USA > New York > Orange County > The history of Orange County, New York > Part 49
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Allen W. Corwin, who occupies the position of recorder of Middletown, has displayed in the performance of his duties firmness tempered by forbearance. judgment informed by conscience, justice controlled by wisdom. His broad and humane policy in dealing with minor offenses, united to his stern and rigid enforcement of the law in serious cases, largely accounts for the almost entire freedom of Middletown from crimes of pillage and violence.
Recorder William H. Hyndman, of Newburgh. has also succeeded during the last few years in greatly reducing the number of crimes committed in and about a city which was at one time infested by bold and desperate criminals. A river town is always subject to greater danger, through its opportunities for access and escape, but Recorder Hyndman has earned the gratitude of the public for an administration of the criminal law which has resulted in a marked improvement of the condi- tions once prevalent in his jurisdiction.
Of course the discouragement of crime rests largely in the vigilance of
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the district attorney of the county. Thomas C. Rogers, of Middletown, the son of William H. Rogers, who himself could easily have attained eminence at the bar if he had so chosen, was elected to this office in 1006. He has already shown that in his hands the wise, faithful and efficient enforcement of the criminal law may be confidently depended upon. llis previous administration for three years of the office of assistant district attorney was distinguished for unusual abihty. He is amply qualified to uphold the traditions of an office always ably filled by such men as Fullerton and Carr, Brown and Hirschberg, Anthony and Headley, Powelson and Seeger.
j. D. Wilson, Jr .. of Newburgh, who received the appointment as assistant district attorney, to serve with Mr. Rogers, is well qualified to sustain the burdens of the position, which are necessarily very consider- able when it is considered that he is expected to exercise special vigil- ance in the entire castern part of the county, including Newburgh itself.
Wickham T. Shaw was one of the most alert assistant district attorney's that Orange County ever had. He served in that capacity under Judge Fullerton from 1868 to 1871, trying many of the cases. His career at the bar of Middletown has afforded many opportunities for the display of his knowledge of the criminal law, gained in that association with one of the foremost lawyers of his time.
bram V. N. Powelson never satisfied the expectations of his friends until he came to the office of district attorney in 1897, a position which he filled for seven years. They always knew that he had ability and they always regretted that his retention of the office of justice of the peace, for many years, prevented that recognition of his abilities to which they were entitled. But the opportunity to show his solid worth both as a lawyer and as a law officer came with his entrance into a wider field of county administration in which he acquitted himself with credit and distinction.
John F. Bradner, of Middletown, was also at one time closely con- nected with the administration of the criminal law, having been the recorder of Middletown for many years : a position in which he presided with great dignity over many important and exciting trials. Mr. Bradner is an advocate who enters upon a trial with all the ardor and enthusiasm born of absolute conviction in the justice of his cause, and he never fails to make a strong impression upon a jury.
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John L. Wiggins, of Middletown, son-in-law of Judge Groo and brother of Willis H. Wiggins, an eminent member of the Ohio judiciary, is distinguished for the earnestness, energy and enthusiasm with which he espouses every cause committed to him. He is original and resourceful. In an action brought once against his client for a violation of the law in respect of adulterated milk, Mr. Wiggins gravely argued to the jury that in his judgment the law was unconstitutional. As the facts were clearly against his client, the judge did not take the trouble to interrupt him, but was astonished when the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Mr. Wiggins' client. based wholly upon the constitutional argument.
The next day Mr. O'Neill, encouraged by Mr. Wiggins' tactics, entered upon the same line of defence, but Judge Gaynor admonished by the miscarriage of the day before, promptly suppressed it, and Mr. O'Neill's client was convicted.
Alton J. Vail, of Middletown, is a lawyer whose modesty often conceals his merits, which. however, are well known to his clients. Mr. Vail has for many years transacted the business of the Middletown Savings Bank. He is an authority upon titles and upon all questions involving the law of real estate, his opinion upon these and kindred questions having frequently been sustained by the courts. Wide experience, sound judg- ment, conservative instincts, elevated character, absolute probity and in- tense loyalty in friendship unite in Alton J. Vail, the able lawyer, the honorable man, the upright citizen.
