USA > Michigan > Bench and bar of Michigan : a volume of history and biography > Part 30
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his eye on the goal. A young man who has good health, good habits, and systematic plans for study may overcome all obstacles to success in his chosen calling if he is at the same time persistent, energetic, ambitious and prudent.
JOHN F. LAWRENCE, Ann Arbor. For sixty years the name Law- rence has been known and honored in Washtenaw county. This particu- lar representative of the name was born October 20, 1844, at Ann Arbor. His entire life thus far has been passed within the borders of the county of his birth. Ile passed through the common schools and was graduated from the Literary Department of the University of Michigan in 1866. After that he took the course in the Law Department of the University, from which he was graduated with the degree LL. B. in 1868. Entering upon the practice of his profession without delay, his career at the Bar has been at home, with the exception of a single year spent in New York. lle inherited his taste for the law, and doubtless much of the propensity and many of the distinctive attributes which enter into the highest qualifi- cations of the successful lawyer. lle was a partner at Ann Arbor of ex- Judge Frank Emerick; now of Alpena. The partnership was formed in 1878 and continued about two years. From that time Mr. Lawrence con- tinued in the practice alone until 1893, when he formed a partnership with (). E. Butterfield. He has devoted himself exclusively to the law, never having been appointed to any office except that of Supreme Court Com- missioner, and never having been a candidate for political honors. He is a Republican, and what may be termed an advisory member of the party, as his counsels in management and administration are highly regarded. He has been local attorney for the Michigan Central Railroad for several years. His standing at the Bar is excellent, and his reputation both as counsellor and trial lawyer assign him to a rank well to the front in his profession.
EDWIN LAWRENCE, deceased. The late Edwin Lawrence, who was for many years judge of the Circuit Court, and who was for a few months Judge of the Supreme Court, settled in Ann Arbor in 1832. Not more than half a dozen lawyers preceded him in Washtenaw county. He came . there as a young man just entering upon the practice of his profession, and became identified with the sturdy pioneers and the men of the last generation who contributed so much to the prosperity and the glory of the State. He was well qualified in knowledge of the law to make his position among the first, and schooled in the principles which make and govern the best communities. He was often called by the people to serve them in official station, and for twelve years held the office of Cir-
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cuit Judge. In this position he gained a favorable acquaintance in the profession throughout the State. In May, 1857, he was appointed by Governor Bingham to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Bench occasioned by the resignation of David Johnson, and served during the remainder of that year. After his retirement from the Bench he continued in the gen- oral practice with very marked success. During the last year of his active participation in the trial of causes and the proceedings of courts he was in partnership with A. J. Sawyer. He retired from the practice in 1874 and died at Ann Arbor, June.26, 1885, after a continuous residence there of more than half a century. His son, John F. Lawrence, succeeds him in the profession and in citizenship in Washtenaw county.
ISAAC M. TURNER, late of Grand Rapids. Mr. Turner, who died in Washington, D. C., February 5, 1895, had won a prominent place in Grand Rapids business and professional circles simply and solely by his upright character and uncommon ability. His father left him neither gold or lands, but implanted in his heart a love for good reading and a discrim- inating sense as to what is best in the literature of the world. He read Plutarch and the old standard authors before he was ten years old. Mr. Turner was born in England, April 6, 1851, and his father died before he reached the age of fifteen, leaving the family in somewhat straitened cir- cumstances. But with a mind mature beyond his years, he saw possibilities for penniless lads in the new world that did not obtain around him. His mother was persuaded to cross the ocean with him and join a brother who had become a prosperous farmer in southern Illinois. There he worked hard, burned the midnight oil, pored over ponderous law tomes, and made haste as best he could to enter the legal profession. He was a student at Champaign when President Gregory was at the head of the University and was under his instruction for two years. In 1876 he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan and was a member of the graduating class of 1878. He was admitted to the Bar and located in Grand Rapids, thinking that in the midst of its teeming activities he could make a place for himself. After spending a little time with Judge Grove in gaining an insight into the business ways of the people, he opened an office for himself. There was something attractive and inspiring about the contagious energy with which he applied himself to the business that came to him and he very quickly won an enviable position at the Bar. He soon came to stand among the first lawyers of Grand Rapids, and his abilities were cheerfully recognized alike by attorneys and judges of the courts where he practised. Judge Montgomery said of him " Mr. Turner is the best all around lawyer and has more tact with the court and jury than any other attorney that has practised in the Kent county courts since the days of D. Darwin Hughes." He was associated with many important cases
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in Kent county from 1880 to the time of his death. His professional labors gained much from his broad culture and varied information. Hle
was a profound student in many departments of research, and was familiar with the wide sweep of history and its great tendencies, as well as its more particular phases. He was a lover of the literature of all ages and nations.
