Marion County, Ohio - Chapter 6: Political, 1883 (part 2 of 2)

Judge John Bartram was born June 12, 1804, in Redding, Fairfield Co., Conn. and eame to Marion County, Ohio, November 20. 18217 Just previously, September 25, 1827, he married. Miss Jane Hopkins, in Pickaway Township, Pickaway County, Ohio. He began office as Township Clerk in Marion in 1831; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1832, and re-elected in 1885 and 1838; was appointed Postmaster by Postmaster General McLean in 1833, and resigned in 1885 on account of ill health. He served as Assistant Auditor from 1835 to 1838. He was again appointed Postmaster in 1838, and served until 1841. He next served as Commissioner to fill a vacancy one year, and was made Fund Commissioner of Marion County. He said the United States lost nothing by the transactions of this county, for every dollar was paid back when needed. Mr. Bartram was Associate Judge from 1840 to 1847, following the dry goods trade from 1840 to 1846. He then reviewed his legal studies and was admitted to the bar. He was Prosecuting Attorney three years; was Representative in the State Legislature, 1860-61, and Senator, 1870-71; was a Republican politically. He died November 17, 1879, leaving a widow and a son, Samuel H., an attorney at law, both in Marion. September 25, 1877, Judge Bartram's golden wedding was celebrated, when a magnificent gold-headed cane was presented to him by the Marion bar, Col. John J. Williams being the spokesman for the bar. It was a genuine surprise present. On the head of the cane was engraved " Presented to Hon. J. Bartram by the members of the bar of Marion, September 25, 1877."

Judge John Merrill was born December 28, 1814, in Delaware County, N. Y., came with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, when five years of age. Having there lost his father when about eight years of age, he came with his mother to Marion, in the fal] of 1829, and began his trade of tailor. In 1835, he commenced the business of custom tailor, in which he was continuously engaged until the spring of 1879. He was three times married. His first marriage was with Sarah Havens, April 16, 1834. By this marriage there were six children, four of whom reached majority, and three survived him. Losing by death the mother of these, January 14, 1849, in July following he was united by marriage with Miss Leah Turney, and by this union there were three children. She died in September, 1875, and in the summer following he was married to her sister, Mrs. Rachel Adams, who survives him. Mr. Merrill was for seven years an Associate Judge of Marion Common Pleas, and filled this position, with dignity and honor. In May, 1852, he was elected to the Board of Education and served continuously until May, 1866. He was elected to the Village Council for several terms, viz., a term of one year each in 1854, 1858, 1861, 1866, 1867 and terms of two years in 1868 and 1877. He died May 14, 1879, at the age of sixty-five. ! Ta

This is probably the place to give an account of a remarkable fugitive slave case, that came up before Judge Bowen and United States Commis: sioner Bartram. The negro's name was the citizens, but fixed in them more strongly than ever the old party prejudices upon the most serious question that ever vexed American politics. Marion was a depot on the "underground railroad." " Bill Anderson" was the name of a negro who took up his abode in Marion about a year previously. He was as black as any negro, weighed not less than 200 pounds, and, to use a phrase common in those days, was a very " likely nigger." By his good behavior and willingness to work at a fair price, he had gained the good will of the people. With the "boys," he stood at the top notch, in consequence of bis ability to sing the old melodies of the plantation and finger the banjo to perfection. While William was thus enjoying the " fat and hominy " of the land, what should disturb his peace and quiet but the appearance of a brace of " Virginians" named McClanahan and Goshorn, and one or two other men, claiming that said "Billy" was the property of one Mitchell, who had previously bought him of one Anderson. The "darkey" was, accordingly, by legal process, stowed away in one of the cells of the old white oak jail to await a requisition from his native State. Considerable sympathy was manifested for him, and he was not to be delivered over to the agent of Mitchell without a trial. The day came for the agent to prove " property," etc., and after a hearing, Judge Bowen decided that under the statutes of Ohio the prisoner could not be delivered to Mitchell's agent, as he had failed to show that he at any time had possession of him. Bill was thereupon released from custody. i

