A review of the bench and bar of the county of Jefferson would be incomplete without a brief history of the courts as existing at the time of its organization, their origin, jurisdiction, their officers, and how they were appointed.

The tracing back the courts to their origin has required much time of its organization and thereafter was part of the judicial system of the whole state, differing in many essentials from that now in force. It may be stated here that the source of information from which the writer has derived most of the facts here related is the account of the Judicial Organization of the State, and of its tribunals, from the time of its settlement by the Dutch in 1623 until the adoption of the state constitution of 1846, written by Hon. Charles P. Daly, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the City of New York, and published introductory in the first volume of E. D. Smith’s report of cases argued and determined in the Court of Common Pleas of the city of New York.

Courts had existed in the colony of New York prior to 1682, but in that year Dongan was appointed governor. In Dongan the power to create courts was vested, as also the power to convene a general representative assembly, and one was convened to whom Dongan left the matter of creating the courts.

The Assembly met in 1683, and on October 30th of that year passed “The Charter of Liberties and Privileges granted by his Royal Highness to the inhabitants of New York and its dependences,” a copy of which is in the appendix No. 2, of 2 Rev. Laws of 1813.

They also passed an act dividing the provinces of New York into 12 counties, a copy of which is also in the foregoing appendix, marked No. 3. This was passed and approved November 1, 1683. On October 29, 1683, they passed an act to settle courts of justice, a copy of which is in the foregoing appendix, marked No. 4. The courts thus established were in operation in the year 1691. In 1688 Dongan was recalled and Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson acted as governor until the arrival of Governor Stoughton in 1691. In the same year he convened a representative assembly, and being under the impression that none of the acts of the General Assembly of 1683 and 1684 had been affirmed by James, and were therefore null and void, they passed an act for the general judicial organization of the province. By this act the present Supreme Court was created; also justices of the peace in the several towns in place of town courts, and created a Court of Common Pleas for each county except New York and Albany; and Courts of General Sessions of the Peace for each of the counties, and made the same provision for a Court of Chancery which had been made by the act of 1683. These courts thus organized continued down to the Revolution, and the adoption of the constitution of 1777, without material change. In a note to Judge Daly’s article he says: “This act will be found in the first edition of the colonial laws printed by Bradford in 1694, the only perfect copy of which now supposed to exist is in the library of a private gentleman in New York. It has also been reprinted in the appendix to 2 Paine & Duer’s Practice, 715.” It is deemed of sufficient importance to reprint it here as an appendix to this article, together with the introductory remarks by Paine and Duer. By this act it was provided that there should be one judge with three justices in each county, appointed and commissioned to hold the same Court of Pleas, three whereof to be a quorum, “and that the several and respective courts hereby established shall have jurisdiction to hear, try, and determine all actions, or causes of actions, and all matters and things and causes tryable at the common law of what nature or kind soever.” It also provided that there should be appointed and commissioned for that purpose one clerk of the court to draw, enter, and keep the records, etc. one marshal, or crier of the court, to call the jurors and proclaim the commands and orders of the court. It also established a Supreme Court of Judicature, and “that there be five justices at least appointed and commissioned to hold the same court, two whereof, together with one chief justice, to be a quorum,” which Supreme Court “is hereby fully empowered and authorized to have cognizance of all Pleas, Civil, criminal, and mixt, as fully and amply to all intents and purposes whatsoever as the Courts of King’s Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer within their Majesties Kingdom of England have or ought to have.”

And it was further provided “that all and every of the justices or judges of the several courts thereby established be and thereby were sufficiently empowered to make, order, and establish all such rules and orders for the more orderly practicing and proceeding in the said courts as fully and amply, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as all or any of the said judges of the several courts of King’s Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer in England legally do.”

By this act a Court of Chancery was established, and it was provided “that the Governor and Council be the said High Court of Chancery, and have and keep the said court, and that the governor may depute, nominate, and appoint in his stead a Chancellor and be assisted with such other persons of the council as shall by him be thought fit and convenient, together with all necessary officers, clerks, and registers as to the said High Court of Chancery are needful.”

These courts remained practically unchanged and constituted the judicial tribunals of the state down to the adoption of the first constitution of this state in 1777. This constitution made no change in the organization or jurisdiction of either of these courts. It provided for the appointment of all their officers, --that of chancellor, judges of the Supreme Court, and the first judge of every County Court by the governor, and to hold their offices during good behavior, or until they shall respectively attain the age of 60 years; that sheriffs and coroners be thus annually appointed, but no one person to hold either of said offices more than four years successively; that the register and clerks in chancery be appointed by the chancellor, the clerks of the Supreme Court by the judges of said court; all attorneys thereafter to be appointed by the court and licensed by the first judge of the court in which they shall respectively plead or practice, and be regulated by the rules and orders of said courts. It further provided that new commissions shall be issued to judges of the county courts (other than to the first judge) and to justices of the peace, one at least in every three years. By this constitution a court for the trial of impeachments and the correction of errors was for the first time established, ---familiarly known as the “Court of Errors,” --which continued as thus organized until the constitution of 1846.

The counties of Jefferson and Lewis were organized in one act passed March 28, 1805. In this act were the following provisions, viz.: Sec. 4. “And be it further enacted, That there shall be held in and for the said counties of Jefferson and Lewis, respectively, a Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, and that there shall be two terms of the said courts in each of the counties respectively in every year, to commence and end as follows, that is to say: The first term of the said court in the said county of Jefferson shall begin on the second Tuesday of June in every year, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following, inclusive, and the second term of the said court in the said county of Jefferson shall begin on the second Tuesday in December in every year, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following, inclusive. Similar provisions as to Lewis County. And provided further, That the first of the said courts in each of the said counties should be held on the second Tuesday of December next. Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That no Circuit Court, or Court of Oyer and Terminer, and General Gaol delivery shall be held in either of the said counties of Jefferson and Lewis until the same shall, in the opinion of the justices of the Supreme Court, become necessary.

The courts as thus organized continued until the adoption of the second constitution of this state, which took effect January 1, 1803. By this constitution the Supreme Court consisted of a chief justice and two justices. It further provided that the state be divided by law into a convenient number of circuits, not less than four nor exceeding eight, subject to alteration by the legislature from time to time, as the public good may require; “for each of which a circuit judge shall be appointed in the same manner and hold his office by the same tenure as the justices of the Supreme Court, and who shall possess the powers of justices of the Supreme Court at chambers, and in the trial of issues joined in the Supreme Court; and in courts of Oyer and Terminer and gaol delivery and such equity powers may be vested in said circuit judges, or in the county courts, or in such other jurisdiction of the chancellor.” It further provided that the judges of county courts should hold their offices for five years.

Under this constitution an act was passed by the legislature of this state, April 17, 1823, dividing the state into eight circuits, corresponding with the then senatorial districts, and providing for the appointment of judges for said circuits, and defining their powers and jurisdiction. By this act it was further provided that the said circuit judges shall have, within the limits of their respective circuits, concurrent jurisdictions with the chancellor of this state of all matters and causes in equity of every description and character, subject, however, in all cases, to the appellate jurisdiction of the chancellor. The courts thus organized remained uncharged down to the constitution of 1846.

On the 11th day of December, 1805, the following persons took and filed their oaths as attorneys before Henry Coffeen, clerk, viz.: Augustus Sacket, Moss Kent, Samuel C. Kannady, Benjamin Skinner, Egbert Ten Eyck. And on the 11th day of June, 1806, Elisha Camp took and filed his oath as such, and on the 10th day of December, 1806, Thomas Y. Howe did the same. Augustus Sacket was appointed first judge of the Common Pleas, and on the 25th day of March, 1807, he qualified as such by taking and filing the following oaths, which, as a specimen of what was required, not only by attorneys, but by all office-holders, are given here, viz.: ---

“I, Augustus Sacket, do solemnly and sincerely swear and declare that I will support the Constitution of the United States.