A. C. N. Thompson, of Middletown, who is in partnership with Mr. Dill, has abundant inspiration in his name. He is the son of John A. Thompson, once a prominent lawyer of Monticello who, on account of his admiration for one of the greatest lawyers of his day named him after Archibaid C. Niven.
Mr. Thompson has already shown one quality conspicuous in his dis- tinguished godfather-that of capacity for hard work. His energy and self-denial in preparing himself for the bar while engaged in the exacting duties of another calling, give promise of abundant success in the career now opening before him.
Charles T. Vail, who entered upon a career of high promise at the bar was cut down upon its threshold. No lawyer in Middletown ever had the faculty of winning friends as easily as he. His sunny disposition, affectionate nature and engaging manners won for him a host of admirers,
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adherents and clients. Undimmed affection in many hearts still sheds a tear over the untimely grave of Charlie Vail.
De Witt Van Zandt, of the Middletown bar, was the son of that gifted divine, Dr. Van Zandt, so long the beloved pastor of the brick church at Montgomery. Coming to Middletown fresh from college, his sparkling wit and ready repartee endeared him to a large circle of admiring friends. But soon he was overtaken by broken health, which paralyzed his energies and crumbled his ambitions. Through all the experiences of a life that failed to fulfil its early promise, he maintained the instincts, the manners and the bearing of the true gentleman. He never lost the sweetness, serenity and gentleness of his disposition, or the high standard of personal honor inherited from his revered father. Fond meditation still tenderly dwells upon the fadeless memory of De Witt Van Zandt.
Jolın G. Mills, of the Goshen bar, removed to Washington, where he died in April, 1883. While necessity chained him to the law inclination led him along the flowery paths of literature. His talents and accom- plishments brought him into relations with the great and the gifted. one of his dearest friends being Robert G. Ingersoll, who pronounced the oration at his funeral. Mr. Ingersoll said :
"My friends: Again we are face to face with the great mystery that shrouds the world. We question, but there is no reply. Ont on the wide waste seas there drifts no spar. Over the desert of death the sphinx gazes forever, but never speaks.
"In the very May of life another heart has ceased to beat. Night has fallen upon noon. But he lived, he loved, he was loved. Wife and chil- dren pressed their kisses on his lips. This is enough. The longest life contains no more. This fills the vase of joy.
"He who lies here, clothed with the perfect peace of death, was a kind and loving husband, a good father, a generous neighbor, an honest man,- and these words build a monument of glory above the humblest grave. He was always a child, sincere and frank, as full of hope as spring. He divided all time into to-day and to-morrow. To-morrow was without a cloud and of to-morrow he borrowed sunshine for to-day. He was my friend. He will remain so. The living oft become estranged ; the dead are true. * * *
"With him immortality was the eternal consequences of his own acts. He believed that every pure thought, every disinterested deed, hastens the
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harvest of universal good. This is a religion that enriches poverty ; that enables us to bear the sorrows of the saddest life; that peoples even soli- tude with happy millions yet to live,-a religion born not of selfishness and fear, but of love, of gratitude and hope,-a religion that digs wells to slake the thirst of others, and gladly bears the burdens of the unborn.
"But in the presence of death how beliefs and dogmas wither and decay! How loving words and deeds burst into blossom! Pluck from the tree of any life these flowers, and there remain but the barren thorns of bigotry and creed.
"All wish for happiness beyond this life. All hope to meet again the loved and lost. In every heart there grows this sacred flower. Immor- tality is a word that Hope through all the ages has been whispering to Love. The miracle of thought we cannot comprehend. The mystery of life and death we cannot comprehend. This chaos called the world has never been explained. The golden bridge of life from gloom emerges and on shadow rests. Beyond this we do not know. Fate is speechless. destiny is dumb, and the secret of the future has never yet been told. We love ; we wait ; we hope. The more we love, the more we fear. Upon the tenderest heart the deepest shadows fall. All paths, whether filled with thorns or flowers, end here. Here success and failure are the same. The rag of wretchedness and the purple robe of power all difference and dis- tinction lose in the democracy of death. Character survives; goodness lives ; love is immortal."
