Crawford County, Illinois - Chapter 4: 'courts - Bench and Bar, 1909

A Record Breaking Series Of Indictments And Bar

IN TERRITORIAL DAYS - FIBST COURT CASES AND FIRST GRAND AND PETIT JURIES - OTHER NOTABLE CASES - TRIAL OF THREE INDIANS FOR MURDER - A RECORD BREAKING SERIES OF INDICTMENTS AGAINST ONE CRIMINAL - MILD VERDICT FOR A FUGITIVE - LIST OF JUDGES WHO HAVE PRESIDED OVER CRAWFORD COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT - PERSONAL SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF THE BENCH AND BAR.

The first Circuit Court for Crawford County was held at the house of Edward N. Cullom, September 15, 1817, the presiding Judge being *Honorable Thomas Towles." The first Grand Jury was composed of William Howard, foreman; Daniel Travis, William Travis, Thomas Mills, Ira Allison, Samuel Allison, Asahel Haskins. John Waldrop, Sen. Richard Eaton, Thomas Jones, Daniel Martin, William Garrard, Benjamin Parker, Jonas Painter, Samuel Brimberry, Peter Price, John Lamb, William Everman, Will- iam Hicks, George Smith and Newberry York, who were "sworn to inquire for the county of Crawford," and "received their charge and retired out of court to consider of their presentment." The first case tried was a simple suit for debt brought by Stephen Beck against Joseph Bogart, in which the defendant confessed judgment, which was accordingly rendered. The second trial, a jury case, was on a charge of assault and battery brought by Elisha Bradberry against Robert Gill, the jury consisting of the following persons: Thomas Wilson, Ithra Byshears, Joseph Shaw, John Funk} Andrew Montgomery, John R. Adams, James "Moore, Joseph Eaton, Joseph Wood, Isaac Parker, George Bogher and James Gibson. The verdict was for the plaintiff in the sum of $37.02, which the court confirmed. At the same time it was "ordered that Thomas Handy, Charles Neeley and John Funk, Jr. be summoned here at the next term of this court, to show cause why they shall not be fined for failing to attend as grand jurors agreeably to the summons of the sheriff." Among the indietments returned by the grand jury was one in the name of the United States versus Cornelius Taylor "for bringing home a hog without the ears." The next term of the circuit court of which there is any record is held in Palestine, July 7, 1819, presided over by Honorable Thomas C. Browne, with William Wilson as circuit attorney. An indictment was reported by the grand jury at this term in which three Delaware Indians - William Killbuck, Captain Thomas, and Big Panther - were charged with the murder of Thomas McCall, a surveyor, who in trading with the Indians, was in the habit of giving them an order for whisky on Cornelius Taylor, keeper of a still-house. In this case Me- Call handed them a supposed order, which in- Stead was a request not to give them any liquor. On discovering this the Indians became incensed and killed McCall. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, but a new trial was granted, Killbuck being arraigned separately. He was convicted and sentenced to be hanged on July 14, 1819, but made his escape. Captain Thomas and Big Panther were subsequently released on a molle . prosequi entered by the publie prosecutor. 'T'he large number of assault and battery cases tried in these days indicates that fighting was the most common form of law-breaking, and many of the most violent characters of the frontier figured in the trials. Among these was Cornelius Taylor, whose vicious practices have kept his memory alive in this region. During one term of court he was indicted for larceny, assault and battery, rape, horse-stealing and hog-stealing, and was privately accused of other grave offenses. Some of the trials were almost comical in their results, among them being that of Hugh Dail, indicted for assault and battery, who fled to Edgar County, whence he was brought back by the Sheriff under a writ, and, pleading guilty, was fined 50 cents and "costs."

This session of court lasted two days, five civil cases being tried. Besides the hog case referred to, three indictments were returned - one for selling whisky to Indians, and two for assault and battery.

