USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 55
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Judge Williams was a man of strong convic- tions, but one who entertained great respeet for the views of others. He died in Quincy, September 21, 1863, leaving the record of a distinguished, noble and pure life. To quote from the bar resolutions, October 27, 1863. he was "eminently a frank and sineere man. You always knew where he was and what he was. lle never deceived a friend or betrayed a trust, or trifled with an interest. None ever doubted his word. None ever questioned his honesty. He was alike the ornament of official position and of the private station. The ra- diance shed by the influence of his moral de- portment was not less beneficial upon society than his legal and logical mind and profes- sional courtesy were upon the bar. He lived for others, not himself. Ile lived for the ben- efit of his race and country. He was not a seeker of wealth: with all of his energy, un- tiring industry and great endowments. he died without it, leaving behind him little else but the rich inheritance of his professional and ex- emplary eharaeter.
Nehemiah Bushnell was a native of Connee- tient and was graduated from Yale college in 1835. Ile was admitted to the bar in 1837 and came to Quiney the same year and formed a partnership with O. II. Browning, which lasted till his death. Soon after establishing himself in this eity, Mr. Bushnell conducted the edi- torial department of the Quincy Whig for a time. These expressions from members of the Joeal bar on Mr. Bushnell's death show the high estimation in which he was held. Ilon. O. C. Skinner referred to him as an "example of a life of patient, publie and professional labor, publie usefulness and unsullied fame. distinguished alike by learning and talent -- a great and good man." llon. W. A. Richard- son said: "He could have adorned the presi- dency of any institution of learning in the land. lle was qualified to have discharged the duties of any department of their institutions. His talent, his learning, his sense of justice, would have made him conspienous and eminent on the bench of the supreme court of the United States." Judge Sibley said: "The needy al- ways found in him a generous giver, the un- fortunate a ready sympathizer, and the intel- ligent conversationalist a mind stored with the richest fruit of miscellaneous knowledge." Mr. Bushnell died in 1873.
Calvin A. Warren was born in New York in 1807, was a newspaper man in early life. was admitted to the bar in 1834. moved to Quiney in 1836 and went to Warsaw later. but removed to Quincy in 1839. He first formed a law partnership with James II. Ralston, then
with Almeron Wheat. and was once associated with O. C. Skinner. Warren was at different times engaged in business enterprises. but abandoned them all to follow his chosen pro- fession. As was written of him by the Ilon. 0. 11. Browning, immediately after his death, "lle was distinguished as a member of the legal profession for his high legal attainments and for the eminent ability with which he dis- charged the duties of the important offices with which his name has been honorably asso- ciated." Mr. Warren died February 22, 1881.
An excellent biographical sketch is given elsewhere in this work of the late Almeron Wheat, the former county attorney, who ren- dered snch conspicuous service when the effort was made to remove the county seat from Quiney.
Charles Gilman, a member of the loeal bar and reporter for the state supreme court, died July 24, 1849, of cholera. It was said of him that he passed away in the meridian of his life and the full career of his usefulness, and that no man at the bar was better qualified to adorn that branch of his profession. Endowed with a quick and active intellect and possess- ing a more than ordinary degree of literary and legal attainments. he held a high place in the esteem and affection of his professional brethren.
Philo A. Goodwin was a native of Connecti- cut, whence he came west and he resided in Quincy nearly a third of a century. He died June 13, 1873. Mr. Goodwin had a profound respect for his profession, was a good lawyer, a safe counsellor. a warm hearted friend and an honest man.
William H. Benneson was born in Newark, Delaware, December 3. 1818. After gradnat- ing with honor from Delaware college. 1840, for three years he taught school in Virginia, studying law at the same time. In 1843 he came west and opened an office in Quincy. His first partner was Stephen A. Douglas, who had resigned from the supreme bench of Illi- nois on June 28. 1843, and who was soon drawn away to engage in his political career. The personal and political friendship of the two continued through life.
In 1849 Mr. Benneson was allured to ('ali- fornia gold fields, where he mined for three years and then returned to again practice law in Quincy. Ile was Master in Chancery under Judge Skinner and Judge Sibley, from 1853- 1861. During the Civil war he was appointed colonel of the 78th Illinois Infantry by Gov- ernor Richard Yates. Ill health compelled him to resign, and he resumed his law practice.
