Columbiana County, Ohio - Chapter 17: The Bench and the Bar of Columbiana County, 1905

Chapter 17: The Bench and the Bar of Columbiana County

A comprehensive history of the bar would Ite 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 lieen sucessfully 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 lieen 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 of 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-

Wellsv .Ingestions are made in explanation of what might otherwise seem to lie 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 Ik: permitted at the present time. What, m his judgment, the law should Ik- was more often the sulistance of his argument than what it was as established by adjudication. What the F.uglish 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 s< mice 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 rimvery eloquence tickle the ear of the listener, w as the great law - ver of that day and generation ; and if. in addition to this, he was possessed of superior social qualities, he liecame an object of veneration, love and respect. Hut 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 l>e an opportunity for eloquence and oratory, the practical, every-day appliance necessarv for success is an unquestioned reputation for honesty and fair-dealing. On this point he must he ahove suspicion. His argument to the court and jury must lie 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 l*nv far these decisions have been modified by recent acts of the Legislature, so that honesty and untiring industry are at preen t 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 l>c settled out of court are referred to the court and jury, as umpire.

There has been an equally great change in the personal habits of the members of the liar. It is within the memory of the present generation when it was not an unusual thing for the I most brilliant and influential memticrs of the ' bar to appear in court manifestly under the | influence of stimulants. Now more than 90 per cent of the memlxrs of the bar of this county , arc total abstainers from the use of intoxicat- j ing liquors as a leverage ; and not a single one 1 of the active practioners uses stimulants to ex- J cess. 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 l>cen 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 occasionally caused criticism, yet a friendly and brotherly relationship exists between the meinliers 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 tacts and investigating the law so that justice mav 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 bis duty to bis 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 ]>erform, and when the liest 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 bearing 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 oide 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 w ithin the territory, which is now Columbiana County. One of his first acts was to appoint Rczon Bcall, clerk of his court for the period of seven years from July ft, 1803.

One of the early matters of record was the location of the county scat 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.

fendant. One of t he -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 me ablest lawyers in the country in many instances did not involve more than $20. What would he considered a hardship at the present time was the custom of taxing an attorney fee the winning party against the losing jxirty -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 *if this county, prior to 1815, would not indicate an earning capacity greater than $300 or $400 jxrr year for each of them.

The first criminal charge found on the docled 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 t<> the court and 12 jurors, it was decided that he was not guilty of the crime charged. In the early history of this county, the court record* would indicate that the i>cople were law-abiding, as there were but very few criminal prosecutions; and although at the present lime aU.uU one in 10 of the actions that are presented in our Court of Common Picas are actions brought for the purpose of securing a divorce, yet there are 110 instances of applications for divorce in the early history of this county: and it is only w ithin the last 25 years that these actions hav e liecome common.

Another matter that attracts the attention in looking over the old records is the fact that ¥\c. '/-!* and -Vic are figured as parts of judgments, and in the costs, and the payment to the "uttermost farthing" seems to have been exacted. There are also a large number of actions brought for the possession of real estate, and" the determination of Hues and roadways

: ket of attorneys practicing in this court are those of King and Larwell;; ami for a numlier 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 l«en acting as prosecutor. Put the source of his authority does not appear i?f record ; ami aUnit in the following order the early practice of the county seems to have l>een conducted by the persons named: Fisher A. Blocksom, Benjamin Tappan, Flderkin 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 numljer 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 otherw ise.

One remarkable fact appears, that in August. iJsjo, Fisher A. Blocksom, on one day. brought 2u 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, yet it would seem as though the amounts claimed had been paid in full in each of them.

In December. i>So3. one Ad»un Poe. not unknown to fame, brought a suit against one Hugh Druggan, and also one against Thomas < iilhngham et al.. the amounts involved in each case being less thali $5.

And Representative Citizens 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 lx>rdcrs, 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. Block - sum. who located in New Lisbon very early in the century, where he continued to reside until his death, on the 14th day of December, 1X76, 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 |»>litics. holding a number of offices, including those of prosecuting attorney, postmaster at New Lisbon, member of the State Legislature and presidential elector of the Democratic party.

