Minneapolis City (part 38 of 80)

During his residence in Minneapolis he has held no official position except that of City Attorney, to which office he was elected by the City Council in the spring of 1887, and continued therein until the first day of January, 1889. During all the time he has been a resi¬ dent of Minnesota he has devoted him¬ self exclusively to his professional busi¬ ness, connecting with it no other busi¬ ness of importance. It was a business which he loved and took great interest in, and in which he has been successful.

Since his residence in Minnesota he has been stipported by his pai'ty (which has been a minority party in the state since 1857) for several important district and state offices.

In 1864 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for Judge of the Dis¬ trict Courtfor the First Judicial District, but was defeated bj^ the Hon. Charles McClure. In 1869 he was nominated and supported by the Democrats for Attorney General of the State. In 1871 he was again nominated by the Demo¬ crats for Judge of the District Court for the First Judicial District, but declined the nomination, which was then given to the late Hon. W. W. Phelps, of Red Wing, who was defeated by Mr. Smith's former partner, Judge F. M. Crosby, now judge of that district. In 1884 he was nominated by the Democrats and supported for District Judge of the F ourth Judicial District, and was defeated by the Hon. A. H. Young, then one of the judges of that district. In 1888 he was nominated and supported by the Demo¬ crats as a candidate for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and was defeated by the present incumbent, the Hon James Gilfillan.

It will be observed that the offices held bj" Mr. Smith have all been, excepting that of senator, in the line of his pro¬ fession, and in no way intei'ferred with the prosecution of his professional busi¬ ness. Mr. Smith is not a member of an}' church, but attends and contributes to¬ ward the support of the Baptist Church, the church in which he was brought up.

The brief time during which Judge Smith has been on the bench has demon¬ strated the peculiar fitness of the ap¬ pointment. Of his legal qualification there was no doubt. The only question which could arise was whether the ac¬ tive part he had taken in political ques¬ tions would in any respect unfit him for the impartial discharge of judicial duties. This consideration could indeed scarcely give rise to a doubt, for so strong was the confidence in his native integrity and honesty of purpose that many of his strong political opponents were fore¬ most in urging his appointment to the position he so worthily fills. He has those rare judical qualities of mind, which enable him to divest himself of any pos¬ sible bias or prejudice in regard to par¬ ties in any case on trial before him. He goes at once to the merits of the cause, and his close legal training enables him to disentangle knotty points from any amount of volumnous or obscure plead¬ ings and apply the correct legal princi¬ ples to the proved facts. His appoint¬ ment was eminently satifactory to the

At the November election in 1891 'four judges were elected. The Demo¬ cratic and Republican parties made, for the first time, partizan nominations, with one exception - Judge Smith was nominated on both tickets, and polled nearl3^ the full vote of both pai'ties. It was a well deserved tribute to his mer¬ its, which is not often bestowed in times of heated political controversy'.

Judge Charles Merrills Pond. Judge Pond has been upon the bench of the District Court of the Fourth Judicial District of Minnesota since the 19th of November, 1890. Pie first held the posi¬ tion by appointment of Gov. Merriam, made after he had been elected to the same position, the elective term not com¬ mencing until January 1st, 1891 . He had been the Democratic nominee for the j^osition two years befoi'e, being beaten at that election by Judge H. G. Hicks, now one of his associates upon the District Court bench. Judicial appointments in Alinnesota have ordinaidly been non¬ partisan. Through some political acri¬ mony, engendered by appointments made to fill vacancies upon the District bench in 1888, the Democratic party de¬ clined to unite with the Reprdjlicans in making judicial nominations. They failed to elect their candidate in 1888, but at the next election succeeded in placing two lawy'ei's of their political faith upon the bench. Those two were Judges Pond and Canty. No politics enter into the administration of the law. When the ermine is assumed, all previous partisan uniforms are thrown aside. These polit¬ ical aspects are onlv' referred to as mattci's of current history.

and a practitioner at the Hennepin county bar since about the same time. He has been associated in partnership, at different times, with J. H.Bradish,W. E. Hale and A. B. Jackson, and has, dur¬ ing a part of the time, had no associate. His practice has been at all times lucra¬ tive, and in connetion with Alessrs. Hale and Jackson was very large. He had gained the confidence of the community, as well as the respect of the bar, and has been often mentioned as possessing em¬ inent judicial qualities. His shortexperience upon the bench has alreadyjustified the good opinions which had been formed of his learning, fairness and industry.

Before coming to Minneapolis the sub¬ ject of this sketch had been in practice at Green Bay, Wis., in partnership with Mr. Orlo B. Graves, for about one \'car. His legal education was obtained at Co¬ lumbia Law School, in New York Cityq where he graduated in 1 874, having taken the two y'ears coui'se in one y'car, and at the same time taught a private school for three hours each day'. The in¬ defatigable industry which enabled him to endure this amount of work, was the earnest that has led to his professional success, and also enabled him to acquire a considerable property.

Mr. Pond received his edueation in letters at Ripon College, Wis., where he graduated after a full four years course, in 1873. He also spent two years atthe same place in preparation for college. These years of study were diversified by working upon the farm during vaca¬ tions; to which he was compelled by' the necessity of earning his own living. His father was a laborious farmer, with a large family', upon a not vex'y productive farm in Fond du Lac County', Wis., and could do little to assist his son in obtain¬ ing his education. Indeed, until his twentieth y'ear he lived at home, and as¬ sisted his father in the work of the farm.

an education in practical affairs which has been the early lot of many young men who have afterwards become leaders in professional life. In this manner of life is obtained a store of physical energy, and habits of industry and economy which are the first essentials of success in every sei'ious life work, and so it proved in the case-of this farmer's boy.

Mr. Pond was born February 28th, 1846, in Walworth County, Wis. His father was Amos Pond, who was a na¬ tive of Vermont, but settled in Essex County, New York, whence he removed about fifty years ago, and settled upon a farm in Walworth County, Wis., when that part of Wisconsin was almost a wilderness. From there he removed to Fond du Lac County, while his son was in his infancy. The famih' are descended from Daniel Pond, who settled in Ded¬ ham, Mass., in 1652. His ancestor is supposed to be one of two brothers who came from England in the same ship with Governor Winthrop, in 1630. To the same family belong the brothers, Samuel W. and Gideon H. Pond, who were the pioneer Protestant missionaries in Minnesota.

Judge Pond was married SeiDtember 15th, 1880, to Miss Carrie A. Drew, daughter of the late Wm. S. Drew, of Winona, Alinn. His family consists of two daughters, of the ages of eight and and three and a half years.

Judge Thomas Canty. Judge Canty is the youngest in years and service of the six District Court judges of the Fourth Judicial District. He was a can¬ didate of the Democratic party at the election in November, 1890, and was elected over Judge A. H. Young, who had been upon the bench for twenty years. His official term commenced Jan¬ uary 1st, 1891. Though brief, his official life has been long enough to assure the bar that they have in him a judge of keen appreciation, firmness, delibei'ation and sound legal learning. The early years of his life wei'e full of privation, j struggles, and hard work. Both his edu¬ cation and professional standing have been gained under peculiarly adverse con¬ ditions, and are solely due to his own energy of character, industry and cour¬ age.

His parents were natives of County Kerry, Ireland, but were living in Lon¬ don at their marriage, where Thomas was born, in 1854. They emigrated to America when he was an infant of two years. His father was a laborer, and lived at Detroit, Mich., near Lodi, Wis., in Clayton County, Iowa, and finally purchased a small farm near Monona, Iowa, where he died when his eldest son Thomas was twenty, leaving a widow and seven children. At this time Thom as was in Texas, where he had gone to teach school.

From the beginning of his school age until he was nine years old he attended the district school with regularity. From that time until he was fifteen he attended the common school through the three winter months, and worked upon the farm the rest of the time. Ever3" leisure moment was devoted to study, but with¬ out a teacher. At thirteen he had mas¬ tered Ray's Higher Arithmetic, and then took up the higher mathematics. At sixteen he secured a first grade certificate to teach school, and taught a district school during the winters, while the sum¬ mers were given to the farm. At eigh¬ teen he went to Texas, where he taught for four and a half years, studrdng the while the bi'anches of the usual collegi¬ ate curriculum. Soon after the death of his father he was called home to carry on the farm and aid in the support of the family. During this time he worked in the field six or eight hours a day and studied law as man^'. Failure of crops for two successive years brought losses, so that he found himself burdened with a debt of $2,000. He then secured an appointment as pi'incipal of the High School of Lawler, la., and at the end of nine months, by economy and hard work, he was enabled to pay off half the debt. In the spring of 1880 he went to Gi'and Forks, Dakota, to practice law, and re¬ mained there all summer. In the fall he came to Minneapolis and entered the law office of Seagrave Smith, where he finished his legal studies, and was ad¬ mitted to the bar of Hennepin County in Februarj", 1881. Without the aid of friends, at a bar alread}" crowded with competitors, and burdened with a debt, he opened an office and sought to secure his share of professional engagements. The first two or three years necessitated close economy, to the degree, dindng the first year, of making one room serve as both office and home, for he boarded himself. At the end of three years the last dollar of the debt was paid off. His first case was a triumph. It involved the title to forty acres of land near Min¬ netonka. The case had been once tried, and, in the hands of one of the older firms of attorneys, had been lost. The case was placed in his charge by the dis¬ couraged client, a new trial was applied for and obtained, and a favoi'able deci¬ sion was had, which on appeal to the Supreme Court was affirmed. During the ten years at which Mr. Canty has been at the bar, his practice has been varied and successful. It has extended to almost all branches of the law. Though he was lor the appellant in four-fifths of the fif¬ ty-four cases he tried in the Suprcjne Court, he gained thirty six and lost only nineteen at the time of his election to the judgeship. He was a bold practitioner, firm in maintaining his ])osition, l)ut courteous to his adversaries and respect¬ ful towards the Court.