After the admission of Illinois as a State, a special term of the State Court was held under Judge Thomas C. Browne, who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from October 9, 1818, to December 4, 1848, and presided over all the court sessions in this circuit until that held in October, 1824. Then William Wilson, former Circuit Attorney and a resident of White County, occupied the bench of the circuit for one term. The latter was also a Justice of the Supreme Court and served from July, 1819, until December, 1848.

CIRCUIT JUDGES, 1824-1908. - In 1824 James O. Wattles was elected by the Legislature Justice of the Circuit Court for the Fifth Circuit, but was legislated out of office in 1827. Later the county constituted a part of the Fourth Circuit. of which Justin Harlan was the presiding Justice from 1835 to 1859. From 1859 to 1865 it formed a part of the Twenty-fifth Circuit, with Alfred Kitchell, J. C. Allen and Aaron Shaw as Circuit Judges for-different periods, in the latter year becoming a part of the Fourth Circuit with Hiram C. Decius upon the bench. This continued until the adoption of the Constitution of 1870, when the county was transferred to the Twenty-first Circuit, with J. C. Allen as Circuit Judge. who was sueceeded in 1877 by John H. Halley, the county having then become a part of the Second District, which it still remains. In 1879 the number of Judges in each of the thirteen Circuits into which the State was then divided, was inereased to three, and those who have since held the position of Circuit Judges have been as follows: 1879-85 - Chauncey 8. Conger, Thomas S. Casey and William C. Jones;

Sketches Of Early Judges

Of Judge Thomas Towles, the first judge to hold court in Crawford County, little is known beyond the fact that his service began while Illinois was still a Territory.

Judge Thomas C. Browne, who succeeded Judge Towles as Presiding Justice, came to Shawneetown as early as 1812, later served in each branch of the Territorial Legislature (1814-16, and 1816-18) respectively, in 1815, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney, and on the admission of Illinois as a State, was promoted to the Supreme Bench, upon which he served continuously until the adoption of the Constitution of 1848, his later years being spent in Galena, where he died about 1856 or '58. (See Browne, Thomas C., in "Historical Encyclopedia" portion of this volume).

Judge William Wilson, who succeeded Judge Browne, being at that time also a Justice óf the Supreme-Court, was born in Loudon County; Va., April 27, 1794, in 1817 removed to Kentucky, soon after came to Illinois, two years later loeating near Carmi, White County, which continued to be his home for the rest of his life. In 1819 he was elected by the State Legislature a Justice of the Supreme Court as successor to Judge Foster, who held office only about nine months. Like Judge Browne, Judge Wilson remained in office until the adoption of the Constitution of 1848. He died at his home in White County April 29, 1857. (See Wilson, William, "Historical Encyclopedia" part of this work).

On the division of the State into circuits, James O. Wattles became Judge for the Fifth Cireuit, which included Crawford County. Judge Wattles was commissioned January 19, 1825, but was legislated out of office in 1827, when Judge Wilson of the Supreme Court was restored to the Crawford County bench for a time. Judge James Hall, who officiated for a time as Circuit Judge previous to 1827, and later served as State Treasurer, was one of the earliest and most prominent authors in Illinois. His sketch will be found in the "Historical Encyclopedia" portion of this volume.

Justices of the Crawford Circuit Court was Justin Harlan, who, although a resident of Marshall, Clark_County, was widely known throughout Southern Illinois. Born in Ohio about 1801, he came to Clark County at the age of twentyfive years, served in the Black Hawk War; was commissioned a Justice of the Circuit Court in 1835; was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1847, and was twice elected Circuit Judge under the new constitution, serving until 1855, later acting as Indian Agent by appointment of President Lincoln. He died while on a visit to Kentucky in 1879. (See sketch in "Historical Encyclopedia").

Others who have served on the circuit bench in Crawford County include the names of Alfred Kitchell, James C. Allen, Aaron Shaw, Thomas S. Carey, Carroll C. Boggs and 8. 7. Landes, sketches of whom will be found in the "Historical Encyclopedia" portion of this work, while sketches of Judges William C. Jones and Enoch E. Newlin, as citizens of Crawford County, appear in their proper places in the Crawford County division of the work.