The name of Klderkin Potter appears quite frequently on the docket from 1810 to 1X30; and in 1X10 John H. Reddick was admitted to the practice of the law and was quite prominent for the few years he resided in New Lislion.

From 1X20 to 18.10. 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 aUmt 1820, and continuing to l>e a resident of that place until the time of his death in 1X50. He also was interested in political matters, and was especially active in the affairs of his homr municipality. He was a man of line literary attainments and culture and of average ability as a practitioner. One of his contemporaries from 1X20 to 1X24 was John Lurd, who died in 1824, and of whom little is known other than that he was a member of the Stale Senate in 1X23 and- 1X24. and was ronptcted with a number of the action*, on the docket of the court at that time.

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 Ins practice for more profitable and congenial work.

Andrew W. 1-oomis, Charles 1). Coffin and Anson L. Brewer, three men who attained great prominence in their profession, seem to have located in New Lislion between 1X25 ami 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. hut disliking the duties, he resigned his seat in that hodv and devoted himself to the practice of the law.

Charles D. Coffin was the successor in Congress of Mr. IxMimis, 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 tilled for a number of years awl gained the reputation of l«ing an able, conscientious and just judge.

The name of A. L. Brewer first appears on the docket in 1820. He was connected with a number of important litigations, but lost his life by the blowing up of a steamboat in i86r, while in the service of the government in the War of the Rebellion.

William D. Ewing was also an active memlier of the bar of New Lislion from 1826 to 1 X.jo. and established the reputation of licing one of the most successful trial lawyers of our county, at that date. He also removed to Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, where he died about 1X50.

Dorsey B. Pentacost was admitted to the practire of the law in New Lisl>on and opened nn office there in 1827. His name appears but a few times on the docket.

of the active members of the ltar, hut aliout 1840 lie removed to the State of l^ouisiana ami afterwards served as a ineml>er of the supreme bench of that State ami took high rank as a jurist.

Charles Morgan Atcn, of New Lisbon, was lKirn in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in August, 1805. studied law in Steuben ville, and was admitted to the practice of the law in 1H2H. He lived to an old age and had an office in New Lisbon for alxiut (<0 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

Erom 1840 to i860, the l»ar 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 describjd 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 I'pham. who by many was thought to l>e the greaiesl equity lawyer of his day : John M. (iilltnan. who atterwanls moved to St. I'aul. 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 \u<\^c 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 Lislx>n, although he was not a resident, and established a great

Erom 1850, for many years, the names ot Henry Ambler, Jacob A. Ambler. James W. Reiily, Peter A. I^aubie, Simon J. Wisden, and Jonathan II. Wallace appeared with great frequency in connection with the litigations of this county.

Erom i860 of those who are not still in the practice, the names of \V. A. Nichols, Henry E. Erost, W. 1. Jordan. G. W. L>ve. Charles M. Snyder. J. G. Beatty. and J. W. and II. Morrison, seem to have heen most actively engaged in court work.

A number of exceedingly promising young men began the practice of the law in the later '70's and the early '8o's. w hose life work was only begun at the time of their deaths, w ho. if they had lived, would certainly have taken very prominent places in the practice and some of them surely would have l>een the leaders of the present day. Thomas A. Collins, a graduate of Mount I'nion College, a conscientious and earnest advocate and well learned in the law, died at Salineville, while in (he active practice early in the '8o's. Daniel E. McCjnecn, a graduate of the same college and class, who was for a short time located in blast 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 W. Live was very prominent at the Iwr and in politics from 1880 until the time of his death. Charles X. 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 berry. 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 Eerry and has l>een very successful in his practice.

tain memorials of deceased members of tlie bar. and it is only within more recent years that it has been customary t<> make such memorials a matter of record. From these recent records the following matter is culled:

Is Mem Oki Am

William J. Jordan, a member of the bar of Columbiana County, was an act ice and successful lawyer in the practice in this county until the date of his death, which occurred on the 25th day of February. iS,S6, he dying at the age of ^3 years. 1 le had! been in the active practice of the law for about 16 \ears. having Ik-cu admitted to the bar in 1X54. although absent from the practice for <|tiite a iiumlier 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 a< captain until the end of the War of the Relxrllion. living discharged w ith 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 pan 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 ami a fervent advocate of the advancement of the Christian religion, and a promoter of good government.