“AUGUSTUS SACKET.

“Taken and subscribed this 25 day of March, 1807, before me, Perley Keyes, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Jefferson.”

“AUGUSTUS SACKET.

“I, Augustus Sacket, do solemnly, without any mental reservation or equivocation whatsoever, swear and declare that I renounce and abjure all allegiance and subjection to all and every foreign king, prince, potentate, and state in all matters, ecclesiastical as well civil, and that I will bear faith and true allegiance to the State of New York as a free and independent State.

“AUSUSTUS SACKET.

“Taken and subscribed this 25 day of March, 1807, before me, Perley Keyes, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Jefferson.”

“I, Augustus Sacket, do solemnly swear and declare that I will, to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Jefferson, according to the constitution and laws of the State of New York, in defence of the freedom and independence thereof, and for the maintenance of liberty and the distribution of Justice among the citizens of the said state without any fear, favor, partiality, affection, or hope of reward.

“AUGUSTUS SACKET.

“Taken and subscribed this 25 day of March, 1807, before me, Perley Keyes, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Jefferson.”

The first term of the County Court, of which there is any record, was held on the second Tuesday of May, 1807, at the school-house next south of Jonathan Cowan’s mill, in the town of Watertown. Present, Augustus Sacket, first judge; Joshua Bealls, Perley Keyes, judges; Thomas White, assistant justice.

Samuel Whittlesey was at the time district attorney. The attorneys who appeared in court at this time were Isaac W. Bostwick, Samuel C. Kannady, Benjamin Skinner, Elisha Camp, Samuel Whittlessey, and John Kirkland. As at this time no judgments were entered on default in vacation the record was a very good indication of the business and standing of attorneys.

The next term of the court was held at the same place on the second Tuesday of August, 1807, before the same judges. At this term the name of Thomas Y. Howe, Amos Benedict, and Moss Kent appeared as attorneys on the record. At this term of the court the gaol liberties were established, and also the following order was entered, viz.: --

“Ordered that the present rules of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of New York for the admission of attorneys and counsellors be adopted by this court, except the distinction between attorneys and counsellors, and excepting that attorneys and counsellors from other states shall not be admitted to practice as attorneys or counsellors of this court unless such attorney or attorneys, counsellor or counsellors, shall produce a certificate from a regularly practicing attorney of this court of having served a regular clerkship for the term of three years in the office of said attorney.”

The records of the court were often imperfectly kept. At some of the terms there is no record of the judges holding the same; and until about the year 1815 there is no record of any order admitting attorneys to practice. Their names have been obtained from their oaths as such, found on file, and in some instances, from their appearing upon the records in the trial of cases as such attorneys. In the Supreme Court an attorney was required to practice three years before he could be admitted to practice as a counselor. The admission as attorney did not entitle him to try to argue causes in court. But in the Common Pleas the admission as attorney was also an admission to practice as counselor.

The knowledge of the courts, by whom held, both of the Common Pleas and of the Supreme Court, now possessed by the community, is derived wholly by tradition, and is very indefinite. As much speculation and curiosity is often manifested as to the same it is deemed proper to give here the terms of the courts, and when and by whom held, both of the Common Pleas and the Supreme Court, from the organization of the county in 1805 to the time the constitution of 1846 went into operation; the names of the attorneys admitted during that time; and the various officers of the court, so far as may be gleaned from the records. The acts of the legislature changing the time of holding the terms is not noticed, being essential only as accounting for the variation from the act of organization of the courts.

First, to continue the history of the Common Pleas and General Sessions.

December Term, 1807. -- Joshua Bealls, Perley Keyes, judges; Thomas White, Lyman Ellis, William Hunter, assistant justices.

May Term, 1808. -- Augustus Sacket, first judge; Joseph Clark, Thomas White, Lyman Ellis, judges.

August Term, 1808. -- Joshua Bealls, Joseph Clark, Thomas White, Lyman Ellis, judges.

December Term, 1808. -- Augustus Sacket, first judge; Joseph Clark, Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, Thomas White, judges.

May Term, 1809. -- Same as December term, 1808, at school-house south of Jonathan Cowan’s mill.

July Term, 1809. -- Court-House. Joseph Clark, Thomas White, Lyman Ellis, judges; Curtis Hinds, William Hunter, assistant justices.

October Term, 1809. -- Joshua Bealls, Thomas White, Lyman Ellis, judges.

March Term, 1810. -- Joshua Bealls, Thomas White, Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, judges.

July Term, 1810. -- Moss Kent, first judge, appeared and took his seat on Thursday. Other judges not names.

October Term, 1810. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joshua Bealls, Joseph Clark, Thomas White, Lyman Ellis, judges.

March Term, 1811. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joseph Clark, Thomas White, judges.

July Term, 1811. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joseph Clark, Thomas White, judges.

October Term, 1811. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joseph Clark, Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, judges.

March Term, 1812. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joseph Clark, Thomas White, Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, judges.

July Term, 1812. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joseph Clark, Thomas White, Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, judges.

October Term, 1812. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joseph Clark, Eliphalet Edmonds, judges.

March Term, 1813. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, Abel Cole, judges.

July Term, 1813. -- The only caption to the proceedings at this term is simply as July Term, 1813, and no date can be found in any of the proceedings. But in the records of the General Sessions held at the same time the following names appear: Ethel Bronson, John Brown, Noadiah Hubbard, Jabez Foster, judges.

October Term, 1813. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Ethel Bronson, Jabez Foster, judges.

March Term, 1814. -- Jabez Foster, John Brown, Noadiah Hubard, judges.

July Term, 1814. -- Moss Kent, first judge; Jabez Foster, Ethel Bronson, judges.

October Term, 1815. -- Present, Moss Kent, first judge; Joshua Bealls, Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, Abel Cole, judges.

March Term, 1816. -- Present, Joseph Clark, Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, Eliphalet Edmonds, judges.

First Tuesday in July, 1816. -- Joseph Clark, Joshua Bealls, Lyman Ellis, judges. The attorneys of record at this term were C. E. Clarke, Amos Holton, M. Sterling, H. Emerson, T. C. Chittenden, S. Beardsley, J. Butterfield, Ten Eyck & Channing (admitted March 12, 1812), Ely & Camp, D. W. Bucklin, G. Smith, L. Munson, B. Wright, I. W. Bostwick, Bostwick & Talcott, A. Lathrop, Wardwell & Rossiter, Ela Collins, J. P. Rossiter.

October Term, 1816. -- Joshua Bealls, Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, Abel Cole, judges; Amasa Trowbridge, assistant justice.

December Term, 1816. -- Same judges.

March Term, 1817. -- Same judges.

July Term, 1817. -- Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, judges; Amasa Trowbridge, assistant justice.

October Term, 1817. -- Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, Abel Cole, judges.

December Term, 1817. -- Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, Abel Cole, judges.

March Term, 1818. -- Elijah Fields, Lyman Ellis, William Robinson, Amasa Trowbridge, judges.

July, 1818. -- Amasa Trowbridge, Calvin McKnight, Lyman Ellis, judges.

December Term, 1818. -- Amasa Trowbridge, William Robinson, Lyman Ellis, Abel Cole, judges.

March Term, 1819. -- Abel Cole, Calvin McKnight, Aaron Palmer, judges.

July, 1819. -- Abel Cole, first judge; Calvin McKnight, Aaron Palmer, judges.

October, 1819. -- Same judges.

December, 1819. -- Abel Cole, first judge; William Robinson, Elijah Fields, judges.

March Term, 1820. -- Abel Cole, first judge; Hart Massey, Elijah Fields, judges.

July Term, 1820. -- Abel Cole, William Robinson, Hart Massey, Elijah Fields, judges.

October Term, 1820. -- William Robinson, Elijah Fields, S. C. Kannady, Hart Massey, judges.