This started a whirlwind. Without process, the Virginians seized Bill by the arms and started for the office of Judge John Bartram, then United States Commissioner, before whom it was proposed to try the case under the laws of the United States. Main street had just been macadamizd with stone fresh from the quarry, and while Bill was on the way to Judge Bartram's, anti-slavery men began to pelt the Southerners freely with the stones. The captors, however, succeeded in reaching the Judge's office with their prize, where occurred a scene of confusion and excitement beyond description. The Judge stood in his office door and endeavored to disperse or quiet the mob so that the trial could proceed, while the Soutkerners flourished bowie knives and pistols, and loud talking of every kind shattered the very air. At this juncture, some half a dozen men broke open the "arsenal," seized each an old United States flint-lock musket, rushed into the crowd and demanded entrance into the Commissioner's office, which was refused. One Elias G. Spelman, a law student, with his musket firmly grasped and the bayonet fixed, made a charge upon Judge Bartram, which probably would have been fatal had not Rodney Spaulding successfully interfered by knocking the gun to one side, which entered the wall of the building about four inches. This climacteric performance, of course, directed all eyes to the spot, at which opportunity Billy made good his escape through a back door that some one had opened. Goshorn and others followed, and in a minute or two Goshorn threw a bowie knife at him, striking him in the small of the back, but rebounding without injury. Billy ran all the faster, and soon hid himself in a shock of corn in a field where John Dumble once made brick, but which ground is now occupied by a railroad. William S. Hutchison sagaciously sounded the shock with his foot, saying, " Keep dark, Billy."

When Goshorn threw the bowie, | Elliott Davidson knocked him down with a brickbat, which of course ended the race, for the crowd centered there to witness the bleeding wounds of Goshorn. Billy then saw his opportunity to " clear " the country, which he did most effectually, as he got

_ During the fracas, a " boss " printer, small in stature and correspondingly zealous for the right, when the cry of * To arms" was given, seized two of those venerable old flint-locks and started for the field of action, dragging them along by their muzzles. Maj. Busby told him not to make a fool of himself, when the obedient little printer-editor deliberately "stacked arms" against the north end of Byerly's hotel and rested from further hostilities.

The court issued a bench warrant and caused the arrest of the rioters, who were marched off to jail and locked up, where they spent a few hours in 'discussing the merits of some good brandy and sugar kindly furnished them. They were released on bail till next morning, when the Virginians were fined $50 each, which they paid and returned home.

This riot engendered hard feelings between citizens, which were never, with many, satisfactorily adjusted. A short time thereafter, while William Fishér was delivering an address before the Lyceum in the court room, a crowd who did not like his ideas, commenced stamping their feet and clapping their hands and hissing like infernal creatures. Mr. Fisher continued, determined not to be bluffed. The Mayor appeared and commanded the disturbers of the peace to desist, saying he demanded this in the name of Mayor and by authority of law. He was told that it was not his * put in," and he gracefully retired. Shortly afterward, a flaming hand-bill, headed " Freedom of Speech," and signed by a number of the best citizens, was circuJated, calling for a mass meeting at the court house; and soon after that another hand-bill was circulated by thé anti-abolitionists, calling for a meeting at the same time and place to take into consideration the propriety of closing the doors of the court house against meetings having for their object the agitation of the question of slavery. This created. a great sensation, and everyboby was anxious to see what would be done on that day. The day came, and fortunately the Sheriff locked the court house against both parties. It was then suggested that the crowd was too large for the court room any way, and a few men, to preserve order, organized on the portico and resolved that * all who did not favor abolition sentiments," should repair to the south side of the court house, and all those in favor of the same to go to the north side. It was funny to see some of the chronic office seekers endeavoring to be on both sides at once, or managing to ascertain on which side the largest crowd would assemble before taking either side. One man changed sides three times, stealthily creeping around the back way, to escape observation! He became settled at last on the strongest side, which was the anti-abolitionist.