Hon. Jonathan II. Wallace was. for many years, one of the l>est known and impulnr niemlicrs 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 wn< a college graduate, being a member of the d iss of 1X44 at Washington College, graduating when he was about 20 years of age. He read law and was admitted to the practice in 1817. and from that time until the dntc of his death, he was prominent before the pontic of this part of the State. He was. at one time, associated as a partner with Edwin M. Stanton, anil 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, lie was elected prosecuting attorney of this county and served in that position lor two terms: was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1864. and in 1.XS2 elected as Representative in Congee** from tb:* district ; and on expiraiii <n of his term in Congress, he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas lor this subdivision, to till the unexpired term of Judge Peter A. Laubie. who had been elected as tir*t circuit judge in this sul>- di vision.

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 pro1>- ably connected with mote litigations than any other meinl>er of the kir w ho has ever practiced law in this county.

Hon. Simon J. Wisden was one of the active members of the bar of this county from tXoo to the time of his death, which occurred on the 30th day of December. 1800. He was a native of Kngland. and Ivgan the practice of the law in 1851 at New Lisbon. Ohio. Deserved as prosecuting attorney of this county from 1800 to 1804, and as probate judge from 1S7.' to 1878. He was identified with some of the most important litigations of this county, and was netted for hi* forcible and pleasing arguments to the jury. His energetic nature stimulated him to the most thorough investigations of his cases, and bis extensive know ledge, gathered from literature and experience, furnished him a source of illustration and argument which made him a most entertaining n< well a? convincing advocate.

Hon. P. C. Voung was one of the leading members of the bar of Southern Columbiana County from 187; until abmt 1800. During this period he was located at Wclhvillc. 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 i8<).}. At tlie termination of hi* second term as judge of the Probate Court, he went into the practice of the law at I.isbin.

Ohio, ami there continued to practice until shortly l>efore his death, when he was chosen supreme ruler of the Fraternal Mystic Circle, and moved to Philadelphia to assume the duties of that office, and there died July 25. 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 liuckt'yr Stat?, but after going into the practice of the law gave this his undivided attention excepting during the period when he was acting as probate judge, -and the short period of time, which he gave, near the close of his life, (o the Fraternal Mystic Circle. He was one of the most eloquent, tactful and chivalrous practitioners of ibis generation of the bar. and had he seen fit to have continued in the practice, and had he lived out his expectancy of life, he had the ability to Income a lawyer of national reputation.

A death that occurred on the 10th day of April, 1893. removed from the bench one in the prime of life, who hart 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 ]8iSr until the time of his death, no man stood higher in the estimation of the people of Fastcrn Ohio for legal learning, mental culture and sterling honesty, lie was prosecuting attorney of this county from 1868 to 1870. and at no time has this office l>cen more ably filled than it was during his term. In Octolcr. 1885, he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas for this sub-division, and reelected in November. i8«jo: and within the recollection of the present generation, it is probable that, without disparagement to either his predecessors or bis successors, be was the greatest judge that has graced the 1 touch in Fastern Ohio. He was invariably kind, patient and courteous, ready and anxious to aid the Inrginner and smooth away the rough places: and with a profound knowledge of the taw 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 ccpiippcd for his work, ?nd his death was recognizer! as a great loss to the bench and the bar. He w as 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, w hich occurred March 28. 19(13. was Henry C. Jones, of Salem. While not as actively engaged in his profession in the Court of Common Pleas as he was in the Probate Court, he was identified with many of the prominent matters in both courts, and for many years but few names appeared oftener on the docket <>i our courts than that of Henry C. Jones. In the settlement of estates, and in office business, he 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 he also had an enviable record as a 1st lieutenant in the uth Regiment. Ohio Vol. Caw. leaving the army only at the close of the war in lS9v