At the time of a strike among the emplo3"es of the Street Railwa\' Compaiu', when manj' prisoners were prosecuted before the Mimicipal Court, and summarilj' convicted, he obtained writs of habeas corpus and succeeded in securing the discharge of his clients. Upon appeal his positions were sustained by the Su¬ preme Court. No doubt the efficiency' with which these cases was prosecuted, contributed in no small measure in secur¬ ing the popularity' which gave to his can¬ didacy^ for the bench so large a majority - some 4,500.

Besides his professional and judicial labors Judge Canty' has indulged in some literary work. He has been invited on several occasions to lecture, and has treated a subject of which he has a most intimate personal knowledge - Self-made Men.

John Bachop Gilfillan. The able and distinguished lawy'cr; the represen¬ tative of a portion of the City' of Minne¬ apolis for almost a decade in the Senate, and for one term in the Congress of the United States. John B. Gilfillan has lived from early' manhood in the city' of his adoption.

He was born in the town of Barnet, Caledonia County', Vt., February' 11th, 1835. The parents of his father, Robert Gilfillan, emigrated from Balfron, Stciding, Scotland, in 1794, and of his mother, Janet (Bachop) Gilfillan, from Glasgow in 1795, and took farms in the thennew- Iv settled county of Caledonia, which as its name indicates was a])propriated by' Scotchmen. The tenacity of purpose, and solid intellectual cpialitics, eharac-

In the labors of the rugged farm, his boyhood was passed, with attendance at the district school in the winter sea¬ son. His parents removed to the neigh¬ boring town of Peacham when he was twelve years old, and being the youngest of the family of five children he was fav¬ ored with attendance at the Caledonia Academ}^, located in that town. There he prepared himself for entrance at Dart¬ mouth College, but not without the ne¬ cessity of self help, for at seventeen years of age he engaged as teacher of district schools, continuing the occupation for three successive winter terms. His brother-in-law. Captain John Martin, having settled in St. Anthony he came in October, 1855 to pay him a visit, and if the opportunit3^ offered, to obtain a school, expecting to return and enter col¬ lege. The school was obtained in the embryo city of St. Anthony, and faith¬ fully taught, but the purpose to return was changed bj^ the attractions which the place offei'ed to a young man ambi¬ tious to enter upon a career. His leisure time was occupied in reading lawbooks, and when the school closed he entered the law office of Nourse& Winthrop, and afterwards of Lawrence & Lochren, as student and clerk, and in 1860 was ad¬ mitted to the bar of Hennepin County, and immediately formed a partnership with James R. Lawrence, which contin¬ ued until the war took his partner into the military service. He continued the practice of law alone until 1871, when he joined the law firm of Lochren & Mc¬ Nair, and came to the west side of the river, the style of the new firm being Lochren, McNair & Gilfillan. This firm, the most prominent and best patronized law firm in the city, continued until the appointment of Judge Lochren to the bench, and the association with Mr. McNair continued until near the time of his death. The present law firm of Gil¬ fillan, Belden & Willard was formed in 1885.

Soon after his admission to the bar Mr. Gilfillan was elected City Attorney of St. Anthony, serving at different periods for four years. He was also elected County Attorney of Hennepin County for four terms, serving in thatcapacit3Trom 1863 to 1867, and again from 1869 to 1871, and from 1873 to 1875. Hislong experience as prosecuting officer made him familiar with all phases of criminal practice. He was careful in his prepara¬ tion of proofs, correct in compi'ehension of legal points, and persistent in pushing his cases to trial, and usually to convic¬ tion. His addresses to juries were logical and thorough, appealing rather to the judgment than to the emotions.

The law practice, especially that of Lochren, McNair & Gilfillan, was gen¬ eral, though in some lines the firm was pre-eminent. Its gifted members com¬ bined almost all qualities commanding forensic success. The senior was sound and judicial. Mr. McNair had few equals in quiekness of perception and intuitive tack, making him an expert examiner and persuasive advocate, while Mr. Gil¬ fillan shared in all these qualities, and was especially thorough and orderly in preparation, and doggedly persistent in the prosecution of his cases. In the ex¬ amination of titles, and opinions upon real estate law the firm was pre-eminent. Their probate and equity praetice had some notable cases, and was signalized by judicial triumphs of no small import¬ ance. The contested will cases ofStephen Emerson, Ovid Finney, and Gov. C. C. Washburn will be remembered as leading ones at the bar, and in each the position

The firm were also the attorneys of the Milwaidvee and St. Paul, Chicago and Omaha, and Minneapolis Eastern railway companies, and in those employ¬ ments transacted a vast amount of im¬ portant and laborious business, the larger share of which was conducted by Mr. Gilfillan, and with almost unfailing success. His extensive law practice was sometimes interrupted by official engage¬ ments; and when elected to Congress and for some years after the conclusion of his term, while engaged in foreign travel, was suspended. As a member of the firm with which he is now connected Mr. Gilfillan has resumed his full share of active work, and enjoys the honors and large emoluments of his labor as a law¬ yer.

Mr. Gilfillan's fidelity as a teacher, and his interest in education, led him in¬ to intimate connection with the pub¬ lic schools, and with the higher edu¬ cation of the State Universit3% in both of which he has rendered efficient and per¬ manent service.

As early as 1859 he was engaged in organizing a Mechanics Institute in St. Anthon\" for literar\' culture, and was one of its officers. About the same time he drew up a bill for the organization of a School Board in St. Anthony, under which the s\'stem of graded schools was introduced. This bill was the model up¬ on which the incomparable school .sys¬ tem of Minneapolis has grown up and been administered. The bill having been approved and enacted by the Legisla¬ ture Mr. Gilfillan was chosen as one of the school directors under the new S3'^stem, and continued in service for nearly a decade, until the system was thoroughh' established.

Pillsbur3' as regent of the State Univer¬ sity, continuing in that position for eight 3'ears. Being at the same time a mem¬ ber of the State Legislature, his services were especiallv vahiable to that institu¬ tion in securing needed appropriations for its support, and for new buildings and appliances to accommodate its rapidl3' enlarging patronage. These services in connection with education were grat¬ uitous, but were nevertheless faithfulhdischarged. They necessarih' consumed much time as well as thought, which to a practicing law3'er is monev. If the en¬ dowment of a school or chair in an insti¬ tution of learning entitles the donor to honor, how much more, the faithful offi¬ cer, who puts into it so much of his life?

The eminent qualifications of Mr. Gil¬ fillan, together with the devotion which he has evinced to the public interests, pointed him out as a fitrepi'esentativeof the people, and in 1876 he was called up¬ on to take a seat in the State Senate. His district comprised that part of the City of Minneapolis east of the Missis¬ sippi river, with the counties of Anoka, Isanti and Sherburne. He was the can¬ didate of the Republican part3q but after the first contested election was largeH' supported b3^ political opponents. This position was held for nine consecutive 3"ears, and was at last resigned to take the higher position of Representative in Congress. He brought to the duties of Senator the sterling qualities which had earned him professional success. He was cool and deliberate, read3^ to hear and weigh opinions, slow in arriving at con¬ clusions, but inflexible in holding and urging them. He was lo3'al to his constituenc3q but took in a wider scope - the general interests of the people and the State. He became soon an influential senator, and a leader in shaping meas¬ ures, and carr3dng them into effect. In the earlier vears he was chairman of the committee on taxes and tax laws, and raised these laws into a code, which re¬ mains as the chief body of the efficient revenue system of the state. He was from the first a member of the judiciary committee, and for the last five years its chairman. The chairmanship of the finance committee was for a time as¬ signed to him, as also that of the univer¬ sity and university lands.

These leading positions involved and imposed vast labor and no little respon¬ sibility, and the fidelity with which they were served deserves, as it receives when the facts are known, recognition.

In the legislation which constitutes the crowning glory of Gov. Pillsbury's administration, the adjustment of the state railroad bonds, he performed a leading part. At a critical period, when the concerted measures seemed likely to fail to receive the sanction of the Senate, amendments were adopted more fully se¬ curing the finality of the settlement, which were suggested by Senator Gilfillan, and which secured his approval of the measures and assured their passage.

In the summer of 1884 the Republican nominating convention of the Congres¬ sional District, including the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, after many ballotings failed to agree upon a candidate. Both leading candidates were dropped at the suggestion of Senator Gilfillan's name, and both sides united in his nom¬ ination. His election followed in the fall and he took his seat in the Forty -ninth Congress in December, 1885. Except the Senate, the government was controlled by the Democratic party. Grover Cleve¬ land was President and Carlisle was Speaker of the House. Under these in¬ fluences a Republican member, though learned and gifted, had little opportunity for promotion. Mr. Gilfillan, however, had plent3^ of occupation in attending to the interests of his district and of his constituents, to which he was attentive , and faithful. At the expiration of his congressional term Mr. Gilfillan took the opportunity for a vacation, and taking his children, embarked for Europe. The children, having been installed at Dres¬ den in school, he made excursions to all parts of Europe, visiting first and last! ever\^ countr3r except Portugal, even the North Cape, and extending his visits to ' Eg3^pt and the Holy Land. Manyinter-i esting events passed under his view. At| the Queen's jubilee in 1887 he occupied a seat in Westminister Abbey, and was a ' witness of the Kaiser's funeral at Berlin in 1888. Nearly two and a half years were occupied in this excursion, at the conclusion of which he returned to Min-, neapolis and resumed his desk in the busy law office.