The Bar Of The Past

Milo D. Pettibone, not a resident here, was the first Prosecuting Attorney for this district after the organization of the county, 1824-25, being appointed by the State. l ;

26. $ Charles L. Boalt, Prosecutor in 1826-27, was a successful lawyer, resident in Marion several years. Some time between 1833 and 1840, he moved to Norwalk, Ohio, where he was a leading lawyer unti! his death.

Ohio with his parents in 1812, settling in Fairfield County, where he remained until 1816, when he went to Franklin County, Ohio, and there obtained the rudiments of his education in the private schools of that day, and finished in the higher branches of an English education at the old Columbus Academy. Deciding upon following the profession of law when eighteen years of age, he selected as his preceptor Judge Orris Parish. of Columbus, Ohio, with whom he read for two years, when he was admitted to the bar, after a most thorough and searching examination, such as is scarcely known at the present day. Soon after his admission to the bar, in 1828, he settled at Marion, Ohio, and opened an office for the practice of his profession, which more rapidly than usual became both large and remunerative. In November of that year he was married to Miss Ann S. Davis, of Marion, which proved to be a most fortunate and happy union. He proved himself capable, energetic and trustworthy, and soon advanced to the front ranks of society and of his profession; was twice elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county, against his own protest; twice to the House of Representatives of the General Assembly, once State Senator, and twice Auditor of State of the State of Ohio. In 1851, he drew up and procured the passage of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, chartering the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad Company; was in the spring of that year elected President of that company, which he immediately organized; had its line surveyed and located from Galion through Marion, Hardin, Logan, Shelby and Darke Counties, to the Indiana State line at Union City, and passing through the county seats of Marion, Logan and Shelby Counties. Such was his influence, that he induced the counties of Marion and Shelby to take stock in the corporation and issue bonds therefor, as did also several of the townships in Logan and Darke. He accepted real estate to the amount of $300,000, upon which he issued bonds of the company, secured by mortgage. He issued $800,000 first mortgage bonds of the company, sold all the bonds, built the road in a little over two years, equipped it well, managed it until the fall of 1856, when he resigned and resumed the practice of his profession, which he continued until April, 1861.

When trying a case in court,the President's proclamation was received announcing the fall of Fort Sumter and calling for 75,000 volunteer troops, he moved the court to adjourn without day, which was done, and he imme. diately recruited a company and was elected its Captain. His company was attached to the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Regiment, of which he was appointed Major, afterward Lieutenant Colonel, and finally Colonel. He was severely wounded while leading his regiment at the battle of Fredericksburg. After the war, he was brevetted a Brigadier General for distinguished services in the field. He was a Whig in politics until the formation of the Republican party, with which he has been prominently connected to the present time. But he was never a bitter politician; was always independent, just and impartial in the discharge of his official duties, and retired from public life with the respect and confidence of the citizens of all shades of politics. His official duties as State Auditor requiring his residence at Columbus, Marion is not now the home of Gen. Godman; but this county is still proud to regard him as peculiarly her own. Gen. Godman was deprived by death of his beloved partner some five years ago, and of his sons three reside in Columbus; one is a Methodist clergyman in the Southern States and another has followed in the footsteps of his father by making law his profession.

_ George Rowe settled in Marion some time prior to 1840. He read law with J. H. Godman and became a successful attorney; was Prosecuting Attorney for one term. He was a good "stumper," full of anecdote and humor, a large man of singular appearance, especially in respect to his. eyes, and was rather uncouth in manner. When the gold fever arose in 1849, he started from this place with a company overland to California, leaving his wife and family here. He settled in Marysville, Cal., became a prominent lawyer and a man of considerable property, which however, he subsequently lost, and died poor. He became a Spiritualist some years before his death.

William B. Sloan was an attorney here many years ago. He moved to Ottawa County, where he is still living, having served one term there as Probate Judge. He was a native of Marion, a son of the well-known pioneer, Thomas M. Sloan.

William Fisher, a brother of Dr. T. B. Fisher, practiced law in the Marion courts about 1840-41; went to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he was in partnership with Judge Scott a few years; he then moved to the western part of Morrow County, where he died many years ago.

