USA > Illinois > Christian County > History of Christian County, Illinois > Part 18
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In 1877 the legislature passed a law establishing appellate courts, enlarging the circuits, and providing for the election of
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
three judges for each cireuit. At the election in June, 1879, W. R. Welch, of Carlinville, Charles S. Zane, of Springfield, and J. J. Phillips, of Hillsboro, were elected. Under the arrangement made by these three judges for the division of the business the county of Christian has fallen to Judge Phillips.
STATE AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
David B. Campbell, of Springfield, was the first public prosecutor of Christian county. He was an able lawyer, fearless iu the discharge of his duty, and the brightest and ablest advocate, criminal lawyer and state's attorney the county ever had. His equal in his day was hardly found iu the state, and his superior not in the north-west. He served from 1839 until 1852. After him came Elam Rust, who was elected in 1853 and served until 1856. J. B. White from 1857 until 1864. C. M. Morrison from 1865 until 1868. Horace Gwin, 1868 to 1871. A. McCaskill, 1872 to 1875. V. E. Foy, 1876 to 1880, and is the present in- cumbent.
At the organization of the county, and for a number of years afterward, the members of the Springfield, Shelbyville, Hillsboro and Decatur bars practiced here and supplied the legal talent.
Owiug to the small amount of litigation in each county in those days, lawyers found it necessary and profitable to follow the judge around the circuit, from one county-seat to auother ..
The array of legal talent that frequented the first courts of Christian county, has not been surpassed or hardly equalled in the state. "There were giants in those days." The rude walls of the court-house, of the pioneer days of Christian county, resounded with forensic eloquence. In that legal array were men whosc names have long since been written high on the roll of honor aud fame. Prominent among the attorneys who practiced here was Abraham Lincoln, the martyr president. Among the older citizens of the county he is well remembered, more particularly for his wonderful stories and aneedotes with which he regaled the crowds of gaping listeners. Here also practiced Stephen A. Douglas, the " Little Giant " of the West. He was just theu entering upon his brilliant career, which in after years made him one of the re- cognized intellectual giants of his age. Here, too, was E. D. Baker, the silver-tongued orator " who commanded an Illinois regi- ment in the Mexican war, afterwards senator from Oregon, whose life went out while at the head of his command, at the battle of Ball's Bluff, in the late rebellion." When he first commenced the practice here he was a candidate for state senator. He was a good lawyer, but a better orator. The "gifts of the gods " were his to a wouderful degree. Then came Stephen T. Logan, one of the bright legal intellects of the state. He was styled the walking en- cyelopædia of legal knowledge and information. Around him were men whose minds were cast in massive moulds; men whose beck and will the masses blindly followed, and whose names are conspicuous, and mark an epoch in American history. Yet they were dwarfed to littleness, and were infants when measured by the full-grown mental manhood of Stephen T. Logan. None could grasp, like him, the subtle intricacies of the law, delve deeper into its mystic lore, or build up a stronger or more logical, firmer, and symmetrical argument than he. It was absolutely faultless. The problems over which the ordinary legal mind would cousume the " midnight oil " in their efforts to solve, to him were but mental recreation. His elear and comprehensive mind grasped all details, and made light as day that which to others was dark and obscurc. Mr. Logan is still a resident of Springfield, Illinois.
Here also practiced Anthony Thornton, of Shelbyville, which practice he still continues. He for a time graced the bench of the
Supreme Court of Illinois. James C. Conkling, of Springfield, who was the first and only attorney here when the court of this county convened for the first time. B. S. Edwards was also a prominent and learned attorney. Then came Joshua Lamburn, an able ora- tor and successful erimiual lawyer. Senator McDougal, of na- tional reputation. John T. Stuart, with his elegant manners and fine scholastic appearance. Jesse B. Thomas, a polished and ex- tremely dignified gentleman, but a good lawyer withal. Samuel S. Moulton, still an attendant upon the court, and at one time eon- gressman for the state at large. William F. May, of Madison county, afterward of Springfield. A. McWilliams, of Litchfield ; Hiram Roundtree, of Hillsboro ; William H. Herndon, of Spring- field, all practitioners of this bar, and all regarded as good, safe and reliable lawyers. And last, but by no means least, may be men- tioned the name of Richard J. Oglesby, renowned in war, in the state and nation as a gallant soldier, as governor of a great state, and United States senator from Illinois. The foregoing are some of the names of prominent men who came here and fought the legal battles for this county. Will the county or bar of any other local- ity in the state ever again see such a formidable array of prominent names aud legal talent as was assembled here forty years ago?