Mr. Gilfillan married in 1870 Miss Rebecca C. Oliphant, a most gifted and beautiful lady, who was a relative of Hon. E. M. Wilson and of the wife of W. W. McNair. Five children have come to the household, of whom four survive, three boys and a daughter. The mother passed away March 25, 1884. The daughter is now (1892) eleven and the, boys respectively thirteen, sixteen and nineteen 3"ears of age.

JuDGK F. R. E. Cornell. No sketchof the bar of Minneapolis would be com-- plete without some account of one of its l brightest ornaments - Judge F. R. E. Cornell. As an advocate, a counselor, a Judge of the Supreme Court, - in each ' relation he had no superior.

He was born in Coventry, Chenango ^ County, New York, November 17, 1821. He was graduated from Union College in 1842, and was admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court at Albany in 1846, and began the practice of the law at Ad¬ dison, Steuben County, where he re¬ mained until 1854. He was a member

He was a member of the State Legis¬ lature in 1861, 1862 and 1865, and At¬ torney General from January 10, 1868, to January' 9, 1874. In November. 1874, he was elected Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and qualified and took his seat on the eleventh of the same month. He died in Minneapolis on the 23d da_v of Ma}^ 1881.

As a lawyer. Judge Cornell stood bx'' unanimous consent in the front rank of the profession, both as an advocate be¬ fore a jurx', and in arguing cases before the nisi priiis and Supreme Court. His close studx^ of human nature, and his en¬ tire masterv^ of the facts of his case, enabled him, with rare exceptions, to carr3' the jury with him. He rarel}^ ap¬ pealed to the passions, but almost in¬ variably addressed himself to the judg¬ ment and sound reason of jur^'men. While a convincing and persuasive s])eaker, he never resorted to the artifices of oratory or sophistry.

But it was in legal arguments before the bench that his fullest strength was developed. His acute discriminating mind seemed as by intuition to discern the legal principles applicable to the case in hand, and detect and point out any misapplication of them b\^ his opponent. And his opinions on the bench as pub¬ lished in the reports, ai'e models of clear statement of facts, and conclusions of law following the same.

Judge Cornell alwax'^s took a deep in¬ terest in the municipal and educational affairs of the city. He served as a mem¬ ber of the City Council and Boai'd of Education for several years. His judg¬ ment was alwax'S sought and ])rized on matters of public interest, and in his

Judge Cornell, after his remox^al to Minnesota, xvas alxvax'S in entire S3Mnpath3' xvith the principles of the Republi¬ can party, and steadfasth' adhered to them tlu'ough life. He had much politi¬ cal experience, xx'as a close student of histoiw, courteous and conservative in his x'iexx's, and his advice xx^as alxxm3-s eagerh^ sought 1)3' and carried great xx'eight xx'ith his party associates. He opposed the issue of the old state rail¬ road bonds in 1857, beliexdng the measure xx'ould prove disastrous to the best interests of the State. But xvhen the3' had once been fastened on us, his high sense of justice, honor and state pride recoiled at the idea of repudiation, and none labored more earnestly than he to effect a settlement of the troidilesome question xvhich should be reasonabh' satisfactorv to the bond-holders and consistent xxdth the honor and dignit3' of the State.

Judge Cornell xxms peculiarh' happ3' in his famih' and social relations. He xx'as married to Eliza O. Burgess, Nox'. 12, 1845. There xvere three children born to them, Frank B., Maiw R. and Carrie R. Frank is in business in this city; Mar3' died in 1855, and Carrie xx'as married to Robert C. Kalkoff and resides in the cit3', as also Mrs. Cornell. Judge Cornell never made the accumulation of pro])ert3^ a leading object of life, 3'et 1)3' prudent investments at an earh' da3' he left his famih' in comfortable if not inde¬ pendent circumstances. In social life he xx'as most genial and companionable, and left a large circle of dex'oted friends to deeplv lament his death, xx'hen but little past the meridian of life.

On the same day Mr. Cole presented to the eourt, then in session, the memor¬ ial of the bar, and moved that it be ent¬ ered in the records of the court.

Memorial

We, the members of the bar of the State of Min¬ nesota, deem it appropriate that we should place upon record an expression of our sense of the great loss to our State and its Judiciary, and to our pro¬ fession, caused by the death of Hon. Francis R. E. Cornell, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of our State, which occun'ed on the twenty-third day of May last.

More than twenty-five years of his vigorous manhood were passed among us in the constant and successful practice of our profession. Endowed with quickness of perception and clearness of judg¬ ment to a degree rarely united in the same pei-son, with his thorough training and close application, he excelled in all branches of the profession, and stood foremost at the bar of the State, his career being marked no less by eminent ability and strict integrity, than by that uniform kindness and courtesy toward his bretheren, which won for him the especial regard of the younger members of the bar, to whom he was the model of professional ex¬ cellence.

His fitness for the highest professional honors was recognized b_v his brethren at the bar, and by the people of the State. After discharging the dut¬ ies of Attorney General for repeated terms with sig¬ nal ability, he was elevated to the bench"' of the Supreme Court, and has left a judicial record with¬ out a blemish and above criticism, which will re¬ main an imperishable testimony to his learning and ability after his fame at the bar shall have faded in the shadows of tradition. Deepl3' deplor¬ ing our loss, which has taken from our State one of its most gifted and estimable citizens, from the bench one of the ablest of justices, and from our profession a brother loved and revered by us all, we can contemplate with satisfaction his useful and blamele.ss life, and rejoice that so much of his is left to us in the records of the State and of the Supreme Court; and we respectfully ask that this Court permit this brief expression of our regard for the memory of our honored brother to be entered upon its records.

the deceased. Judge I. Atwater, Judge William Lochren, Judge R. R. Nelson, of the United States District Court for Min¬ nesota; Gen. John B. Sanborn, Hon.M.J. Severance, Messrs. E. M. Wilson, William McCluer, and John M. Shaw, also ad¬ dressed the court on the occasion. Judge Lochren's remarks were as follows:

May it Please Your Honors: It is difficult, in the brief time that can be taken at such a meeting, to say anything at all commensurate with what is fitting, or to what is felt by every one respecting the loss of such a man as Judge Cornell.

I was with him, at the bar of our county, since mj' coming to Minnesota, twenty-five years ago; have been freciuently associated with him and often opposed to him in the trial of causes and came to know him intimatelj'. In my judgment he was the ablest law3'er who has ever practiced at that bar, and second to none in the State. He excelled in ever3' branch of the profession - equalU as a counsellor, as a pleader, in the examination of witnesses, as an advocate before juries, and in the argument of questions of law to courts. It is seldom that one man possesses such varied abilit3q and whenever it occurs in our profession it cannot fail to place the possessor in the foremost rank.

He loved his profession and its work, and never permitted anything to divert or withdraw him from it. Trained to it from youth, he was familiar with the underlying principles of jurisprudence, and, with his natural powers of perception and acurate judgment he seemed to reach correct con¬ clusions with the rapidity of intuition. But he never relied too much upon his natural powers, and was familiar with leading authors and decis¬ ions, to which he could refer with readiness when¬ ever necessary to enforce his argument.

A noted characteristic was his unfailing courtes3' and consideration for others, especially his breth¬ ren at the bar. He was alwa3's read3' to assist and encourage young men starting in the profes¬ sion, and many such will greatly remember his acts of professional kindness and friendb^ assist¬ ance.

Although his practice was large, he seemed to work more for love of his profession than for gain, and was proverbially careless about securing com¬ pensation for his labor. Without being a politician in the ordinary sense of that term, he took a liveb' interest in everything affecting the material pros¬ perity of the state and of the cit3Tn which he lived, and on such matters his counsel was always sought and his influence great.

sional ambition - a seat upon the bench of this honored court - I shall not speak of how well he performed the duties of that high station. That is too well known and recent to call for more than reference. Had he lived be3'ond his term of office nearly closed at the time of his death, he would have been chosen without opposition to continue in the place for which all felt he was so well fitted. But the judicial honors by him worn so worthily have been laid down with his life. His labors are ended, and our brief testimony to his worth closes the record.

Chief Justice Gilfillau,in accepting the memorial on behalf of the Court, and or¬ dering the same entered in the records, expressed in feeling and elocjuent words the great loss sustained by the Court, l)ar and the community at large, in the death of Judge Cornell. No such univer¬ sal and sincere feeling of sorrow has been witnessed at the decease of any member of the bench or bar in this state.

William Woodbridge McNair. The lamented death of W. W. McNair, which occurred September 15, 1885, removed from Minneapolis one who was a most enthusiastic and efficient participant in public enterprises, a leader at the bar, and above all, one whose vivacity of disposition, honorable life, and genial companionship, had endeared him to all who knew him.

He was born at Groveland, Living¬ ston County, New York, on the fourth da3'^ of January, 1836, and was the eldest son of William Wilson McNair, whose famih' of Scotch-Irish descent removed from Eastern Pennsylvania before the beginning of the present century. His mother, Sarah Pierrepont, was of English lineage, a descendant of Rev. James Pierrepont, one of the founders of Yale College, a family which traced its ancestry in a direct line from Robert de Pierrepont, who accompanied William, the Conciuerer, from Normandy in the invasion of A. I). 1066. He attended the academies of Genesee and Canandaigua, and added to the accjuisitions of the schools by careful and well directed read¬ ing. The home was a devotedly Chris¬ tian one, and in early boj-hood he united with the Presbyterian Church, and re¬ mained through his busy life an earnest and devout member of that church.