Bradford R. Durfee, one of the leading members of the Marion: bar, at a time when the county boasted of lawyers second to none in the State (1840 to 1860), was born January 20, 1816, in Tiverton, R. L, now Fall River, Mass. He was a descendant, in the sixth generation, of Thomas Durfee, who came from England in 1660, whose descendants have since lived at Fall River. His grandfather, Joseph Durfee, was a Colone] in the Revolutionary army. His parents moved to Washington County, Ohio, in 1816, by the only means of conveyance in those days, a wagon. They died and were buried there soon afterward. The children moved to Athens County. Bradford R. resided in Athens County and in Cleveland until about. 1834, when he came to Marion to work in the cabinet and carpenter shops of his brothers, Joseph and Gardner. For several years, he worked during the day and studied law during the night. He was admitted to the bar in 1841, and used to say that he went from the "bench" to the bar. - He attended school at Granville from 1838 to 1840. November 6, 1848, he married Miss Mary M. Hardy, who died March 3, 1857. April 6, 1858, he married Miss Pauline M. Peters, and they had one son, May 25, 1859, and one daughter, October 29, 1862. Mr. Durfee practiced law until Fort Sumter was fired upon in April, 1861. As a lawyer, he was signally successful. A portion of the time he was alone, and when in partnership, he was associated with such eminent men as Judge Ccoper K. Watson, Gen. George Rowe and Judge Ozias Bowen. In 1853, he engaged inbanking, establishing * Durfee's Exchange Bank" of Marion, the Bank of Bellefontaine," and in 1854 thé "Delaware County Bank," at Muncie, Ind,, and one at Indianapolis. In these ventures he was very successful, and at-a time when it required nerve and foresight. The day after Fort 'Sumter was fired upon, Mr. Durfee volunteered as a private soldier in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of that regiment, December 31, 1861, and soon afterward became its Colonel. Among his many services as a soldier may be mentioned his command of the attack on Romney, in which he was successful in capturing the place and obtaining the keys to the prison. With these he liberated the Union soldiers confined there. The keys are still in possession of his. family. Col. Durfee died at Marion February 20, 1863.

John F. Hume, attorney at law from 1852 to 1858, in partnership with John J. Williams, is another one of those remarkable examples of an unpolished gem being worked up into extraordinary brilliancy. In 1852, when Mr. Williams was a member of the Ohio Senate and needed a partner at home to keep up his business, there was presented to him at Columbus one day a poorly dressed, unprepossessing young man, who introduced

With considerable misgiving, Mr. Williams accepted him, for a brief probation, coming home with him and setting him to work at unfinished cases. After an absence of about a week, Mr. Williams returned, and to his surprise found elaborate briefs made up for every ease on hand. He bought him a new suit of clothes and gave him every encouragement to go ahead. He exhibited great native ability and faithfulness, and within the next six months the firm of Williams & Hume did a larger amount of business than has ever been done in the county by any one firm in the same length of time. Mr. Hume had good health, and was ever " up and at it." He afterward began to take a prominent part in political affairs; was a Democrat, but was elected to the Legislature on the Know-Nothing ticket. In that body he made an elaborate, logical and impressive speech upon a question which came up with reference to the naturalization of foreigners. After this session of the Legislature, however, Mr. Hume became a Republican, and as such he stumped the county, and at the next election the county went Republican. In 1858, the above partnership was dissolved, and Mr. 'Hume, having married a young lady of wealth here, went to St. Louis,Mo.,and opened up business; but he soon put his means into the Missouri Democrat and for a time became its chief editor. He had had some experience in this capacity here in Marion. Next we hear of our subject, he was Railroad Commissioner for the State of Missouri. After serving a term, he became obnoxious to many prominent politicians of that State. They thought he was making too much money out of the position. Thereupon he asked the Governor for an indorsement of his fidelity, in the shape of a re-appointment for a second term, on condition that he would immediately resign. He would not resign without the indorsement. The appointment was put off to the last day of the Legislative session. He received it, but apparently too late to resign and give the Governor and Senate time to find a successor. Hume thus secured another term of office. After making a fortune of perhaps $500,000, he left Missouri and removed to Jersey City, N. J., where he added further to his wealth; then to Poughkeepsie, N. Y where he has built a fine residence and now lives in luxury.

