USA > Missouri > Clinton County > The History of Clinton County, Missouri : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Clinton County in the late war, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 47
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His administration was as satisfactory as it could have been to all conservative men. At the expiration of his term of office, he resumed the practice of law in St. Joseph, which he has followed ever since. He has been employed in all the important cases since his return to the practice, and has added greatly to his well earned reputation as a lawyer before the war. He has sought no office or position since. On the con- trary, Governor Hardin told me that he had twice offered him the posi- tion of Supreme Judge since the death of Judge Vories, but that Mr. Hall had declined both times.
SOLOMON L. LEONARD
was one of the early immigrants to the Platte country. He had been engaged in teaching school at the time of his coming. He was in mod- erate circumstances, indeed might be termed poor, but he had pluck and perseverance enough for two men, but succeeded rather slowly at the practice of law. He lived on a small farm two miles from Platte City, about twenty acres of which he cleared and cultivated. From these two sources he made barely a comfortable subsistence. In 1843, I think, the state was entitled to five hundred thousand acres of public land, and Solomon L. Leonard was appointed a commissioner to select land for the state. The compensation he received for the same enabled him to purchase the land on which he resided and on which his wife now resides, east of St. Joseph.
In 1844 or 1845, he was appointed judge of that circuit to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Henderson Young, who had been judge for about one year after General Atchison's resignation. He continued in office until 1852, when he declined being a candidate for re-election. In most respects he was a model judge ; commencing court every morning carly, at the very moment to which it was adjourned. Every day he got through the docket of that day, if it could be done by dark.
Lawyers had to work hard, and those who were not fond of hard work found fault. I always found him courteous and respectful to all members of the bar. The hard work imposed on the bar was not the
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result of any arbitrary feeling on his part, but a determination and an honest purpose to subserve the interest of the public properly. It would be better for the bar and public if more judges would follow the same course.
. After he retired from the bench he formed a partnership in the practice of law with General Bela M. Hughes. It was a very able firm, and while it continued it had as much practice as it could attend to. Judge Leonard's wealth gradually increased, and the property he left made all his family rich. The increase of his property, and the business consequent upon it, induced him to abandon the practice almost entirely.
During the first year of the war, in 1861, he went south, whether to carry his negroes south or to engage in the Southern cause, I do not know. He was drowned at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, in Grand River, in that year.
Judge Leonard had as much will-power as any man I ever knew, and a large volume of brain power. He was a man of strong prejudices- his enemies could hardly do right, and his friends could scarcely do wrong. He was aware of these prejudices, and brought his strong will- power to control them on the bench, which he did successfully. He was devoted to his family, and educated his daughters with a great deal of care, regardless of expense. Rather impatient by nature, yet he was fond of legal and logical discussion, and listened with patience to law- yers of any ability. We were warm personal friends, and I deemed him a just and able judge.
GENERAL BELA M. HUGHES
was the son of General Andrew S. Hughes, herein mentioned, and born in Nicholas County, Kentucky. His mother was a sister to Thomas Metcalf, who was a captain in the war of 1812, a member of congress for many years, governor of the state, and then a United States Senator.
Coming from such a stock on the respective sides, it would naturally be supposed that General Hughes would be a man of high order of intel- lect. Those whose anticipations were the highest have not been disap- pointed. He graduated at Augusta College, Kentucky.
Immediately after he graduated he went to Wisconsin Territory as a private secretary of the territorial governor. He was introduced into social and political life under favorable auspices. While there he improved his learning much from men and books. Coming to Missouri, he commenced the study of law, but having married when he was very young, and having six or eight thousand dollars in his own right, he thought it would be better to accumulate a fortune rapidly by engaging in merchandising and commerce. He located at Weston, Platte County. As he knew nothing of business, it did not take him long to lose half of his fortune. He sold out, re-engaged in the study, and finally in the practice of his profession.