At the age of nineteen he left the home of his youth and entered the law office of Hon. J. R. Doolittle, at Racine, Wis., where for two years he was a careful student of the law, which he had decided to make his profession. Looking west¬ ward for a location, he was so charmed with the beauty of Minnesota, and so prepossessed by the advantages offered at the Falls of St. Anthony, that in 1857 he took up his residence in Minneapolis, and continuing his studies, was admitted to the bar during the same year. Two years later he formed a partnershiji with Henry D. Beman, an accomplished gen¬ tleman and able lawyer of southern origin. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion his partner returned to his southern home, and Mr. McNair as¬ sociated himself with the late Eugene M. Wilson. The new firm had a large prac¬ tice but was broken up by Mr. Wilson's election to Congress in 1868. The firm of Lochren and McNair was then formed, to which J. B. Gilfillan was afterwards admitted, and continued the leading law office of the city until Mr. Lochren 's ap¬ pointment as Judge of the District Court in 1881. The business was con¬ tinued by McNair and Gilfillan until the election of the latter to Congress in 1884, when, through impaired health and the pressure of outside business connections, he retired from law practice.

Mr. McNair practiced in the courts of Minnesota for twenty-seven j^ears. For four years prior to 1863 he was County Attorney of Hennepin Count3L While efficient as a practicing attorne3% his in¬ clination and adaptation were rather for the defense than the prosecution. No member of the bar during the j)eriod of his practice appeared in as many trials as he. At every term of court he was in¬ cessantly engaged in contested cases, sometimes appearing in nearly every trial. It was a subject of wonder how one, not especially vigorous, could sus¬ tain so constant a strain upon his physi¬ cal powers, and endure such intense ten¬ sion of mind. But he alwa3^s came up fresh to every new encounter. He was almost invariably successful. His tact and resources were exhaustless. He seemed to have an intuitive perception of the mental state of witness or juror. His memory was tenacious, and he seemed to know the historj^and idiosyn¬ crasy of every one coming in contact with him. His skill in the examination of witnesses was faultless, and in his ad¬ dresses to the jury he seemed to know at once the secret of conviction. He was logical, humorous, accurate, and at times truly eloquent. In his relations to the bar he was uniformly coui'teous, and if he differed from the court he would alrnostseem to put the court in the wrong. His forensic labors were too constant and exacting to leave much time for the study of books, but his early prepara¬ tion was thorough, his memory reten¬ tive, and all his fund of knowledge at quick command. When occasion re¬ quired the preparation of a brief or writ¬ ten opinion the work was done thor¬ oughly and exhaustively, but he prefer¬ red to let his solid partners make the briefs and draw the pleadings. His forte was the nisi prius trial, and in this he was without a peer at the bar where he practiced, especially after the retirement of the late Judge Cornell. Mr. McNair was greatly sought for counsel in varied domestic and private difficulties, and delighted in making settlements without litigation. He seemed to be able to har¬ monize opposing feelings, and unify discordent elements. And he was accessible to all. The poor man, with no prospect of a fee, found himself as well served as the richest client. Mr, McNair was no specialist in legal practice. In equity jurisdiction, probate, real estate titles, damage suits, contracts, prosecution or defense of prisoners, the long and tedious examination of accounts - in any and all branches of the law he seemed equally at home. But these incessant and exhaust¬ ing labors, together with the growing burden of a f)i'ivate estate, which was one of the largest ever left by a profes¬ sional man here, and a multitude of pri¬ vate trusts, were steadily sapping his stock of vitality, and when the law was abandoned in 1884 his physical power was well nigh exhausted, but his vivacify and exhuberance of spirits survived un¬ til the end.

The activities of Mr. McNair's life were not confined to the practice of the law. He had rare fitness for a public career, though he did not seek its hon¬ ors, but rather accepted them as a call to duty. Thus as early as 1868 he was elected as one of the school directors of the City of St. Anthony, and served in that useful, though not conspicuous, office.

In 1869 he was elected Mayor of the City of St. Anthon3q and so satisfactory was his administration of municipal affairs that he was re-elected in 1870, and continued at the head of the city government until its consolidation with Minneapolis in 1872.

In later years he affiliated with the Democratic party, though it seemed in a hopeless minority in the city, the con¬ gressional district and the state. He was one of the trusted leaders of the X)arty in council. At the congressional election in the fall of 1876 the nomina¬ tion of the party for member of congress was tendered him, and against his desire he made the rim. As was anticipated he was not elected, Imt the canvass was spirited and he received the compliment of reducing largely the adverse majority. Again in 1883 the nomination for gov¬ ernor of the state was tendered him, but he positively declined it, thinking his party duty fully performed by the con¬ gressional race.

In business enterprises of a quasi pub¬ lic character, his co-operation was sought and often obtained. These were not alwa3'S pi'ofitable, but the\^ intro¬ duced new industries and improvements and helped to build up the city. Thus he was for mani^ 3'ears a director of the State National Bank, and of its succes¬ sor, the Securiti^ Bank. To the admin¬ istration of the latter institution he gave much time, serving on its discount com¬ mittee, and it was largely due to his in¬ conspicuous, though powerful influence, that the bank attained the financial leadership in the city.

With nine associates Air. McNair jDarticipated in organizing the Minneapolis Gas Light Compan^^, which built an ex¬ tensive plant, and introduced illuminat¬ ing gas into the city. Likewise he joined with a few other enterprising citizens in incorporating the Alinneapolis Street Railway Company, which laid the first line of rail and operated the first cars in the city. The enterprise was not at first a financial success, but it was the nucleus from which has grown the unequalled rapid transit sj'stem of the city.

He also gave much thought to theimprovement of the transportation facili¬ ties of the city. It was felt that direct communications with Lake Superior, and with the Minnesota Valley were es¬ sential. For this ])ur])ose the Alinneapo¬ lis and Duluth, and afterwards the Alin¬ neapolis and St. Louis railroad compan¬ ies were organized. Mr. AIcNair was an original stockholder in l)oth,as well as a prominent member of their Boai'ds ofDirectors. He took great interest in the construction of these lines, which have proved to be the ke3" to the commercial interests of the city.

He was also connected with several business enterprises, prominent among which was a lumber company, which purchased lai'ge tracts of pine timbered land in the northeasterly part of the state, and built and operated a sawmill, and took large contracts for the supply of timber and lumber along the line of the Northern Pacific railroad. He was also interested for man3' 3^ears in the manufacture of the hard 3"ellow brick, so characteristic of the cit3q and from which so man3' of its buildings were made in the earlier da3"s. He had much business sa¬ gacity, his undertakings and investments being successful and profitable. He was so strongl3^ impressed with the destin3' of the city that he was continually ac¬ quiring lands in its vicinity, so that at his death he was the owner of more than a thousand acres of land in the environs of the city, much of which is now laid out and occupied.

August 21st, 1862, he was united in marriage with Aliss Louise Wilson, daughter of Hon. Edgar C. Wilson, of Virginia, and sister of Hon. Eugene AI. Wilson, his law partner. His marriage was a most happ3' one, and from all the toils and cares of his activelife, he turned to the perfect enjo3'ment of his home. His family and his children were his joy and delight. There were two daughters, Agnes O. and Louise P. AIcNair who, with his wife, survive him.

Air. and Airs. AIcNair soon after mar¬ riage made their home in amodest house on the east side, which they continued to occupy until just before his death. For several years he had been erecting a beau¬ tiful stone mansion. This house is the

Mr. McNair was fond of the rod and the gun. It was his delight to escape from professional labor and business care for a few days' vacation in the woods or beside the sparkling brooks. He was an expert with both implements, and seldom returned with empty bag or creel. Among the valued accessions of his house was always to be found a well trained point¬ er or sagacious setter dog, faithful com¬ panions upon these rural excursions. He enjoyed traveling, though forced by the press of business to limit the indulgence of the taste to occasional trips.

As health began to decline he indulged a native taste for rural life. On an ele¬ vated point upon his lands overlooking the city he built a farm house and capa¬ cious barns. There were gathered horses of the best blood, and sleek cattle. A conservatory and flower garden furn¬ ished bloom and fragrance, and he spent many hours in his fields and among his herds. But it was too late to arrest the progress of his maladies. The years of professional labor and business anxiety had too much taxed his vital force. The bow was unbent, but had lost its elas¬ ticity. His final release from all earthy care and struggle was on September 15, 1885.

No citizen of Minneapolis was ever more deplored. Not alone professional brethren, associates in business, compan¬ ions in social life, but all classes and ranks of people joined in lamenting his demise. They felt a personal loss; that a friend had departed.

Though cut short at its meridian, his life was a memorable one. He had bril¬ liant qualities, which made him an in¬ spiration in social life. He was the soul of honor in his dealings with others, though acute and prudent. He was de¬ vout in spiritual life, dominated by thor¬ oughly religious conviction, but without sanctimoniousness or bigotry. He was acquisitive, but generous, and charitable without ostentation. He was ambiti¬ ous, but mounted only through manly and honorable paths. He was public spirited and patriotic. He was kind and loving in domestic life. The tall shaft at Lakewood which rises over his resting placebut signalizes the commandingeminence which he held in life among the act¬ ive and restless citizens of Minneapolis.

^Eugene M. Wilson. At the age ol twenty-four years, or in the fall of 1857, Eugene M. Wilson cast his fortunes with those of the people of the comparatively new village of Minneapolis. From that time until the day of his death he ranked as one of the most notably influential citizens of this community.