James H. Anderson, Prosecuting Attorney, from 1855 to 1857, was born in Marion, a son of Judge Thomas J. Anderson. When about fifteen years of age, he commenced as clerk in the dry goods store of J. E. Davids; afterward became a successful lawyer, and is now a successful banker in Columbus, Ohio.

Peleg Bunker was a practitioner at the bar in this county about thirty years ago; was a fair lawyer, but not apt to accumulate property; was in partnership with William Hull a short time, who died while a partner.

'Mr. Bunker afterward died at Zanesville, this State. His widow and P oe still reside in Marion; one son is in Cleveland, and another in oledo.

Cooper K. Watson was an able lawyer of Marion before the war; was a Whig and then Republican, and represented this district in Congress in 1855 to 1857, when his party was growing into power as an anti.slavery 'element, and the people were gathering wrath preparatory to a great struggle at arms. At that time he was a resident of Seneca County. He also served as Common Pleas Judge. He was a " whole-souled " man, possessing all the qualities of popularity. He died a few years ago, leaving a widow .and two daughters.

. A. Osborne, editor of the Mirror before the war, and then a lawyer and Prosecuting Attorney from 1857 to 1861, died a few years afterward, of softening of the brain

H. C. Godman, son of Gen. James H. Godman, was admitted to the bar in Marion County and was a successful practitioner for several years; he then followed his profession in Delaware, Ohio, two or three years, and retired from practice, and is now living at Columbus.

Noah M. Runyan, Prosecuting Attorney from 1863 to 1867, two terms, was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio; came to this county about 1846, and died about two years ago.

Almeron Wheat praeticed law in this county in company with Gen. Godman for a time, and afterward went to Indiana, where, at last accounts, he was doing well in his profession. He was unmarried when he left this county.

ER. Hull was a young man admitted to the bar in this county, practiced here a short time and went to Texas, married, and settled upon a farm, where he was prospering at last accounts. ja Y

William Hull, cousin of tbe preceding, was also admitted to the bar in ihis county; was in partnership with Peleg Bunker a short time, elected Mayor of the town of Marion, and in a few weeks afterward died. He was .& talented young man.

John R. Knapp, Jr., was admitted to the bar here, but never practiced the legal profession. As he was more prominently connected with the press of the county, see the chapter on that subject. ) i

Thomas Duncan practiced law a short time some five or six years ago, nt to Mount Gilead. eae William E. Scofield was one of the able members of the Marion bar of his time. Was born in Muskingum County, October 4, 1884, settling in Marion in 1856, after graduating at the Ohio Wesleyan University. He studied law with Charles Sweetzer, of Delaware, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in 1857, from which time n devoted his energies to his profession. He felt his client's cause was t own, and, throwing himself into his cases with all the ardor of an Shen ie nature, was generally successful. He was a brilliant speaker, Bises aris ble and frequently vehement, but never losing sight of the intricate de ai 2 which 'are the great essentials of law. Well versed in criminal law, he i engaged in a number of the most prominent criminal cases; E 2j that of Enoch Young, accused of the murder of Bensley, of We A l bows Ship; that of Pitman vs. Monnett, for the replevin of a calf, which w attorneys' fees, amounted to over $1,000. Mr. Scofield held many places: of public trust, was conspicuous in the army, and no man had warmer friends, and in return, his genial and ardent nature cemented and madelasting the friendship. He passed away July 5, 1883, in his forty-eighth. year. THE BAR OF THE PRESENT. :

We subjoin brief biographical sketches of the present members of the Marion bar, chiefly dwelling upon their professional career and status. The present bar is an eminently respectable one, and maintains the high prestige attained by the bar of the past, of whom they are no unworthy successors. They are devoted to their profession, hard fighters, throwing: themselves with zeal and energy into the side they are called upon to advocate, and on the whole they command the confidence of their own com. munity; and among her sister counties, Marion has no reason to be ashamed of the home talent of her bar.