Hle stood well among that distinguished
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galaxy of lawyers who were his contempora- ries. Ile was not engaged in active practice the last ten or fifteen years of his life, but he still loved the law. He died at his home near Quincy, January 27th. 1899, being the last member of the earlier bar of Adams county.
Isaac N. Morris was born January 22, 1812, in Bethel. Clermont county, Ohio, and was the fonrth son of United States Senator Thomas Morris of that state. After attending the uni- versity at Oxford, Ohio, he studied law in Cin- einnati with Judge Wright and was admitted to the bar. Ile came to Warsaw, Ill., in 1836, and a year later was united in marriage with a daughter of John P. Robbins. In 1838 he moved to Quiney and formed a law partnership with C. A. Warren and Judge Darling. The next year, in addition to his other duties, Mr. Morris edited the Quincy Argus, now the Quiney Herald. In 1841, by appointment of the state, he was president of the Illinois and Michigan Canal; was a member of the state legislature in 1846, and of congress from 1856 until 1860. By appointment of President Grant he was commissioner of the Union Pa- cific railroad, in which capacity he rendered valuable service. He died October 29, 1879. The bar resolutions, which were presented by O. H. Browning, read as follows. "Resolved, that we hold in highest esteem the good and noble qualities of the deceased and remember with great satisfaction the zeal and ability with which at all times he discharged the duties devolved upon him by the distinguished publie trusts, both state and national, which, from time to time, have been committed to him."
Isaac Mason Grover was drowned in the Mississippi river, while bathing, July 27, 1862. being then about fifty years old. lle was a na- tive of Sidney, Maine. He was an upright, honest man and was regarded by the bar as one of the ahlest lawyers in the state.
Abraham Jonas was born in England. He came to this country at the age of sixteen, liv- ing first in Cincinnati, whenee he moved to Kentucky, where he was a member of the leg- islature. He came to Quincy from Kentucky and served in the Illinois legislature. Ile served one term as Master in Chancery, by ap- pointment of President Taylor, and died June 10, 1864, while serving another, by appoint- ment of President Lincoln. In the public and private life and character of Mr. Jonas the bar recognized his moral qualities, great single- ness of mind in advancing the public inter- ests. indomitable energy in exeenting landable purposes and his uniform kindness in his pri- vate relations.
Sterling P. Delano was born in Richmond,
Franklin county, Vermont, September 28, 1830. lle came with his parents, in 1839 to In- diana, and in 1848 to Hancock county, Illinois. In 1855 Mr. Delano came to Quiney and en- tered the law office of Browning & Bushnell, and in 1858 he and E. Il. Buckley beeame law partners. Delano enlisted in Capt. Mead's Ilome Guards, was elected captain and was a model officer. He died August 27. 1862, from effects of a wound accidentally received while in the military service of his country. As a lawyer, Captain Delano was rapidly working his way to the front. He gained confidenee and regard not merely by his industry and su- perior ability, but by his uniform courtesy and high, excellent bearing.
An extended biographieal sketch of former United States Senator William A. Richardson will be found elsewhere in this history. The bar's estimate of the character of and abilities of this distinguished citizen may be seen from the following resolutions, adopted February 21, 1876: "He was regarded always as one of the strongest and ablest of our members. Of clear head, strong will, great energy and an intuitive and almost infallible common sense and judgment of men, he was a natural leader and these qualities, united with an integrity never questioned, gave him deservedly great power and influence, as well at the bar as in the political arena where he was so highly dis- tingnished."
The resolutions on the death of Frederick V. Marey, who died July 14, 1884, were pre- sented by Bernard Arntzen, November 10, 1884, and included this sketch: "He practiced law here nearly a score and a half years. While he possessed a mind which was logical in analy- sis and comprehensive in its grasp, rendering him an adornment to his profession, still it is also true that in a residence among us for nearly a score and a half years his habits were characterized by continued retirement and constant study, so that he enlisted the re- spect of all and the enmity of none.
"So industrious was he as a lawyer, espe- vially when engaged in an important ease re- quiring care, study and thought, that it might be said of him, 'he never slept.'" This was the view held of Alexander E. Wheat, as ex- pressed in the bar resolutions on his death. Mr. Wheat was not a brilliant lawyer, but he had few superiors at the trial table, and as an interrogator of witnesses he had no equal at this bar, in the opinion of the association. Mr. Wheat was born at Veniee, Cayuga county, N. Y., April 19, 1833. He was admitted to the bar in Quiney in 1857 and resided here until his death, which occurred September 2, 1885.