December Term, 1820. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Elijah Fields, S. C. Kannady, Hart Massey, judges.

March Term, 1821. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Joseph Hawkins, Hiram Steele, judges.

July Term, 1821. -- E. Ten Eyck, first judge; Hiram Steele, Richard Goodell, side judges.

October Term, 1821. -- Richard Goodell, Joseph Hawkins, Eliphalet Edmonds, judges.

December Term, 1821. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Richard Goodell, Hiram Steele, judges.

March Term, 1822. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Hiram Steele, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

July Term, 1822. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Richard Goodell, Hiram Steele, judges.

October Term, 1822. -- E. Ten Eyck, first judge; Hiram Steele, Richard Goodell, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

December Term, 1822. -- E. Ten Eyck, first judge; Hiram Steele, Joseph Hawkins, Eliphalet Edmonds, judges.

March Term, 1823. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

July Term, 1823. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, A. S. Greene, judges.

October Term, 1823. -- E. Ten Eyck, first judge; A. S. Greene, Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, judges.

December Term, 1823. -- E. Ten Eyck, first judge; A. S. Greene, Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, judges.

March Term, 1824. -- Zeno Allen, Alpheus S. Greene, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

July Term, 1824. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Alpheus S. Greene, Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, judges.

October Term, 1824. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, A. S. Greene, judges.

December Term, 1824. -- Zeno Allen, Joseph Hawkins, Daniel Wardwell, Alpheus S. Greene, judges.

July Term, 1825. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Alpheus S. Greene, Daniel Wardwell, judges.

October Term, 1825. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, Daniel Wardwell, A. S. Greene, judges.

December Term, 1825. -- Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, Alpheus S. Greene, judges.

March Term, 1826. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, Alpheus S. Greene, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

September Term, 1826. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, Daniel Wardwell, Alpheus S. Greene, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

December Term, 1826. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Daniel Wardwell, Alpheus S. Greene, Zeno Allen, judges.

February Term, 1827. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, judges.

June Term, 1827. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Joseph Hawkins, Zeno Allen, A. S. Greene, judges.

September Term, 1827. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, Daniel Wardwell, Joseph Hawkins, judges.

December Term, 1827. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Daniel Wardwell, Zeno Allen, judges.

February Term, 1828. -- Egbert Ten Eyck, first judge; Zeno Allen, Joseph Hawkins, judges; Josiah Bealls, crier.

June Term, 1828. -- Daniel Wardwell, Zeno Allen, Alpheus S. Greene, judges.

February Term, 1829. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; George Brown, Jr., Zeno Allen, John Macumber, judges.

June Term, 1828. -- Daniel Wardwell, Zeno Allen, Alpheus S. Greene, judges.

February Term, 1829. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; George Brown, Jr., Zeno Allen, John Macumber, judges.

June Term, 1829. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; Zeno Allen, George Brown, Benjamin Wright, John Macumber, judges.

September Term, 1829. --Calvin McKnight, first judge; George Brown, John Macumber, Zeno Allen, judges

December Term, 1829. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; George Brown, John Macumber, Zeno Allen, judges.

February Term, 1830. -- No judges recorded.

June Term, 1830. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; George Brown, John Macumber, Zeno Allen, judges.

September Term, 1830. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; Benjamin Wright, John Macumber, George Brown, Zeno Allen, judges.

December Term, 1830. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; Benjamin Wright, George Brown, Zeno Allen, John Macumber, judges.

February Term, 1831. -- Calvin McKnight, first judge; Benjamin Wright, John Macumber, Benjamin Wright, judges.

September Term, 1831. -- Same judges.

December Term, 1831. -- Same judges.

February Term, 1832. -- Same except B. Wright.

June Term, 1832. -- All judges as above.

September Term, 1832. -- All judges as above.

December Term, 1832. -- All judges as above.

February Term, 1833. -- All except B. Wright.

May Term, 1833. -- Present, Calvin McKnight, first judge; George Brown, Zeno Allen, John Macumber, Benjamin Wright, judges.

September Term, 1833. -- Present, same judges.

December Term, 1833. -- Present, same judges.

May Term, 1834. -- Present, same judges.

September Term, 1834. -- Present, same judges.

December Term, 1834. -- Present, same judges.

February Term, 1835. -- Present, same judges.

May Term, 1835. -- Present, same judges.

September Term, 1835. -- Present, same judges.

December Term, 1835. -- Present, same judges.

May Term, 1836. -- Present, same judges.

September Term, 1836. -- Present, Calvin McKnight, first judges; John Macumber, George Brown, judges.

December Term, 1836. -- Present, all the judges.

February Term, 1837. -- Present, all the judges.

May Term, 1837. -- Present, all the judges.

September Term, 1837. -- Present, all the judges.

February Term, 1838. -- Present, all the judges.

May Term, 1838. -- No record of judges.

September Term, 1838. -- Present, all the judges.

December Term, 1838. -- Present, all the judges.

February Term, 1839. -- Present, all the judges.

May Term, 1839. --- Present, all the judges.

September Term, 1839. -- Present, all the judges.

December Term, 1839. -- Present, all the judges.

February Term, 1840. -- Present, Calvin McKnight, first judge; Zeno Allen, George Brown, judges.

May Term, 1840. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Egbert Ten Eyck, Marcellus K. Stowe, Eldridge G. Merrick, judges.

September Term, 1840. -- Present, same judges and Hiram Carpenter, judge.

December Term, 1840. _- Present, Egbert Ten Eyck, Marcellus K. Stowe, Eldridge G. Merrick, Hiram Carpenter, judges.

February Term, 1841. -- Present, Egbert Ten Eyck, Hiram Carpenter, Marcellus K. Stowe, Eldridge G. Merrick, judges.

May Term, 1841. -- Present, Egbert Ten Eyck, Hiram Carpenter, Hiram Dewey, judges.

September Term, 1841. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Egbert Ten Eyck, John Tuhurman, Hiram Dewey, Hiram Carpenter, judges.

December Term, 1841. -- Present, Egbert Ten Eyck, Hiram Carpenter, John Thurman, Hiram Dewey, judges.

February Term, 1842. -- Present, Egbert Ten Eyck, John Thurman, Hiram Dewey, judges.

May Term, 1842. -- Present, Hiram Carpenter, John Thurman, Hiram Dewey, judges.

September Term, 1842. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Hiram Carpenter, John Thurman, Hiram Dewey, judges.

December Term, 1842. -- Present, Hiram Carpenter, Hiram Dewey, John Thurman, judges.

February Term, 1843. -- Present, John Thurman, Hiram Carpenter, Hiram Dewey, judges.

May Term, 1843. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Hiram Carpenter, Hiram Dewey, George C. Sherman, John Thurman, judges.

September Term, 1843. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; George C. Sherman, John Thurman, Hiram Dewey, judges.

December Term, 1843. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Hiram Dewey, Hiram Carpenter, John Thurman, judges.

May Term, 1844. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Hiram Dewey, Hiram Carpenter, John Thurman, judges.

September Term, 1844. -- Present, John Thurman, Hiram Dewey, judges.

December Term, 1844. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Hiram Dewey, John Thurman, judges.

February Term, 1845. -- Present, Thomas C. Chittenden, first judge; Jason Clark, Hiram Dewey, judges.

May Term, 1845. -- Present, Calvin Skinner, first judge; George C. Sherman, Jason Clark, Hiram Dewey, John Thurman, judges.

September Term, 1845. -- Present, Calvin Skinner, first judge; Jason Clark, Hiram Dewey, John Thurman, judges.

December Term, 1845. -- Present, George C. Sherman, Jason Clark, Hiram Dewey, John Thurman, judges.

February Term, 1846. -- Present, Calvin Skinner, first judge; John Thurman, judge. -

May Term, 1846. -- Present, Calvin Skinner, first judge; George C. Sherman, Jason Clark, Joseph Boyer, judges.

