CHAPTER XXIV
BENCH AND BAR OF THE COUNTY
The first lawyer who located in Pickaway County was Richard Douglass, a native of New London, Connecticut, born in 1785, who came West to "grow up with the country" in 1808 and when he reached Chillicothe, Ohio, decided to remain there for a while, finished his law studies with Col. Henry Brush, a noted lawyer of his time, was admitted to practice law in 1809, opened an office in Chillicothe. publishing his professional card in the Scioto Gazette of December 23rd of that year. Soon after the organization of Pickaway County in 1810, Mr. Douglas came to Jefferson, the temporary county seat, and "hung out his shingle." He was present at the first court held in the county and was appointed prosecuting attorney. holding the office until 1813. In 1812 he was elected one of the Representatives of the county in the General Assembly, serving one year. In 1815 Mr. Douglas returned to Chillicothe and to the end of his active life was a leader iii the profession, a forcible speaker, noted for his ready and sparkling wit, in fact was a remarkable man. He died in 1852. His son, Dr. Albert Douglas, was a prominent citizen of Chillicothe until his death some years ago, and his sons, Albert Douglas and J. C. Douglas, are leading lawyers of the Ross County bar, the former when this was written the Republican candidate for Congress in the Ross district and the latter having served 10 years as common pleas judge.
Ralph Osborn, who was one of the first attorneys who located in Columbus, came to Pickaway County soon after the county seat was fixed at Circleville and opened a law office. He was a native of Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1810, he was elected clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives and was re-elected in 1811, 1812, 1813 and 1814. In 1813 he was appointed prosecuting attorney of Pickaway County, continuing in office until 1816. In 1815 Mr. Osborn was chosen Auditor of State by the General Assembly in joint meeting, and was continuously reelected until 1833. He had few, if any, superiors in a clerical position. Soon after his first election as Auditor; Mr. Osborn changed his residence to Columbus. In 1833 he was elected to represent Franklin and Pickaway counties in the State Senate. His death occurred December 30, 1835, at the age of 52 years. Mr. Osborn was twice married; first, on April 26, 1812, to Catherine Renick, daughter of John Renick, then living near Darby Creek, Jackson town-ship. After her death, about 17 years thereafter, he married Mrs. Jane Turney, widow of, Dr. Daniel Turney, who was the eldest daughter of Col. James Denny, of Pickaway County. He was the father of a number of children, three by the second marriage; the only one now living is Mrs. Catherine Ruggles, widow of Samuel H. Ruggles, of Circleville, born of the second marriage.
Joshua Folsom was one of the first lawyers in Pickaway County, coming to Circleville the first year of its existence. He was born in New Hampshire in 1783 and was
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partly educated at Dartmouth College. His reputation was that of a very good lawyer, well-read on all subjects and possessed of extensive information. He served as prosecuting attorney from 1828 to 1832, after which, having acquired a considerable estate for those (lays he quit the law and located upon a large tract of land which he owned, in Logan County, Ohio.
Caleb Atwater, who came to Circleville in 1815 and engaged in the practice of the law. was a man of varied ability--educator, minister. lawyer, legislator, author and antiquarian. He was born at North Adams, Massachusetts, December 25, 1778. He was one of the earliest graduates of Williams College, He moved to New York and for a while conducted a school for young ladies, at the same time studying for the ministry, and was ordained as a minister of the Presbyterian Church. Soon there-after deciding to change his profession, he studied law and in due course was admitted to the practice. In 1821 Mr. Atwater was a Representative from Pickaway County in the General Assembly, serving one term and was conspicuous as an advocate of popular education and public improvements, a pioneer in the movement for the construction of the Ohio canal system. At the close of his legislative service, he was commissioned to represent the United States government in the treaty with the Winnebago Indians at Galena, Illinois. Thenceforth he devoted years to literary pursuits, writing one of the earliest works, on "Western Antiquities", also works on other subjects, and a "History of Ohio." Mr. Atwater died at Circleville March 13, 1867, having survived his second wife 10 years. Of his nine children only one, Mrs. Lucy Brown, is living. It was said of Caleb Atwater by one who knew him intimately: "He was a man of somewhat eccentric characteristics, but of large and genuine worth. He combined, with culture, the qualities of exceeding kindness and of the most rigid conscientiousness. He was unselfish, labored for the benefit of others--the masses and his neighbors--and exhibited but little desire for pecuniary gain or personal advancement. His character commanded the respect and his talents and his employment of them, the admiration of all who, personally or by reputation, had knowledge of his life and. services."
Guy W. Doane, a native of New Milford, Connecticut, a graduate of Union College, New York, and a student in the law school at Litchfield, Connecticut, located in Circleville in 1816 to practice law. The legal profession was not then crowded with business, as Mr. Doane from January 20, 1818, to Feburary 9, 1819, was the editor of the Olive Branch, the pioneer newspaper of the county. Mr. Doane was prosecuting attorney two years, commencing in 1824, and in 1826 was elected Representative in the General Assembly, serving one term. He continued in active practice of the law until 1844, when loss of eyesight disqualified him for active pursuits. He died February 4, 1862, and an obituary published in the Circleville Union, the same week, says : "Mr. Doane was eminently a just man, an humble-minded, consistent Christian and a good citizen. * * * With social qualities that but few possess, he was yet an indefatigable student: with an industry that never flagged, he kept pace with the progress of his profession, drew from the stores of ancient learning, and mastered the current literature of his day." One of Mr. Doane's sons, George W. Doane, located at Omaha, became prominent as a lawyer, served in the Legislature and upon the bench. Clement Doane, another son, was editor of the Jasper (Indiana) Courier for over 30 years, dying in 1905. The youngest (laughter of Mr. Doane was the second wife of the late Col. Samuel A. Moore.
It is recorded that, in 1819, Joshua Folsom, Guy W. Doane, Caleb Atwater and Neil McGaffey were the only resident attorneys of Circleville. McGaffey soon thereafter emigrated farther west and nothing concerning him is obtainable, except that he was the son-in-law of John McNeal, the first coroner of the county.