FORMER RESIDENT LAWYERS.
The second resident lawyer of Christian county was a man by the name of John W. Wheat. He came to Taylorville in 1840, and taught school here soon after the town was located. In 1841 he eommeneed the practice of law. There was but little legal business to attend to in those days, and Mr. Wheat did not find the practice remunerative, and soon after left the county. He was a well-educated young man, and possessed considerable ability, and would have, no doubt, risen to prominence in the profession had he remained here. Benjamin Mason was the fourth lawyer; was a citizen of Greenfield, Green county, Ills., and came to Taylor- ville in the latter part of 1852. He was elected justice of the peace soon after he came here; was a brilliant young man, with a fine legal mind, and soon got considerable practice. He would have succeeded well in the law, but unfortunately for him he fell into bad habits, and soon lost his reputation aud practice. Remained here until 1858. During the gold excitement of the latter year he went to Pike's Peak, returned to Carrolltou in 1862, aud died in 1870.
Thos. Shoemaker was the fifth resident lawyer. He came to Taylorville about 1852, was somewhat "irregular" in his prac- tice, and remained here until 1854, when he went to Kansas, took a hand in Kansas politics, and achieved considerable notoriety and accumulated some wealth. Was one of those restless, ener- getic men, and was peculiarly adapted for the stirring times ineident to the history of Kansas while yet under territorial government. His promineney however proved his death. He was shot and killed in one of the riots that disgraced the early history of that state. J. H. Dawdy located in Pana in April, 1856. He was a native of Illinois, and became a lawyer from force of circumstances. There being no attorney in Pana, when he first located there, and a law- yer being very much in demand, he eoneluded to study for the pro- fession. He was admitted to the bar in 1856. Soon after he was elected Associated Justice for the county, a position he held for four years, and was then elected Justice of the Peace ; an office he has continued in with but few interruptions ever since.
George Pease was the second lawyer in Pana. He was a native of Mass., and a graduate of Yale College. Came to Pana in 1857, and continued there in practice until 1861. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted and was elected Captain of a company. He
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
remained in service for two years, when he returned and resumed his praetice. Remained in Pana for four years longer, and then removed to Taylorville, and from here to Colorado, where he at present resides. Mr. Pease is remembered as a very good lawyer, and a man of fine oratorieal abilities. James O. Connor was also a resident lawyer of Pana. He was a native of New York, loea- ted in 1858, and continued in practice until 1861, when he entered the army and was elected 1st Lieutenant of a company in the 3d Ills. Cavalry. Was subsequently promoted to the rank of Major, and continued in the service until the close of the war, when he married an intelligent and accomplished lady of Helena, Ark., where he has since resided. Mr. O. Connor was of a judicial turn of mind, but lacked the elements of an orator.
Harrison Havens read law while a clerk in the office of W. S. Moore, Circuit Clerk. Was admitted to the bar, but did little prae- tiee. He went to Iowa, and then to Springfield, Mo., where he permanently located, and continued the practice. Since becoming a resident of the latter place he has twice represented his District in Congress. Ile was yet a young man when he left Taylorville, but since then has developed considerable ability as a lawyer, and has been very successful as a politician. D. K. Hall came to Tay- lorville in 1859. Upon the breaking out of the war he entered the service as a First Lieutenant, and was promoted during the war to the rank of Major. IIe never returned to the county, but after the war settled in Missouri, where he still lives.
Hon. D. D. Shumway was a native of Mass., and came to Chris- tian county in 1843. He studied law, and was admitted to practice in 1860; then formed a law partnership with Hon. H. M. Vandeveer, and was for many years a prominent man in the county, and this section of the state ; and held many offices of honor and trust. He was a logieal reasoner and a superior jury lawyer. Died in 1870.
D. T. Moore was another member of the bar. A native of Ohio. Ile read law in Taylorville, and was here admitted to practice. Remained here until 1864, when he removed to Washington, Iowa, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Subsequently he removed to York, Nebraska, and commenced again the practice of his pro- fession. He still resides there, and is a prominent lawyer, and has filled several important judicial positions.