Mr. Wilson sprang from Scotch-Irish stock, the same blood that gave Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun to Ameri can statecraft. His father was Edgar C. Wilson, prominent in Virginia politics, and his grandfather, Thomas Wilson, Both father and grandfather were mem¬ bers ofCongress from Virginia, the father serving in the National house from 1833 to 1835, and his grandfather from 1811 to 1813. His ancestry on both the ma¬ ternal and paternal side were patriots and soldiers during the Revolutionary struggle, and also during the war ol 1812.

Mr. Wilson was born in Morgantowm, Va., Dec. 25, 1833, and began his educa¬ tion at home and in the schools of his native village. Before he was fifteen years of age he entered Jefferson College, graduating from that institution at the early age of eighteen. After completing his academic studies he entered his fath¬ er's law office as a student, and at the age of twenty-one was admitted to the jiractice. In the year 1856 he left Vir¬ ginia and came to Minnesota, first set¬ tling in the practice of law at Winona, where he formed a partnership with Wil¬ liam Mitchell, afterwards Judge of the State Supreme Court, the firm name be¬ ing Wilson & Mitchell. Here he soon de¬ monstrated his abilit}^ as a lawyer in legal contests with such shining lights of the bar as William Windom, afterwards member of Congress, United States Sena¬ tor, and twice Secretary of the Treasury; D. S. Norton, afterward United States Senator; Thomas Wilson, afterward Chief J ustice of the Supreme Court, and Charles Berry, afterward Attorney General.

In 1857 President Buchanan api^ointed Mr. Wilson to the office of United States District Attorney, a position he filled with marked credit and ability un¬ til the admission of the State into the Union in 1858. On receiving his com¬ mission as District Attorney he removed from Winona to Minneapolis, thereafter finding his home in this city for the re¬ mainder of his life.

After the admission of the State into the Union Mr. Wilson continued the practice of his profession in this cit3^ In 1861 he formed a law partnership with W. W. McNair, a gentleman who kiter became his brother-in-law. In 1862 he entered the military service of the na¬ tion, beingcommissioned captain ofCompany "A" of the First Minnesota Regi¬ ment of Cavalry, or the "Alounted Ran¬ gers," as it was locally known. In this position he served for one year, being mustered out at the close of his term of service. His military experience did not extend to the battlefields of the South, as the organization to which he belonged was retained in the State for service on the frontier against the Indians. On en¬ tering again into civil life he resumed the practice of his profession, taking position

On the 6th day of September, 1865, Mr. Wilson was married to Elizabeth Kimball, onl\' daughter of Col. William M. Kimball, of St. Anthony (Hast Min¬ neapolis). There were born of this un¬ ion five children, three daughters still surviving.

In 1868, after one of the most heated campaigns ever known in the political history of the State, Mr. Wilson was elected on the Democratic ticket to a seat in the Forty-first Congress from the Third Congressional District. The dis¬ trict was overwhelmingly Republican, and had been represented by Hon. Igna¬ tius Donnelly. During the campaign of that \'ear occurred the historical split in the Republican party; Mr. Donnelly re¬ ceiving a nomination from one faction and Hon. C. C. Andrews that of the other. Mr. Wilson was the unanimous choice of the Democrtiticconvention, and was elected, receiving 13,506 votes to 11,229 for Mr. Donnelly and 8,595 for Mr. Andrews. His service in Congress was of the most useful and brilliant char¬ acter, notwithstanding the fact that his party was everywhere in the minorit3'. Mr. Wilson was especially fitted, both by inherent qualities and education, for success in public life. He was of the most genial temperament, and without efi'ort eotdd draw men to him. Possessed of ei handsome and magnetic personalit3'and fine social qualities, he was wherever known a universal favorite. Only to the fact that his party was hopelcssl3' in the minority in the district represented 1)3' him is to be attributed his retirement in 1870. To his honor be it said that he returned to his profession, after a two years term in Congress, poorer than he left it.

grant was secured. Mr. Wilson was member of both the Pacific Railroad and Public Lands committees of the House, and was thus in a position to wield a most potent influence on the fortunes of the struggling corporation. At the time of Mr. Wilson's advent on the floor of Congress it was regarded as a matter of most vital iinportance to the State that the Northern Pacific railroad should be chartered and endowed. Both on the floor and in committee, by public speech and tireless industry he strove to com¬ pass this great work, and was successful. To his eternal honor be it said, that in the midst of the most unblushing corrup¬ tion Mr. Wilson kept his hands and his conscience clear, and that his most mal¬ ignant political enemy (he never had a personal one) never dared to hint that he had supported ecny public measure from unworthy motives. During his congressional career he also secured the passage of a bill granting lands to the University of Minnesota; advocated the policy (since then adopted as the settled policy of the government) of allotment of lands in severalty to Indians; cham¬ pioned liberal appropriations for the ad¬ vancement of agricultural interests, and gave cheerfully of his time and energies lor the passage of every just bill before Congress.

Returning to Minneapolis after the close of his congressional term, he formed a partnership with James W. Lawrence, a business connection which remained unbroken down to the day of his death. The firm of which he was the senior mem¬ ber at once took a leading position at the bar of the county and state, and there were few important cases tried in Minne¬ apolis during the ensuing twent3' j'ears with which the firm of Wilson & Law¬ rence was not in some wa3^ connected. Mr. Wilson was the leading counsel of Col. W. S. King in the famous King-Rem¬ ington suit, which involved real estate in Minneapolis valued at over $2,000,000. He prepared the case for trial, personally drew all the papers during its trial and the briefs in appeal, and finally fought it to a successful issue for his client - the most noted case and involving larger in¬ terests than any ever before brought be¬ fore the courts of the Northwest.

Li 1872 the two cities of St. Anthony and Minneapolis were united under one municipal government, and notwith¬ standing the fact that the city was at that time Republican by an overwhelm¬ ing majority, Mr. Wilson was elected the first mayor of the new city. Of his career as the chief executive officer of this large and growing city, it is scarcely ne¬ cessary to give more than a passing word. Here, as everywhere, his course was guided and marked b3' the strict¬ est integrit3' and the most tireless energ3" in the upbuilding of the public in¬ terest. Again in 1874 he was chosen mayor and served with honor and credit for another term, refusing a re-nomina¬ tion by his party equivalent to an elec¬ tion. In 1878 and again in 1890 he was elected State Senator and served the people of Hennepin County faithfully in the State Legislature. On the establish¬ ment of the park system for the city Mr. Wilson was appointed a member of the Park Board - his last public loosition, and one he held until his death. The last ten 3"ears of his life were devoted to the active discharge of the duties of his pro¬ fession and to social and domestic enj 03"- ment. Possessed of a beautiful home and abundant wealth, surrounded 1w a most charming family, he was the centre of a most select circle of fifiends who were al¬ ways welcome to the hospitalities of his fireside. He continued in the discharge of the duties of his profession until the early winter of 1889, when his health began to fail. His condition was not considered at all dangerous, but his ph3'sieian advised a cessation of work and the enjo3'ment of a period of perfect rest. Accompanied bv his wife and daughters and 133- Hon. Thomas Wilson and wife, of Winona, he sailed for Nas¬ sau, New Providence, in the Bahamas, hoping that the genial climate of that localit3' would restore him to health and vigor. But such was not to be. Afflicted 1)3' no particular, disease, it seemed that the vital forces were simpl3' worn out. He died at Nassau on the 10th da3' of April, 1890. Almost, if not quite, his last labor was one of love, in preparing a histor3' of the Mounted Rangers, for publication in the militar3' history of the State.

Mr. Wilson was a man of unimpeach¬ able integrity, perfeeth' honest in everv motive, the last person to suspect a wrong in others, and this unswerving confidence in mankind Avas returned to him b3' all classes in a marked degree. Springing from old and distinguished colonial stock, he was the most democratic of men. His best friends, and those whose lo3'alt3' never failed him, were the work¬ ing elasses - the men and women of the eity who toiled with their hands. To these he was guide, philosopher, coun¬ sellor and friend, and to their interests and for their advancement he gave with¬ out moneA' and without price the best days of his manh' and useful life. His friends of ever3' station in life did not fulh' appreciate the value of this man until death had removed him. In the midst of the daily' struggle for wealth and social position his perfect self-poise, entire unselfishness and inherent sense of all that was gentle, quietly courageous and manh', were overlooked. To speak of the publie services rendered and high positions held by' a man like Eugene M. Wilson, seems only' a mockery' to those who were acquainted with the man, and coidd measLire the strength of the quiet, unseen forces which made every' hour of his sincere and ingenuous life a benedietion to his fellows. Of no one in all the range of the writer's acquaintance could the words applied to Bayard - "Sans peuer et sans reproche'' - " without fear and without reproaeh," be more honestly and truthfully' applied. In the midst of eorruption he was incorruptible; sur¬ rounded by selfishness and greed he was forever generous, liberal, magnanimous.

In 1888 he was duly' nominated by the Democratic x)arty' as their Gubernatorial leader. There were three eandidates, re¬ ceiving the following vote: Alerriam, 134,355; Wilson, 110,251; Harrison, 17,026.

Mr. Wilson would i)robably' under no accident of environment have been re¬ corded a great statesman. His imdoubted ability was supplemented by' in¬ dustry and energy', while his fine social qualities gave assurance always of per¬ sonal pox)idarity'. If his fortunes had been cast in a community controlled by the Democratic x)arty, he would doubt¬ less have spent the major i)ortion of his life in public employ'inent, and he would doubtless have been more widely known. But, after all, the chief strength and charm of Mr. Wilson was found rather in his heart than his head. His intellect¬ ual qualities, though strong and x)ronounced, were not of that overshadow¬ ing eharacter which constitute a Crom¬ well or force to the front a Webster or Lincoln.