September Term, 1846. -- Present, Calvin Skinner, first judge; George C. Sherman, Jason Clark, Joseph Boyer, George C. Sherman, judges.

May Term, 1847. -- Present, Calvin Skinner, first judge; George C. Sherman, Jason Clark, Joseph Boyer, judges.

The next term of the court was held under the constitution of 1846, when the name was changed from Common Pleas to the Jefferson County Court, and was held by Robert Lansing, the first judge elected under the constitution.

The first Supreme Court held in Jefferson County was on June 17, 1807, at the same place where the Court of Common Pleas was held. Present, Hon. Smith Thompson, justice; Augustus Sacket, Joshua Bealls, Perley Keyes, judges; Lyman Ellis, assistant justice.

The second, in June, 1808 -- Present, Chief Justice Kent; Joseph Clark, Augustus Sacket, Thomas White, judges. Corlis Hinds, assistant justice.

The third, in June, 1809. -- Present, Hon. Joseph C. Yates, justice; Joseph Clark, Joshua Bealls, Thomas White, judges.

The fourth, in June, 1810. -- Present, Ambrose Spencer, justice; Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, Joshua Bealls, judges.

The fifth, in June, 1811. -- Present, William W. Van Ness, justice; Joseph Clark, Lyman Ellis, Joshua Bealls, judges.

The sixth, in June, 1812. -- Present, Smith Thompson, justice. There is no record of the attendance of any of the court judges at this term.

The seventh, in June, 1813. -- Present, Joseph C. Yates, justice; Moss Kent, Jabez Foster, John Brown, Ethel Bronson, judges.

The eighth, in June, 1814. -- Present, William W. Van Ness, justice; Moss Kent, Jabez Foster, judges.

The ninth, in June, 1815. -- Present, Ambrose Spencer, justice; Moss Kent, Joseph Clark, judges.

The tenth, in June, 1816. -- Present, William W. Van Ness, justice; Joseph Clark, Moss Kent, judges.

The eleventh, in June, 1817. -- Present, Smith Thompson, justice; Joseph Clark, Abel Cole, judges.

The twelfth, in June, 1818. -- Present, Joseph C. Yates, justice; Calvin McKnight, Aaron Palmer, William Robinson, judges.

The fourteenth must have been in 1820, but the record is blank; probably no record was ever made.

The fifteenth, in June, 1821. -- Present, Jonas Platt, justice; Egbert Ten Eyck, Richard Goodell, Hiram Steele, judges.

The sixteenth, in June, 1822. -- Present, Ambrose Spencer, chief justice; Egbert Ten Eyck, Richard Goodell, Hiram Steele, judges.

This bring us down to the circuit courts held under the constitution which took effect January 1, 1823. Under this constitution Nathan Williams was appointed circuit judge for the fifth judicial Nathan Williams was appointed circuit judge for the fifth judicial district, on April 21, 1823, and continued to serve as such until the appointment in his place of Samuel Beardsley, April 19, 1834. It does not appear from the record that he ever officiated as such judge, and is supposed to have resigned or not to have accepted the appointment, for, on May 7, 1834, Hiram Denio was appointed such judge in his place. He officiated until April, 1838. Isaac H. Bronson was appointed in the place of Hiram Denio, who resigned on account of ill health. Bronson was then a member of Congress from this district, and whose vote was wanted in Congress to sustain the administration of Martin Van Buren as President; and for this reason, he declined to accept the appointment. In the fall of 1838 he was a candidate for reelection, and was defeated. He was subsequently appointed by Van Buren as judge of the United States Circuit Court of Florida. He left Watertown and thereafter resided in Florida during the remainder of his life. On July 17, 1838, Philo Gridley was appointed circuit judge for this district, and immediately entered upon the duties thereof; and continued to act as such circuit judge and vice-chancellor until July, 1847, when the constitution of 1846 went into effect.

Nathan Williams, circuit judge, held the June and December circuits in each year, commencing in June, 1823, to the June circuit, 1830.

In March, 1829, Esek Cowan, circuit judge, held a court here, at which was tried an indictment against three Gillinghams for a nuisance in obstructing Perch River. They were convicted and the sheriff directed to remove the obstruction.

At the June Term of this circuit, in 1828, Henry Evans was tried and convicted of murder, and was sentenced to be, and was, hanged on the 11d of August; H. H. Coffeen, sheriff, Robert Lansing, district attorney, and Charles E. Clark for the people; Sterling & Bronson and Nathan Rathbun for the prisoner. This execution was a great event, not only in the county, but for hundreds of miles around it. Crowds from every direction came for a day or two before hand. On that day the writer accompanied his father with a team to Watertown, sympathizing with the general excitement, to witness the execution. The nearest to the village he could get with his team was a house occupied by Theodore Tuttle, on State street. Every other barn and yard between that and the court-house, as well as the side streets, were filled with teams and carriages. The streets were crowded with people. We worked our way to a position near the jail. A little after 12 o’clock, a military company, with a band of martial music and a hearse, appeared before the jail. Soon the jail door opened and Henry H. Coffeen, followed by the prisoner between several deputies, came out and marched directly behind the hearse, surrounded by the military, the band with a muffled drum playing a solemn death march, so-called. The prisoner was a tall, athletic looking man, dressed in a white robe and a white cap on his head, being his grave clothes. It was said he preferred to walk than to ride. The procession, so formed, marched to and across the lower bridge to the place of execution, followed by the immense crowd. The gallows were erected on a high point of ground on the other side of the river. At that time there were no buildings there. It was an open field, to be plainly seen from the south bank of the river. We found a place on this bank, where the gallows and the immense crowd on the other side of the river were in full view. As the prisoner ascended the scaffold my father placed me upon his shoulders, where I had a full view of the whole scene until the criminal was pronounced dead and cut down. After he was suspended there were a few convulsive movements of the body, the right arm and leg, and all was over. During this time and until he was taken down there was almost breathless silence throughout this vast multitude, and as the scene closed they turned, and the movement of this mass of men, women, and children from the field was a sight never to be forgotten. The writer was then but eight years of age; but the history of that day is as vivid in his memory as if it had occurred within a year last past. It is well that much public executions have been abolished.

The June circuit, and Oyer and Terminer for 1830, was held by Samuel Nelson, judge of the 6th circuit. Until June, 1834, the court was held by Nathan Williams, except the December circuit of 1833, at which no judge attended, and the court was adjourned since die by the sheriff. The June circuit of 1834 was held by Hiram Denio, as also the subsequent circuits in each year until June, 1837. The June circuit of 1837 was held by Charles H. Ruggles, judge of the 2d circuit. The December Term of the same year was held by Hiram Denio, the last term of this court he ever held. The June Term of 1838 was held by John P. Cushman, of the 3d circuit, and the next circuit and all subsequent circuits to July, 1847, were held by Philo Gridley.

The first court was held in the school-house next south of Jonathan Cowan’s mills, in the village of Watertown, until the term in 1809. Subsequent to that they were held in the new court-house, built upon a lot conveyed to the county by Henry Coffeen, for the purpose of court-house and jail; and so long as they should be used for that purpose. The lot was the same as the one on which the present jail is situated. This court-house was burned in 1821, and a new court-house, of stone, was erected on the same site, in which courts were held until 1858 or 1859. The old stone building became so dilapidated that it was totally unsuitable for court purposes, and courts were held in Apollo Hall on Court street, and in Washington Hall, until the erection of the present court-house in 1862. This house was dedicated October 7, 1862, at which John Clarke, Esq., delivered an able and very interesting address on the reminiscences of the bench and bar of this county, after which a supper, with toasts and speeches, was had at the Woodruff House. The occasion was the sitting of the General Term of this district; present, the following judges: Joseph Mullin, Henry A. Foster, Leroy Morgan, and William J. Bacon.