to be found the widest culture. Mr. Turner was a shrewd business man It was a maxim with him that in the knowledge of universal literature was
and a close student of the financial world. He was a careful reader of the London commercial literature, and kept a close watch of business indica- tions all over the world. He clearly outlined the present business depres- sion while the country was still in the phenomenal activities of 1892, and pictured the present situation almost exactly as it afterwards occurred. He was shrewd financier, and his modest savings were well invested, and so quickly turned that at his death he had accumulated a comfortable fortune.
He had been in uncertain health for several years and his sudden illness at
Washington, where he had only gone a week before, occasioned much alarm. He went to the National Capital as an attorney in the celebrated
Richardson-Belknap contested election case, and the circumstances of his death were peculiarly painful. He was met at the train by Mr. Richard-
son, who had retained his services as attorney. They went to the St.
would call in the evening and discuss the case. But leaving the hotel upon James Hotel, where Mr. Richardson left him with the agreement that he
an errand he was taken suddenly ill and was removed to Providence Hos- pital, where he was cared for by friends until the arrival of Mrs. Turner. The resources of medical skill were exhausted in his behalf without avail. His death was a sudden and untimely closing of a most promising career. It was not wholly unexpected. For years those most intimately associated with him had often felt deep anxiety on account of his health. But he had a stout heart and unshaken courage; and he compacted into forty- three years achievements and attainments that would have richly crowned an average life of fourscore. Mr. Turner was the senior member of the law firm of Turner & Carroll, which was formed in 188o, and at the time of his death was the oldest firm in the city without a change. Ile was also a member of the real estate firm of Davis, Turner & Carroll. The relations existing between Mr. Turner and Postmaster Carroll were
of the warmest character and most confidential in their nature. Working easily and heartily together they soon built up a practice worthy of com- parison with that of any firm in the State. He was an active and enthusi- astic Democrat, and naturally became the leader of his party in that section of the State. He gave his services with no thought of reward, and it was largely through his work and counsel that the party reached its highest influence simultaneously with the city's greatest prosperity. In 1882 he was elected prosecuting attorney and served until 1887. During his term of service in that office he had several cases of general interest and in every important instance he secured a conviction. One of the most
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remarkable cases brought before the court in his official career was that of the People vs. Dr. N. J. Aiken, on a charge of abortion. With the death of Mr. Turner, the last person connected with that memorable trial passed away. Another case which attracted almost as much attention was that of the People vs. Harry MeDowell, a travelling salesman, who was con- victed of manslaughter. He broke up a gang of thugs who had infested the neighborhood of Grandville, and after a hot legal fight, railroaded them to the penitentiary. In 1889 he was elected alderman, and his work in the common council was of great value to Grand Rapids. He was easily conceded to be leader of that body when Edwin F. Uhl was mayor. Ile was chairman of the park committee, and did much to improve the park system. He was the Democratic candidate for mayor in 1893, but was defeated by William J. Stuart, the city 'going overwhelmingly Repub- lican. He was a hard worker, and, though much debilitated during the last years of his life, kept himself up by his indomitable will. He was a great reader, and had gathered one of the most valuable private libraries in the city. He had a reputation throughout the State as a student of Shakespeare. He was genial and courteous in his personal character, and with all his learning belonged to the common people. His death was deeply mourned in Grand Rapids. The local press hastened to bear elo- quent tribute to his manly character and the large place he had filled in the business circles of the city. The Kent county Bar adopted resolu- tions to the effect that it had lost in common with the State of Michigan one of its most honored, able and respected members and citizens. They declared appreciation of his sterling character, courage and fortitude in meeting and overcoming difficulties. They recognized in him the com- bination of the able lawyer, the patriotic citizen, the cultured scholar and the considerate gentleman. Prominent members of the Bar made addresses of ardent eulogy. Willard Kingsley, in submitting the resolu- tions, quoted from the address of the great actor Kemble, who said on retiring from the English stage, that
". He hoped to enjoy some space between the theatre and the grave, like the Roman in the capitol, I may adjust my mantle 'ere I fall.'