His influence on Minneapolis and its develox)ment was great and lasting - and always benefieent. The force of his good works will x)ex'sist when his monu¬ ment is dust and his name forgotten. His chief element of strength was found in that mightiest bulwark against wrong every' where - a high and benefi¬ cent character. Other men might stooj) to do unclean or unworthy things, but what Eugene Wilson did was always in accord with his conception of the strict¬ est principles of entire justice and the most perfect rectitude. He never for one moment laid aside the safeguard of right thought ; and so when temptations came to him he was armed against vice. His life bore constant testimony to his birth and breeding. Behind him was an an¬ cestry - not overwhelmingly great or ex¬ alted, perhaps, but one that had always consisted of men of high sense of honor. The shades of his ancestors were never stained by any act of his.

Probably no man that ever was called away from his plaee by death was more universally missed and mourned than Mr. Wilson. The numerous testi¬ monials offered by his fellow citizens at the shrine of his grave all bear witness to the exalted esteem of his fellow eitizens. All classes and conditions of men and women joined to do honor to the perfect citizen, the constant friend, the tireless advocate, the honest man. ,

James Wetherby Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence came of a line of lawyers, and occupies a position at the bar which does no discredit to his distinguished pre¬ decessors. His grandfather, James R. Lawrence, was a lawyer, and United States Attorney General of the district of New York. He was of an old Connecti¬ cut family. His father, James R. Law¬ rence, Jr., came to Minneapolis in 1856, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Hennepin County thefollowingyear, and was a partner of William Lochi-en, one of the present judges of the District Court. He removed to Chieago in 1860, and at the outbreak of the Civil War entered the military service of the gov¬ ernment and died while in the service. Colonel Stevens, who knew him well, in his "Personal Recollections" says of him.

"He was one of the most eloquent speakers that ever addressed a Minne¬ sota audience. With his great talent and popularity, had his life been spared, he would unquestionably long ere this have oceupied the highest trusts in the gift of the people." The name Wether¬ by is the family name of his mother. It was a prominent family in central New York.

James W. Lawrence was born in Syra¬ cuse, New York, August 9, 1846 ; he was therefore ten years old when his family first became residents of Minneapolis. He returned to New York for his educa¬ tion, and having prepared for college in the public schools of Syracuse, entered Hamilton College, from which he gradu¬ ated at the early age of twenty-one. Dui'ing his college life he had for room¬ mate Frank Rice, now serving for the second time as Secretary of State of New York. He studied law in New York City with Sheldon & Brown, of that city, and was admitted to the bar in that state in 1869. The death of his father had left him without means. A part of the ex¬ penses of his education were earned, and a part were defrayed from a loan which was paid off with his first professional earnings.

Returning to Minneapolis he formed a law partnership with Eugene M. Wil¬ son, which continued until the death of Mr. Wilson. The firm had a large and profitable practice. The senior was for many years the leader at the bar, as he was president of the Bar Association. He was an active politician of the Demo¬ cratic party, serving for a term in Con¬ gress, and also in the State Senate, and having been the candidate of his party for Governor of the State. These inter¬ ruptions threw upon the junior partner a large responsibility, which he carried with ability and efficiency. The firm was connected with much of the most important litigation which has been contested before the local courts, not¬ ably the King-Remington case, in which their clients recovered property of the value of nearly two million dollars, and his attorneys received the largest fee ever paid in the county, and probably in the state.

Mr. Lawrence served as Count3" At¬ torney of Hennepin CounW from 1872 to 1876, a position occupied Iwhis father fifteen j^ears before. A number of con¬ victions for capital offenses attest his efficiency' as prosecuting attorney'.

The confidence reposed in his partner by' Mr. Wilson extended bey'ond thescope of professional association. When Mr. Wilson was a candidate for governor Mr. Lawrence was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, and had charge of the canvass. The re¬ sult, though disastrous to the Demo¬ cratic candidates, was creditable to the management, which was vigorous and efficient. Mr. Lawrence still serves upon the State Central Committee and is a member of its executive committee.

Mr. Lawrence is of a cheerful and soc¬ ial disposition, and attracts and holds hosts of friends. As a lawyer he is well read, industrious and persistent. He makes little pretense of oratory', but has a faculty of perspicuous statement and clever analysis, which is cpiite as persuasive before eourt and jury'. The large measure of success which has at¬ tended his law practice, both before and since the death of his partner, is the best proof of his ability.

Mr. Lawrence married in 1873 Miss Mary A., daughter of the late Jacob K. Sidle, long president of the First Nat¬ ional Bank of Minneapolis. They have al way's oecupied a leading social posi¬ tion. They have a family' of four boy's, the eldest now seventeen and the young¬ est nine.

JunsoN Newell Cross. Heredity is a prime factor in human life. To be well born may' not be to be boni in wealth and reared in ease and luxury'. Neither is it to come into life in abject poverty', amid squalor and want. The conditions of good birth are rather found in that medium condition, where neither wealth tempts to dissipation, nor poverty drives to despair, where necessity spurs to exei'tion, and the want of many things in¬ culcates economy. It is often found on a secluded farm, or in a rural village, where nature instills her gentle lessons, and the mind is free from the excitements which drive to premature development. It is most compatible with a parentage ex¬ empted from the fieree competitions of commerce, and free from the mad strifes of forensic and political life, y'et regular in its methods and laborious in its hab¬ its. Above all, where high education stimulates the mind, and moral example and instruction softens and cultivates the heart, where the domestic virtues are in active exercise, and the home is an abiding place of love and sweet charity'.

Such an ideal nursery' of childhood is often found in the home of aruralclei'gy'- man. Better is the blessing of a patri¬ arch then the inheritance of the rich, and a richer endowment, the nurture of a Christian home than social rank.

Judson N. Cross came into the world amid such favorable conditions, coming from Puritan and Pilgrim ancestors. His father. Rev. Gorham Cross was a Con¬ gregational minister in the rural villege ofRichville, St. Lawrence County', New York. Judson was born on the 16th day of January', 1838, at Philadeljjhia. Jeffer¬ son County', N. Y. In his boy'hood he eiijoy'ed the careful training of thehome - his mother, Soj^hia Cross, i)ossessing every Christian virtue - and the best ad¬ vantages of the local schools. .\t the age of seventeen he wenttoOberlin, Ohio, for the purpose of taking the advantages which that quiet collegiate town afford¬ ed to the ambitious student who was constrained to practice the strictest econ¬ omy in expenditure. It was a college started and conducted b3mien of decided evangelical faith, and in its early histor^^ had a reputation for radical views, which wei'e then not wideh' popular. Its success has been almost phenominal. Its graduates have been amongtheforemost champions of liberty and Christianity in the land. Here six ^^ears were passed, in preparation for college, and in the col¬ lege, with intervals of teaching in the common schools of Ohio.

Before the time for graduation had arrived the tocsin of war sounded through the land, and invaded the quiet precincts of the college. It was an ap¬ peal which had especial force at Oberlin, where abolitionism had been a fundadamental faith, and colored students were received on equal terms with white. The college classes were depleted and the student community almost broken up. A military company was organized among the undergiaduates in the latter part of April, 1861, and young Cross was chosen its First Lieutenant. The student company (C. Co. 7th Ohio Infantiw) was mustered into service and sent to West Virginia where it was soon in an active campaign, under General Mc¬ Clellan. At the battle of Cross Lanes Aug. 26, 1861, Lieutenant Cross was severe!}' wounded, and fell into thehands of the enem\'. He was re-captured by Major, afterwards President R. B. Hayes, who was on the staff of General Rosecranes within a month, at the battle of Carnifa Ferry, and in No¬ vember of the same year he was promot¬ ed to the captaincv' of Co.K. of thesame regiment from Cleveland, Ohio. A pleas¬ ant incident which grew out of this cap¬ ture illustrates how cordially the ani¬ mosities of the war have softened into the brotherhood of a common citizen¬ ship. Lieutenant Cross' wounds were dressed by Dr. S. C. Gleaves, of Wytheville, Va., at the time serving as surgeon general of the Confederate forces in West Virginia. He took from his pocket a silk handkerchief and used it in the dressing. This Lieutenant Cross preserved; and af¬ ter peace was established returned it to the famil}' of the surgeon, who receiv'ed it wdth the warmest sentiments of grati¬ fication.

Capt. Cross served during the war as Adjutant General of the militar}' district of Indiana, and during the last 3'earwas upon the staff of the military governor of Washington ; his last service being mustering for pay the 18,000 returned prisoners from Andersonville.

During the last year of the war Cap¬ tain Cross suggested to General Grant, in a letter, the destruction of the forts around Pittsburg and Richmond, b}' dropping powder and nitrogl3'cerine on them from balloons, a principle of war¬ fare wdiich is likely to be tried during the next war in Europe.

His graduation was not in letters but in arms. He did not return to college, but entered Columbia College Law School in New York City, and graduated in law at the Albany, N. Y., Law School in 1866, having been married Sept. 11th, 1862, *to Miss Clara Steele Norton, a graduate of Obeidin College, by whom he has had five children. In 1866 Captain Cross went to Lyons, Iowa, to practice his profession. Here he had fair success at the bar, and gained such confidence of the community' that he was elected mayor of the city five 3'ears after taking rqD his residence there.