The material embraced in the following sketches of former and present members of the Crawford County Bar is drawn, for the most part, from the chapter on the "Bench and Bar of Crawford County," prepared by the Hon. Ethelbert Callahan, and published in Vol. I of the "Bench and Bar of Illinois" issued under the editorship of the late ex-Gov. John M. Pälmer.

One of the earliest to engage in the practice of law in Crawford County was Wickliffe Kitchell, who was born in New Jersey, May 21, 1789, came to Southern Illinois about 1814, and began clearing a heavily timbered tract of land. While there engaged he met with an accident by eutting his foot which lamed him for life, partially incapacitating him for physical labor. Later he was elected Sheriff and, by contact with the courts, acquiring a taste for the law, began the study of such text-books as were accessible at that time. About 1817 he was admitted to the bar, and removing to Palestine, Crawford County, there began practice which he continued until 1838, when he removed to Hillsboro, Ill., during the following year being appointed Attorney-General of the State, a position which he retained until November, 1840, when he resigned to accept a seat as Representative in the State Legislature from Montgomery County. While a resident of Crawford County he had served two terms in the General Assembly, first as Representative (1820-22) and second as Senator (1828- 32). He also served several years as State's Attorney. After spending eight years as a resident of Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1854, he returned to Hillsboro, Ill, and died at Pana, Ill., January 2, 1869. Three sons of his became members of the bar: Alfred Kitchell, who served one term as Judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit, and died in Galesburg in 1876; Gen. Edward Kitchell, who assisted in organizing the Ninety-eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, of which he finally became Colonel, and retired as Brevet Brigadier-General, dying at Olney, Ill., July 11, 1869; and John Wickliff Kitehell, also a soldier in the Civil War with the rank of Major, and now residing at Pana, Ill. The elder Kitchell had the distinction of being one of the founders of Palestine, which was one of the prominent places in Eastern Illinois at an early date.

Another early practitioner at the bar in Crawford County was Eldredge S. Janney, born in Alexandria, Va., July 12, 1801, graduated at Nassau Hall College, Princeton, N. J., and eame to Crawford County, Ill. in 1827, where, following the custom of his Virginia ancestors, he established his home in the country and managed a plantation while practicing law in the county seat. He had the reputation of being a wellread lawyer, as well as a man of scholarly tastes, who continued a devoted reader of sical literature until incapacitated by blindness. In 1853 he removed to Marshall, Clark County, where he died December 17, 1875.

One of the noted citizens of Illinois, Augustus C. French, was born in New Hampshire August 2, 1808, came to Illinois in the '30s, first locating in Edgar County, from which he served two terms in the State Legislature (1836-39). In 1839, having been appointed Receiver of Public Moneys in the Government Land Office at Palestine, he removed to Crawford County, and also engaged in the practice of law. In 1846, while a resident of the county, he was elected to the office of Governor and was reelected in 1848 under the constitution of that year, holding the office for six years, and being the first man in Illinois history to be elected Governor for a second term. Gov. French's latter years were spent in St. Clair County, for a part of the time, being at the head of the law department of McKendree College. He served as delegate in the State Constitutional Convention of 1862, and died in Lebanon, IlL, September 4, 1864. (See sketch in "Historical Encyclopedia" part of this work.)

William H. Sterrett, born in Nova Scotia in 1810 was educated in King's College, Windsor, and later came to the United States, read law at Newark, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in that State in 1840. In 1845, he came to Crawford County, Ill., and there engaged practice. In 1852 he was elected to the Eighteenth General Assembly, serving one term, and in 1858 was elected County Judge, when he retired from general practice. Being in declining health, he returned to Nova Scotia, where he died.

George W. Peck was born at Salem, Ind., was educated at Asbury University, Greencastle, and in 1853, when about twenty-one years of age, came to Crawford County, Ill, and engaged iu practice. This he continued successfully until 1861, when he enlisted in the Union Army, became Captain of Company I, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, later being promoted to Lieutenant- Colonel. His health having failed until he was unfit for service in the field, he was detailed for duty' as Provost Marshal at Louisville, Ky., whence he returned to his old home at Salem and there died. He is described as a lawyer of superior ability, a good special pleader and always clear in statement and logical in argument.