The first lawyer, who completed his studies here, and began the practice in Circleville, was Joseph Olds, a native of Brattleboro, Vermont,
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and one of the Olds family, which became notable in Pickaway County, several of the brothers attaining prominence in the professions and in business. Joseph Olds came to Circleville in 1818, and in a short time began the practice of the law, soon rising to eminence in the profession. He was prosecuting attorney four years, beginning in 1820, and Representative in the General Assembly in 1824 and 1825 and Senator from Pickaway and Hocking counties in 1827 and from Franklin and Pickaway counties from 1828 to 1831, and in both branches was a leader in legislation. He was not only one of the ablest lawyers of his time but one of the best and most successful financiers, dealing extensively in real estate in town and country, owned large tracts of land in Pickaway and Madison counties, as well as town property and laid out two additions to Circleville. He was rated as one of the wealthiest men in the county. When the Bank of Circleville was organized in the fall of 1834, Mr. Olds was elected its president and continued in that capacity until his death, always judiciously and successfully managing the affairs of the institution. In 1842 Mr. Olds built the large brick house at the corner of Main and Pickaway streets, now owned by Mrs. Mary G. Marfield, bought by her deceased husband, William B. Marfield, in 1870. When first erected, this house was considered as a palatial mansion, the finest in the town. In politics, Mr. Olds-was a strong Whig; and in the memorable campaign of 1840 was a popular stumper, doing efficient service for his party. The last time he appeared before the people, as a candidate, was in 1842, the Whigs having nominated him for. Representative. His brother, Dr. Edson B. Olds, was the Democratic candidate. It was a hot, exciting, close contest, both candidates men of much forensic ability, sharp disputants and each "hewed to the line." no matter where the chips might fall. Joseph Olds was elected by three majority, having two majority in Circleville.. He declined to accept the office, and a special election was held at which Dr. Edson B. Olds was chosen by a large majority and began his first term as a legislator. Mr. Olds died on the 26th of April, 1847, in the 53rd year of his age, surviving his wife about two years. There not being any children, his estate was bequeathed in equal shares to his brothers and sisters. The late John A. Lutz, in reminiscences printed in the Circleville Union-Herald about 20 years ago, said of Joseph Olds: "As the writer remembers him, he was of about medium height, rather slender, naturally bright and well educated for that period, and being a good speaker he soon gained practice. He had the energy, shrewdness and push common to the Yankees in the early part of the present century, and in addition to being attentive to his profession, he took an active interest in all the enterprises and movements calculated to build up the city." An obituary of Mr. Olds published in the Circleville Watchman, May 7, 1847, contained the following : "His honesty was proverbial, and so high was his character in this respect, that no man, not even his political opponents, ever doubted the honesty and integrity of Joseph Olds."
John L. Green was the, first of the early lawyers locating in Circleville, who was not a New Englander. Mr.Green; was born at Richmond, Virginia, in 1807. His parents both perished in the burning of the Richmond Theatre, the night of December 26, 1811, if the writer was correctly informed. Mr. Green came to Circleville about 1830, and soon was successful in the law practice. He was clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives in 1831-32; was elected prosecuting attorney in 1832 and served six years; was Senator from the Pick-away and Franklin district from 1837 to 1840. He was commissioned as a general in the State militia, wearing the title for years. Mr. Green changed his location to Chillicothe in the '40's, forming a partnership with William Creighton, Jr., which continued a few years. In 1850 General Green was elected as one of the representatives from Ross County in the convention which formed the present constitution of Ohio and in 1851 was elected the first common pleas, judge in the Ross, Fayette and Highland sub-division of the Fifth Judicial District, serving five years. In 1880 he moved to Columbus
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and in 1866 was elected common pleas judge in the Franklin, Madison and Pickaway sub-division, re-elected in 1871 and 1876, serving 15 years as did his predecessor, Judge James L. Bates. When Judge Green closed his judicial career on the 9th of February, 1882, he did not resume the law practice, living a retired life until his death, July 3, 1886. Politically Judge Green was a zealous Whig, while that party lived. In 1861 he joined the Democratic party, to which he adhered thereafter.
Henry N. Hedges, Sr., was the first of the legal profession in the county, who was "native here" and passed his life on his native heath. He was born at Jefferson in 1811. His father was James Hedges, who came from Berkeley County, Virginia, to Ohio in 1802. His mother was a sister of Henry Nevill, one of the earliest settlers at Jefferson. He was educated in the village school at Circleville and at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, read law in the office of Joseph Olds, attended law school in Cincinnati and in 1835 began the practice of the law in Circleville. He was prosecuting attorney from 1838 to 1840 and from 1854 to 1856. He was in active practice and in the front rank of the profession for 30 years, from 1854 to 1858 in partnership with John Cradlebaugh. From 1864 to 1867, he was a member of the city Board of Education and president of the board during the time. In 1875 Mr. Hedges was elected probate judge and re-elected in 1878 arid 1881, at each election running far ahead of his ticket. He was thoroughly qualified for the office and his adininistration in every way has never been excelled. Judge Hedges died on the 15th of March, 1885, but a few days, over a month after closing his services as probate judge, having been in feeble health for several, months. The Circleville Democrat and Watchman, in a sketch published in its first issue following his death, said: "Judge Hedges possessed fine legal ability, and an enviable professional reputation, estimable personal character, and the brightest honor and integrity, with eminent virtues as husband, father, friend and citizen, and had the respectand esteem of his fellow citizens to a greater degree than any other man in the county. In religion he was of the Episcopal faith. Politic-ally he was a stanch Democrat from the days of his youth an J aided greatly in organizing and strengthening his party, when it was struggling for dscendaucy in the county."
Joseph H. Geiger was a well-known attorney and celebrity of Pickaway County for 12 years preceding 1852, and to the end of his days had a host of acquaintances in the county. Mr. Geiger was horn at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, November 11, 1818, was educated in that city, graduating in 1836. He came to Circleville July 1st of the same year, read law in the office of Gen. John L. Green, was admitted to the bar at Cincinnati in 1840 and immediately thereafter commenced the practice of the law at Circleville. At the October election following, he was elected prosecuting attorney. Taking an active interest in the State militia, he was advanced to the rank of general and ever after carried the title. In 1850 he was elected Senator from the Pickaway and Ross district to succeed Chauncey N. Olds, resigned, and was the last senatorial representative of Pickaway under the constitution of 1802. In 1852 General Geiger moved from Circleville to Columbus, forming a partnership with Elijah Backus, a leading lawyer of the "Capital City," which existed a few years. In 1862, General Geiger was appointed by his old-time friend, Judge Noah H. Swayne, as clerk of the United States courts at Cincinnati, holding the office one year and eight months, resigning because the position did not suit him. In 1873, he was appointed by Governor Foster as State librarian and held the office one term--two years. General Geiger was a very effective and popular speaker, possessing the powers of ridicule, ready wit and the quickness of repartee to a great degree, which made him a force in court or on the hustings. He was a "fellow of infinite jest" and companionable with all classes. He had been affiliated with all the leading political parties existing during his life, first a Whig, then a Democrat, afterwards a Republican, and
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had campaigned for each; in his latter years he was an independent voter. General Geiger survived three wives. He died March 23, 1903.