David McWilliams came to Taylorville in 1863. He remained here until 1866, when he removed and located at Montiechlo, Piatt county, Illinois.
S. P. Davis was a member of the Christian county bar, and is better known as a journalist than a lawyer. In 1860 he removed to Belleville, and from thence to Denver, Colorado, where he died with consumption. About this time a lawyer by the name of J. G. Murdock attempted to practice Jaw here. Was not sneeessful, and soon after removed to Texas, where he remains at present. Daniel MeFarland, an attorney from O'Fallon, in St. Clair county, Illinois, came to Taylorville in 1871, and opened a law office. Ile soon after left, and went to Peoria, Illinois.
A. D. Rich located in Pana, in 1870. His first venture there in business was the establishing of the Pana Palladium, a newspaper that still continues. Practiced law to a limited extent ; re- mained in Pana until 1872, when he removed to Iowa, thence to Hannibal, Mo., where he remains at present. J. A. Taylor was a resident of Macon county. He was admitted to the bar in Decatur, came to Taylorville in 1872, and remained for several years. While here he contracted some fatal disease, and went back to De- catur, where he died soon after.
8. 8. Hibbard was a practicing attorney ; located in Taylorville in 1874-75. He removed to St. Louis, and soon after abandoned the
law and entered the ministry of the Universalist Church. Was a quiet, unobtrusive gentleman, and a good lawyer.
Charles A. Shirley commeneed the practice of law in Taylorville in 1877, and continued until 1878, when he removed and perma- nently located in Blue Mound, Macon county, Ills. G. W. Hin- man eame to Pana in 1877, remaining one year; then returned to his former home in Pike county, Illinois.
J. W. Stanley, a practical machinist, was elected City Attorney of Pana in 1877. He served one year, and then removed to Law- renee county. Illinois, where he is now engaged in practicing law.
Daniel Miller was Clerk of the Court of Christian county, and studied law during his term of office. He was a good lawyer, and very popular. Died in Taylorville. It is to be regretted that we could not get fuller information of Mr. Miller. J. M. Pendell located in Pana in 1867. He had a limited practice. Died in 1878.
William H. Dawdy was a resident of Pana. He was admitted to the bar in 1866. Read law with B. W. Henry of Vandalia. Was elected City Attorney of Pana, and, at the expiration of his term of office, located in Greenville, Ills. He is now State's Attor- ney of Bond county, to which position he has been twice elected. WV. T. Rogers eame to Pana in 1866. He practiced law for two years, and is now a resident of St. Louis.
A. C MeMillan was also an attorney of Pana. Came there in 1866. Had a large and lucrative praetiee. He took an active and conspicuous part in the building of the O & M. R. R., was a man of great energy and perseverance, and did his part towards furthering enterprises that had for their object the material ad- vaneement and prosperity of Pana. Died in 1875.
Present Members of the Bar .- In speaking of the present mem- bers of the bar it is necessary that we be quite brief. We have not spaee to give each such an elaborate notice as we would desire, nor would it be craved by the profession. Fulsome laudation would be out of place in a work of this character. It is not too much to say, however, that the bar of Christian county will compare favorably in point of talent with any in Central Illi- nois It comprises among its members ambitious and studious young men, to whom the future is bright and roseate with promises of usefulness and renown. It also embraces men of mature years, who have, by patience and diligent toil, won high places in the honorable profession of Law.
IIon. H. M. Vandeveer must be regarded as the Nestor of the bar. He was born in Indiana in 1816, and eame with his father to what is now Christian county (then Sangamon) in 1829. Read law with John T. Stuart, of Springfield, and was admitted to practice in 1839. He was first resident-lawyer in the county. During the first years after the organization of the county, he held most of the offices, and has been identified in one way and another with the civil history of the eounty from its first organization down to the present. As a lawyer he appeared on one side or the other of every important case that has been tried in the courts of this county prior to 1870, when he became judge of this circuit. He is a man of fine natural abilities, a most excellent judge of men, untiring and aggressive, and a sound practical lawyer. In both private and publie life, and in every official capacity, he has always been found faithful to trusts reposed in him, and has maintained the respect of the bar and esteem of his fellow-citizens through all the years past, since he has been a resident of the county.