James H. Steel was born in Philadelphia, came to Crawford County in boyhood, and after spending his.early life on a farm, served for many years as Clerk of the County Court. He was admitted to the bar in 1857, and his wide acquaintance and reputation for integrity and. business ability brought him a- large practice. He acquired a handsome property, but owing to failing health was compelled io retire, finally dying at his home in Robinson December 2, 1872. Originally a Whig, after the organization of the Republican party he participated actively in all its political campaigns during his life.

Union Law School at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1863, and in 1864 opened a law oflice at Robinson, Ill. He served as a member of the Thirty-second General Assembly, was elected County Judge in 1882, and for four years was Master in Chancery for Crawford County. He died in Robinson June 22, 1887, leaving a high reputation for honor and fair dealing as a lawyer and a eitizen.

Franklin H. Robb, one of the most honored members of the bar of Crawford County, was born in Gibson County, Ind., February 15, 1817, graduated from Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind., was admitted to the bar in 1840, and engaged in practice for a time at Princeton, Ind. He then spent three years studying medicine, and after practicing that profession several years returned to the law, to which he devoted the rest of his life. His knowledge of the law was profound, and he was fearless and unshrinking in defense of the conclusions to which his research led him. He served a term of four years as County. Judge, and his opinions delivered from the county bench would have done honor in some cases to the supreme bench. He was a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church, and a Republican from the organization of that party until his death in Robinson, Ill, February 10, 1890.

Maj. Guy S. Alexander was born in Crawford County, Ill, December 4, 1847, a son of Dr. John Alexander, a pioneer settler of the county, began the study of law while teaching in the country schools, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. On January 15, 1862, he was mustered into service as Second-Lieutenant of Company E, Sixty-second Illinois Infantry, and mustered out as Major of the regiment, March 6, 1866. On September 3, 1867, he married Miss Rhoda Becker, and the same year opened a law office in Robinson. He served as County Attorney from 1872 to 1876, and in his practice established a reputation as a skillful lawyer and logical reasoner. He died May 28, 1876.

The history of lawyers of Crawford County would be incomplete without mention of Charles C. Fletcher, who came to the county - whence is unknown - in 1863, and died in Robinson September 20, 1873. He was well educated both in law and literature. OF commanding presence, his curled locks, black as the raven's wing, hung over his broad intellectual forehead, and when excited his eyes flashed with a brilliancy that was startling. His speeches, both at the bar and on the stump, were smooth and eloquent. But "melancholy claimed him for its own," and ere he died reason had fled.

Of the lawyers composing the present bar of Crawford County, Hon. Ethelbert Callahan is the oldest, having been born in Licking County, Ohio, December 17, 1829, his father being of Irish and his mother of English descent, while his grandfather, Rev. George Callahan, was a soldier of the Revolution, and a pioneer Methodist preacher in Ohio. In 1849, Mr. Callahan came to Crawford County, and during the following winter taught a three-months' sehool at $15 a month, and when paid felt richer than at any time since. He edited the "Wabash Sentinel" in 1853, after which he went to Marshall, Clark County, and there edited the "Telegraph" during the Know-Nothing campaign of that year. :