John Cradlebaugh for 15 years was one of the foremost lawyers and factors in politics in the county, and whose achievements afterward on the judicial bench and in the Civil War made his name enduring in the county, where he was born and reared. John Cradlebaugh was born in Circleville in 1816. He was the son of Andrew Cradlebaugh, who operated a tannery and kept a hotel on \Vest Main street. He was educated in the home schools, studied law with Henry N. Hedges, Sr., and was admitted to the bar in 1840, and at once began the practice in Circleville, his talents soon placing him in the front rank. In 1851 Mr. Cradlebaugh was elected to the_ State Senate by the Democratic party from Franklin and Pickaway counties, the first to represent that district under the new constitution, and was an active, influential member. In 1854 he entered into a law partnership with his former preceptor, Henry N. Hedges, Sr., which continued until 1858, when Mr. Cradlebaugh was appointed by President Buchanan as United States judge in the Territory of Utah; soon after he assumed the duties of the office. The Territory of Nevada was formed from part of Utah, making an additional judicial district, and Judge Cradlebaugh was assigned to the northern or Nevada district. Soon after the transfer, Judge Cradlebaugh made a record that is indelible. The bloody Mountain Meadow massacre, where 120 emigrants were murdered by Mormons disguised as Indians, occurred on the 10th of September, 1857, and efforts were being made to bring the murderers to justice. Judge Cradlebaugh, in opening his court, charged the grand jury to investigate the massacre and placed the responsibility upon the Mormons. The Territorial Enterprise at the time, discussing the occasion, said of Judge Cradlebaugh : "He spoke and acted with the fearlessness and resolution of a Jackson; but the jury failed to indict, or even to report on the charges, while threats of violence were heard in every quarter, and an attack on the U. S. troops intimated if he persisted in his course. Finding that nothing could be done with the juries, they were discharged with a scathing rebuke from the Judge and then, sitting as a committing magistrate. he commenced his task alone. He examined witnesses, made arrests in every quarter and created a consternation in the camps of the saints greater than any they had ever witnessed since Mormondom was born."
Judge Cradlebaugh was elected a delegate in Congress from Nevada in 1861, and was active in securing the admission of the Territory into the Union as a State. While in Congress he assisted in recruiting the 114th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., at Circleville, in 1862. and was commissioned as colonel. He was-with the regiment in several battles and in the first charge of Vicksburg, and on the 22nd of May, 1863. was seriously wounded by a bullet passing through his cheeks, under his tongue making his articulation very difficult, rendering it necessary for him to. retire from the service. He resigned soon after. Returning to Nevada, he was a candidate for United States Senator but the Stewart-Nye combination was too powerful and he failed. Having become reduced financially, he accepted a subordinate position. He died at Eureka, Nevada. in 1873. After the lapse of six rears, the remains were brought to Circleville, May 29 1879, and .on the following day, Decoration Day, were laid to rest, beside the remains of his wife (who died in Columbus while he was. Senator) in the lot in Forest Cemetery under the imposing monument placed there years before. The exercises attending the re-interment were of a suitable and patriotic character.
Chauncey N. Olds came to Circleville with his father's family in May, 1830, being then 14 years of age. He was born at Marlboro, Vermont, February 2, 1816. He was educated at Ohio University, Athens, and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, graduating from the latter in 1836, and from 1837 to 1840 was instructor in Latin in the institution, after which he finished the. study of the law in the office of his elder brother, Joseph Olds, in Circle-
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ville. He was admitted to the practice in the spring of 1842, and entered into partnership with his brother. In 1848 he was elected by the Whig party one of the Representatives from Pickaway and Ross counties in the General Assembly and in 1849 was elected Senator from the same counties, served one session and resigned, never afterward accepting a nomination for public office. In 1856 he moved to Columbus and devoted his whole time to his profession, having an extensive and valuable practice. In 1865 he accepted from the Governor the appointment as Attorney General of the State to fill a vacancy, filling the unexpired term. He was an earnest churchman of the Presbyterian faith, was active in church and Sunday-school work, delivering numerous addresses at Sunday-school gatherings. He was a ruling elder for over 40 years, and a frequent representative in Presbyterian synods and general assemblies and in 1877 was a delegate in the Pan-Presbyterian Council, held at Edinburg, Scotland. He died some years ago.
Thomas C. Jones came to Pickaway County about 1843 and practiced law here 12 years, then removing to Delaware. In 1859 he was elected to the State Senate from Delaware and Licking counties and afterward served as common pleas judge to years. He was greatly interested in agriculture and stock breeding and had a choice herd of Shorthorn cattle on his farm near Delaware. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture from 186o to 1867. Judge Jones was of Welsh origin and had many of the traits of that nationality
M. C. Canfield had a law office in Circleville for a few years after 184o; was elected prosecuting attorney in 1841, serving one term, then going elsewhere.
John C. Groom, a native of York County, Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1837, was clerk in a store at Harrisburg, Franklin County, and afterwards was a salesman in the store of Gregg & Wolfley in Circleville. Having studied law in the. office of Joseph Olds, he was admitted to the" bar December 3, 1841, commenced the practice in Circleville and in 1843 was elected prosecuting attorney, serving two years. During the War with Mexico, he served as 1st lieutenant in Company E, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Returning at the close of the war, he resumed the law practice, continuing until 1858, when he located in Kansas City, Missouri, where he had a law office two years. He removed to Columbus, Ohio, in 1861 and engaged in the practice of his profession; entered military service; was appointed major of the 84th Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf., but was soon transferred to the colonelcy of the tooth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., which he resigned May 13, 1863. He continued the law practice in Columbus and was elected to represent Franklin County in the House of Representatives, serving in 1876-77 and 1880-81.
Jonathan Renick was one of the most prominent attorneys in the county for 15 years. He was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, the son of Thomas Renick, graduated from the Canonsburg (Pennsylvania) College, studied law with Odlin & Schenck, eminent lawyers at Dayton, Ohio. He began the practice of the law at Circleville in 1846 and soon forged. to the front; was elected prosecuting attorney in 1847 and held the office four years. He died in the prime of life September 22, 1862, after a brief illness, and as said at the bar meeting at the time : "He occupied in the legal. and political circles a more prominent place than any other man in our community. In his intercourse with the members of the bar, he was upright and courteous ; in his social relations, he was the idol of his friends."