The following are the first judges of the Common Pleas, district attorneys, sheriffs, surrogates, and county clerks from the organization of the county, with the dates of their appointment and election down to the present time, as taken from the civil list: --

SURROGATES.

Augustus Sacket was a very estimable gentleman, from whom Sackets Harbor took its name. He was part proprietor and agent of the lands comprised in that village. It does not appear from the record that he officiated in any of the courts of this county in any other capacity than that of first judge.

Perley Keyes resided in Watertown; an able but uneducated man. He had extraordinary judgment upon all matters--a shrewd politician. Events of his life have been repeatedly written. In fact by nature he was a man of superior intellect and nerve. He was the father of Perley G. Keyes, known in his day as Gardner Keyes, and grandfather of Rev. Richard G. Keyes, now living in the old homestead in Watertown. He died May 13, 1834.

Lyman Ellis was a quiet, unostentatious gentleman of Ellisburgh, one of the pioneers, and a long time agent for the lands there, and who gave name to the town.

Joseph Clark was a resident of Watertown, and a prominent business man, owning and carrying on the milling business below the lower bridge on the river, and is said to have mingled quite extensively in politics. He was father of Charles Clark, who died in 1880.

Eliphalet Edmonds resided in Adams. It is reported that while he held the office of judge he was indicted for blasphemy in his own court. He successfully defended himself on the ground that it was simply a theological discussion; and that such discussions were free under the constitution giving liberty of speech.

Ethel Bronson was one of the early settlers of Rutland, was agent of the proprietors, and was the father of Isaac H. Bronson hereafter mentioned.

John Brown resided at Brownville; was a brother of General Jacob Brown, of the army of 1812, from whose father the town took its name. “But in the mutations of life it retains now scarcely anything of this family or its fortunes but the distinguished name.”

Noadiah Hubbard was one of the very first settlers of the town of Champion, and a resident there until a few years since, when he died nearly 100 years of age. He was the father of Frederick W. Hubbard, one of the justices of the Supreme Court from 1852 to 1858, now deceased, and of Mrs. George C. Sherman, who is now living, and of Mrs. Robert Lansing now deceased.

Jabez Foster was “one of the early and enterprising merchants of Watertown, whose name and widely extended business were coincident with the early history and prosperity of the town and county, and who always mingled with its industry and enterprise.”

Amasa Trowbridge was a surgeon in the army of 1812, under Maj. General Jacob Brown. After the war he settled in Watertown, and continued the family physician (sic) of Gen. Brown until the latter’s death by apoplexy. He became one of the most eminent surgeons in the country. He was a man of great energy and nerve, lived to an old age, and died in Watertown a few years since.

Samuel Whittlesey. -- See among the list of lawyers.

Elijah Fields resided in the town of Watertown, nearly on the line between that town and Hounsfield, known as Fields Settlement, and was the owner of considerable land in that vicinity, and a hotel, which was kept there, and after was well known for years as the Myrick Brown place.

Calvin McKnight resided in Watertown, was an amiable and upright gentleman, not so noted for his legal ability or learning as for his integrity. He was the judge who gave the opinion on the office of demurrer.

Aaron Palmer resided in Champion, was a justice of the peace there, and in his own opinion was one of the most important men in the county. He kept the hotel in Champion village for years. His strict integrity and courtesy to all gained the confidence of his townsmen. He drew most of the contracts and conveyances in that section, and his want of knowledge of the requirements of such business has rendered the tracing of title through his deeds, in many instances, as impossibility at this day.

Hart Massey was born in Salem, N. H., December 5, 1771; came to Watertown in 1800; purchased a tract of land on which a portion of the city of Watertown is now situated; moved his family here in 1801; and first resided in a house where the Paddock Arcade now is, then on the lot now owned by E. L. Paddock on Washington street. In 1812 he built the first brick house erected in the county, which is now standing on Massey avenue. He was appointed a judge in 1820. He was very efficient in the support of the agricultural interests of the county. His numerous descendants are many of them among the prominent business men of the county, and useful members of society.

Thomas White resided in Rodman at the village called Whitesville, from whom the village was named.

But little can be learned of his history, except that he was a prominent leading man in that community.

Abel Cole, judge and afterwards first judge of the county, also resided in Rodman, where his descendants, many of them, now reside.

Corlis Hinds resided in the town of Watertown; was a farmer, living in a stone house which is now standing south of the city limits. He was called captain, having previously held that rank as a seaman.

William Hunter resided in Adams. His particular history has not been ascertained.

William Baker resided at Sackets Harbor, and is said to have been the father of the late Josiah Baker and Thomas Baker, but this information is not very well authenticated.

Wolcott Hubbell resided in Champion; was a resident there with Egbert Ten Eyck at an early day. He was the owner of considerable property in what is now called West Carthage.

William Robinson resided in Brownville. His business has not been ascertained. Some of his descendants now, or did lately, reside in the village of Brownville.

Samuel C. Kannady was a prominent lawyer, surveyor, and the agent of Le Ray, in addition to being judge. Many of the deeds of Le Ray are signed by Mr. Kannady as attorney. He is represented as having been an able lawyer and business man.

Joseph Hawkins resided in Henderson. There is no record of his acts, except in politics. He is represented to have been the first man that overmatched Perley Keyes in political management, having defeated him for Congress in 1828. -- See Hough’s History, page 431.

Richard Goodell resided in Adams. He is remembered as a large and fine looking man, and as having ability and influence, and a strong Keyes man.

Zeno Allen resided at Sackets Harbor. There are many anecdotes related of him during his long period on the bench. His perceptions were slow. Sometimes, after others had ceased to laugh at some humorous story, he would break out laughing all alone, the gist of the story having just come through his mind. Yet he was of sound judgment, and had a good standing as judge.

Alpheus S. Greene was by profession, a physician. He lived for some time at a place the other side of the bridge, across Perch River, on the road to Gunn’s Corners. He moved thence to Watertown, and resided on the corner of Washington and Clinton streets until his death. He was reputed a good physician; was influential and active in politics; was postmaster at Watertown, and held other important offices from time to time.

George Brown resided at Brownville; was one of the most dignified and venerable men in the county. He was, during the most of his life, a justice of the peace in that town, before whom many important trials were had, and the best lawyers of the county did not hesitate to appear before him. It is said his court was, at all times, as dignified and orderly as the Supreme Court. He was postmaster for years, and had the utmost confidence of the community in his ability and integrity. He was a member of the state Assembly in 1819, and secured the passage of the law erecting the town of Pamelia from Brownville, giving it the name of the wife of General Brown. He was paternal uncle of Lysander H. Brown, mentioned in the sketches of members of the bar.

John Macumber resided at Evans Mills; was a man of even temper and cool judgment. He was the father-in-law of John W. Tamblin, an attorney of this court, and they occupied the same office together at Evans Mills for many years. He died at a very old age, highly respected by all.

Eldbridge G. Merrick resided at Clayton; was the most extensive lumberman in the state, and the owner of the greatest fleet of vessels on the lake. He was the soul of honor and integrity, and of great financial ability. It is impossible to conceive of any motive he had in accepting the office of county judge. He held the office only a short time and resigned. Subsequently he removed to Detroit, and remained there the rest of his life.

Hiram Dewey lived in Orleans. He held the office during the latter part of the existence of the old Court of Common Pleas. He was a farmer until he became a large stockbroker and an officer of the Jefferson County Agricultural Insurance Company, when he removed to Watertown, and resided there until his death.

John Thurman resided at the village of Dexter, in the town of Brownville; was a clear headed man in business and on the bench. He discharged the duties of the office with remarkable ability for a layman.

Jason Clark resided at Plessis, in Alexandria. He was the general land agent for Woodruff and Stocking; had been a surveyor for Le Ray for many years; was repeatedly elected supervisor of his town. He was an intelligent and influential man, and well known throughout the county.