Harvey Morrison passed away on the 29th day of November. 1897. at his residence at I.islwn. Ohio, being alxtut 58 years of age. He aUo 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 110 firm of law vers was identified with a larger number of litigations than the firm of John W. 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 w as 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 bis accurate and discriminating use of language, expressing himself with unusual clearness, especially in his arguments to the court, with whom he was always frank ami

The brother. John W. Morrison, still survives; and at a ripe old age has retired from the active work of the profession, having proliably 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, lie 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 w hich Mr. Morrison was connected was his successful defense of Annie Van Fossau, 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 l>e 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 l»ar in 1807, 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. 1 Ic bad a mind well qualified to understand and expound legal principles; and by bis 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 w'uild have lieen of infinite use to him in the practice of his profession. Rut he was cut off at the very threshold of an enlarged field of usefulness, at that point in the life of a practitioner of the law where he is prepared by experience to d" his very best work.

and probably the earliest in the county, was William Larwell, who located at Eawcettstown, now East Liverpool, very early in the century. His name appears on the docket about. 1810 in quite a number of instances; but notlving is known of his later history, and he evidently abandoned the practice or left this county very early in the century.

j 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 l>een given the usual years of life and made the law his life work, he 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 duriiur the war gradually but steadily rose in rank l until he had filled all the oflices up to brigadier general. He served his country faithfully until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged.

; practitioners. He was connected (luring the 10 years prior to his death with all the prominent litigations from his home town and the surrounding country.

Owing to the relative importance of the county seat as c .niparol with the remainder of the comity, and the difficulty of reaching the county seat from the I* irders, a large part of the litigation* ui the early history of the county was conducted by members of the har who resided in Xcvv Lisbon: but improved facilities for travel, and the large growth of the cities on the birders changed this; so that a very large majority of the members of the bar of this county now reside in the Imrder 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, lie fore he was admitted to the bar. He was, however, 'a meml>er of die Legislature, and was afterwards admitted to the Isir. anil was <phte a factor for many years, especially in the trial of actions before the various justices of the |ieace in this vicinity.

The earliest member of the bar who located in Wellsville was (ieorge M. Lee. who came from the northern part of the State, and practiced law here for a numlier 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 rej>ori of a case similar to the one he had under investigation which he might use as a precedent. He went from Wellsville to Xeu Lislmn and formed a partnership with John M. (iillnian. with whom he practiced law for a numbers of years, and then removed to Cincinnati. Ohio, where he was quite successful. e-|>eciallv as a patent lawyer, lie diet I at early middle age.

(ieorge M. Lee was the preceptor of Cen. James W. Rcilly. who was admitted to the bar in I*; *, and has had an office continuously in Wellsville from that time, except during his three year- absence 111 the army from iSoj to 18(15. On his admi-sion to the har, (ieneral Reilly formed a partnership with his preceptor, and the firm of Lee & Rcilly did business for a

- West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania and Kastern Ohio. He was connected w ith many ini|Kirtant litigations in court, but made a specialty of office work, and as counsel his services were valued with the ablest lawyers of ihe State. He was educated at Allegheny College. Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Mount St. Mary's, near Lmmitshurg. Maryland. He was endowed by nature with a strong mind, well fitted to appreciate legal principles, on which he based Ins conclusions, which were seldom wrong, In 18(12, 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 (ieorge M. Lee. J. H. Trainer and A. H. Kitten located in Wellsville, each of them remaining a few years and then removing t>> Stenlienville. Jefferson County, where they U'canie the leaders of the bar of that county.

Hon. W. (i. Wells was admitted to practice law in the early 'bos. having read law with (ieneral Rcilly. Soon after his admission, he opened an office at W ellsv ille. and was one of the most active and influential citizens of the city during his resilience 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 LisU.u. as probate judge \ in February. i.X-t).

Abnit the year 1S75. P. C. Young located in Wellsville and continued in the practice there until he went to New Lishon as probate j judge in 1 1.

A. G. Smith ljogan the practice of the law in iNo._\ has devoted himself largely to prolate court work ami office business, and was city solicitor of Wellsville for a numlier of terms.