John E. Davids has the distinction of being the oldest living member of the Marion bar, having been a student of Gen. James H. Godman from 1838 to July, 1842, when he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court. of the State. After three years' devotion to his profession, he turned to mercantile business, which he followed until 1807, when he returned to law. In October of that year, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and by successive elections has held that office ever since. He has been Notary Public since 1848, served as Mayor of Marion from 1858 to 1861, has been six years on the School Board, during two of which he has been President. The many official trusts Mr. Davids has held are the best evidence of his efficiency and integrity.

Col. John J. Williams was born in Jefferson County, Ohio. He graduated at Franklin (Ohio) College in September, 1840, and the following December came to Marion. Early the next year he opened the Marion Academy and conducted it successfully for about a year; read law with Gen. James H. Godman, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1843. He practiced with Gen. Godman nine years, with J. F. Hume from 1852 to 1858, and subsequently with A. Osborne and J. C. Johnston, and since that time he has been alone. In 1851-52, he was a member of the State Senate, representing Marion, Logan, Union and Hardin Counties, and during both sessions was a member of the Standing Committees on the Public Schools, Municipal Corporations and the Penitentiary. He was one of only seven Whigs in this Senate, they being the last of that party in this State elected as such to that body. In 1853, he was a candidate for Governor before the last Whig Convention held in the State. He recruited, in May, 1861, three companies for the Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned Major, and in 1862 promoted to Colonel of the regiment. He served till some time in 1863, when he returned home and resumed the law business, which he has since followed. He has publicly participated in political campaigns as a Republican.

Samuel H. Bartram, son of the late Judge John Bartram, read law with his father and John T. Brasee, of Lancaster, and graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in the spring of 1850,subsequently taking a second course in the school. He was in partnership with his father for a time. In 1859-60, he practiced law in New York City, then with his father until the death of the latter. He was Prosecuting Attorney of this county from 1851 to 1853.

J. C. Johnston has been a resident of Marion since 1859. Ho served as Mayor for nine years, Justice of the Peace six years, and in other ways receiving substantial evidence of popular favor. Mr. Johnston commenced the study of law with Judges Lawrence and West, of Bellefontaine during 1852 to 1854, at the same time engaging in teaching school. August 15, 1854, he was admitted to the bar by Justico John A, Corwin, and the following year began practice in Van Wert, remaining there until February, 1859, when he removed to Marion. Mr. Johnston's business is a very successful one, and takes in the range of all the courts. During the war, he felt called upon to take up arms in defense of his country, and enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guards, serving on garrison duty at Forts Ellsworth and Lyons, and on the return of his company was elected Captain.

John N. Abston, a native of Virginia, was raised in Logan County, Ohio, and became a resident of this county in January, 1872. He was admitted to the bar in Columbus in 1855, after which time he was a resident of Hardin County, where he was Prosecuting Attorney; he came from that county to Marion. Has taken part in politics as a Democratic speaker. He was elected Justice of the Peace in Marion in September, 1882, and is now acting in that capacity.

M. V. Payne was born in Fort Morrow, now in Waldo Township, in 1833, and partly reared in Indianapolis. He returned to this county, and in 1850 went to Galion, where he was Mayor; was admitted to the bar in 1856 in Indiana, and in 1873 came to Marion, where he has since practiced law. He is a Democrat and has taken part in political campaigns.