Joseph Boyer resided at Evans Mills, in Le Ray; was a large land owner, and a man of considerable wealth. He died many years since, leaving a highly respected family, most of whom still reside in this county.

Thomas Waite resided in Rodman. He was the last of the judges appointed by the governor. He died during the last year, highly respected by the community in which he lived.

This comprises all those who officiated on the bench during the existence of the old Common Pleas; not lawyers by profession, as appears from the record. There are very few persons now living who remember these men or their history. What has here been written of them has been obtained mostly from the records, and in part from tradition, which is very unreliable as to accuracy. There are, doubtless, those now living in the county, if they could be found, who could furnish a more detailed history of their lives. But the publisher cannot afford the time or expense of searching them out. The location of each has been given, so that those seeking this information may readily find out such history. The names of the attorneys who sat upon the bench will be found in the list of lawyers.

To give the history and character of the members of this bar, which is reputed to have, during the whole period, ranked second, if not first, in the state, may seem an easy task. But much time has been spent in searching records, and inquiring of persons in different localities, without ascertaining any thing very definite. Those living during the time, and who personally knew the facts, have passed away. What information has been gained is from the records, newspapers, and scrap books, and much from the very able address of John Clarke, in 1872, delivered at the dedication of the courthouse. Much has been taken verbatim from these sources, indicated only by quotation marks. In confirmation of the difficulties here stated, and that the meagreness of the history is no disparagement of the great ability of the members of this bar, the following, from an eminent jurist, is here copied: --

“Of lawyers whose lives are devoted exclusively to their profession but little is necessarily known. His life is usually devoted to attaining results that cease to be of interest when the end is accomplished, and it matters not how great may be his talents, how extensive his learning, or unwearied his industry. Unless he has had leisure to compose judicial works he can leave little behind him that will interest posterity, or which will serve to show of what he was able. A forensic argument or the occasional report of a trial may survive; but such fragmentary memorials are not of themselves sufficient to prove that a man had attained to commanding eminence in a profession where general excellence depends upon the possession and thorough cultivation of so many qualities. Eminent professional merit, the fruit of strong natural ability, coupled with great industry and experiences, has, during the lifetime of its possessor, but a few select admirers; and when he has passed away from the stage of life there is nothing but their recollections to float him down the stream of time, until he is lost in the mist that finally enshrouds all that is traditional.”

Benjamin Skinner was the first surrogate of the county, and held the office until February 12, 1811. He was then appointed county clerk, and held this office till February, 1813. He was succeeded by Richard M. Esselstyn, who held the office till February 16, 1815, when Skinner was again appointed such clerk, and held the office until June 3, 1820, when he finally retired from office. He had some considerable practice as an attorney, and was reputed an excellent clerk and a substantial man. He must have employed some subordinate to keep the records, not very proficient in the business, as they were not very well kept, either in order or penmanship. Mr. Skinner lived the remainder of his life and died at the residence of his son-in-law, George Webb, between Watertown and Evans Mills.

Moss Kent was a brother of the Chief Justice and Chancellor James Kent, and first located in Champion. Soon after he removed to LeRaysville and went into the office of Mr. LeRay as land agent, where he remained for many years. In 1810 he was appointed first judge of the county, which office he held until February 26, 1818. He was also elected to Congress. Mr. Clark’s address say of him: “He was a brother of James Kent, with very little share of the talent or learning of that great luminary of law and equity. In this is exemplified one of the freaks of nature, or else the influence of circumstances over the character and fortunes of men. Here the one brother, a star of the first magnitude in the constellation of eminent jurists; the other, though educated to the law, a plodding land agent in the new county of Jefferson, and judge of its Common Pleas.”

Egbert Ten Eyck “graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts, read law in Albany, and moved to Champion soon after 1800. After remaining there a few years, and soon after the organization of the county, he removed to Watertown and opened a law office. In 1812 he was elected to the assembly, and in 1820 was appointed first judge of the county, and held the office for nine years. He ran for Congress in 1822, but was defeated by Ela Collins, of Lewis County. He ran in 1824 and was elected. He was one of the side judges of the Jefferson Common Pleas in 1840. He took an active part in the promotion of religious, agricultural, and other interests in this county, and for 40 years was a prominent citizen, and was one of the most trustworthy and reliable lawyers. He died in Watertown in 1844, at the age of 68 years. He was father-in-law of the late Judge Mullin.” The above is taken from a scrap book; the writer is unknown.

Elisha Camp resided at Sackets Harbor, and the records show that for a number of years he did an extensive law business. He was surrogate from February 26, 1813, to June 27, 1815. He was a member of the firms of Wright & Camp and Ely & Camp. In a few years he went into other business, and gradually abandoned the practice of law. He became one of the most prominent men in the county. His history is elsewhere written.

Thomas Skinner, one of the first attorneys in this county, is said to have resided in Adams. He became a partner for a few years with Micah Sterling, under the name of Skinner & Sterling; but soon his name disappears from the record, and but little of his character or history is known.

Isaac W. Bostwick resided at Lowville, Lewis County. The records show that he did a large business in this county, in almost every term of the court, for a number of years in his own name, and as Bostwick & Allen and Bostwick & Collins. He was land agent for the original proprietors of a large tract of land, and finally gradually left the law, and lived the rest of his life in the enjoyment of a large estate, and died full of honors.

John Kirkland, of whom nothing is positively known, appears upon the record but a very few years, but has been supposed to have gone to Oneida County.

Samuel Whittlesey resided in Watertown; was the first district attorney appointed for the county, which office he held from 1808 until 1813; and was one of the judges in 1815. He was an able lawyer with an extensive practice, and highly respected until the event elsewhere recorded, when he sank into obscurity and disgrace.

Thomas Y Howe resided in Brownville. He was educated for and officiated as an Episcopal minister. He was a man of great learning, of commanding presence, and an eloquent speaker. For some cause he left that profession and entered upon that of law; but he lacked that practical talent so requisite for success in that profession. He was in every way qualified to adorn the office of bishop in his church, for which office, it is said, he was a candidate before his fall. It has been said that the charges against him were false, and the moral and religious life led by him ever afterwards tends strongly to confirm that opinion.

Amos Benedict resided in Watertown. “He graduated at Yale College in 1800; studied law with Tapan Reeve, of Connecticut, (the noted lawyer, and author of Reeve’s Domestic Relations,) and settled in Watertown in 1807. He was among the very first attorneys who located in Watertown, and was appointed district attorney in 1810. He died in 1814, and before the full development of talents and abilities as a lawyer. Yet from a small business at court he had before his death as much as any of the other members. He was profound and brilliant; and although his career was brief, yet he left a record behind him which still remains. He resided in a house which stood where the mansion of the late Oscar Paddock now stands, and out of which it was constructed. His family occupied that house as late as 1840. He was the owner of considerable real estate in rear of it, through which Benedict street runs, and after whom the street was named.

Henry R. Storrs first located in Champion, and was one of the original proprietors of that township. How long he remained there is not ascertained; but he at some early day removed to Whitesborough, Oneida County. But he attended almost every court here till after 1823. Mr. Clarke in his address says, that at the first Circuit Court held in the new stone court-house, in 1822, he first heard the ponderous eloquence of Henry R. Storrs. He subsequently removed to Connecticut, and was for many years the chief judge of the Supreme Court of that state, and so continued until his death.

Lyman Munson resided at Adams, and, judging from the record, was an attorney of good standing and had a good practice. He was surrogate from April 2, 1816, to November 26, 1820. His name is not in he list of attorneys in the state in 1821.

Ela Collins resided in Watertown for some time, and removed to Lowville; was a partner of Isaac W. Bostwick; was elected to Congress; was a very able lawyer. He left an impression upon the community in which he lived, which is felt to this day.