W. S. Moore is the second resident attorney, and the third law- yer in the county. He is a native of Ohio, and came to Taylor- ville in 1843. Read law with H. M. Vandeveer, was admitted to practice in 1852, and continued in the profession until 1878, when he abandoned law, and engaged exclusively in mercan-
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IHISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
tile pursuits. Mr. Moore gave almost exclusive attention to the Chancery practice, in which he was successful. He has held va- rious offices in the county, and was circuit clerk for twenty years. Hon. Alexander McCaskill is a native of McDonough county, Illinois. Read law in the office of Judge Bailey, Van Vleck & Wells, was admitted to the bar in 1857, and commenced the practice in Prairie City, in his native county. In the winter of 1857-58 he came to Taylorville, where he remained until 1859, then removed to Colorado, returning here in 1861; and again commenced the practice, which he has continued uninterruptedly, except four years, which was spent as County Superintendent of Schools. He was elected State's Attorney for one term. In 1877 was elected, and at present ably fills the office of County Judge. He is regarded as a good lawyer and safe adviser. In personal character he is above reproach.
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Hon. Andrew Simpson is one of the veteran lawyers at this bar. Is a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois in 1835. Was admitted to practice in 1857, at the spring term of the Circuit Court of Christian county, and has remained here in the practice ever since. He, too, has been honored with offices of trust in the county. Was elected to the office of County Judge just prior to town- ship organization. As a lawyer he takes front rank at this bar. His superior knowledge of human nature, the motives and springs of human action, make him a dangerous antagonist to cope with before a jury. As a man he is plain and unassuming, kind and affable, somewhat eccentric, and full of anecdote and humor.
William S. Randle is a native of North Carolina. Studied law in the office of A. W. Metcalf, of Edwardsville, Madison county, Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in 1858. Came to Chris- tian county in 1869, and engaged in farming, in connection with the practice of law. Resides near Morrisonville, in this county.
S. G. Lewis is a native of Delaware. He emigrated to Green county, Illinois, in 1844, and read law in 1857, '58, '59 and '60, in the office of D. M. Mckinney and Hon. N. M. Knapp, of Winchester, Illinois. Was admitted to the bar in Carrollton, Illinois, in 1860, and commenced the practice in 1862. Was admitted to practice in the U. S. Courts in 1870, and commenced the practice in Taylorville in 1878. He is a good lawyer.
J. M. Birce, a resident of Assumption, and member of this bar, is a native of New York. He taught school and read law. In 1860 he entered the Law Department of the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor, and in 1861 was admitted to practice. In 1865 he came to Assumption, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1866, by the Supreme Court at Springfield. He is engaged in the general practice, and is a painstaking and earnest lawyer.
John W. Kitchell is a native of Illinois. He studied law in the office of Miller & Beck, Ft. Madison, Iowa, where he was subsequently admitted to practice, then returned to Hillsboro, Illinois, his former home, and was admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois. Remained in Hillsboro until 1866, except an absence of eighteen months spent in the practice in Charleston, Illinois, and then came to Pana in October of the same year, where he remained up to the present time. Mr. Kitchell, as a lawyer, is a man of quick perceptions, great activity, a good thinker, ener- getic, and a successful practitioner.
J. C. McQuigg, of Pana, became a member of this bar in 1867. Is a native of Ohio. He was educated at the Fredericksburg Academy and Vermilion College in his native state, and graduated therefrom in 1865. The same ycar he entered the Law Depart- ment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, graduated in 1867, and was at once admitted to practice at Columbus, Ohio. He came to Pana the same year, commenced the general prac-
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tice of the law, and has been there ever since. Mr. McQuigg has a large and lucrative practice, and is regarded by his professional brethren as an able and conscientious lawyer.
Hon. William Edgar Morrison is to the manor born. He re- ceived a literary and scientific cducation at the College of the Christian Brothers in St. Louis. During the late war he was ap- pointed a midshipman in the United States Navy. Studied law in the office of Judge William H. Snyder, of Belleville, Illinois, was admitted to the bar in 1867, and began the practice in Spring- field, Illinois, soon after. Remained in the latter place four years, then moved to Morrisonville, in this county, where he lias since resided. His preference is for the criminal practice, although he does not make that a specialty. He is a fine speaker, and, as a jury lawyer, takes front rank at this bar. He is a social, genial gentleman.