Harrison W. Nanny, of Goshen, had a pathetic career. Possessed of unusual talent and capacity he was handicapped in the practice of his pro- fession by an accident which paralyzed his energies, embittered his soli- tary life and pressed to his rebellious lips the chalice of mocking irony.
But while he was not resigned he was courageous. Some of the work which he performed in suffering and illness is marked by a high degree of intellectual power. Only his misfortunes prevented his attaining promi- nence at the bar.
No one has a deeper affection for the memory of Mr. Nanny than his old friend and partner, Charles I .. Mead, who now lives in retirement from the activities of his profession at his home in Middletown. Mr. Mead has the unprecedented record of having served three terms in succession as county treasurer-a striking proof of his influence, his pop- ularity and his qualifications for public office. During his entire period
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of service not one of his official acts was ever questioned and he surren- dered the office crowned with the respect and confidence of the public.
Bradtord R. Champion, of the Goshen bar, was a contemporary of Winfield and Gedney. While his talents were not brilliant or showy he still possessed those solid, sterling qualities of mind and heart which im- part strength and vigor to individual character ; which inspire confidence in the community at large ; which uphold the very structure of society ; which confer blessings upon every relation in life and which bring peace and honor, repose and happiness to their possessor.
The recent death of William H. Wyker removed one who, while not prominent in the trial courts, possessed many endearing traits of character and occupied a large place in the social and civil life of Goshen. He was also in great favor and request as a speaker in political campaigns. He could have taken his place among the trial lawyers of the county, had he so chosen, but. he, too, suffered under the disadvantage of having accepted the office of justice of the peace-that abyss in which talent has so often found its unmarked grave.
The late Benjamin F. Low, of the Middletown bar, was one of the most genial spirits ever drawn into social relations with his fellow-men. He fairly oozed companionship and good fellowship. He was also a good lawyer. coming from a family of which Senator Henry A. Low. his brother, was the most able and conspicuous member.
ile had some notable successes at the bar. In the case of Josie Teets against the city of Middletown he obtained a verdict for considerably more than he would have got if it had not been for the mistake of his opponent in the cross-examination of the plaintiff's physician, Dr. William II. Dorrance, who, on the direct, had testified to only moderate injuries to his patient as the result of her being thrown over the dashboard on account of an obstruction in the street. But he became nettled by the cross-examination and when he was finally asked: "Now. doctor. tell me just what is the matter with this young lady." he replied : "Why, Mr. ('Neill, there is not one organ or function of that woman's body that works healthfully or naturally."
This brought up the verdict from $1.000. all that Mr. Low expected to get. to $3.000. It was a lesson to all who heard it as to the danger of giving a hostile witness too good an opening. As a matter of fact. the woman is still living in vigorous health.
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Louis S. Sterrit, of Newburgh, who died in April, 1907, left a void in the hearts of a large and intimate circle. He enjoyed an extensive clientage and the confidence of the entire community. He was the attorney of that old, strong and conservative institution, the Newburgh Savings Bank, and of many other institutions and societies. His digni- fied presence, his affable manners, his substantial worth, his sincerely re- ligious character, his mental poise combined to produce an impression upon the community which the corrosion of time will, with difficulty. efface.
Mr. Sterrit was eminently public-spirited. In 1904 he erected at the entrance of Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor, two very fine gates. He also placed in the Union Presbyterian church of Newburgh a tablet in memory of the late Rev. Alexander B. Jack, one of its pastors.
His generosity was unbounded. No client, however poor or humble, ever failed of help or counsel because he lacked a fee.
The death in 1906 of Lewis W. Y. McCroskery, of the Newburgh bar, created a general feeling of sorrow and a distinct sense of persona! loss. He had filled many offices which brought him into individual rela- tions with the entire community, and it is safe to assert that he had not a single enemy. His appointment as postmaster by President Cleveland was filled with credit to himself and usefulness to the public service. His professional career was interrupted by this service, but when he resumed his practice at the expiration of his term his clients gathered about him again, for they and the bar alike always appreciated deeply his amiable disposition, his spotless character, his solid ability.
Joseph M. Leeper, of the Newburgh bar, also passed away in 1906. A veteran of the Civil War his health did not permit him to engage in active practice, but he took an honorable pride in his membership of a profes- sion which he never did one act to discredit.