He removed to Minneapolis in 1875 and formed a law partnership with Col. H. G. Hicks, now one of the judges of the District Court, who had been his classmate at Oberliii. The firm attracted a goodly number of clients, and enjoA'ed a large and profitable practice. After some years Frank H. Carleton was ad¬ mitted a partner, and in 1889 his son, Norton M. Cross, became a partner, and since then the firm has been Cross, Carleton & Ci'oss. Captain Cross was chosen City Attorney in 1883, and filled the ])0- sition for four 3'ears, including the ma}'- oralty of Hon. Geo. A Pillsbury. During this time he represented the cit^" in a very important litigation with several of the railroad companies, involving the duty of bridging the street crossings of the railroads. The cases were contested with great pertinacity bj' the compa¬ nies, who were represented by the ablest members of the bar. The question at issue, which was novel as well as impor¬ tant, was argued in the Suiu'eme Court b\' Capt. Cross in behalf of the city, who prepared and submitted a ver\' elaborate brief, in which eveiw case in the courts bearing upon the question at issue was cited, and carefully discriminated. The decision was in favor of the ciDq the contentions made by her attorney being fulh' sustained.

An equally important service was ren¬ dered the city in his official capacity, in devising and drawing tqi what has be¬ come known as the "Patrol Limits Or¬ dinance.'' Beyond the scope of the advo¬ cate, it called out a high qualit3' of con¬ structive statesmanship. In its working it has proved a valuable protection to ]nd)lic morals and a strong preservative of men. Its leading and distinctive fea¬ ture was the designation of a central portion of the city, active!}' patrolled by the police, within which licenses for the retail of liquors might be granted, while excluding them from all other parts of the city. Under the administration of a eonservative city government, this ordi¬ nance, while allowing saloons to be maintained in the business part of the eity, has rigidly excluded them from the residence portion. The legality of the ordinanee was c(uestioned, and it was hotly assailed in the courts by eminent counsel, but its author had the satisfac¬ tion of having it fully sustained by the court of last resort.

As an advocate Capt. Cross makes no claim of being an orator, but as a lawyer he has a sound judgment, a discriminating mind, great tenac¬ ity of purpose and indefatigable indus¬ try. These qualities have given him success at the bar; while his kindly na¬ ture, social grace and personal interest in all good objects, have given the esteem of all who know him. He has been more than a professional toiler. Much of his life has been given to political, social and literary labor.

In 1879, in the Minneapolis editorials of the Pioneer Press, which he wrote for Col. King while he ran his great Inter¬ state fair, he proposed, and developed a general Northwestern sentiment for, a railroad from Minneapolis and St. Ikud to the East, north of Lake Michigan, to free us from Chicago's grip on our com¬ merce, maintained by her system of rail¬ roads south and west of these cities, first likened by Capt. Cross to the arms of a " Devil fish,'' in their power on our trade and traffic.

Air. Cross was appointed by the Leg¬ islature, in 1883, a member of the first Board of Park Commissioners of Minne¬ apolis, and it was on his motion the first action was taken for the boulevards around our beautiful lakes, as well as for establishing Powder Horn Park by the board.

During much of the i)ast year he has been in vanous countries in Europe, un¬ der appointment by the President of the United States, as member of ,'i commis¬ sion to investigate the subject of emigra- tion. The report of the committee has been made to the government, but has not yet been published. From intima¬ tions which have been given out, it is thought to be a valuable addition to our knowledge of the varied cispects of the intricate subiect.

William Henry Eustis. The career of Mr. Eustis isaconspicious illustration of this aphorism. The son of a me¬ chanic, reared in limited circumstances and destined by his father for a mechan¬ ical trade. A severe affliction which brought great suffering for many years and resulted in a permanent lameness, barred him from following a trade and turned his thoughts to obtain an educa¬ tion, and ultimately placed him in the ranks of successful lawyers.

He is a native of the state of New York, born July 17, 1845, at the little village of Oxbow, near the boundry line sepa¬ rating Jefferson from St. Lawrence Coun¬ ty. His father, Tobias Eustis, was born at Truro in Cornwall, England, and em¬ igrated to America while a young man, and learned and followed the trade of wheelwright. His ancestors were sturdy miners of Cornwall. His mother was Mary Markwick, also of English descent. William Henry was the second born of a family of eleven children. The boy was a robust scion of laborious and healthy parents, who had the ambition to make him a blacksmith. At an early age he assisted his father and picked up such jobs of work as the neighbors offered, chief of which was grinding bark in a village tannery. At the age of fifteen, while pursuing some daring diversion, an accident produced an affection of the hip, which laid him aside from outdoor life, and nearly cost him his life. For seven years he was a great suft'erer, go¬ ing about only with the aid of crutches. His recovery, deemed almost miraculous, was due to a naturally strong constitu¬ tion, a resolute will, and careful treat¬ ment, which his own study and thought taught him to apply to himself. Having attended, during a few of the winter months, a district school, he found his way to Governeur, St. Lawrence County, where he entered a seminary. His par¬ ents thought at this time that he might be able to follow shoemaking, or possi¬ bly become a harnessmaker, but he had other aspirations. He applied himself to learn book-keeping and telegraphy, while beginning studies preparatory to a more complete literary education. Be¬ sides his physical infirmity, he was with¬ out means, and could only hope to pur¬ sue a higher education through his own earnings. He left the seminary, and for several winters taught a common school. Among other studies he took up physiol¬ ogy, and carefully applied the science to his own treatment.

He now obtained a situation in the seminary to teach book-keeping and tele¬ graphy, and with some practice in solic¬ iting for life insurance, earned enough money to pay his way at the seminarj^, and through a preparation for college. In 1871 he entered the Sophomore class of Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and keeping up with the class which he entered, while absenting him¬ self winters to teach school, and recruit his finances, graduated with the class in which he entered college in 1873. He went immediately to New York and enttered the Columbia Law School, at which he graduated in the spring of 1874, having done the work of two years in one. He was now master of a profes¬ sion, but without practice, and in debt $1,000. He, therefore, as the best ex¬ pedient that offered took a position as teacher in one of the gi'ammar schools of New York City. Having been brought up in the school of privation, he had learned the lesson of economy, so that he was able at the close of the year to pay off the debt incurred in obtaining his edu¬ cation, and had money enough to buy a railroad ticket to Saratoga Springs, a new suit of clothes, and a surplus of fif¬ teen dollars, with which to commence the professional work of his life.

Now occurred one of those circum¬ stances which devout men are wont to call providences, but others accidents, upon which the course of a life sometimes turns. While at Saratoga Springs in at¬ tendance upon a college regatta, at which a 3'ounger brother held the cap¬ taincy of the Wesleyan University crew, he made the acquaintance of John R. Putnam, a practicing lawyer of that place, who was deeply interested in the boat races. Mindful of his new ac¬ quaintance, Mr. Putnam wrote him at New York, offering a partnership in his law practice, which was accepted, and he soon was installed in the office at Sara¬ toga, with plenty of work to keep him bus3^ This was in 1875. He remained at Saratoga and with Judge Putnam for six years. These were busy 3^ears. The practice of the office was large and lucra¬ tive.

The competition at the bar was such as to stimulate the best powers of the practitioners. The eloquent Heniy Smith, the acute Esek Cowen, and the erudite William A. Beach, were in active jmactice and often met at the Saratoga bar.

In the spring of 1881 Mr. Eustis was at Washington at the inauguration of President Garfield, and soon sailed for Europe, intending to spend two years in travel and rest. The assassination of the President made such an impression upon him that he cut short his trip, and returned to America. It ma3' not be easy to explain the psycological connec¬ tion in the events. Mr. Eustis was an ardent Republican, and had been enthusiasticall3' engaged in thecampaign which gave New York to the Republicans, and placed Garfield in the presidential chair. We know that the assassination shocked the country, and awoke strong solicitude as to our political destiny. We may not wonder that a patriotic American, in a foreign land, should become heart sick.

The keen perception of a successfvd lawyer had not failed to discern the signs that political supremacy in the nation was fast tending westward. He decided to follow the star of destiny, and set out for the West. After visiting Kansas City, St. Louis, Dubuque, and other am¬ bitious western cities, he came to Minne¬ apolis early in October and was favor¬ ably impressed with its appearance. Returning to Chicago he ordered his baggage checked for the place which has since been his home, and the scene of his great professional and financial suc¬ cess. He arrived on the 23d of October, 1881, and at once entered an office with an old acquaintance. Dr. Camp; was ad¬ mitted to the bar of the state and com¬ menced the practice of the law. With the exception of two 3'ears he has had no professional associate. His legal prac¬ tice has been fair. He brought with him the savings of his earlier years, which constituted a fair capital. B3' judicious investments he was gradually drawn into business enterprises, which soon oc¬ cupied much of his time, and yielded large financial results. He built the block on Sixth street and Hennepin ave¬ nue, which became headquarters of the Union League. The fine brick office building opposite the Chamber of Com¬ merce - the Corn Exchange - was erected in 1885, and now a more stately office building is going up under his direction upon another corner in the samelocalit3'.

to be the Flour Exehange. He was a direetor and member of the building eommittee of the Masonic Temple Company, which has erected upon Hennepin avenue one of the stateliest structures in the cit3^

Mr. Eustis was one of the original corporators of the Minneapolis, Saidt Ste. Marie and Atlantic Railway, and was upon its Board of Dmectors. He was also largely interested in the Land and Town Site Company, organized in con¬ nection with that great enterprise. He was also one of the originators of the North American Telegi'aph Company, and was a director and secretary of the compan3\ This Minneapolis entei'prise, having telegraphic connections from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, is one which the great Western Union Tele¬ graph Cornpanj" has been unable to ab¬ sorb or crush, and gives to the commer¬ cial world a recourse from an otherwise overwhelming monopol3'.