The Circleville Democrat (now Democrat and Watchman), September 26, 186o, said editorially .of Mr. Renick's death : "Perhaps we have not a citizen in the county whose loss will be more deeply felt than that of Mr. Renick. He was universally respected by all. He advanced rapidly in his profession, commanding a most extensive practice. All of his early friends looked to him with pride and hope. A man of fine developments, of easy manners and liberal education, he passed rap-
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idly to an extensive business and to a respected popularity. In all the enterprises and improvements of our town and county, he lent a liberal hand. His funeral was one of the largest we have ever witnessed in this town, the procession reaching from town to the cemetery."
Henry F. Page, one of the ablest lawyers of the Pickaway County bar in the past half century, was born in Circleville; graduated from Miami University at Oxford; attended law lectures at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and began the practice of the law in 1845. He ranked with the ablest in the profession in Central Ohio, was a vigorous advocate, fluent and forceful to a jury. Mr. Page was chosen at the April election in 1873 to represent Pickaway County in the constitutional convention of 1873-74, running as an independent candidate, the only position to which he was ever elected, having been defeated for State Senator in 1863, by the late George L. Converse. In the constitutional convention, he was an active member and one of the readiest and most forcible debaters, taking part in the important discussions. Mr. Page was not only successful professionally, but also pecuniarily, acquiring a large estate, consisting of a large body of choice land in Champaign County, Illinois, and three farms in Pickaway County.
Mr. Page died suddenly October 27, 1901, leaving a will which devised his real estate to his wife and daughter during their lifetime and at their death to go to the Ohio State University, at Columbus, provided the daughter ratified such bequest, which she did. She died before her mother, and after the death of the latter the validity of the bequest was taken into the courts of Ohio and Illinois by the heirs of Mr. Page for determination; after several years litigation the bequest. was confirmed to the University. The sale of the land yielded to the University $165,000.
Palmer C. Smith had a leading place at the Pickaway County bar for 50 years. He came from New York, born in Whitestown, Oneida County, July 31, 1823. He received a good academic education and worked on the home farm until he reached his majority, when he removed to London, Ohio, and studied law in the office of his cousin, Henry W. Smith: was admitted to the practice by the old Supreme Court of Ohio in December, 1846; and in April following opened an office in Circleville. From that time he devoted all his attention and energies to the profession, securing and holding a large law business. He was elected city solicitor at the April election in 1855, and was reelected in 1857; was elected prosecuting attorney in 1855, holding the office one term. Mr. Smith was the Republican candidate for common pleas judge, in the Franklin, Madison and Pickaway subdivision, in 1879 and 1882, and, while defeated, his vote showed his strength at home, having a majority in the county in 1882. Mr. Smith, during his half century in the law practice, had a partner most of the time--from 1849 to 1857, Thomas C. Jones; in 1861-62, Henry F. Page; in 1863-66, Hon. Jacob J. Pugsley, now of Hillsboro, Ohio; subsequently, for 10 years, William F. Hurst; and from 1877 his partner was Milton Morris, the firm of Smith & Morris existing until Mr. Smith's death, August 19, 1900. He was then in his 78th year and had been the Nestor of the Pickaway County bar for 15 years. Mr. Smith, in 1858, married Sarah Osborn, daughter of Hon. Ralph Osborn, one of the earliest attorneys mentioned. She died in 1892, leaving three daughters.
Joseph Olds, one of the best lawyers Pickaway County has produced, was born in Circleville, April 15, 1832. He was the son of Dr. Edson B. Olds, for years one of the foremost men of the county. After receiving his preliminary education in Circleville, he entered Yale College in 1849 at the age of 17 years, graduating in 1853. He began the study of the law with his uncle, Chauncey N. Olds, in Circleville, from here going to the Harvard Law School, graduating in 1857, receiving the degree of LL. B. The same year he was admitted to the practice of the law by the District Court in session at Chillicothe, and
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at once commenced the practice in Circleville. For a few years he was in partnership with Jonathan Renick, which association was terminated by the latter's death, in 1862. Mr. Olds soon impressed the people with his ability as a lawyer and business quickly came to him. He was three times elected prosecuting attorney of the county--in 1857, 1859 and 1865. An additional judgeship having been created in the Franklin, Madison and Pickaway subdivision of the Fifth Judicial District, Mr. Olds was elected to this judgeship at the April election in 1868. His record on the bench placed him in the first rank of the judiciary in the State. As a judge he was patient to hear, diligent to investigate and impartial to decide. He declined a re-election and at the close of the term in May, 1873, associated himself with Hon. Richard A. Harrison, then of London, Ohio, opening an office in Columbus, their partnership continuing until the death of Mr. Harrison. This firm had a deservedly high reputation in Ohio and other States and in the 30 years of its .existence successfully carried through the higher courts cases of great importance, involving vast interests and close legal questions. Judge Olds was thoroughly familiar with the law and authorities on all subjects, and in argument was always logical and forcible and a close, effective reasoner. His death occurred at his home in Columbus, January 31, 1904, in his 73rd year. His brief and fatal illness followed a few hours after consultation upon an important pending case, so that it could truthfully be said he "died in the harness." Mr. Olds was twice married and, twice a widower, his second wife being the only daughter of the late Col. W. Marshall Anderson, of Circleville.
John A. Lutz was in the law practice in Circleville nearly 45 years. He was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, December 29, 1824, one of the 14 children of Samuel Lutz, who came to that locality in 1802, was one of the pioneer surveyors of this section of Ohio and prominent in public affairs in the county a great number of years, and who lived into his 102nd year. John A. Lutz, after obtaining a common-school education, taught school a few years. In April, 1848, he entered Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, where he graduated in the spring of 1853, and in November of the same year began the study of the law in the office of Chauncey N. Olds at Circleville. In December, 1855, he was admitted to the bar and at once commenced the practice of law, continuing until the fatal illness, which caused his death, April 16, 1900. He gave his attention to office business mainly, having a large practice in the Probate Court, and settled many estates. Mr. Lutz had literary tastes and acquirements and for 30 years was a frequent contributor to the Circleville Union-Herald, in his latter years writing numerous articles of a local historical character. He served a few years as a member of the County Board of School Examiners and in 1861 was appointed by Governor Dennison as one of the trustees of the Institution for Feeble-Minded youth. at Columbus, and was five times reappointed, serving 18 years. He was a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Lutz was twice married ; first, to Mary H. Humphreys. of Springfield, Ohio. Four of the six children of this marriage are now living--three sons: John E. Lutz, in business at Oakland, California; Harry E. Lutz, of Seattle, Washington engaged in the banking business at Seattle and Port Angeles ; Samuel J. Lutz, in business at Port Angeles, Washington; and one daughter, Katherine, married and living at Oakland, California. The first wife died in August, 1894, and on the . 11th of August, 1896, Mr. Lutz married Anna L. Sain, a former teacher in the Circleville schools, who survives him.