H. T. Van Fleet is a prominent member of the Marion bar. Heisa native of Big Island Township, and his legal preceptor was Judge John Bartram. His admission to the State bar dates back to June 14, 1860. Entering upon the practice of his profession at Marion, he has continued ever since with signal success, his legal career being but once interrupted, when he answered the call of his country and served as Second Lieutenant of Company E, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from July 2, 1802, until January 10, 1863, resigning on account of ill health. He has been admitted to practice in all the courts, State and Federal. From 1867 to 1869, be was Prosecutor, City Solicitor three years, and is now President of the School Board. Mr. Van Fleet has been a leading criminal lawyer, enjoying an extensive and successful practice, but of late has given his chief attention to civil Jaw. In politics, Mr. Van Fleet is a Democrat, and it was on his motion when a delegate at the National Democratic Convention in 1868, at New York, that Ohio cast a solid vote for Horatio Seymour. In 1863, he rau on the Democratic ticket against William H. West for State Senator, and although defeated he sneceeded in reducing the usual Republican majority, running far ahead of his ticket.

William Z. Davis stands in the foremost ranks of the Marion Bar, and having devoted himself to his profession, he has secured a large practice and a deservedly high standing. Mr. Davis is a native of Loydsville, Belmont Co., Ohio, where he was burn June 10, 1833. He removed with his father, Dr. B. W. Davis, to Greene County, and received his education at Dayton and Miami City. In 1859, he came to Marion, and while an assistant to the County Clerk, read law under J. H. and H. C. Godman. The following year he devoted his sole attention to law and was admitted to the bar in February, 1862. His studies were interrupted in April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and again August 5, 1862, when he entered Company E, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas

Post, when he was obliged to resign through sickness, being honorably discharged in March, 1863. After recovering from the illness contracted in the army, Mr. Davis entered upon the practice of law with Messrs. West & Walker, of Bellefontaine. In 1864, Gen. Godman having been elected Auditor of State, Mr. Davis was admitted a member of the firm, which became Godman & Davis. The firm of Godman & Davis had an extensive practice until its dissolution in 1871, when Mr. Godman removed to Delaware. Since that time Mr Davis has devoted himself exclusively to building up his present large practice. As a man of honor and uprightness, as well as an able lawyer, Mr. Davis possesses the esteem and confidence of the county.

J. F. McNeal, senior member of the leading law firm of McNeal & Wolford, is yet, comparatively, a young man, having been born at Iberia (then in Marion County) April 28, 1840. When he had just arrived at his ma. jority, he was among the first to respond. to the call for men to defend his country's flag, and enlisted in April, 1861, in Company I, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment, he re-enlisted in Battery E, First Ohio Light Artillery, serving until April, 1865, about the close of the war. Mr. McNeal had the superior advantage of reading law under Judge Ozias Bowen, one of Marion's ablest lawyers, from April 8, 1865, to May 16, 1867, when he was admitted to the bar in Champaign County. On June 1, following, he formed a partnership with Mr. J. C. Johnston, which continued three years, when he practiced alone until June 1, 1876, admitting P. Dombaugh as a partner. This last partnership was dissolved November 15, 1876, and on January 1, 1879, the present firm of McNeal & Wolford was formed. By his sterling integrity of character, as well as by his legal attainments, Mr. McNeal has built up an extensive and lucrative practice.

George Diegle read law under the instruction of Judge A. M. Jackson, of Bucyrus; from 1850, he served four terms as Justice of the Peace. In 1867, he was elected County Treasurer, and in 1868 took charge of the office; in 1869, he was re-elected and at the expiration of his second term he was admitted to the bar of the State. In 1875, he was again elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected in 1877. He was Township Assessor of Tully seven years, Township Treasurer seven years, and has been a member of the City Council of Marion. He speaks German as well as English. l ; B. F. Stahl, a native of Fairfield County, this State, was born in 1838, and in 1850 he went to Union County, in 1862 to Delaware County, and in 1864 to La Rue, and in 1868 to Marion; was admitted to the bar in March, 1876, and was Recorder of Marion County from 1867 to 1873.