Artemus Stoel. -- After much inquiry nothing of him is known. He had some business as attorney and some as a party litigant for three or four years, and then his name disappears from the record.

Micah Sterling was born in Lyme, Conn., November 5, 1784; entered Yale College in 1800, and graduated in 1804. He was a classmate and a great personal friend of John C. Calhoun during his life, and corresponded with him during the whole period, except during the nullification times. He attended a course of law lectures in Litchfield, Conn., and afterwards studied law with Judge Williams, at Utica. He located in Adams about 1809; and it is here that he formed a partnership with Thomas Skinner, under the firm name of Skinner & Sterling. He was admitted to the Common Pleas in 1811, and soon thereafter removed to Watertown. He built a stone hotel called the Mansion House, located about where the Iron block now stands, kept by Luther Gilson. On this lot was his first office. He bought a tract of land and built thereon the stone mansion, where his son, Rev. John C. Sterling, now resides, and surrounded it with a beautiful park, long known as Sterling’s Park. He was elected to Congress in 1821, and in 1836 to the state Senate. Soon after the admission of Isaac H. Bronson as an attorney, in 1823, he formed a copartnership with him under the name of Sterling & Bronson, and so continued till 1840. Mr. Sterling from the beginning of his practice took one of the most prominent positions at the bar. He was tall, strongly built, and dignified in his deportment. He was a fluent speaker and cogent reasoner; and during the term of their copartnership the firm of Sterling & Bronson was at the head of the profession in this county. He died April 11, 1844, the same day of Judge Ten Eyck’s decease.

Alfred Lathrop resided in Champion village for many years. He was the agent of Champion & Storrs, the original proprietors of that township, until the lands were all sold. He removed some time prior to 1840 to West Carthage, and engaged in farming, manufacturing linseed oil, etc., and lived to an old age, highly respected and esteemed by the community. He left a large family who left in early life for different parts of the county, one, Dr. Lathrop, going to the Sandwich Islands. There not a representative of the family now living in this county.

Of Popham and Radcliff nothing can be learned. The name of William S. Radcliff appears in the list of attorneys for the state of New York in 1821, as located in the city of New York, and is supposed to be the same person.

David W. Bucklin was admitted in 1811. He soon attained the first rank in his profession. He was district attorney for many years. The description of Mr. Bucklin is best given in Mr. Clarke’s address before referred to, and is here quoted. He says, after speaking of Micah Sterling: “The equally tall and more robust form of David W. Bucklin, with his powerful enunciation, sometimes withering rebuke and sarcasm, bearing down his adversary by the very force of his presence, and frightening the witness out of his falsehood or integrity, no matter which, by, so to peak, the momentum of his appearance. This gentleman became afterwards involved in politics, went to the legislature, removed to New York, and died; and his mantle descended upon George C. Sherman, Esq., his partner. The last time I heard him speak was in the Court of Sessions in defending a prisoner on a charge of theft; and the question of intent was strictly involved; in the language of the books the animus furandi, literally translated, ‘intent to steal.’ In suming (sic) up to the jury Mr. Bucklin, in his impassioned manner, urged this principle, and, if I recollect right, successfully: that the legal term animus furandi signified a furious mind, ‘a most furious mind, gentlemen of the jury!’ and that his client’s conviction or acquittal depended upon the ‘whether he, this poor, puny, half-starved misbegotten creature, had a furious mind when he took the property. I tell you, gentlemen, the thing is impossible’ ” “I could not determine,” says Mr. Clarke, “at that time, though Mr. Bucklin had himself been district attorney, but was not burdened with classical learning, whether he was in earnest or jest in his argument; but from his manner every one would be led to believe that he was in dead earnest.”

John M. Canfield was born in Sharon, Conn., December 22, 1775; studied law in the office of Judge Ambrose Spencer, at Albany, and completed his studies, and was admitted as an attorney in 1796. He then went to Catskill and practiced there till 1810, when he came to this county and located in Brownville. He soon formed a copartnership with William Brown, under the firm name of Canfield & Brown. In 1813 he was appointed collector of direct taxes by James Madison, then President of the United States, and about this time he removed to Watertown; and from the record it would appear that the firm for a short time practiced in Watertown. In 1819 he was appointed collector of the port of Sackets Harbor by President James Monroe, and removed to that place. He continued as such collector till 1828, during which time he did very little practice as an attorney, and afterwards did very little business of any kind. He died July 9, 1849. He married Fanny Harvey, of Stamford, Conn., by whom he had 11 children, of whom Theodore Canfield, of Sackets Harbor, is the only survivor.

Harlow Emerson came originally from originally from Norwich, Conn. He studied law in the office of Mical Sterling, and was admitted in 1815. Of him the following from Mr. Clarke’s address is quoted: “Mr. Emerson, now deceased, was one of the old members of the bar of this county, and somewhat distinguished as a special pleader. He was arguing a demurrer to a complain upon a promissory note; a complaint, plain, simple, without fault or blemish. I believe the demurrer took umbrage at some ancient formality, as charging that the defendant fraudulently intending to injure and had not paid, etc. The demurrer was obviously interposed for delay, and perhaps for fun, as at that period it sometimes occurred. Mr. Emerson, quite unnecessarily, but casually, stated to the court the office of a demurrer, and the derivation of the term, which is from the Latin demorare, or old French demorien, to wait, stay, delay, etc. The presiding judge (McKnight), after a few moments’ consultation with his associates, said, ‘we think the demurrer well taken.’ Mr. Emerson, in utter amazement at the absurdity of the thing, and under the impulse of the moment, and the influence of a habit contracted in early life when a sailor, thrown off after the gown was assumed, but coming strong upon him at the time, replied: ‘The hell you do!” The judge, without taking the least umbrage at this very emphatic interjection, set about to vindicate the decision upon the very principle and definition stated by the counsel, which the court entirely appreciated: that the demurrer being for delay had performed its office agreeable to the defendant, and so why not well taken, in the name of common sense. This discussion and decision produced such an irresistible impulse of laughter that the whole bar was convulsed, and Mr. Bucklin, in the utter exuberance of mirth, arose, clapped his hands, and hurrahed in open court. This was said to have been one of the scenes in the old Court of Common Pleas in its early history, when the wild woods were bowing beneath the sturdy stroke of the stalwart men of the new settlement, and ceremonials yielded to the sterner exigency of life.”

Mr. Emerson was a great student of the sciences and general literature; a thorough scholar. His mind was particularly adapted to the science of the law, and he was notorious in the special pleadings of the old practice, which was the perfection of logic. He was the father of Fred Emerson, now a prominent and influential citizen of the city of Watertown. Mr. Emerson died June 24, 1846.

H. W. Channing, of whom but little is known, studied law with Judge Ten Eyck; was admitted to practice in July, 1812, and was for several years a partner of Ten Eyck under the name of Ten Eyck & Channing; and in 1821 his name appears among the list of attorneys in the city of New York.

Samuel A. Talcott was admitted in 1813, and is said then to have resided in Watertown, but soon removed to Lowville. He was the father of the late Judge Talcott, of Buffalo. Samuel A. Talcott became attorney-general of the state, and was reputed the greatest forensic orator in the state. He died at the early age of 36 years, leaving a reputation belonging to the state at large rather than to any particular locality.

Barnabas Yale resided in Martinsburg in 1814, when he was admitted to practice, and resided there in 1821. He had but little practice in this county. His descendants, it is said, resided there now, and his history belongs more properly to Lewis County. Martinsburg was then the county seat of that county.

Thomas C. Chittenden lived at Adams; was admitted to the bar in 1813, where he did an extensive law business till 1840. He had a fine dignified presence, was a good speaker, and always came into court thoroughly prepared. He was one of the ablest lawyers at the bar. He was elected to Cngress in 1838 and again in 1840; was in that year appointed first judge of the county, and removed to Watertown, and lived there the remainder of his life. He died full of years and honors. He was a perfect verification of the old adage, that lawyers work hard, live well, and die poor.