J. \V. Clark moved to Wellsvitle from Stenhenville and continued in the practice there until he went to Lisbon and associaletl himself with the linn of Billingsley & Tayler, where he is now hx'ated as a member of the rirm of Billingsley. (. lark & Ik-Ford. Mr. Clark was mayor of the city of W ellsville and city solicitor a numl)er <<i terms each.

The nest in order to locate in \\ 'ellsville was W. F l.ones, who succeeded Judge Young having real law in Columbiana County and located for a numlier of years in Tennessee, from which State he returned and has Ijccii actively engaged in the practice of the law 111 Wellsville from ifyi up to the presetn time (. iyc>5).

F. I.. Wells returned from Lisbon to Wellsville. bis native place, in 1890. He opened a law office and soon after established a building and loan company, in both of which vocations be has |>eeti eminently successful.

Soon after his admission to the bar in tSoX W. K. MacDonald associated himself with F. L. Wells, and is still (in KJ05) with hint in the law and building anil loan business, at their office on the corner of Fifth and Main streets.

W. A. Sncdiker also Ix-gati the practice of the law in \\ ellsville, 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 ex|>ects to make banking his life work.

G. W. Adams, who was l»orn and reared in Yellow Creek township, located in Wellsville in the practice of the law in 1X0,4. He has. connected with his law business, a large insurance business, and has been quite successful in b>th 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 iX>>". He is now (in 1905 ) city solicitor, .'mil is actively engaged in his professional work

Hon. E. E. Roberts, of W arren, Ohio, is also a W ellsville product, lieing horn and reared in this vicinity, and educated in the W ellsville schools, although he never was located there in the active practice of the law.

C. k. 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.

With the exception of a short time. East Liverpool was without a resident lawyer until about 1800, 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 ofhee on the lirst door of the building at the corner of Second street and 1'each alley, which was still standing in 1905. He was a justice of the |K'ace 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 I'. Morris was also a justice of the peace in Fast Liverpool for many years, having his office on Second street. I le w as an uncle of Andrew Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie's mother lieing 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 the 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

There was thereafter no attorney regularly admitted to the bar who was a resident of Hast Liverpool until the arrival of Col. II. R. Hill, who locatc<l there in the practice prior to the war of the Rel>ellion. He entered the service in 1862. having raised a company for the io4t!i Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf.. hi ft was transferred to the 1 15th 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 <|>ent a year iti the South, in Louisiana, teaching school in that State, immediately lie fore th e 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 1,1859) which had licen prepared by his father. Colonel 11111 continued active in the practice until about 1900. Having accumulated a competence, atid owing to the great inconvenience of practicing law at the county scat and residing in East Liverpool, he withdrew from the active practice: and after thai time his business was continued bv his sons. Walter Li. Hill and William M. Hill. Colonel Hill was connected with every iui|»irt;mt litigation from Kast Liverpool and vicititlv from soon after the close of the war until he unit the practice, and undoubtedly bad 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 u:>> Hon. K. W. Tayler. now' judge fit 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 Lislx>n, where he served five years in that capacity.

An amusing anecdote is told of the experience of Colonel Hill and Judge Tayler in their [tract ice/ 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 purporting to have been written by Mr. 1 1 ill'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 1 in 1905) in the active practice, but for a number of years has liecn suffering with impaired health.

At about the same time A. R. Mackall also located in East Liverpool, and continued in the active practice until be became broken iti health shortly prior to his death, which occurred about 1895.

For many years, while Colonel Hill was the only lawver in East Liverpool, in contested cases Gen. J. W. Reilly, W. G. Wells and I\ C. Young w ere principally employed on the opposite sides of the case, and occasionally John W. Morn-oii was brought from Lisl»>u. At the present time (in 1905), there are 22 resident lawyers at East Liverpool.

In 180.1. The Southern Columbiana County Bar Association was organized from mcntliers of the bar of East Liverpiol, 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 tilled by A. II. ( lark. The first secretary was William M. Hill, who was afterwards succeeded by Walter B. Hill. The first treasurer 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 memlxrs, 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.