Mr. Turner enjoyed no such space between the forum and the tomb, for he fell like a soldier at the front. He had simplicity of manner and cor- diality of heart. He has left an excellent reputation because he earned it. He dug deep into political economy and advocated those conservative principles that make a nation strong. He was much more than a common- place lawyer in this commonplace age." Mr. Turner's domestic relations were of the happiest character. He and Mrs. Turner became acquainted while they were students at the University of Michigan. Her maiden name was Frances Belle Bailey, and her parents resided in Missouri. They were married in 1879 and had two children. Henry Carroll and Agnes. She is a woman of far more than ordinary ability and is a writer
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of note. She is a member of the Grand Rapids school board and takes a prominent part in the Ladies' Literary Club. Something over a year before his death Mr. Turner purchased the old Griggs mansion on South Division street and remodeled it so that it became one of the handsomest residences in the city. There, surrounded by his books and family, he spent his leisure time. He was domestic in his tastes, fond of company and delighted to have his friends around him at his own table. He was loyal to them and his noble character will be long remembered by his associates in public and private life.
THOMAS F. CARROLL, Grand Rapids. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe county, New York, November 24, 1854. His father, James Carroll, was a direct descendant of the original Carroll family of Ireland and Maryland. He married Mary Kennedy, both being natives of County Meath, Ireland. His parents came to this country in 1845 and settled in New York State, 'afterwards removing to Van Buren county, Michigan, where he spent his early life. While young he evinced a fondness for books and literature, and took advantage of every opportunity for acquiring a thorough education, and at the early age of sixteen years began teaching school, which he pursued for six years. He read law ardently and devotedly during this time, and in 1877 located in Grand Rapids, where, in the office of the then well known law firm of Hughes, O'Brien & Smiley, he completed his studies and was admitted to the Bar October 14, 1878. In 1880 he entered into a law partnership with the late Hon. Isaac M. Turner, which partnership continued up to the time of Mr. Turner's death, in 1895. The firm at that time had the distinction of being the oldest in the city without change in its membership. From , 1883 to 1886 he was assistant prosecuting attorney for Kent county. Upon the death of Mr. Turner the firm was reorganized, and Joseph Kir- win, who had long been in the employ of the old firm as manager of the office, was admitted to the firm. As a mark of respect to his late partner, the name of Mr. Turner is still kept in the firm, the business being con- ducted under the name of Carroll, Turner & Kirwin. This firm has always done a large and lucrative law business and is among the oldest and strongest in the State. And while their practice has been alnost wholly of a civil nature, yet they have been employed in some of the most impor- tant criminal cases which have been on the court dockets in recent years. In addition to his large law business Mr. Carroll is an extensive owner of real estate, and is also Postmaster of Grand Rapids, having been appointed by President Cleveland March 9, 1894. Upon his appointment the Postal Record of Washington said, Mr. Carroll is a Democrat, a self made man and a typical American, in the full sense of the term. Seklom, if ever, has a more thoroughly popular appointment been made for an important office