David M. Jones was a prominent attorney in Circleville from 1858 to 1863, coming from Washington Court House. His death occurred June 23, 1863, and the obituary published in a newspaper of the city said of him : "Mr. Jones was a lawyer in large practice and a gentleman of very considerable attainments, in his profession. He was attentive to his business and lived a quiet, unobtrusive life.
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Few men for the time they have lived in this community gained. such universal respect." Mr. Jones was survived by his wife, Mrs. Lois Jones, who has ever since his death resided at the family home on West Main street, and her daughter, Mrs. Edward Wittich, who is the only one of the children living.
Ansel T. Walling located at Circleville in 1863. He was born in Otsego County, New York, January 10, 1824, removing when a boy to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he received a common school and academic education and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Erie Observer. In 1843 he came to Ohio, was editor and publisher of the Mahoning Index in 1848 and of the Coshocton Democrat from 185o to 1854: in 1851-52, was assistant clerk in the Ohio House of Representatives ; in 1852 was admitted to the practice of the law ; moved to Keokuk, Iowa. in 1854 and from 1855 to 1858 was editor and publisher of the Keokuk Daily Times; was a delegate from Iowa in the Democratic National Convention at Cincinnati in 1856. He returned to Ohio in 1861. In 1865 Mr. Walling was elected to the State Senate from the Franklin-Pickaway district and Representative from Pickaway County in 1867, and during the session of 1869 was Speaker pro tem; in 1874 was elected Representative in Congress from the 12th Ohio District and during the term served on important committees, including the special committee appointed to investigate the Florida election, in 1876. Mr. Walling died June 23, 1896, leaving his wife, who was a daughter of Gen. Joseph Burns, of Coshocton, Ohio, and four children--three sons : Commander Burns T. Walling, United States Navy; Stewart D. Walling, of Denver, Colorado, and Percy A. Walling, both attorneys-at-law: and one daughter, Mrs. Belle Heffner, the wife of Dr. George W. Heffner, of Circleville.
Albert H. Roose was born at Tarlton, Pickaway County, April 8, 1846, the son of David and Rebecca Roose.. He was educated in the Tarlton school and at the Kingston Academy, afterwards for several years teaching district schools. Having read law, finishing the course in the office of John G. Reeves, at Lancaster, he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of the law at Tarlton, continuing there until the beginning of the year 1885. He served as mayor of Tarlton and also as justice of the peace for Salt Creek township. In April, 1878, he was appointed by the probate judge as a member of the County Board of School Examiners and was reappointed in 1881 and 1884. In 1884 Mr. Roose was the Democratic candidate for probate judge and was elected by a plurality of 772 votes. He faithfully discharged the duties of the office and was nominated for re-election, but because of disaffection in his party was defeated. In 1890 he was appointed by Governor Campbell a member of the State Canal Commission, serving efficiently and acceptably for two years, and then resumed the practice of the law and was getting an excellent business, engaged in important cases, when he suffered a slight hemorrhage of the brain, which impaired his health and caused his death August 30, 1900.
Charles F. Krimmel was born at Ebingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, December 10, 1843, his parents coming to America in 1853, locating in Circleville. He received a thorough education, graduating from the Circleville High School in March, 1862. and from Oberlin College in 1865. He was principal of the Circleville High School for several years and assist-ant superintendent of the Columbus schools in 1872-73. As an instructor he was an adept, and had he made this his life work would have attained eminence in the profession. Having read law with Samuel W. Courtright, he was admitted to the bar in 1870 and for some time was associated with Judge Courtright the practice. In 1875 he was elected Representative in the General Assembly by the Democrats and in 1877 was elected Senator from the loth Senatorial District by 3,720 plurality. At the close of his senatorial term, he for a while had a law office in Columbus, from there going to Leadville, Colorado, where for a few years he was a high school teacher, afterwards being in the employ of silver mining corn-
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panics as an assayer. His death occurred some years ago.
Burr H. Bostwick, a prominent attorney at Circleville from 1868 until his death, November 11, 1894, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, August 21, 1835, his parents afterward moving to Ashtabula County. He finished his education at Hiram College, having James A. Garfield as tutor. In 1859 he came to Pickaway County and taught school in the John Morris district in Walnut township and the winter of 1860-61 taught the school in the Hulse district in Jackson township. At the breaking out of the war in 1861, he enlisted for the three months' service in Company D, 19th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and at the close of the service re-enlisted as a private in Company K, Seventh Reg., Kansas Vol. Cav., Colonel Jennison, serving to the end of the war; was promoted to captain; was in numerous engagements and passed through many dangers, having been struck on the head with a bullet and having had two horses shot under him. After the close of the war, in April, 1865, the regiment was transferred to the far West to assist in the suppression of lawlessness, serving there until September, 1865, and was then mustered out of the service. After his discharge, Captain Bostwick returned to the home of his parents, where he remained until February, 1866, when he came to Circleville and on the 23rd of that month was married to Hattie A. Hall, daughter; of Jeremiah Hall, an attorney. Having studied law, Captain Bostwick was the same year admitted to the bar and in 1868 located in Circleville for the practice, in 1869 forming a partnership with his father-in-law, Jeremiah Hall, which continued a number of years. Captain Bostwick was a successful practitioner and had a good practice. He was a Republican in politics and active. Several times he allowed the use of his name as a local candidate without any hope of election. He was one of the charter members of Groce Post, G. A. R., No. 156, of Circleville, also a trustee of the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Pickaway County, and was' always ready to help any beneficial or public enterprise.
Julius Wyman was a legal celebrity at Circleville for 20 years or more. He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1852, by the Whig party. He was quaint in his appearance and quite eccentric. In the latter years of his residence he had scarcely any business, becoming very needy. He died many years since at his native place in Vermont.
Jeremiah Hall was a well-known attorney of Circleville for 30 years, coming from Adelphi in 1857, having been admitted to the bar in Ross County, where he practiced for some years. His specialty was land cases and he instituted numerous suits, to recover lands in the Virginia Military District, some of which he won. He was elected solicitor of Circleville in 1859, serving two years. In 1861 he was the Republican candidate for prosecuting attorney, and was defeated. He removed to Lancaster some years before his death.