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The only record that can be found of John M. Cyrus is this expression by the local bar : "The life of Capt. John M. Cyrus was cut off while seeking to regain his health in a milder elime thuiring the prime of his manhood, and in the midst of labor and usefulness." The reso- lutions were adopted March 23, 1874.
Wellington S. Lee was born in Erie county, Pa., in 1822, on a farm. He had some expe- rience in the Mexican war, coming to Quincy about 1850. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in Co. F., 3d Ilinois Cavalry, and served with such distinction as to be promoted to the cap- tainey. He died August 21, 1863, from effects of the accidental discharge of a pistol in the hands of one of his own men. His only regret at his approaching death was thus expressed : "Oh, why could I not have fallen in battle ?" As a lawyer, Capt. Lee was always honorable, courteous and faithful in the discharge of his profession.
" In the life and character of Jackson Grim- shaw we recognize a lawyer of eminent ability and learning, and a man of stainless honor and integrity in every station of public and pri- vate life." This is the epitome by the local bar of the character of a lawyer who had won more than local fame. Jackson Grimshaw was born in Philadelphia in 1822. At the age of seventeen years he was a civil engineer for the New York and Erie Railroad company. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and in 1843 located in Pike county, Illinois, whence he came to Quincy in 1857, associating himself in the law with Archibald and John H1. Williams. Mr. Grimshaw was a prominent member of the convention in Bloomington in 1856 that or- ganized the republican party ; was collector of internal revenue from the beginning of Lin- coln's second term, until the election of Grant, after which he resumed the practice of his pro- fession. He died at Quincy, December 13, 1875.
Edward H. Buckley was born in Windham county. Conn., August 3. 1814; went to Chi- rago in 1832; thence to Mississippi as govern- ment land surveyor; went to Richmond, Ind., in 1834. where he taught school, and where he was admitted to the bar in 1839. In 1841 he located in Columbus, Adams county, Ill., where he practiced law until 1848: was engaged in the county seat agitation ; was a representative in the legislature of 1847, from Marquette, an unorganized portion of Adams county, which aspired to become a new county, but which ambition failed of accomplishment. Buckley moved to Quincy and practiced law : was dep- uty county clerk under J. C. Bernard; re- organized the records under the new constitu- tion : was appointed city clerk under Governor
Wood in 1852-53. In 1857 he formed a law partnership with S. P. Delano, at whose death the firm became Buckley, Wentworth & Marcy, Wentworth retired in 1865, and Buckley & Marcy dissolved in 1870. Buckley died JJan- mary 14, 1890. It was the close of a long and honorable career, lacking bnt two years of a half a century of law practice and active busi- ness life in this county.
Maryland was the native state of Rufus L. Miller, who was born at Ridgville, July 27, 1827. le came to Quincy in 1837 and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1854. Later on he moved to Keosanqua, Iowa, and served through the Civil war in an Iowa regiment. After the war he returned to Quincy, where he remained till his death, July 10, 1881. The bar resolutions describe C'ol. Miller as a true gentleman, a man of unquestioned integrity, a public spirited cit- izen, an incorruptible lawyer and a brave sol- dier and patriot.
John Conover was a native of Warren conn- tv, Ohio, where he was born in 1838. Hle came to Illinois in 1852, and to Adams county in 1877. Ilis death occurred November 11, 1881. !le was a good lawyer and an honorable, ener- getie business man.
"As a man he was just, fearless and honor- able, and his influence was ever on the side of law and order," is the bar record memorial expression concerning Aaron McMurray. Mr. MeMurray was born near Clayton, Ill., Septem- ber 24, 1840. He enlisted in the 3d Missouri Cavalry, and served three years in the Civil war. On retiring from the service he was ad- mitted to the bar, at which he practiced till his death, October 18, 1887.