The mention of Mr. Leeper suggests the name of one who should not be suffered to fall into oblivion, for it was one of the strongest passions of his own life to perpetuate the memory of the leaders of the Orange County bar, by which he was especially deputed to prepare and publish the memorial to Mr. Winfield. No one will dissent from a passing tribute to the generous instincts and throbbing heart of John K. Goldsmith.
Henry W. Chadeayne, elected in 1906 supervisor of the town of Corn- wall, but practicing in Newburgh, stands out as one of the few men who
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always says what he thinks. You can always tell where to find him, and that is just where he says he is. You do not have to go to any one else to learn where he stands. Just ask him and you will know. He has no patience with trimmers and time-servers. He always takes the most straight road possible to any given end.
This rugged intellectual honesty constitutes a positive force and a sterling asset. The public service and the legal profession have no purer representative than Henry W. Chadcayne.
Among the members of the Newburgh bar who have risen rapidly to prominence is James G. Graham, the son of the gifted lawyer already referred to, whose full name he bears. Mr. Graham, after four years' experience in public affairs at Albany, in the executive chamber, accepted the office of deputy attorney-general. which he held two years. This po- sition, which has always been a most exacting one, involving the trial and argument of cases of great magnitude, was filled by Mr. Graham with marked ability and to the entire satisfaction of the public. It was during his incumbency of this position that Mr. Graham was chiefly in- strumental in bringing about the creation of the new ninth judicial dis- trict-a service for which the Orange County bar can never be sufficiently grateful to him. It is to his untiring and influential exertions that we are chiefly indebted for the creation of a natural, homogeneous judicial district, free from the blight and incubus of Kings County-a district in which the accession to the bench of Judges Mills, Tompkins and Mor- schauser insures the preservation of those standards of judicial dignity, (lecorum, deliberation and, above all, consideration for the rights and feelings of the bar, which have been so nobly maintained by their dis- tinguished colleague, Judge Keogh.
The Newburgh bar has many members of varying degrees of promi- nence and experience, including the venerable Jesse F. Shafer, who was born in 1828: Samuel E. Dimmick, who comes from a family of able lawyers; Seward U. Round, who worthily bears the famous name be- stowed upon him at the time his father was principal of the Seward In- stitute at Florida ; Caleb H. Baumes, who is idolized by his brethren of the Odd Fellows; Peter Cantline, aggressive, ambitious and rising, des- tined to take his place among the foremost members of the Orange County bar ; James M. H. Wallace, earnest. forcible, unflinching, inde- fatigable and intellectual : Charles W. U. Sneed, modest, interesting and
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well informed; David C. Scott, patient, devoted and industrious ; Leroy Dickerson, engaging and efficient; John B. Corwin, the fit successor of Louis S. Sterrit as attorney for the Newburgh Savings Bank and, like. him, retiring and reserved until the occasion calls for action, when he is eloquent, convincing and powerful; Frank W. Tompkins, popular and re- spected; George W. May, refined and gentlemanly; Martin G. Mould, courteous and affable ; W. J. Wygant, unassuming and competent ; Reeve Ketcham, faithful and energetic; Reuben H. Hilton, U. S. Collector of the Port of Newburgh : Russell S. Coutant, accomplished and scholarly ; Nehemiah Fowler, solid and dignified; A. D. and A. W. Lent, father and son, educated, amiable and conscientious.
The Walden bar is adorned by the ardent, impulsive, enthusiastic, bril- liant A. S. Embler ; by the earnest, thoughtful, learned Irving H. Lough- ran : by the bustling, energetic, ambitious Anson J. Fowler, and by the fine natural abilities of Caleb B. Birch, Jr.
Joseph M. Wilkin, of the Montgomery bar, bears an honored name -- that of his father, who for several years occupied a prominent position at the bar of Tennessee, returning to Orange County at the opening of the war on account of his pronounced Union sentiments. He was the brother of Judge John G. Wilkin, already referred to, and the two had many traits of character in common derived from their sterling ancestry. It is not strange that the younger Joseph M. Wilkin should exhibit in his present administration of the duties of special surrogate the qualities which have always distinguished the members of his famous and honor- able family.