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He succeeded very well from the start ; was elected to the legisla- ture from that county, and appointed Receiver of Public Moneys at the United States land office at Plattsburg, Missouri. He remained there until General Taylor was elected in 1848, and although his uncle, who was then a Whig senator from Kentucky, and myself and others, who knew General Taylor well, assured him he would not be removed, his delicate sense of propriety induced him to resign (he being a Democrat), saying that he would not hold an office which, under the custom of parties, belonged to some Whig." He removed to St. Joseph, and lived there as long as he remained in the state. He formed a partnership, first with Solomon L. Leonard, and afterwards with Silas Woodson. Both these partnerships were remunerative. Governor Woodson was appointed judge of that circuit, and General Hughes went to Atchison, Kansas, more for the purpose of attending to the varied interests of his cousin, Benjamin Holliday, the distinguished pioneer in steamship lines, rail- roads, and overland mail. This business required many long and dan- gerous voyages to Colorado, Salt Lake, and San Francisco, in connec- tion with the Holliday mail route. Selecting Denver as a central position for the route, he finally located there, removed his family, and made it his permanent home. When his connection with Holliday had term- inated, he resumed his profession, and at a bound placed himself at the head of the able bar of Colorado, which position he maintains now (1881). He is employed in all the important suits arising from railroads, mines, telegraphs, and stock operations. He has acquired a fortune by his close attention to business, and with the wonderful success with which he has met. I have spent six summers in Colorado, have often heard him in courts, and was there when he was nominated by the Democrats of that state for governor, and during his brilliant canvass. His speeches were marked by the caustic wit, sharp repartee, and boundless humor that characterized his father, with much more learning and general attainments. He may be deemed an eminent jurist and orator, and I know personally of his receiving a letter from one of the most distin- guished jurists in New York asking his opinion in relation to his con- struction of a very ambiguous statute, saying "that he would rather have his opinion than any other lawyer, and that his clients would pay him liberally for it."
His great ability, integrity, and attention to business, assures us that he will always retain his business and practice as long as he desires.
SILAS WOODSON.
My first acquaintance with Silas Woodson was at Plattsburg, in the fall of 1854. I was then attending court, and was employed to assist Hughes and Leonard and General Loan in the defense of William Langs-
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ton, charged with murder. The case had been pending some time in Buchanan County, and finally had been taken to Clinton County; but I was only employed in the case at the term at which it was tried. Gov- ernor Woodson had recently emigrated from Knox County, Kentucky, to St. Joseph, and some of the citizens of St. Joseph had employed him to assist in the prosecution of Langston. We had been several days engaged in examining the testimony and had closed on both sides. While I was writing some instructions at my room, General Loan and Judge Leonard came in and told me Mr. Woodson complained of being sick, and desired to make the closing argument in the case instead of the opening. I told them that I had an invariable rule that I would not depart from, that the circuit attorney must make the closing argument in every criminal case in which I was engaged. In a few minutes after they left Mr. Woodson came in, and told me he was not well, and being a stranger did not like to address a jury under disadvantageous circum- stances. It was a strong appeal to my courtesy, and I felt somewhat inclined to accede to his request, but I had read the trial of Dr. Baker, who was tried and convicted for murder in Kentucky, and a Mr. Wood- son had been the prosecuting attorney. It occurred to me that he might possibly be the man. I asked him if he had been prosecuting attorney when Dr. Baker was tried. He said he had. I said, "Mr. Woodson, a prosecutor who was able to meet and gain a victory over the most eminent attorneys and advocates in the Union, is able to pros- ecute against such lawyers as Langston has, even though he is sick. I regret that my duty to my client compels me to be apparently discour- teous. You cannot make the closing argument in this case." An hour afterward, the instructions had been given by the court, and Mr. Wood- son commenced his address, which for ability, brilliancy and pathos I have never heard equalled. I regret that I have not language that will convey even the faintest idea of this torrent of eloquent invective.
In 1860, he was elected judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, in which position he gave universal satisfaction, and at the expiration of his term, with a most enviable reputation, again resumed the practice of law.