On June 27, 1854, Judge Callahan married Mrs. Mary (Barlow) Jones, and since then has resided in Crawford County. In 1857 he was eleeted a Justice of the Peace, began reading law, and in 1859 was admitted to the bar, and in 1861 opened an office at the county seat, where he has continued practice ever since. His success as a lawyer has been achieved by devotion to his profession, a thorough knowledge of the law, patient study and mastery of his cases, with a capacity for examining witnesses and a standard of honor and courtesy to friend and foe alike. These qualities were recognized by the conferring upon him, by MeKendree College in June, 1898, of the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Mr. Callahan is entitled to the distinction of having delivered the first speech in his county in behalf of the Republican party, and his sagacity is illustrated by the growing vote of his party since that period, not only in his own county, but throughout the State. The official positions held by him include Representative in the Twenty-ninth, Thirty-seventh, Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth General Assemblies, Presidential Elector in 1880 and 1888, and member of the first State Board of Equalization, was also one of the organizers of the Illinois State Bar Association, and served as its President in 1889. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and in 1874 served as layman delegate of the Southern Illinois Conference to the General Conference in Brooklyn. Mr. Callahan is author of a number of valuable papers, including "The Lawyers of the Bible," which has been extensively quoted. Mr. Callahan is one of the most extensive farmers in Crawford County, his farm on the banks of the Wabash furnishing an example of the best scientific methods of agriculture.

William C. Jonds, for twelve years occupant of the bench for the Second Judicial Circuit, was born in Hutsonville, Crawford County, Ill., July 15, 1848, a son of Caswell Jones, a successful merchant of that locality, who died in March, 1853. In 1855 his mother married Ethelbert Callahan and, in 1861, the family became residents of Robinson. For a time in his boyhood Mr. Jones was an apprentice in the office of the *Robinson Monitor," but in 1863 he became a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he remained three years, and in 1867 began reading law in the office of Callahan & Steel, later taking a course in law lectures in the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and on May 9, 1868, being admitted to the bar. After a partnership with Mr. Callahan which lasted ten years, in 1876, Mr. Jones was elected Representative in the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, in 1877 was chosen County Judge, a position which he filled two years, when he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court, continuing in office by reelection twelve years. Upon his retirement from the bench in 1891, he entered into partnership with Enoch E. Newlin, then State's Attorney, this relation continuing until Mr. Newlin's advancement to the bench for the Second Judicial Circuit. Other members of the bar with whom at different periods Judge Jones has since been in partnership include Judge J. C. Eagleton, T. J. Newlin, Edward S. Baker, George D. MeCarty and William W. Arnold, his last partnership continuing until 1903, when failing eyesight compelled his retirement from active practice, since devoting his attention to financial and real-estate business. In 1897 Judge Jones was appointed by Gov. Tanner Judge of the Court of Claims, in which he served four years. In 1880, in connection with Judge J. O. Cunningham, of Urbana, Judge Jones published a "Treatise on the Jurisdiction and Practice in Country and Probate Courts," of which three editions have been published. He is also the author of a volume on the "Elements and Science of English Versification" and a book of poems entitled "Birch Rod Days." A more detailed sketch of his personal history

John C. Eagleton, who has served as County Judge of Crawford County, and present attorney of the Illinois Pure Food Commission, was born in Robinson, Ill., April 10, 1866, the son of James M. and Nancy (Baugess) Eagleton, graduated from the Robinson high school, June 3, 1885, then read law in 1889, beginning active practice in September, 1891. Besides the offices already mentioned, Judge Eagleton held the position of of City Clerk of Robinson for one year and City Attorney two terms. In politics he is a Republiean. (See sketch in biographical department.)

One of the prominent attorneys of Crawford County of the present is Judge Enoch E. Newlin, who was born óf a pioneer family in the county in which he now resides, February 22, 1858, a son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Ruckel) Newlin. His father having died while a soldier in the Union Army in 1862, the son early began working out on a farm, meanwhile attending school in winter until seventeen years of age, when he began teaching, which he continued for eight winter terms. After attending the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute one year, in 1880 he began the study of law in the office of Callahan & Jones in Robinson, and was admitted to the bar 1882; in 1883 was appointed City Attorney for the city of Robinson, and, after serving one year, was elected State's Attorney of Crawford County in 1884 and reelected without opposition in 1888, declining a reelection four years later. 1897 'he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court for the Second Judicial Circuit, a position which he still holds in 1909 by reelection in 1903. On the bench Judge Newlin has established a high reputation for judicial integrity and sagacity. Judge Newlin married, January 1, 1885, Miss Clara A. Coulter, a niece of the late Judge Jacob Wilkin of the Supreme Court. In politics he is a Democrat. (See sketch in biographical depaftment.)