The physical infirmities of his early life have given place to a condition of ro¬ bust health. He is a fine example of bod¬ ily perfection. His manners are coi'dial, his temper enthusiastic, and his bearing almost courtly. His conversation is most entertaining, sparkling with humor, apt illustration, and solid learn¬ ing. He has an artistic taste, and a manner of expression enriched with grace imbibed by familiarity with the ti'easures of literature.

No one of our public spirited citizens has entered with greater resolution, into projects for building up the cit3", thanhe. When discredit was attempted to be cast upon the accuracy of our census enumer¬ ation in 1890 by a rival city, his spirit was aroused; and although the charges urged with persistency, brought a re¬ count in both cities, Minneapolis pre¬ served in the final residt her relative supremac3^ politician, though never an applicant for office. He believes in republicanism with all that the name implies. He has been a most enthusiastic admirer of Mr. James G. Blaine, and it would have been the greatest joy of his life to see him occup3r the presidential chair. At this writing it seems conceded that he will be chosen to represent his party in the approach¬ ing Republican convention, to be held in Minneapolis in June, 1892.

A cordial and conscientious bio¬ grapher must notice in this imperfect sketch of one of our leading citizens, the chief defect which his life has as yet dis¬ closed. He has arrived at mature age and has never married.

Edward Morrill Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in Fisherville, Merri¬ mack County, N. H., on the 24th day of November, 1850. His parents brought him to St. Anthony when he was a child four 3'ears of age. He has, therefore, grown to maturity, and received the im¬ pressions which have formed his charac¬ ter, within sight of the Falls of St. An¬ thony. The child and the town have grown up together. The former to a vigorous manhood, a commanding intel¬ lect, and an influential position; and the latter to a position among the great cities of our country. In a community whose eldest born has not yet passed middle life, it is especially gratifiying to find among its formost citizens those who have been reared upon the spot.

The parents of Mr. Johnson settled in St. Anthony in the siiring of 1854. His father, Luther G. Johnson, is well known to all the pioneers as a manufacturer and merchant. His place of business was on Main street.. He was a member of the firm of Kimball, Johnson & Co. and of L. G. Johnson & Co. The John¬ sons were an old New England family of English origin, while the Morrills, who were the matei'nal branch of the family, were of Welch decent. Mr. Johnson's grandfathers upon both paternal and maternal side occupied positions of trust and responsibility in New Hampshire.

The boy was sent to the pioneer school, then occupying a small frame building in St. Anthony, on what is now known as University avenue, between Second and Third avenues southeast. Passing tlu'ough this he entered the first High School, established at the Falls about 1863. The school year, 1866 and 1867 was spent at the Pennsjdvania Military Academy at Chester. In the fall of the year 1867 the State University was re-opened, and Mr. Johnson contin¬ ued his academical training there for a period of four years, but ceased to attend regularly before any class was gradu¬ ated. After leaving the university he spent much of his time until 1873 in his father's store obtaining a practical busi¬ ness education. In the fall of 1871 he passed some time in travel in the South. In January, 1873, Mr. Johnson went to Europe where he lived nearly three 3''ears. Several months of this time wei'e spent in travel, but most of it was devoted to study at the universities ofHeidelberg and Berlin. During his residence in Germain^ he acepnred an accurate knowledge of the German language, and also studied I'rench. At the universities mentioned he attended lectures on International Law bj" Professor Bluntschli; on Roman law by Pi'ofessors Windschei and Bruns; on Literature bj" Fischer; on Mod¬ ern History and Politics Iw Professor Treitschki; on Political Econom\" by Wagner; on English Law by Gneist; on German Law by Bi'unner; on AIodertArt bv Herbert Grimm, and on Grecian Art by Curtins.

clerical work the greater part of a year, after which he entered the Law School of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, from which institution he graduated with the law class of 1877. Soon after¬ wards he opened a law office in Minne¬ apolis in partnership with Mr. E. C. Chatfield. This partnership being dissolved, he continued the practice alone for the next six j^ears. Januaxy,!, 1882, Mr. Claude B. Leonard united in partnership with Mr. Johnson. The partnership thus formed still continues, though Mr. Alex. McCune has I'ecentH been added to the firm. Mr. Johnson's legal practice has been more that ofeounsel than advocate. He has been almost constantl}^ connected with coi'porations, both mvmicipal and financial, and to the laws governing and effecting such bodies, and to the law of real propertj^ he has especially directed his attention.

Mr. Johnson's professional life has been largely connected with official trusts, and in this his skill has admirabW supplemented the integrity which he brought to these positions. His connec¬ tion with the Board of Education as its clerk and attorney for ten years led to an intimate acquaintance withtheman\^ intricate bixt important questions in¬ volved in the administration of that branch of the citx^ government. His con¬ nection as attornej" with the largest savings bank in the cit^q a relationship which begun in 1883, and still con¬ tinued, gave the occasion for, and the ability necessary to, a cai'eful investiga¬ tion of titles and a thorough knowledge of investments. As a member of the City Councilhegave to theduticsof alderman the same cai'eful consideration and legal sci'utin\' that he accorded his other af¬ fairs. He was elected to this bod\' in 1883 from the popidous and wealth3" Second Ward, in which he had grown from boy¬ hood, and represented it continuously un- til his resignation in 1890. During that period he was for two years President of the Council and served upon its most im¬ portant committees. His professional opinions and advice were as much relied upon by his colleagues as were those of the official attorney. Indeed, it is not too much to say, that during this im¬ portant period in the history of the city's growth, the views of Mr. Johnson were controlling in the city government.

The valuable concession secured from the Street Railway Company in giving transfers so that a continuous trip can be made from one extremity of the sys¬ tem to its opposite, for a single fare, was secured by his firmness and tact. So, too, the replacement of the narrow suspension bridge, by the broad and solid steel arch bridge, was due to his efforts.

As a member of the standing com¬ mittee on Public Grounds and Buildings of the City Council, he became ex-officio a member of the Board of Park Commis¬ sioners, and gave intelligent and inter¬ ested attention to the important work of that department.

One of the most valuable acts of the city's legislation passed in recent years, the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund, originated with Mr. Johnson, and was passed by means of his untiring labors. By the ojjeration of this act the city was enabled to beautify and im¬ prove its streets, and yet allow the bur¬ den upon the property owners to be di¬ vided into five equal annual portions. Since its adoption here the same princi¬ ple has been incorporated in the laws of some of our surrounding states - the result of its successful operation here, and an especially gratifying compliment to Mr. Johnson.

The Public Library is probably the most valuable fruit of his public labors. If he did not originate the idea, he at least was chiefly instrumental in giving it organic life. He drew the act estab¬ lishing the library, and made the intri¬ cate arrangement under which the Athengeum was incorporated with the library, and its large and growing trust fund was preserved for the perpetual increase of the books of the library. Having se¬ cured the passage of the library act, he was named as one of the directors of the Library Board, and was one of the most efficient of the board in planning the building, in carefully watching over the work of its construction, and in launch¬ ing the library on its prosperous and beneficient career.

A kindred institution, the Society ol Fine Arts, has also shared in his enthus¬ iastic labor, he being not only an active member, but also one of the directors.

Not the least of the responsibilities laid upon Mr. Johnson, in behalf of the public interests, has been that of one of the commissioners for building the new Court House and Citj' Hall. He was appointed upon the board in 1887, and is at the present time its vice-president and chairman of the financial committee. As the position, like most of the others which he has held, is without salary or other pecuniary consideration, the time and labor devoted to the public interests are raised above sordid motives to the level of patriotic service.

Although thus deeply engrossed in law business and public affairs, Mr. John¬ son has found time for other matters of private nature and public importance.

He is a director in the Business Men's Union and through his efforts have been established two of the prosperous man¬ ufacturing enterprises of Minneapolis, The Northwestern Casket Co. and The Minneapolis Office & School Furnishing Co., in both of which he is a large stock¬ holder and pre.sident of the Board of Di¬ rectors of each company.

EfRe S. Richards, daughter of Dr. W. O. Richards, of Waterloo, Iowa. Mr. John¬ son's home is on Fourth street, at the corner of Tenth avenue southeast, in the same part of the cit}^ in which his par¬ ents located in 1854. One instance, at least, that a prophet has honor in his own country, and in his own house.

Up to the present time the destinies of Minneapolis have been shaped by men, born and trained without her limits. Soon they must pass into the control of her own sons. The success and visefulness of this son of a pioneer, trained from childhood in her own primitive institu¬ tions, is a happ\' earnest for her future, when it shall be altogether in the hands of those to the "manner-born."

Reuben Clark Benton. Since his settlement in Minneapolis, in 1875, Col. Benton has been one of the most promi¬ nent figures at the bar. The solidity of his character, his attainments as a law¬ yer, and not least, his genial temper and courteous manner, have made him a leader of the bar. A practice of twentyyears in his native state had already given him ripe experience and thorough accpiaintance with all the vaided features of his profession; while a boydiood passed upon a ragged farm had infused into a robust frame, the vigor which comes from an active life, and a few years of active and not inglorious military ser¬ vice, in early manhood, had steadied and matured his character.

To go no further back in his ascestry to seek the English origin of the family-, tinged with Celtic blood, his great grand¬ father, Jacob Benton, was an officer in the Continental line from Connecticut. The family preserves as an heirloom, an autograph order given by Gen. George Washington to Captain Benton, detail¬ ing him for service upon the picket line at Valley- Forge. His father bore the same name given to this, his eldest son. He had settled in Waterford, Caledonia County, Vermont, in early life, where he owned a farm. He was prominent in public affairs, holding many local offices as well as representing his town in the State Legislature, and in later life drifted into the practice of law. His mother was Almira Fletcher, allied with the promi¬ nent families of that name in Vermont, and connected with the Fletchers of Min¬ neapolis.