Alfred Williams, who was identified with the legal profession at Circleville for 30 years, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, the son of Prof. John Williams, of Pleasantville, Oho, a noted educator. Mr. Williams located in Circlevile about 1856. He was mayor of Circleville from 1859 to 1861. When the office of collector of internal revenue for the 12th District was opened in Circleville in 1862, Mr. Williams' was selected by the collector, Nathan Denny, of South Bloomfield, as his chief clerk and continued in the position until 1866, and afterwards for several years was employed in other legal and clerical capacities. In 1867 he was the Republican candidate for prosecuting attorney, when Samuel W. Courtright was first elected. Mr. Williams was editor of the Circleville Union-Herald from 1872 to 1874. He secured a position in the State Department at Washington, D. C., during the administration of President Hayes and showed such capability in the work assigned him that he retained the place until his death, February 8, 1901. He had charge of the correspondence with England and Spain.
C. B. Mason located in Circleville in 1853 and opened an office. He came from Colum-
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bus where he studied law with Noah H. Swayne, afterward judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Mason soon became active in local affairs and was captain of the Circleville Guards, a military company existing a few years previous to 1861. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, he assisted in raising a company for the 13th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was elected lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, resigning September 13, 1861. Colonel Mason was post-master at Circleville from 1861 until 1865. In 1866 he moved West and located at Ottawa, Kansas, where he has since practiced his profession. He is now about 75 years of age.
James Green was in the practice in Circleville in the '40's, elected prosecuting attorney in 1845, and after the close of the term located elsewhere and nothing of his subsequent history can be obtained.
Joash Miller, Joseph Knox, Samuel P. Brainerd, Gustavus Scott, Harrison Welton and perhaps others unknown to fame, were registered as lawyers in Circleville for long periods, years ago, and drifted away to unknown locations.
Jacob J. Pugsley, from 1863 to 1867, was a partner in the law practice with P. C. Smith; moved to Hillsboro, Ohio, was elected Representative in the General Assembly from Highland County in 1879 and 1881; elected to the State Senate from the Highland and Ross district in 1885 ; elected a member of Congress in 1886 and 1888. He is now one of the trustees of the Boys' Industrial School, first appointed in 1892.
Frank C. Doddridge, a native of Circleville, son of Joseph G. Doddridge, a leading merchant of the town for many years, was one of the younger members of the Pickaway bar for a few years after 1867. He studied law with his relative, Joseph Olds; was a partner of A. T. Walling in 1868-69. He emigrated to Kansas and from there removed to Chicago, where he died.
Amherst Franklin began the law practice in Circleville; moved to Ottawa, Kansas, was elected probate judge two terms; has since lived in Ottawa and is on "Easy Street." He was a son of Nelson Franklin, who was prominent in Pickaway County for 30 years.
Lewis Hamilton Bond was burn in 1838 at Nelsonville, Athens County, Ohio, where his father, Dr. A. J. Bond, then lived. His parents removed to Frankfort, Ross County, in 1840, and he attended school at that place and at the Greenfield Academy in Highland County. He also attended the Circleville High School during the years 1856 and 1857. He came to Circleville in 1854 and for some time there after was employed in the office of the Circleville Watchman. He also taught school in Pickaway County for a short period. He studied law in the office of P. C. Smith. of Circleville, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1859. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Pickaway County in 1861 and held that office for two years, although during a portion of his term he was absent in the army.
On the 1st of August, 1862, he was appointed by Governor Tod to superintend the recruiting service in the counties of Perry and Fairfield and rendered efficient aid in organizing troops. On the 12th of August, 1862, he was appointed 2nd lieutenant of Company B, 88th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., then stationed at Camp Chase, Ohio. In 1863 he was detailed to command a battalion of the Third Ohio Infantry, whose officers were in Libby Prison and with that regiment served under General Kelley, in Virginia and Maryland. He was ordered to report with his command at Parkersburg, (West) Virginia, to engage the pursuit of Gen. John H. Morgan, whose Confederate raiders were then in Ohio. His command was mounted at Parkersburg and for five days raced and fought with Morgan's men until on the 26th day of July, 1863, near Salineville, in Columbiana County, Ohio, his troopers and those of Major Rue of the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, surrounded the great raider and forced him to surrender, Bond being the
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first officer to whom Morgan's flag of truce announced his surrender. Major Rue, in writing of the event, says : "Maj. Lewis Bond, of the Third Ohio, certainly deserves great credit for the proud manner in which he came forward with his men." On the 19th of August, 1863, he was promoted to be 1st lieutenant for bravery in the field and soon there after assigned to duty as a judge advocate of the Ohio and Northern departments, on the staff of Gen. Joseph Hooker,' at whose personal request he was brevetted major of United States Volunteers by the Secretary of War. He was retained in the military service for some time after the close of the war, and was offered a lieutenant's commission in the regular army. and the position of judge advocate of the Department of the East, but declined to accept.
On January 1, 1866, he was appointed assistant United States district attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, which office he held for six years. when he resigned and began the practice of the law in Cincinnati. He was appointed United States commissioner for the Southern District of Ohio and served as such for many years. In 1877 Mr. Bond was nominated for governor of Ohio by the Workingmen's party and advocated measures to better the condition of labor, some of which have since been incorporated in the laws of Ohio.
At the request of the United States district and circuit judges for the Southern District of Ohio, Mr. Bond prepared and published two volumes of United States decisions extending over a period of 15 years, which were so \veil received by the legal profession that the entire edition was soon exhausted, the bar of New York City alone requiring 500 copies of each volume. He is now engaged in practice in Cincinnati.
PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
J. Wheeler Lowe is the senior in years of the present members of the Pickaway bar, having completed his 70th year on the 24th of September, 1906. He was born in Ulster County, New York. His parents came to Williamsport, Pickaway County, in 1840. His father, Jacob J. Lowe, was a school teacher from early manhood, teaching for 40 years in the vicinity of his birthplace in Ulster County. J. Wheeler Lowe attended the school at Williamsport until his 19th year, when he entered Fowler's Law School at Poughkeepsie, New York, closing his course in 1859. He completed the study of the law under Col. C. B. Mason, of Circleville, and was admitted to the bar in 1866, by the Supreme Court of Ohio, and entered upon the practice of the law' in Circleville, in which he was actively engaged for 25 years. In 1885 he was elected mayor of Circleville and reelected in 1887; in 1890 he was appointed mayor for the unexpired term of William E. Bolin, deceased, and in 1891 was elected mayor, serving until April. 1893. His administration as mayor was efficient and for the general good of the municipality. Mr. Lowe is now serving his fifth term as justice of the peace.
Samuel W. Courtright was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, December 9, 1848, the son of Hon. Jesse D. Courtright. He was educated in the common schools and at South Salem Academy, began the study of the law with D. M. Jones, of Circleville, in April, 1863, graduated at the Cincinnati College of Law; was shortly afterward admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of the law at Circleville. The next year he was elected city solicitor, being reelected in 1866. In October, 1875, he was elected a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio, serving five years.