General James W. Singleton was born at Paxton. Va., November 23, 1811. He moved in early life to Schuyler county, Ill., where he practiced medicine and also studied law. He was twice elected to the state legislature, and also a delegate to the constitutional convention from that county. During the Mormon trou- bles he had charge of the military at Nanvoo ; came to Qniney in 1852; constructed the rail- road from Camp Point to Meredosia; served one term in the state legislature from Adams county ; was an emissary of President Lincoln to the Southern Confederacy on a peace mis- sion was defeated for Congress in the 4th dis- triet in 1868; was elected to Congress in 1878, but failed of re-election. He died in Baltimore, Md .. April 4, 1892, and the resolutions adopted by the Quincy bar April 23, 1892, thus analyzed his characteristics: "He was a born politician and loved the excitement and scramble of pol- ities. He was never more happy than when in the midst of political contests, and yet on
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great occasions, he was most prudent and con- servative. The confidence of those who knew him best, in his fidelity, integrity and ability was unbounded. It was in his social life that he was most admired. and Boscobel, his country home just east of Quincy, was celebrated the country over as the seat of the most delightful and charming hospitality. Not many years actively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion. still he was a member of this bar.
llon. George A. Anderson was born in Vir- ginia in 1853: while a child, was brought by his parents to this state, and was reared on a farm. Ile graduated at Carthage. Ill., college in 1876; was admitted to the bar in 1879, and located in Quincy. In 1884 he served as City Attorney, and also served with distinction as a member of the 50th congress. After 1885 he was a member of the firm of Sprigg. Anderson & Vandeventer. Struggling against adverse circumstances in his youth and early manhood, by his patient industry, application and integ- rity. he rose to the high standing he occupied in this city and nation. He filled with integ- rity and honor the various positions awarded him. As a lawyer he was cautions, industrions, zealous and unswerving from the lofty stand- ard and high standing of professional ethics, courtesy. integrity and devotion to the true in- terests of his clients. He died January 31, 1896.
William MeFadon was born in Massachu- setts. December 9, 1843. The most of his life was spent in this city, his father and mother having located here when he was a small boy. He was graduated from Harvard University and also from the Harvard Law School, and was admitted to the bar of this state February 3. 1869. Although he was away from the city for nearly seven years preceding his death. he was still regarded as a member of the local bar. Ile was a lawyer in the highest and best sense of the term. In polities he was a repub- lican. but never a blinded partisan: was an upright. publie-spirited. law-supporting and law-abiding citizen, and was honored among all his neighbors and those who knew him. Whether at the bar, in the church, in the po- litical arena, or in the citizen's walks of life. he was at all times, in all places, a thorough gentleman. Ile died at his home in Chicago, March 14, 1898.
James F. Carrott was born in Quincy. July 15, 1849. Ilis whole life was spent here. ex- cept the time he was away at school at the Indiana Asbury University. where he grad- nated in the class of 1869. lle studied with and in the office of the Hon. O. Il. Browning. and was a favorite of that eminent man. After
his admission to practice in this state he took a course of lectures in the Harvard Law School. He returned and continued to occupy a desk in Mr. Browning's office until that gentleman's death in 1881. He succeeded Mr. Browning as the local attorney for the "Burlington Route." Mr. Carrott was an able lawyer and an esteemed citizen. He died December 23. 1903. in Quincy.
Chester A. Babcock was born near Bing- hamton, New York, January 17. 1849, and at an early age came with his parents to Mata- mora, Il .. where his boyhood days were spent on a l'arm. lle attended the Chicago Univer- sity and graduated in 1874 or 1875. Upon graduating he entered the law offices of Wheat, Ewing & Hamilton, and was admitted to prac- tice January 4, 1877. Ile located in Quincy and practiced law here until his death, August 28, 1899. As a lawyer Mr. Babcock was capa- ble. active and persistent and was an eloquent speaker.
Bernard Arntzen was born in Prussia in 1834, rame to this country in 1849 and located in Quiney; entered the drug business, but later decided to study law : was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. He was elected city attorney in 1858, in 1860 was the democratie candidate for state auditor: in 1874 was elected state senator and served four years. He was spe- cial agent of the interior department to allot lands to Indians. llis first work was in Ne- vada, where his health broke down. During his last years he lived in Duluth, where he died November 2, 1895. He was a capable lawyer and a logical speaker.