A. M. Tidd was born in Hardin County April 14, 1852; graduated at the National Normal School at Lebanon in August, 1873, read law with J. D. King, of Kenton, two years and. was admitted to the bar of Ohio in March, 1876. In August following, he came to Marion and for a time was a member of the firm of King & Tidd, and has since been alone.

this county in 1871, and permanently settled here in 1873. Studied law with J. F. McNeal and was admitted to the bar April 7, 1876. He was in partnership witk J. Q. Codding from 1876 to 1880, and practiced at La Rue from 1879 to 1880.

J. Q. Codding read and practiced law with J. F. McNeal three years; was admitted to the bar April 7, 1876; was in partnership with M. B. Chase from 1876 to 1880. Mr. Codding is now in insurance business and

B. G. Young is a native of Pennsylvania and a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University; began the study of law with W. Z. Davis in 1874, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1876; was elected Prosecuting Attorney the fall of the same year, and re-elected in 1878, serving four years. In 1880, he was appointed County School Examiner, and in August, 1883, was nominated by the Democratic party Representative to the Legislature.

Charles F. Garberson was born in Marion County in 1851. He graduated in 1873 in the classical course of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he was President of the senior class. He followed surveying on the Columbus & Toledo Railroad and Illinois Central two years; studied law with W. Z. Davis, and was admitted to the bur of the Supreme Court in 1876, a member of the first class admitted under the present system. For his excellent examination he received a prize certificate. Since that date, he has been most of the time in the practice of law. Was ap- RM School Examiner in 1882, and re-appointed for three years in June,

Stephen A. Court, present Prosecutor for Marion County, also read law under the direction of J. F. McNeal, commencing in 1874, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1878, since which time he has practiced his profession. In 1879-80, he was of the firm of Abston & Court and in 1881-82, of the firm of Codding & Court. In 1880, he was elected City Solicitor and re-elected in 1882. In 1881, he was elected Prosecuting, Attorney, which position he now holds.

studies in the Law Department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, where he graduated in the class of March, 1878. He was then in the law office cf Johnson & Seley at Kenton until the following October, when he removed to his present place of residence, where he is a partner 'of J. C. Johnston, of Marion. Since June, 1879, he has been Mayor of Prospect. He attends to nearly all the legal business in his vicinity. He was born in Warren, Warren Co., Penn., a son of Charles and Barbara Wishek, who now reside in Sharon, Medina County, Ohio.

Charles C. Fisher, son of Dr. T. B. Fisher, graduated at Kenyon College, read law with J. F. McNeal one year, and attended the law school of Harvard University, graduating in June, 1878. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio December 4, the same year. In March, 1879, he went to Cincinnati, where he was with ex-Gov. Cox until December, 1881, when he returned to Marion. January 1, 1882, he became a member of the firm of (J. C.) Johnston & Fisher.

J. A. Wolford, of the firm of McNeal & Wolford, although but thirty years of age, has already made his mark as a successful practitioner, and is regarded by all as a young man destined to rise in the ranks of his profession. His reading of law dates back to 1876. The year following, he graduated in the classical course at Hillsdale College, Michigan, and continued his Jegal studies with Mr. McNeal, being admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court December 31, 1878, and the next day formed a partnership

Will E. Scofield, eldest son of Capt. W. E. Scofield, was born in Marion in 1860. He received his education in the high school, graduating in 1877. The year previous he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, and acted as such two years. He read law with his father and was admitted to the bar of the State November 1, 1881. He was a member of the firm of Scotield & Scofield, which firm was dissolved by his father's death, July 5, 1883. In September, 1882, he was elected Justice of the Peace.

George D. Copeland, son of Howard Copeland, is a native of Marion. He graduated in the high school in the class of 1880, and soon after took up the study of law with McNeal & Wolford. He completed his law course at the Cincinnati Law School in 1882, and since that time has been in the office of his preceptors.

C. M. Idleman is the latest accession to the bar of Marion. He was born in Pleasant Township in 1854, and after reading law was admitted to -the bar in June, 1883. He is a member of the Board of County School Examiners.

T. R. Smith, farmer and cattle dealer, residing four miles south of Marion, was a lawyer in Delaware County. He came to Marion County and is well known as a leading officer in the order of the Patrons of Husbandry.