted in Michigan. February 28. 1883, and at Columbus, Ohio. October 2, 1883. F. A. Witt. Columbiana; born in estmoreland County. Pennsylvania, April 2, 1853; read law with George Duncan. Columbiana. admitted August 11, 1874. 266 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY ROSTER OF CIRCUIT, COMMON PLEAS AND PROBATE JUDGES. On the circuit court bench (Seventh Circuit of Ohio) the following Columbiana County lawyers have served: Peter A. Laubie, 1885; third full term will end 1911; John M. Cook (latterly of Jefferson County), 1901 to 1907. On the common pleas bench, the following jurists have served Columbiana County : Associate judges (old style)-1803-08, Robert Simison, Henry Bauchman, William Smith; 1808-50, George Atterholt, George Brown, William Smith; 1810-17, George Atterholt, Henry Bauchman, William Smith; 1817-25. John J. Bowman, George Brown, William Smith; 1825-32, John J. Bowman, Thomas Creighton, George Endly; 1832-37, John J. Bowman, George McCook, George Endly ; 1837-38, John J. Bowman, William Armstrong, George Endly; 1838-42, Daniel Harbaugh, William Armstrong, George Endly; 1842-45, Daniel Harbaugh. Jacob Roller, George Endly; 1845-47, Joshua A. Riddle, Jacob Roller, Samuel Clark ; 1847-51, Joshua A. Riddle, John Dellenbaugh. Samuel Clark. Common pleas judges (under Constitution of 1851)-1852-55, George W. Belden; 1856, John W. Clark : 1857-59, Lyman . Potter; 1860-61. John . Church; 1860-67, Jacob A. Ambler; 1875-85 Peter A. Laubie; February, 1885 to October. 1885, Jonathan H. Wallace; 1885-93. William A. Nichols; 1893-95, Nathan B. Billingsley : 1895-1900, Philip M. Smith ; 1900-10, Warren Hole. Probate judges (Columbiana County)— 1852-53, John Reid; 1854-50, James Martin; 1860-65. Cornelius Curry; 1866-71, Solomon J. Firestone; 1872-77, Simon J. Wisden; 1878- 85, William G. Wells: 1886-91, James G. Moore: 1892-97, Peter C. Young; 1898-1903. J. C. Boone: 1903-06, James A. Martin.