As a practitioner, he takes rank among the leading lawyers of the state, and his professional associates cheerfully concede his eminent ability in criminal cases. The vital interests of the largest corporations, the equally important rights of the humblest citizen, alike command his services, and whether the fee is a fortune or a farthing, he devotes his best abilities and his constant attention to the success of his client.
In August 1872, quite unexpectedly to himself, he was nominated by the State Democratic Convention as candidate for Governor of Mis- souri, and was elected to that office by a large majority, and served for two years with distinguished ability.
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No blemish mars the purity of his private life. He, is one of the few men, who, through a long public career, have never once neglected or betrayed any trust reposed in them. His motto is, and his action has always been, to do what right and justice demand, leaving consequences to take care of themselves.
He possesses an earnest nature, great energy and firmness, a clear judgment, with comprehensive and analytical mind, and a heart full of true charity and noble impulses.
GENERAL J. M. BASSETT.
J. M. Bassett was born in New Haven, Connecticut, February 7, 1817. He came with his father, when a small boy, to Ohio, and at the age of ten years removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he completed his education. He read law with Governor Cailin, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Afterward he opened an office in Quincy, Illinois, and, after several years of successful practice, came to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, in 1844, where he remained two years. While here he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Con- vention, and came to St. Joseph shortly after the labors of that convention were closed.
He soon became one of the leading lawyers of the country. He served four years as prosecuting attorney of this judicial district. Was elected Mayor of St. Joseph in 1855. At the breaking out of the war he espoused the cause of the Union, and did much to rally the loyal sentiment of Northwest Missouri. He was captain of a company of militia, and was for two years provost marshal of this district.
General Bassett was a ready and powerful writer ; generous, pleas- ant, social and charitable. He was a fluent speaker, and strong in argu- ment, and his success before juries and judges was proverbial.
Keen, cool, shrewd and cautious, his speeches in court often veined with glowing sarcasm, were not only models of terseness and force, but revealed a background of study, reflection and special preparation, which stamped him as one of the foremost lawyers of Northwest Missouri. He seemed to rise with the occasion when the subject in hand demanded intellect and power. Then it was he would pour forth argument, and hurl invective and eloquent appeals to the jury, sweeping everything before him.
Whenever he devoted his full powers to a case, no client in the West had a more safe, competent and successful advocate. General Bassett died in 1871.
Among those who attended the first courts in this judicial district at Old Sparta and St. Joseph was
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GENERAL A. W. DONIPHAN,
who was born in Mason County, Kentucky July 9th, 1808. His ances- cestors on both paternal and maternal lines were of English extraction. Mis father and mother were natives of Virginia, his father being a revolu- tionary soldier. His mother was a woman of extraordinary mental powers and sparkling wit. He graduated at Augusta College, Kentucky, at the early age of eighteen years, with distinction, especially in the classics. He studied law in the office of Martin P. Marshal, of Ken- tucky. After a period of two years he was licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Ohio. In March, 1830, lie came to Missouri, and was licensed to practice by the supreme court, at Fayette, in the succeed- ing month. On the 19th of April, 1830, he settled at Lexington, Mis- souri, and began his long, successful and brilliant forensic career. At the age of twenty-two, without experience, he was placed in collision with Abiel Leonard, Robert W. Wells, Peyton R. Hayden and others, gentlemen eminent for ability and legal attainments.
His maiden speech at the bar was made in 1830, in defense of a man indicted for murder. His conduct in this trial was modest, and gave evidence of the dawning of that reputation as a criminal lawyer which he afterward attained.
In 1837, he removed to Liberty, Missouri, which he made his home for the succeeding thirty years. There he found, already established in the practice of law, those distinguished lawyers, D. R. Atchison, Amos Rees and James M. Hughes. His experience at Lexington had been preparatory ; at Liberty his reputation attained its zenith. Doniphan was young, ambitious, highly cultured, and his mind expanded with ease to meet the magnitude of each new occasion. The faculty of ready, powerful and tempestuous speech-the flashes of brilliant thought had come to him, and the people of the state at once recognized him as an orator.