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in the State than that of Thomas F. Carroll for Postmaster of Grand Rapids, not only from a political, but from a business standpoint. It is an assured fact that not a man or woman in this city but who has com- mended President Cleveland's action in this manner. Although Mr. Car- roll has been one of the most able and efficient workers for the principles of Democracy, to which his long and valued services on city, county, con- gressional and State committees will amply testify, he has never sought office, although frequently mentioned and urged to accept the nomination for mayor and also for Congress; but has invariably declined, preferring to work in the ranks of his party and aid his friends rather than accept any honors himself. Immediately after the National election his name was suggested unanimously by the party leaders as the man on whom the important position to which he has been appointed without opposition, should be bestowed. His high character, business ability, energy and social qualities eminently fit him for the place. Under his guidance the office will not recede, but, on the contrary will be made to keep pace with the rapid advancement of the city. He assumed charge of the office April 7, succeeding Col. G. G. Briggs, whose term had expired. One of the leading bankers of Grand Rapids has this to say :
" I regard Mr. Carroll as one of the safe and conservative lawyers of our city. A man of broad learning, sound judgment, coupled with fine executive ability, as his record as a lawyer and business man has often demonstrated; and as has been particularly shown in his official capacity as postmaster of our city. He reorganized and systemized the entire office, so that to-day we have beyond question the best equipped and best man- aged post office in the country, and among all our people there is but one opinion about Mr. Carroll, and that is, 'He is a successful lawyer, and one in whom his large clientage has the utmost confidence, and is the best postmaster this city has ever had.'"
Mr. Carroll was married October 11, 1880, to Ella M. Remington, eldest daughter of W. B. Remington, of Grand Rapids, who died in January, 1882. He was a second time married August 19, 1889, to Julia Agnes Mead, only daughter of the late Major A. B. Watson. By the former marriage he has a son, Charles Carroll, and by the latter marriage a daughter, Katharine Carroll.
CHARLES P. CALKINS, late of Grand Rapids. Charles P. Calkins was born January 24, 1803 at Hinesburg, Chittenden county, Vermont, and died at Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2, 1890. His carliest education was received in his native county, but, coming west, it was con- tinued and completed at Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor. He was admitted to the Bar of Michigan in 1835. The following year he removed to Grand Rapids, which continued to be his home during the remainder of his life. In 1837 he formed a partnership for the practice of law with Benjamin G.
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Bridge, who died in 1839. For some years thereafter he continued in practice alone and succeeded well in the profession. In 1853 he associated with himself in partnership John T. Holmes, who had been a student at law in his office. In 1879 he retired from the practice, in which he had been actively engaged for nearly forty-five years. The official positions which he held were related to the legal profession. He was Master in Chancery for the Circuit Court in 1848-49; justice of the peace in 1845 and city recorder in 1850. He declined political office at all times and under all circumstances, preferring to devote himself wholly to the practice of law. Mr. Calkins was one of the pioneer lawyers of Kent county, only one or two having preceded him. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of the Bar, counting from date of his admission. He had formed the habit of industry in early life, which was continued during all the years of his practice. Ile became familiar with the principles of law, the statutes and the reports from close application to reading and the frequent recurrence to them in practice. He was a good counsellor and a logical reasoner, able to present a strong argument for the consideration of the judge or the information of a jury, although he was not in the popular sense an orator. Ile early established a reputation for honesty and high moral courage, which remained with him throughout life and was left unstained by any dishonorable action or questionable conduct. He gained and held the love and respect of the community in which he lived so long and which his example, industry, public spirit and morality helped to build. He was married December 23, 1839, to Mrs. Mary A. Hins- dale, of Grand Rapids.