Hon. Alfred Hanby Jones, present State Pure Food Commissioner, was born on his father's farm in Crawford County, July 4, 1880, a son of John M. and Elizabeth (Ford) Jones, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. After receiving his primary training in the publie schools, he spent two years in Westfield College, Clark County, Ill., later attending the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, from which year teaching in Kansas, he began the study of law with Callahan Jones, at Robinson, Ill., and on June 14, 1875, was admitted to the bar, was elected City Attorney of Robinson the same year, and a year later was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Guy S. Alexander us State's Attorney. Mr. Jones has been a prominent factor in the political circles of Crawford - County for years, has served in the Town Council and as member of the Board of Education, for ten years has been a member of the Republican State Central Committee, for some thirty years Chairman of the Crawford County Central Committee, was a Delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1908, in 1886 was elected Representative in the Thirty-fifth General Assembly, and in 1899 received from Gov. Tanner the appointement as the first State Food Commissioner, a position which, by successive appointments, he still occupies. (See sketch in biographical department of this work.)

Presley G. Bradbury, Robinson, Ill, was born on a farm in Crawford County, October 6, 1847, attended the State Normal Schools at Carbondale and at Normal, and served as County Superintendent of Schools for Crawford County from 1873 to 1877. In 1874 he began reading law the office of Judge Robb, was admitted to the bat in 1876, and entered into partnership with his preceptor, which was dissolved by the death of the latter. From 1876 to 1884 he served as States Attorney of Crawford County, and on December 31, 1879, was married to Miss Jennie Kelly, of. Sullivan, Ind. Mr. Bradbury is still engaged in practice in Robinson as a member of the firm of Bradbury & Kelly.

Ausby L. Lowe, member of a pioneer family of Crawford County who came from Virginia at an early date, was born at Hutsonville, Crawford County, November 18, 1857, graduated at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind., and after spending some time as deputy in the office of Circuit Clerk and ex-officio County Recorder, accepted an invitation to take a place in the office of Callahan & Jones, with a view to future association with the firm. He was finally admitted to the bar and the firm of Callahan, Jones & Lowe was organized. Mr. Lowe is still engaged in practice as a member of the original firm and has established a high reputation as a legal adviser, especially upon matters in connection with real-estate.

was born in Crawford County, April 9, 1843, was edueated at the Union Christian College, at Merom, Ind. and after teaching school for several years, was elected Superintendent of Schools, serving for one term, during which he read law in the office of C. C. Fletcher, then attended the law department of Michigan University, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. On May 5, 1870, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Julia Crowley, and is still earrying on a successful practice.

Hon. Joseph B. Crowley, ex-member of Congress, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, In 1858, came with his parents to Jasper County, Ill., in boyhood, and in 1872 accompanied them to Robinson, Ill. His boyhood was spent chiefly on a farm, serving for a time as mail-carrier between Robinson and Lancaster, Wabash County. After prosecuting his studies under difficulties, in 1883 he was admitted to the bar, and entering into partnership with George N. Parker, began practice of his profession. In 1886 he was elected County Judge, was reelected in 1890, and in 1893 was appointed by President Cleveland Special Treasury Agent in charge of the Alaska seal-fisheries. He has served as Master in Chancery, and in 1900 was elected Representative in Congress from the Nineteenth District, serving one term. (See sketch in biographical department.)

George W. Jones, present member of the Crawford County bar, was born in that county October 28, 1858, grew up on a farm and was edueated in the publie schools. From 1886 to 1890 he served as Sheriff of Crawford County, and at the close of his term entered the office of Jones & Newlin as student at law, was admitted to the bar in 1892, and has since been engaged in practice in Robinson. Mr. Jones has been twice married, first to Euphemia Bales on November 3, 1878, and second to Christine Kern on July 12, 1895. He is a Methodist in religious belief and an active worker in the Democratic party.