In 1836, 1840, and in 1854, he represented Clay County in the legis- ture without opposition. He was a member of the Peace Conference of 1861. In 1846, occurred the war with Mexico, and in May, 1846, he was elected Colonel of the first regiment Missouri Mounted Volunteers.
The laurels won by Colonel Doniphan and his men during the Mex- ican war are among the brightest that grace the American arms, and the memory of them will be as enduring as time itself.
In the varied circumstances of life Colonel Doniphan has exerted a great influence. In parliamentary bodies he has done this mainly through social impress and personal contact. He is fascinating in conversation, and his society is sought wherever he goes. His mind acts with quick- ness and precision. His temperament is poetic, even romantic, but is guarded by fine taste and the most delicate sense of the ludicrous. His
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mind is so well organized, so nicely balanced, its machinery so happily fitted, its stores of information so well digested, and so completely made a part of the brain, that its riches, without apparent effort, flow or flash fourth on all occasions, and places each subject or object it touches in a flood of light.
Nature has endowed him munificiently. He now leads a quiet life at Richmond, Missouri, devoting himself entirely to the amusements of reading, correspondence and converse with his myriad of friends.
HON. W.M. T. WOOD
was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, about the year 1809, and after receiving an excellent education, emigrated to Clay County, Missouri, when about twenty-one years of age, and began the practice of law. He continued to practice with great success, until about 1838, when he became circuit attorney of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. In 1840, he repre- sented Clay County in the Legislature of the state. In 1844, he moved to Lexington, Missouri, at that time, one of the most flourishing towns in the state. After following his profession for several years, in Fayette and adjoining counties, he was elected Judge of the Sixth Judicial Cir- cuit. After holding the office for two or three years, he resigned, and located in St. Louis, where he resumed and continued the practice of law until about 1866, when he returned to Lexington. In 1868, he was again elected Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and in 1874, was re-elected for the term of six years. After the expiration of his term of office, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he now resides, still following his profession at the advanced age of seventy-two years. He has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and distinguished himself in defending Dr. McPheters in the ecclesiastical courts.
Judge Wood is not a brilliant orator, but possesses a profound knowledge of the law, and is honest and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. While judge, he gave great satisfaction for his fairness and impartiality. Possessing in an eminent degree a legal mind, his decisions from the bench were always delivered in a clear and convincing manner.
HON. THOMAS E. TURNEV
was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, on the 28th day of February, 1831. He is the eldest of a family of five children, his parents being Morgan Turney and Triposa M. Birch.
When six years of age, he came with the family to Shelby County, Illinois, where they located, and where he continued to reside until he reached the age of twenty-one years. While in Shelby County he
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studied law with Anthony Thornton, afterward judge of the supreme court of that state and a member of congress. He also remained for a short time in the business house of William F. Thornton, a brother of the judge, as clerk.
In 1852, he emigrated to Clinton County, Missouri, locating in Platts- burg. He resumed the study of the law after his arrival, in the law office of James H. Birch, Jr., and in 1853 obtained a license to practice. He was elected to the legislature from Clinton County, in 1856, on the Know-nothing ticket, having been a Whig in politics prior to that date.
In 1859, he married Miss Angelina Funkhouser, of Clinton County, and by this union they have had six children, four of whom, (Thomas E., Olive, Lulu and Mary), are now living.
In 1868, he was elected judge of the court of common pleas, which position he filled with great ability and in an acceptable manner to the ·people. He moved to his farm in 1864, in Clinton County, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits in conjunction with his professional duties as a lawyer and judge until 1870, when he located in Cameron. Since 1875, he has had charge of the business of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Rail- road Company in the circuit courts of seven counties.
Judge Turney ranks among the best attorneys at the bar in North- west Missouri, and has for many years enjoyed a lucrative practice. He is thoroughly conversant with the elementary principles of the law, and applies them with great clearness and candor. He is a forcible, logical speaker, and conducts his cases with marked ability and great success.