Isaac N. Abernethy was born August 9, 1844, near Chillicothe, in Ross County, Ohio, and. was graduated at Ohio Wesleyan University in June, 1866. He then studied law with Alfred Yaple and later with Hon. R. A. Harrison; was admitted to the bar at Chillicothe, on September 1, 1868. He settled at Circleville in 1869 where he was in partnership for one year with E. Z. Hayes. He served as, prosecuting attorney .from 1872 until January, 1877, when the firm of Abernethy &
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Grigsby was formed. In 1878 Mr. Abernethy entered into partnership with Henry F. Page, which was succeeded in 1884 by the firm of Page, Abernethy & Folsom, who continued until 1887. In November, 1889, he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the Franklin, Madison and Pickaway subdivision of the Fifth Judicial District, serving five years. At the expiration of the term, the law firm of Abernethy & Folsom was formed and has since continued.
Jacob P. Winstead was born in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, Ohio, April 25, 1846. He was graduated from Miami University, at Oxford, in 1869 and then studied law with Judge Courtright and taught school until 1872, when he entered' the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated the following year with the degree of LL. B., shortly there after commencing the practice of the law, with office in the Odd Fellows' Block in Circleville. He was elected city solicitor in 1874 and reelected in 1876; in 1879 was elected prosecuting attorney and reelected in 1881, having important criminal cases during his term ; in 1890 he was elected probate judge and reelected in 1893. At the close of the six years on the bench, he resumed the law practice.
Charles Dresbach, now judge of the Court of Common Pleas, was born in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, Ohio, August 15, 1859. After finishing in the district school, he entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, graduating in 1884; in the fall of the same year he entered the department of law in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1886. In 1885 he was admitted to the bar in Ohio, having been previously admitted to practice in Michigan. In 1886 he opened an office in Circleville and acquired an extensive practice. In February, 1903, Mr. Dresbach was appointed by Governor Nash to fill the vacancy .in the Court of Common Pleas, resigned by Judge Festus Walters, to take his place as circuit judge; at the November election following, he was electedfor the unexpired term and in 1904 was elected for the full term of five years.
Henry P. Folsom was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1854. He was educated at the National Normal University at Lebanon and studied law at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. One year after his return to Circleville, he entered the office of his uncle, Henry F. Page. He was admitted to the bar in 1876 and for the four following years practiced law at Toledo, Ohio. Returning to Circleville, in 1880, the firm of Page, Abernethy & Folsom was formed, which continued until 1886, when Mr. Page withdrew. The firm then became Abernethy & Folsom, which continued until 1890, when Mr. Abernethy was elected to the common pleas bench. In 1891 the firm became Folsom & Pontius, but the old firm of Abernethy & Folsom was again established at the close of Judge Abernethy's term on the bench.
Charles J. Delaplane was horn in Circleville in 1847. During the war of 1861-64 he served in an artillery company. In 1867 he graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and immediately opened a law office in Circleville, where he continues in the practice. He was city solicitor from 1869 to 1873, and prosecuting attorney two terms, elected in 1875 and 1877.
Andrew R. Bolin, born at Circleville iii 1849, was graduated from the Circleville High School in December, 1867, and from Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, in 1871. He then entered the Cincinnati Law School where he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1873. Shortly thereafter, he commenced the practice of the law in Circleville, and from that time has been active in the profession. In 1895 Mr. Bolin was elected Representative to the General Assembly, being reelected in 1897. On the 20th of June, 1900, the law firm of Bolin .& Bolin, father and son, was formed.
Stuart R. Bolin, the junior member of the firm of Bolin & Bolin, was born in Circleville,
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June 20, 1878, completed his education at the Ohio State University, Columbus, studied law in the law department of Yale University, on June 28, 1899, receiving the degree of LL. B. He is now assistant secretary of the Ohio Commission, appointed to represent the State at the Jamestown (Virginia) Exposition in 1907.
Clarence Curtain, a native of Madison County, was horn near London, Ohio, in 1853. After the ordinary educational course, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating in 1874. Coming to Circleville, he entered upon the law practice, being associated with the late Hon. A. T. Walling until 1879, when he started in the business alone. In 1884 Mr. Curtain was elected prosecuting attorney, being reelected in 1887. While in the office, the Court House improvement, the building of the county jail and the treasury defalcation, brought new duties and complicated questions to the prosecuting attorney, all of which Mr. Curtain handled with conceded legal ability and skill.
George H. Pontius was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, August 6, 1856, was educated in the district school, finishing at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he received the degree of B. S. in 1879. He taught district schools in Pickaway County until 1884, when he was elected clerk of the courts, to which office he was reelected in 1887. While in the clerk's office, he studied law with Jacob P. Winstead and in March, 1888, was admitted to the bar. On February 9, 1891, he formed a partnership with Henry P. Folsom, the firm name being Folsom & Pontius, which continued four years. He then opened a separate office. Mr. Pontius was elected probate judge in 1902 .and was reelected in 1905. He served two terms as a member of the Circleville city Board of Education, part of the time as secretary and two years as president of the board. When the Australian ballot system was adopted in Ohio in 1891, he was appointed a member of the County Board of Elections,' continuing until 1902.
S. L. Grigsby was born February 8, 1841, at Zanesville, Ohio, where he was educated. He came to Circleville in April, 1865, and for nine years was deputy in the county auditor's office. In 1873 he was admitted to the bar, the next year beginning the practice as a partner of Isaac N. Abernethy under the firm name of Abernethy & Grigsby. After the dissolution of the firm, Mr. Grigsby was alone in the practice for three years, then entered into partnership with Andrew R. Bolin, under the firm name Bolin & Grigsby, which continued until 1891. Since then Mr.. Grigsby has practiced alone.
Charles C. Chappelear, born March 18, 1861, at Thornville, Perry County, Ohio, was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in June, 1889. In the following October he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and in 1890 began the practice of the law at Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio, soon removing to Circleville, where he practiced from October, 1891, to February 1, 1903, when he was appointed postmaster of the city.
Irvin F. Snyder has been engaged in the practice of the law in Circleville for the past 14 years. He was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, in 1869, attended Capital University, Columbus, and graduated at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, in 1890. In 1892 he was graduated from the law department of the Ohio State University and was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice in Circleville the same year. In 1896 he was elected prosecuting attorney, being reelected in 1899. He has also been a member of the City Council. On May 31, 1906, Mr. Snyder entered into a law partnership with George W. Lindsay.
Charles H. May, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 20, 1873, attended the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, and the Cincinnati Law School, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1895, in which year he was also admitted to the bar. Coming to Circleville, he entered into partnership with
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Charles Dresbach, under the firm name of Dresbach & May. Mr. May has practiced alone since his partner became judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He also has an office at New Holland.