John C. Maxwell born in Blount County, Tenn. September 26, 1847, came to Crawford County in 1848, was educated in the public schools, and after graduating at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1872, read law in the office of Callahan & Jones, and was admitted to the bar in 1875, engaging in practice at Robinson. Mr. Maxwell is a Republican in polities and is now serving as County Judge of Crawford County. i

Sainte Marie, Ill., August 22, 1863, grew up on his father's farm, and until twenty years of age attended the common schools. After spending one year (1883-84) at the Union Christian College, Merom, Ind., he engaged in teaching for some years, meanwhile studying law in the office of Parker & Crowley, then tóok a course in the law department of the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, from which he graduated in 1887, was admitted to the bar and began practice in the city of Robinson; was elected State's Attorney of Crawford County in 1896.

George E. McQueen, born Bartholomew, County, Ind., March 19, 1858, was admitted to the bar in 1886, and has since been engaged in practice in the city of Robinson.

Valmore Parker, a native of Crawford County, born December 29, 1861, graduated from the Normal School at Danville, Ind., read law in the office of George N. Parker, was admitted to the bar in 1887, and has since been engaged in practice in Robinson. He is a Democrat in politics, and from 1890 to 1896 served as Superintendent of Schools in Crawford County.

Fernando W. Lewis was born in Lewiston, Ohio, April 8, 1864, came with the family of his father, George W. Lewis, to Crawford County, Ill., in 1870, graduated from the Robinson High School, studied law with Robb & Bradbury, was admitted to the bar in 1886, and served as State's Attorney from 1892 to 1896. In September, 1902, he purchased the "Robinson Constitution," of which he has been editor to the present time. (See sketch in biographical department.)

Joseph A. McHatton, born in Marion, Ind., May 27, 1860, was brought to Crawford County when one year old and spent his boyhood on a farm until nineteen, meanwhile attending the common schools; taught school until 1892, when he was admitted to the bar, and the following year entered into partnership with P. G. Bradbury.

Thomas J. Newlin, born in Crawford County. IL, April 2, 1863, studied law with his brother, . E. E. Newlin, and was admitted to the bar August 28, 1891; in 1892 was elected Clerk of the Crawford County Circuit Court, serving a term | of four years, when he resumed practice, later becoming a member of the firm of Jones, Eagleton & Newlin. He is now a partner of Valmore Parker, forming the firm of Parker & Newlin. In 1897 he was appointed Master in Chancery.

Fountain County, Ind., December 25, 1872, a son of Allen T. and Melvina (MeMaster) Baker, attended the common and high schools of Robinson, graduating from the latter in 1894, then began the study of law in the office of Callahan, Jones & Lowe, and in October, 1897, was admitted to the bar, beginning practice the following year as junior member of the firm of Jones, Eagleton & Baker, which later, by the retirement of Mr. Jones, became Eagleton & Baker. He served for a time as Deputy Circuit Clerk and for two years was City Attorney of Robinson. On February 20, 1907, he was appointed by President Roosevelt Postmaster of the city of Robinson, a position he still occupies.

William A. Thompson, one of the later generation of lawyers, and present Prosecuting Attorney of Crawford County, was born in that county, May 29, 1870, a son of Joseph and Nancy Anu (Maxwell) Thompson, was educated in the public schools and engaged in teaching 1890-99, meanwhile studying law with P. G. Bradbury and Valmore Parker, and being admitted to the bar in 1896. In 1901 he was elected Justice of the Peace in Robinson Township and 1904 Prosecuting Attorney for Crawford County, a position which he retained until 1908. (For a more extended sketch of Mr. Thompson see biographical department of this work.)

Edward Ellsworth Stiles, born in Hutsonville, Crawford County, February 9, 1873, received his education in the grammar and high schools of Robinson, and after being engaged in teaching for six years, about 1905 began the study of law with Jones, Eagleton & Newlin, and was admitted to the bar in 1899, during the following year opening an office in Robinson. He is a Democrat in polities and has served two terms as Police Magistrate of Robinson, but has turned his attention largely to real-estate business, giving especial attention to oil lands. (See sketch in biographical department of this volume.)