HON. THOMAS J. PORTER
is the son of Jesse J. and Margaret M. Porter, and was born in Green- ville, Darke County, Ohio, on the 17th day of December, 1842. He attended the common schools of his native town, until the age of sev- enteen, when he entered the Sidney Union School, where he was grad- uated in 1863. He then studied law, under Edwin Smith, one of the ablest lawyers of his county, obtaining a license to practice law in 1864. He commenced the practice of law, during the same year, at Leon, Decatur County, Iowa, where he resided till the fall of 1865. He came to Missouri, reaching Plattsburg on the 28th day of November, 1865, where he has since resided. In October, 1866, he married Miss Sarah A. Harrah, of Osceola, lowa. By this union they have had six children. viz : Zella K., Nellie V., Alleta A., Florence L., Clara R. and Charles T., five of whom are still living, Charles T., the youngest, being dead.
In 1874, he was elected Probate Judge of Clinton County, which position he filled with credit to himself and with great acceptance to the people. He then resumed the practice of his profession, which he has followed exclusively since.
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Judge Porter is conceded to be one of the best lawyers in this por- tion of the state, and ranks high as a brilliant and effective speaker. He is, withal, an upright, conscientious man, being highly esteemed among his fellow citizens, for his many good qualities, as a man, neighbor and friend.
COLONEL WINSLOW TURNER
was born in Plymouth County, in the Old Bay State, in December, 1802, and came to Missouri, locating in Plattsburg, in 1840. During that year he received the appointment of county and circuit court clerk, which positions he held with distinguished credit until 1856, when he resigned. In 1856, he was appointed register of the land office at Plattsburg, resign- ing in 1858. He represented Clinton County in the legislature of the state in the same year, and was elected the speaker of that body. While there, he ranked high as a legislator, and was one of the most useful and influential members. After his term in the legislature expired, he returned home and devoted himself to the practice of law, which he continued until the date of his death, which occurred on the 5th day of March, 1874. He was a man of the purest honor. He scorned everything that was false and mean. Possessing pronounced sentiments, he expressed them freely and fearlessly under any and all circumstances. To a friend or foe he was frank, manly, bold and unequivocal. He was guided by principle, and no question of policy could intervene to abate his advo- cacy of what he deemed right. He was a man of excellent education, systematic habits and possessed a warm and sympathetic heart. He was a good lawyer and safe counsellor, and carried into his profession the same habits of system and thought that characterized him in all the pri- vate and public walks of life. As a man he was an excellent citizen and a kind neighbor. As a lawyer he was industrious, methodical, full of research and always courteous and gentlemanly towards his brother attor- neys at the bar.
IION. GEORGE W. DUNN.
A more complete sketch of the life of the Hon. George W. Dunn will be found among the biographies of this work. This reference is here made to him as a lawyer and a judge.
Those who have read his poetical effusions, notably his " Temple of Justice," will be likely to conclude that, as a lawyer, he is brilliant rather than profound. Such, however, is not the case. While always eloquent in expression, as a practicing lawyer, he was especially distinguished for his thorough knowledge of the law, and the facts of every case in which he was engaged. His proficiency as a pleader, for accuracy of statement and a power of reasoning, which rarely failed to convince those he addressed, whether court or jury.
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As a judge, these characteristics are still more conspicuous. With wonderful rapidity and correctness, he pursues the real issues in the case submitted to him, and applies the law governing them. Being deeply read in the elementary principles of the law, his declarations, which are models of correct reasoning, are usually based upon these principles, and are at once a statement and vindication of the law. Add to these qualities an incorruptible integrity, and we have a sketch of Hon. George W. Dunn as a lawyer and a judge.
Having referred to the judge as a poet, we will conclude this brief sketch by producing here the first stanza of his poem, entitled "The Ermine and the Harp," which is conceded by his friends to be one of his best productions :
The ermine hue of spotless white Invokes the wearer's earnest ken, As law and equity unite
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