CHARLES W. CALKINS, Grand Rapids, is the son of Charles P. and Mary Hinsdale Calkins. He was born June 19, 1842. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at the age of nineteen enlisted as a private in the engineer corps of Michigan under Col. William P. Innes. His soldierly qualities soon marked him for promotion and he served six months as regimental sergeant major and for two years as first lieutenant and adjutant. At the close of the war he remained south for some time and entered the employ of the Nashville and Chattanooga rail- road, at Nashville, as general business agent. After returning home he was employed for three years by the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, as cashier, at Kalamazoo. In 1871 he embarked in mercantile business at Grand Rapids, which was continued four years. In 1875 he established an insurance and loan business. During this time he was reading and studying law, and in 1881 was admitted to the Bar. He has not engaged in general practice, but employed his knowledge of the law and the privil- eges secured by his license in the special practice incidental to his loan business. Mr. Calkins has discharged the duties of citizenship and taken
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a lively interest in municipal affairs. He has served a term in the common council of the city, two terms on the board of education and eight years on the board of health. For three years he has been secretary of the Michigan Masonic Home Association, in whose management he has been influential. The military taste acquired during carly life led to his identi- fication with the militia organizations of the State. For seventeen years he was a member of the militia and during that time served in every rank from private to chief of staff of the brigadier general commanding, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Colonel Calkins has attended every State encampment in Michigan, either as an active participant or an interested visitor. In the conduct of his business, as in all public affairs, he is methodical, careful and systematic. Order and neatness have a place in the arrangement of everything managed by him and he works quietly, without pomp or ostentation. His intelligence and refinement are crowned by a strict morality and therefore he is a valuable citizen in a progressive community. He was married September 21, 1869, to Miss Mary L. Scovel, daughter of H. G. Scovel, of Nashville, Tennessee. They have three children, Anna, Effie and Charlotte. Colonel Calkins is a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and has served seven years as a vestry- man.
MITCHELL J. SMILEY, Chicago. Mr. Smiley, though a resident of Chicago at the present time, has long been intimately associated with the courts of Michigan, in which for many years he has been a successful prac- titioner. He was born in South Avon, New York, May 2, 1841, and ten years later removed with his parents to Van Buren county, Michigan, where they settled on a farm. He grew to manhood on the farm and developed a strong and sturdy physique that has stood him well in hand during the close and exhaustive labors of the later years. He was bright and ambitious; at the age of seventeen became a student of Kalamazoo College, and taught part of each year for the purpose of paying his own expenses. He began the study of law in 1860 under the direction of N. A. Balch, of Kalamazoo, who was then at the summit of his professional career. Two years later he was admitted to the Bar and was at once taken into partnership by his preceptor, who had come to highly esteem the earnest and capable young attorney. Mr. Balch and Mr. Smiley were together in practice some ten years, and the firm was dissolved on account of the desire of the junior partner to enter into partnership with Hughes & O'Brien, of Grand Rapids. They needed the additional services of a good trial lawyer in their business, and made him a very flattering proposition, which he accepted and accordingly removed to Grand Rapids. On the death of Mr. Hughes in 1883, Mr. Smiley organized the firm of Smiley & Earl, which was dissolved by the death of Mr. Earl in 1891. Soon after-
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wards he formed a partnership with Wm. Alden Smith and Frederick W. Stevens, which continued until February, 1895, when the firm was dis- solved and Mr. Smiley removed to Chicago, on account of the greater facility afforded there for the executive management of corporations in another State. Prior to that time he had acquired large interests in Wis- consin and had been elected president of several corporations, chief of which is the Land, Log & Lumber Company of Milwaukee. Other important ones are the West Shore Lumber Company of Racine, and the Penobscot Lumber and Dock Company of Milwaukee. In Chicago he associated with himself Mr. Thomas C. Clark in the firm of Smiley & Clark, for a general law practice, which is carried on in addition to the cor- porate and business interests. For twenty-five years he was singularly devoted to the law and it is only within a comparatively recent period that other affairs have been permitted even to divide his allegiance. When twenty-four years of age he was a candidate for the Legislature on the Democratic ticket and was defeated, perhaps fortunately for himself. Some years later he came within fifty votes of an election to the office of Mayor of Grand Rapids, as an independent candidate. He has sought no prefer- ment and cherished no political ambition. For an estimate of his abilities and characteristics the editor applied to one of the very able practi- tioners of the State, whose intimate relations afforded the opportunity of studying the subject and whose impartiality lends value to his judgment. And this is what he says:
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