Hon. John II. ( lark in his address upon the "Bench and Bar of Columbiana County,"' at the Lislion centennial in 1903. paid this compliment to a trio of Salem's distinguished men: "I cannot close even this rude sketch uf 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 kir, 1 mean, - of course, J. Twing Brooks, and Judges J. A. Ambler and 1". A. Laubie." Oi this great trio, one had (in 1905) passed away - Mr. Brooks, who died in the fall of 1901, when but little beyond tlie 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 liar in August, - the year in which he was chosen to the State Senate, where he served until 1809; then succeeding to the business of his father. J. J. Brooks, who was long a solicitor of the Pittsburg. Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company ( afterwards the Pennsylvania Company), in connection with a general law practice, the son formed a link later a partnership with Judge Laubie, and the two associated with each other for some vears. 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.

law with his brother. Henry Ambler, in Salem ( the latter at the time a prominent attorney at I the Columbiana County bar) : was admitted at Cincinnati, March 27, 1851, served one tenn 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 W. Potter, resigned: was elected to till the unexpired term and the following full term - 1861-67 ; was elected to Congress and served 1808-70. and served also on the United States Tariff Commission in 1882.

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 i8<)8; in 1902 appointed by President Roosevelt judge of the Court of First Instance at Manila, P. 1., which position he resigned in 1904.

Hon. \V. \\ . Hole w as another of the Salem attorneys who pressed to the front in the closing years of the old century. He had built up for himself an enviable practice when, in i8oy. 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 rive 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 Kcnnett, Cor- I nelius 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 resume*! a very busy and lucrative practice.

The firm of Carey Mr Mullins. Salem, succeeded, some years ago, to a similar practice - - ! only enlarging no doubt as the years go by. - 1 as that for so many years engaged in. and so : successfully, by father and son. J. J. Brooks : and T. Twing Brooks, in connection with the I Pennsylvania Company's railroad lines.

Following is rt roster of tlie lawyers of Columhiaiui County. living and practicing in 1905. with their tutors and date of admission to the har 111 each case :

X. 1'. Billingsley, Lisl»>n. was born Octol>er 9, 1850. in Columbiana County; read with lion. Jonathan 11. Wallace, Lisbon: admitted to practice. September .'4. 1873: was judge of Common Pleas Court May 1. 1893. to December 3. 1895.

Charles Boyd. I torn July 12, 1873, in Wellsville; studied with W. F. Lones; admitted in 1897: served as city solicitor of Wellsville, 1902-05.

W. II. Burgess, horn in Fast Liverpool. Deccmltcr 5. 1872; read law with Wr. F. Lones, and attended law school. Ada. Ohio: admitted December 7. 1901.

James K. Carey, of Salem, was l>om in Salem in 1852: read law with Laubie & Brooks, and at Harvard Law School ; admitted, 1877; practiced in Fort Wayne. Indiana. 10 years - until 1887: afterward a member of the law firms of Carev & Boyle. Carey, Boyle Mullins. and Carey & Mullins, successively: Carey & Mullins in 11)05.

A. 11. Clark, born Salineville March 26. 1847; read law with Nichols & Firestone. Lis- Ixm ; admitted May. 1875: mayor of Fast Liverpool 1880-82: city solicitor. 1891-95.

County May 15. 1X55; studied with Battin & Andrews. Steubenviile: admitted April, 1879; mayor of Wellsville, 1890-92: member law firm of Billingsley. Clark & DcFord.

Kertis I.. Cocurn, l>orn in Columbiana County. January 15. 1S71 ; read law with A. W. Taylor. Salem; admitted June 13. 1901 ; served as justice of the peace 1897-1900.

(ieorge F. Davidson, Fast Liverpool; read ! law with Walter U. Hill; Ohio State Cniver- I sity: admitted 1899; city solicitor, 1 903-00. J. F. Davis. Fast Liverpool ; Imrn in Columbiana County October 19. 1874: read law at i Ada Law School and with L. T. Fair. Rogers. Ohio; admitted January. 1901; justice of the peace. 189K.

L. C. DeFord, l>orn in Carroll County, Ohio. November 15. 18O3; studied with Kaley it Fimple; admitted 1888; mayor of Carrollton, 1888-1902 ; prokate judge. Carroll County. 18474 -1 900; entered law firm of Billingsley. Tayler & Clark. u|xin withdrawal of Judge Tayler in 1903.