The bar of Montgomery is also strengthened by the high character and unquestioned capacity of William L. Dickerson. But Montgomery has ceased to be the center of legal interest which it was in the days when Edward Van Orsdall organized a suit there at least once a week and where he and that once well known member of the Goshen bar, George W. Millspaugh, frequently tried out the issues before a jury packed to beat one or the other.
The Middletown bar includes, among its well known members, Henry T. Crist, whose personal popularity led to his election as coroner ; Russell M. Vernon, who has acquired a large practice in the Surrogate's Court ; Howard M. Starr. who is performing the duties of justice of the peace . John Bright. whose alertness, readiness and general information piedes-
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tine hint to an active career ; Jeremiah E. Barnes, who served most acceptably for several years as the recorder of the city of Middletown, and Charles C. Elston, who has manfully overcome many difficulties in estab- fishing and maintaining his position at the bar.
The Goshen bar includes among its honored members Charles W. Coleman, who, notwithstanding that he is a martyr to ill health and is compelled to spend the winters in Florida, retains the confidence and busi- ness of a host of personal friends; also William D. Mills, who has learn- ing enough to equip a dozen lawyers for successful practice.
Louis Bedell, of the Goshen bar, secured at Albany in the Assembly a more powerful personal influence than any member from his district ever enjoyed, with the exception of his former partner, George W. Greene. This was, of course, partly due to the wisdom of the electors in keeping him there. But Mr. Bedell's many qualifications for success in public life accounted in a large degree for the extent of his influence. \ lawyer is always needed in either the Assembly or the Senate and no amount of good fellowship or general intelligence can make up for the lack of legal training and experience.
Joseph Merritt. of Goshen, whose diffidence prevents his coming into prominence before the public is, however, unable to conceal from his professional brethren his very superior legal attainments. He is a lawyer of the very first rank. His opinion is respected and followed in many instances in which the court is unaware that it is he who has guided it to a correct conclusion.
Philip .A. Rorty, of the Goshen bar, has gone rapidly to the front. The wide experience gained by him in the extensive business established by the firm of Bacon & Merritt, in which he is a partner. has been used by him to great advantage. He is entrusted with the preparation of impor- tant cases, in the trial of which also he takes a considerable and highly creditable part. lie is an expert in railroad law and in the law of negligence.
T. Floyd Halstead, of Goshen, is the son of one of the most warm- hearted. noble. honorable men who ever lived-the late John R. Hal- stead of Unionville. If he will but emulate in private and professional life the virtues of his most estimable father he will be sure to continue and confirm the success which has already in a large measure attended upon him.
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J. V. D. Benedict, of Warwick, represented his district in the Assembly in the year 1877. His suavity of manner and moderation of speech are the sincere reflection of a kind, generous and affectionate nature.
His interest in various pursuits has interfered with the singleness of his devotion to the law, but his opinion upon difficult questions has often been sought and followed with the most satisfactory results to himself and to his clients.
Clifford S. Beattie, of Warwick, who is associated in business with his father, Judge Beattie, settled in his old home after a most valuable and enlightening experience as one of the legal staff of the Metropolitan Railway system in New York. He possesses an individuality, an inde- pendence and a strength of character which prevent his being over- shadowed by the great reputation of his father. But if he did not have these qualities he would not be a Beattie.
Lewis J. Stage, of Warwick, who is associated in business with Mr. Kane, under the name of Kane & Stage, had the good sense to voluntarily resign the office of justice of the peace-that grave of professional ambi- tion ; that rock upon which so many a professional career has foundered. Since then he has made strides in reputation and influence.
Mr. Stage has always taken an active part in the educational, philan- thropic, historical and religious interests of the community. His sincerity in this is manifest and unquestioned. He is frec from all forms of cant and pretense, sham and affectation.
John Miller, of Cornwall-on-Hudson, whose memory goes back to the days of McKissock, is a veritable encyclopedia of the law ; a storehouse of principles and authorities ; a reservoir of unlimited capacity ; a fountain of perennial flow. If he had been as able to apply, discriminate and assimilate as he has been to accumulate stores of knowledge his abilities would undoubtedly have been more widely recognized.
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