Colonel W. W. Berry was born in llanford county, Md .. February 22. 1836. He first prae- tieed his profession in Louisville, Kentucky. Inne. 1861, he enlisted as colonel of the Lonis- ville Legion of the Army of the Cumberland, and made a most brilliant military record. After the war he settled in Winchester, Scott county, Ill .. where he practiced law for several years. On removing to Quiney he naturally occupied from the first a prominent position at the bar. He was elected commander of the Illinois Eneampemuent, G. A. R., by a unani- mous vote and without his knowledge. He was a highly influential republican leader, but while always ready to help others, he never sought office for himself, although he might have easily secured high position and would have adorned any place. He died May 6. 1895. The bar resolutions on his death were as fol- lows: "Col. Berry possessed rare qualities of mind and heart, a bright intelleet and a quick perception, a lofty imagination, a clear insight
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into human character, a just regard for the rights of others, a reverence for law and jus- tice and a sympathy for suffering that would have distinguished him in any age. We speak but the simple truth when we say that Col. Berry was an honest and pure man and a just and able lawyer. As a citizen he furnished an excellent example of honesty, integrity, vir- tue and public spirit. His life was a part and parcel of the development and growth of Qniney. When the Civil war broke out, Col. Berry was of the south and thoroughly sonth- ern by birth. associations and interest, yet without a moment's hesitation and with all the zeal and earnestness of a patriot he esponsed the side of the Union, and upon the field of battle won, and justly won. a place side by side with great soldiers of that war."
Judge Joseph C. Thompson was born at Blairsville, Pa., September 18, 1826, and died in Quincy, HI., August 20, 1893. The fifth child in a family of seven, he had to work hard and get such schooling as he could pick up at odd times. At nineteen he was qualified to teach. and he taught two terms of school, then read law in Lebanon, Ohio. Ile came west in 1847 with his uneles, Sanmel and Isaac Culbertson. for whom he kept books awhile at Mt. Carmel, Ind., then he returned to Lebanon, where he attended school and taught another term, then attended law school in Bloomington, Ind. He was admitted to the bar at Anderson, Ind .. in 1854, practiced two years at Franklin, Ind., then went to Macomb, MeDonough county, Ill., where he practiced law till 1868. Then he came to Quincy, which was his home till his death. Ile practiced law regularly and was also known as a farmer. Ile was prominent and influential in the democratic party, was a member of the constitutional convention, served four years as county judge of Adams connty and made a worthy and honorable rec- ord. In May, 1893. he was appointed by Pres- ident Cleveland as postmaster of Quincy, which position he held at the time of his death. The bar resolutions on his death declare "that in his professional career he exhibited many of the best and noblest qualities and abilities which distinguished the thoroughly honest, honorable and successful forensic practioner, and was ever alert, diligent and courageous in the defense and protection of his client's inter- ests. His professional intercourse with and deportment toward his brethren of the bar was uniformly characterized by that suavity. firm- ness and ingennousness always indicative of manly and generous impulses and pure and elevated principles."
Gen. Elisha B. Hamilton was a native of
Carthage, Hancock county. Ill., where he was born October 5, 1838. He died March 20. 1902, in Riverside township. Adams county. IL., while engaged in a law suit. General Hamil- ton served through the Civil war with distinc- tion and at its close came to Quincy and en- tered upon the practice of law, which chosen profession he followed until the hour of his death. As the bar resolutions recite: "As a Friend he was warm and sincere : as a lawyer, learned and accomplished; as a husband and father, he was kind, loving and generous; and as a soldier and a citizen, he was brave, loyal and faithful and delighted in the discharge of all his duties."
James HI. Richardson was born in New Al- bany. Ind., in 1834 and came to this part of the country in 1840. Ile studied law in the office of Warren & Edwards about 1851 or 1852. On being admitted to the bar he went to Bloomington, HI., where he practiced till 1862, when he returned to Quincy. where he remained till his death, September 18, 1891. Hle and Bernard Arntzen were law partners for a number of years. While city attorney, Mr. Richardson revised the city ordinances. Ile served a term in the state senate about 1870. He was a member of the bar of Quincy for nearly forty years, and the bar resolutions speak well of his ability and standing.
At this writing, Hon. Ira M. Moore is the latest member of the Quincy bar to pass from this life. Mr. Moore was born in 1835, in Fa- hins, N. Y., where he received a common school education and studied law. Hle resided in Quiney about thirty-three years, was a mem- ber of the state legislature, 1872-76, a justice of the peace four years and was the author of several text books on civil and criminal prac- tice in justice's courts. lle died in Quincy April 6, 1905.
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