C. D. Dickinson, born in Poland, Mahoning County. Ohio. ITecemlier 13. 1848: read law with (ieorge Duncan. Columbiana, Ohio; admitted August 28. 1872: township clerk. Fairfield: solicitor of Columbiana and Leetonia, and referee in bankruptcy. August. 1898, to 190.V

John M. Dickinson. Ixirn in Columbiana County. February 20. 1830; read law with Wadsworth & Orr. New Lisbon; admitted 1864; mayor of New Lisbon several terms; member of State Legislature. 1881-85.

L. T. Farr. Itorn July 24, 1865. in Columbiana County: read law with J. W. and II. Morrison. New Lisbon: admitted December 3. i8<ii ; deputy State su|HTvisor of elections for Columbiana County.

S. J. Firestone, born October 2, 1833. in Columbiana County ; studied with McSweeney & Giren. \V ouster; admittcxl June, i860; probate judge of Columbiana County 1866-71 ; treasurer of Union School Board, Lisbon, for 15 years.

J. IX Fountain, liorn 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- 81 ; justice of the peace 1888-90, and again in 1903-05.

H. R. Hill, born in East Liverpool November 1.2, 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 *i Fast Liverpool.

Lorin B. Harris, Salem ; lx>rn in Butler township. Columbiana County, May 3, 1870; read law at Ohio State University; admitted June ii, 1902; member of law firm of Taylor & Harris.

H. Morrison, New Lisbon ; admitted September 14, 1876; mayor of Hanoverton for. three terms; member School Board ami clerk of Hanover township.

Willis Jordan, born in New Lisbon June 28, 1804; read law with Colonel Jordan, New Lisbon, and took course at Cincinnati Imw I School; admitted May 4, 1886.

C. B. Kentv. Ixim in New Lisbon November 8, 1874; read law under Judge P. C. Young; Harvard Law School, class of 1901; admitted in New York, 1901. Ohio. 1902.

Peter A. Laubie, Ixim at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. April 21, 1829; read law with Keith &- Underbill, 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. 191 1.

F. D. Lodge, born in Iowa, December 19, 1875; read taw in Columbiana under II. G. and Ezra Bye and at Ada University : admitted June. 1900; city solicitor, Columbiana, 1900- 1905.

John H. Logan. Eisl Palestine, bom January 3. 1868: read law with C. P. Roth well ; admitted October 5, 1892; mayor of East Palestine from 1894 to 1898.

VV. F. Lones, Ixim in Columbiana County. Ohio, August 29, 1863; studied with A. 11. Clark. East Liverpool ; admitted February 2, 1886: mayor of Dayton. Tennessee. 1889-91;. city solicitor of Wellsville, 1894-98; memljer 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, 1 897- 1 900.

M. J. McGarry, East Liverpool; boni November 12. 1868; read law Cincinnati I<aw School ; admitted May 29, 1895; city solicitor, East Liverpool, April 20, 1898, to 1902; prosecuting attorney Columbiana County, 1903 - term expiring 1907.

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 10 years in the '8o's. and early in the '90's; mayor of Lisbon. 1898-1900; proljate judge 1903 - term expiring 1909: chairman Columbiana County Republican Central Committee and of the Columbiana County Republican Executive Comnuttee, 1904-05.

L. I' Metzger. l>orn in Mahoning County, Ohio. April 25. 1873: read law Valparaiso (Indiana) law school, and with A. \V. Taylor, Salem: admitted June. 1895; city solicitor April, 1 900-05.

lames G. Moore. W rn in Wilmington. Delaware. August 24. 1852; read law in N'ew Lisbon under (lie Morrisons : admitted September 24. 1874: township clerk and village solicitor. Salineville, prior to 1884; probate judge Columbiana County. 1885-91.

j. B. Morgan, born in Lectonia April 6, 1869: read law under C. M. Snyder, Leetonia; admitted October 5, 1892; solicitor of Leetonia, 1903-05.

F. J. M.ulhns (Carey it Mullins, Salem), born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1857; read law miller John H. Jeffries, Wooster. Ohio; admitted in 1880.