Charles Gerhardt was born March 28,1870, in Walnut township, Pickaway County; was graduated from the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, and .was admitted to the bar in June, 1895, after which he spent a portion of a year in the law department of the Ohio State University. In February, 1896, he formed a partnership in Circleville with John Schleyer, which continued until June 1, 1899. Since then Mr. Gerhardt has practiced alone. In 1902 he was was elected prosecuting attorney and was reelected in 1905.
Charles W. Murphy is a native of Greene County, Ohio. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, several years and in 1874 was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, being admitted to the bar in the same year. He was engaged in newspaper work up to 1894, when he entered, into the practice of the law in Circleville. In 1902 he was elected city solicitor and has been twice reelected.
Joseph W. Adkins, born in 1864 in Pickaway County, was educated at the National Normal University at Lebanon and in the law department of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, where he was graduated in 1898. He was admitted to the bar in June of that year and commenced the practice of the law in Circleville in 1900. Previous to taking up the study of the law at Ada and also subsequent to his graduation he was engaged in teaching school.
Chris: A. Weldon, who was born in 1873 in Circleville, studied law at the Cincinnati Law School, where he was graduated in 1894. He commenced the practice of his profession at Circleville the following year. He was elected city solicitor in 1896 and served one term.
L. F. Wegerly is a native of Circleville township, Pickaway County, born in 1880. He was graduated at the Ohio Northern University in the scientific course in 1903 and the following year graduated in the law course, being admitted to the bar on June 22, 1904. From April 1905, to May 31, 1906, he was a member of the law firm of Lindsay & Wegerly.
George W. Lindsay was born in Hocking County, Ohio, December 15, 1878. He spent two years at the Ohio State University at Columbus and in 1903 was graduated at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. He was graduated from the law department .of the University of Michigan in 1904 and soon after was admitted to the bar. In April, 1905, he formed a partnership with L. F. Wegerly at Circleville, which association continued until May 31, 1906, when Mr. Lindsay entered into a partnership with Irvin F. Snyder.
Milton Morris was born in 1851 in Walnut township, Pickaway County. He read law with P. C. Smith, of Circleville, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He has practiced in Circleville since 1877, when he entered into partnership with his preceptor, P. C. Smith, which continued until Mr. Smith's death, October .19, 1900. He has since practiced alone.
John Schleyer was born in 1861 at Chillicothe, Ross County, and received a college education at the Capital. University, Columbus. He read law in the office of Smith & Morris in Circleville and was admitted to the bar January 2, 1883, at once beginning the practice of his profession here. In 1886 he was elected city solicitor and was reelected in 1888. In 1890 he was elected prosecuting attorney and was re-elected in 1893.
M. A. Sweetman was admitted to the bar May 5, 1875, and began the practice in 1881, for several years previous having been deputy county auditor. He is an adept in the making of abstracts of title of real estate. Mr. Sweetman was born near Tarlton, Ohio, October 4, 1841. He was a soldier in the 114th Regi-
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ment, Ohio Vol. Inf., in the War of the Rebellion.
H. B. Weaver is a. native of Pickaway County, born in 1869. He was graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, in 1892, and two years later was graduated from the law department of the Ohio State University, at Columbus. He was admitted to the bar in August, 1894, opening an office in Circleville, where he has continued in practice. Since 1902 he has filled the office of United States referee in bankruptcy.
Ed. A. Brown was born in 1868 in Walnut township, Pickaway County, and attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada, leaving this institution in 1889 and engaging in teaching for six years. He then returned to the university and completed the law course in 1895. He was in partnership with Irvin F. Snyder in Circleville for three years and has since practiced alone.
C. A. Leist, who was born in 1866 in Pickaway County, was educated at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. He later studied law with the firm of Folsom & Pontius and then with Judge Festus Walters. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1893, and has continued to practice in Circleville since January 1, 1894. He served as city solicitor of Circleville for four years.
William A. Welch, attorney-at-law at New Holland for 20 years, was born in Pike County, Ohio, August 16, 1853, and began teaching school at 20 years of age. He passed the requisite examination and was admitted to the practice of the law, April 23, 1879. He has satisfactorily filled the office of solicitor and mayor of the village of New Holland, member of the Board of Education, township clerk and is now justice of the peace.
Perry G. Bostwick has practiced law in Circleville since 1869. In 1859-60, he taught school near Circleville, coming here from Ashtabula County. He was born in Mahoning County, Ohio.
Festus Walters, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, graduated from Cornell University; entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating in 1872, and soon after beginning the practice of the law in Circleville; in 1894 was elected common pleas judge in the Highland, Fayette. Madison, Ross and Pickaway subdivision and reelected in 1899 ; in 1902 was elected circuit judge in the Fourth Circuit, for six years. without an opposing candidate, the circuit being largely Republican.
Percy A. Walling was born in Circleville, the youngest son of Hon. A. T. Walling; was educated in the Circleville schools and the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; was admitted to the bar in 1890 and has since practiced law in Circleville.
John L. Heise, born in Washington township, Pickaway County, was a school teacher for some years, and while thus engaged read law; was admitted to practice, and opened an office in Circleville about 10 years ago.
Howard B. Moore graduated from the law department of Harvard University in 1902, and was admitted to the practice of the law in Massachusetts; in 1903 was admitted to the bar of Ohio by the Supreme Court. He is not now .in active practice.
Barton Walters, the eldest son of Judge Festus Walters, was admitted to the law practice in June, 1902, and has since had an office in the Masonic Temple. In March, 1903, he was appointed one of the receivers of the Citizens' Building and Loan Company, which has since taken a large part of his time. He is one of the most active young Republicans of the county and is now the chairman of the Republican County Committee.
Meeker Terwilliger was born in Wayne township, Pickaway County. His parents, David and Elizabeth (Brown) Terwilliger, were among the most respected people of the community. He graduated from the law department of the Ohio State University, at Co-
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iambus, was admitted to the practice in December, 1900, and has since had an office in Circleville. He was elected justice of the peace for Circleville township and served' one term, declining reelection, and is now serving his second year as clerk of the Election Board of the county.
George W. Morrison, the attorney at Ashville, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, attended the law school of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, was admitted to the bar in 1891 and located at Ashville, where he enjoys a good and growing practice.
The following, who began the law practice in Circleville here in the last few years, located elsewhere: Lee M. Hammel, ex-mayor of Circleville, now at Wauchula, Florida: Adolph Goldfredrick, at Columbus, and Felix R. Caldwell, at Seattle, Washington.