Hon. John B Jones is a native of Ohio. He came to Christian county in 1864. Read law here, and was admitted to the bar in 1868, at the April term of the Circuit Court. Commenced the practice at Nokomis, Montgomery county, Illinois. He returned to Taylorville the same year, opened an office and continued the practice. In 1870 he was appointed Master in Chancery, and con- tinued in that office until 1879. Mr. Jones is a painstaking, care- ful, studious lawyer, and possessed of untiring industry. In the management of his cases, he has them, with his authorities, well in hand. While he is not what might be termed an orator, he states a legal proposition with great clearness and fidelity to facts. He has a fine law library ; perhaps the largest and best selected in the county.
James M. Taylor is a native of Scotland, and came to America in 1854. He read law in the office of Blodgett, Upton & Williams, of Waukegan, Lake county, Illinois. He was admitted to the practice at the spring session of the Supreme Court at Ottawa. In 1868 he came to Taylorville, and formed a law-partnership with Andrew Simpson. The partnership was dissolved two years later, since which time he has continued alone in the practice. His pref- erence is for the chancery and real estate practice. He has studied his profession well, and possesses a natural aptitude for the law.
W. M. Provine is a native of Illinois. He studied law with Ex- Gov. John M. Palmer and Milton Hay at Springfield, Illinois. Was licensed to practice by the Supreme Court in 1868. A short time after his admission to the bar he moved to Taylorville and commenced the practice. Mr. Provine is a very careful, industri- ous lawyer. All business intrusted to his care is sure to receive his prompt attention. Such is his character as an attorney.
James C. McBride is a native of Illinois. Was cducated at Earlham College, a Quaker institution of learning at Richmond, Indiana, and Lincoln University, Lincoln, Illinois. He graduated from the latter in 1869, read law in the office of Judge W. R. Welch, of Carlinville, Illinois, was admitted to the bar in 1870, and commenced the practice in Taylorville, where he has since re- sided. He is, as a lawyer, zealous and industrious in the cause of his clients. His industry and energy argue well for his future prospects in the profession. He creditably fills, and has for several years past, the office of city attorney.
William T. Vandeveer is a native-born citizen of Taylorville. He was cducated at Shurtliff College, Upper Alton. Read law at the office of his father, II. M. Vandeveer, was admitted to the bar in 1871, and at once entered upon a successful practice, and no doubt would have attained a prominent position, had he continued and made law the sole profession and business of his life. IIe is a clear, forcible reasoner, eloquent speaker, and possesses in a high degree the elements of a successful lawyer, but
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
abandoned the practice in order to devote his attention to his large and constantly increasing banking and private business.
D. F. Murray, of Morrisonville, is a native of Ohio. IIe studied law in the office of John B. Jones, and was admitted to the bar of Christian county in May, 1871, and immediately thereafter com- meneed the practice in Morrisonville. Is diligent and enthusi- astic in his profession, and his friends, of whom he has many, predict for him success. He prefers the chancery practice.
Daniel McCaskill came to Christian county in 1865. He read- law in the office of his brother, A. McCaskill. Was admitted to the bar in 1870, at the October term of the Supreme Court in Springfield, and commenced the practice in 1872, in Taylorville. In 1874 he formed a partnership with his brother, which still con. tinues. He is a good conveyancer and safe counsellor.
V. E. Foy, the present able public prosecutor of Christian county, is a native of Ohio. He read law in the office of J. B. Jones, and was admitted to practice in 1874, at the September term of the Supreme Court at Ottawa. He began the practice in Taylorville. In 1876 he was chosen to fill the office of state's attorney. Is a good speaker, and regarded as a good lawyer by the members of the bar.
George B. Crooker is a native of Illinois. He came to Taylor- ville in 1867, and read law here, and became a member of the bar in 1874, and commenced practice in connection with James C. McBride. The firm of McBride & Crooker still continues. He is a popular young man, and has good qualities for a successful lawyer.
James B. Ricks was educated at the Wesleyan University, Bloom- ington, Ill. He studied law in the office of Andrew Simpson, was admitted to the bar in 1874, and is a young man of fine address and considerable oratorical power. With proper industry he will become a bright ornament in the profession. Ile is a native of Illinois.
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