R. II. Perry. I torn in Columbiana County, July 14. 1875; read under L. T. Farr, Rogers, and graduated LL. H. course. Valparaiso (Indiana) law school; ailmitted December, 1903.

W. S. I'otts. Lisbon ; born in Carroll County. Ohio. February 9. 1846: read law under lion. Jonathan H. Wallace and at Ann Arbor ( Michigan) law school; admitted 1873; prosecuting attorney Columbiana County 1875-76.

J. J. Pnrinton, l>orn in Illinois. November 13. 1802; read under Col. H. R. Hill; admitted (October 6, 1887; city clerk. East Liverpool. 1880-87; president City Council. 1897-98; president sinking fund commission, 1903-05.

J. W. Reilly, W'ellsville. born in Akron, niio. May 21, 1828: read law under George 1. Lee. W'ellsville; admitted to bar in 1851; Representative. Lower House of Ohio Legis- laturc. in 1861 - resigning to enter United States service in the War uf the Rehcllion; served as mayor uf Wellsville: in 1873 member of Ohio constitutional convention; trustee of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, located at Xenia, 1870-78.

C. P. Rothwell, East Palestine; liom in Columbiana County January 20, i860; read law with the Morrisons. Xew Lisbon: admitted November 1. 1881 ; solicitor of East Palestine lor 15 years.

Philip M. Smith. Imrn in Yellow Creek township. Columbiana County, in 1852: read law with Judge W. A. Nichols, Lisbon; admitted Eebrttary, 1879; succeeded to practice in Wellsville, of Judge W. ( i. Wells, when the latter was elected probate judge; prosecuting attorney, 1885-91 ; appointed judge of Common Pleas Court by Governor MeKinley to fill vacancy in 1886, and resigned in 1900 lo resume the practice of the law in Wellsville.

Alex. (I. Smith, born in Yellow Creek township. Columbiana County. January 27, 1856: read law under Philip M. Smith. Wellsville; admitted October. i88j;cilv solicitor of Wellsville. 1887-93.

Charles S. Speaker, liom in New Lisbon; read law with Nichols & Firestone ; admitted in November, 1880 ; mayor of New Lisbon. 1881- 88; prosecuting attorney of enmity. 1891-97.

John E. Scott. Salem; lx>m in Indiana, January j 3. 1870; read law with King 4t McYcy. Youngstown, and S. W. Ramsey, Salem; admitted in 189^.

E. P. Speidcl. Hanoveitoti ; Ixirn March 17. 1S70: studied with Potts X Moore. New Lisbon, and in Ohio Slate University : admitted June 8. 1893; deputy sherilT in 1903.

A. \V. Taylor. Salem; born in lianover township. Decemlier 2, 1801; graduated from Cincinnati l^iw School May 27. 1885 ; admitted May 28. 1885: city solicitor; mayor of Salem two terms.

G. Y. Travis, East Liverpool; born at l)ennison. Ohio. February 12. 1809; 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 W.'lL Yodrey.

George S. W alton, born in Salem October 22. 18/17; read law at Yale Law- School: ailmuted Xew Haven. Connecticut. June. 1893. Columbus. Ohio. October, 1893; served as clerk Hoard of Supervisors of Elections. Columbiana County.

1*. L. Wells. lx>ru in Wellsville, September 17. 18/14; read law with Hon. W. G. Wells, New Lislxm ; degree of LL. U., 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 diaries S. Speaker, New l.islxm; admitted June 5. 1890: solicitor of Lcetouia 1894- 97. and 180X1902.

A. J. Wilbard. Hoineworth. l»>rn in New Lislxiti, Fein aiary 28. 1848; studied at Ann Arlkir Law School. Michigan: admitted in Michigan. February 2S. 1SS3. and at Columbus. ( )hio. ( Jctober 2. 1S83.

On the circuit court ljench (Seventh Circuit of Ohio) the following Columbiana County lawyers have served : l'eter A, J-aubie, 1885 ; third full term will end nj 1 1 ; John M. Cook (latterly of Jefferson County). 1901 to 1907.