John Cook. -- Of his history or residence nothing has been ascertained.

H. Leavenworth. -- The same is said of him.

Cornelius Low resided in Lowville. He was the proprietor of a large tract of land in Lewis and Jefferson counties, of whom Isaac W. Bostwick was agent. His object is being admitted to this court is not so obvious. His name as an attorney appears upon the record a very few times, if any. There is no record of his attaining any reputation in this state anywhere as a lawyer.

Samuel Beardsley was admitted to practice in 1815. He then resided at Watertown, but remained here only a short time, when he went to Whitesborough, Oneida County, and thence to Utica, where he became one of the leading lawyers of the state. He was appointed one of the justices of the Supreme Court, and was chief justice when the constitution of 1846 went into effect. His history is a part of the judicial history of the state.

J. Rossiter studied law in the office of Daniel Wardwell at Mannsville; was admitted in 1815, and was a partner of Daniel Wardwell under the firm name of Wardwell & Rossiter for several years, when his name disappears from the record. His subsequent history is unknown.

George Smith, who was admitted in 1815, resided in Watertown, and was a resident there in 1821. From the record it appears he did considerable business. Beyond this, strange as it may appear, nothing has been learned of the man or his history.

Baron S. Doty, admitted in 1817, resided in Martinsburg. What is said of Barnabas Yale and of his history is all that can be said of him. His history belongs to Lewis County. It would seem that some in the adjoining counties, and who never resided in this, were admitted to enable them to practice in this court. Others after being admitted, or after practicing here for a short time, left to make and leave a reputation and history in some other locality.

Enoch Ely was admitted in 1813; was a partner of Elisha Camp, under the firm name of Ely & Camp. Nothing definite as to his character or history has been ascertained. It cannot be learned that he was in any way related to the other Elys residing in Watertown and Brownville. The record shows that he resided in Sackets Harbor and was a partner of Elisha Camp in the law practice for a short time, and that is all.

Amos Holton was admitted in 1815; resided in Sackets Harbor, and for a number of years did quite a large law business, as we learn from the record. Quite an extensive inquiry has been made in that village and elsewhere in the county to ascertain more of the history and character of this man, but without success.

Charles Dayan resided in the county of Lewis, and like many other attorneys of that county was admitted to practice as an attorney in the Jefferson Common Please. He was an able lawyer, and a good and fluent speaker. For many years he was known as a member of the firm of Dayan & Parish. He for a long time did considerable business in the courts of this county. An anecdote is related of him which, as illustrating the character of the man and court during those days, is given here: --

“He was trying a cause in that court, when he anticipated the same degree of deference as he was accustomed to from judges of his own county. During the progress of the trial he raised some objections to the evidence of other questions, which the court seemed inclined to hold against him, despite a most earnest argument to the contrary, and at length, as if he thought to explode a petard upon them, said: “May it please your Honors, if it is possible, that your Honors shall hold this point against me, I have to say to your Honors, with great regret and entire deference to the court, but with a full sense of my own rights and my imperative duty, however disagreeable it may be to your Honors, I shall certainly be under the painful necessity of taking an exception to your Honors’ ruling.’”

Mr. Dayan was a sociable and very agreeable man, and highly respected by all. He died many years since.

John McCarty resided in Hounsfield; was admitted in 1820. Thorough inquiry in that town has failed to discover anything of his history. The records do not show that he did much business in this county. He probably soon removed to, and made a history in, some other location.

Horatio Shumway was admitted in 1820; in February of that year was appointed district attorney, and was succeeded by David W. Bucklin in February, 1821. Soon thereafter he removed to Buffalo, where he resided the remainder of his life.

George P. Bond was admitted in 1822; is supposed to have resided in Adams. Nothing further has been learned of his history.

Dyer Tillinghast , admitted in 1822, resided in Sackets Harbor. He also removed to Buffalo very soon thereafter.

Benajah B. Phelps, admitted the same year, is also reported to have lived in Sackets Harbor. No reliable facts regarding his history have come to hand. (In the History of Jefferson County, published in 1877, he is recorded as living in Rodman.)

John Adams was admitted in 1823; resided in Watertown, and for a time was a partner of Harlow Emerson. He then removed to Monroe, Michigan, where he died many years since.

Perley G. Keyes, admitted in 1824, was the only son of Judge Perley Keyes, and always resided in Watertown. He was possessed of considerable wealth, practiced law but little, was a prominent Abolitionist, and very active in that line. He died of apoplexy many years since, leaving Rev. Richard G. Keyes, his only heir, surviving him.

Edward Fowler, admitted in 1825, resided at Ox Bow, in this county, and resided there in 1836. He had a limited practice, but is reputed to have been a highly respectable citizen and good counselor.

Alexander W. Stowe, admitted in 1826, came from Lowville, and located for a time in Sackets Harbor. He is reputed as having great brilliancy and ability as a lawyer, though somewhat eccentric in character. He remained there only a short time, when he left and located in one of the Western states, where he became a judge of one of the highest courts, and attained a reputation as an able jurist.

Orson Parker was admitted the same year, and of him nothing can be learned; whence he came, where he resided, or whither he went.

Of Marenus W. Matthews, admitted in 1828, the same must be said.

Of Stockwell Osgood, admitted in 1829, the same must be said. It is quite probable that soon after their admission they left to practice their profession, or at least to engage in some business, in some other locality. Hough’s History gives the name as one of the trustees of Union Library, formed August 14, 1824, in Cape Vincent; and Everts & Co’s History the name of S. Osgood as attorney in Adams in 1821.

Edmund M. Eldridge, admitted in 1829, resided in Belleville; and resided there in 1836, and many years later. He had considerable reputation in his immediate vicinity, but less reputation as a lawyer in the county at large. He finally removed to La Fargeville, and represented the town of Orleans as supervisor in the county board of 1843.

Edwin Dodge studied law in the office of Sterling & Bronson, and was admitted in 1829. Sometime prior to 1836 he located in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County. He became one of the most wealthy and influential men of that county; was elected to and held the office of county judge for many years. His history belongs rather to the bar of that county than to this.

William A. Green was admitted in 1830; studied law in the office of Justin Butterfield, to whom he was in some way related by marriage, and whose office was in Sackets Harbor. After Mr. Butterfield moved to Watertown he went to Sackets Harbor and took Mr. Butterfield’s business, and after about two years he went to New York, and resided in Brooklyn until a few years since, when physical inability compelled him to abandon the practice of law, when he came to and located in Watertown. He was a clear headed, able, and learned lawyer, and very successful, both in getting business and in doing it. He now boards with Rev. Richard G. Keyes, is a very sociable and agreeable gentleman, and is very interesting in his reminiscences of the bar of this county and of the character of its members.

John W. Tamblin was admitted in 1831. He resided at Evans Mills, and married the daughter of Judge John Macumber. He early engaged in politics, and never had a very extensive law business. He had great influence and strength in the political party to which he belonged. He was elected assemblyman several times, and served one term of four years as senator. Sometime after 1840 he removed to Watertown, and for several years was editor of a weekly paper. Mr. Tamblin was a great reader; but his reading was mostly of that kind which stored the mind with scientific facts and theories, but added little to his practical knowledge. He died leaving behind him no appreciation of his actual knowledge or learning, for the very reason that he left no evidence of any application of it of any value or interest whatever.

Of Alfred D. Rathbun, admitted to at the same time, nothing has been learned.

Edward B. Hawes, admitted the same year, resided in Belleville. He was for many years engaged almost daily in trying suits in justice’s court, at which he was an expert. He had good legal ability, but was eccentric in his character. No man in the southern portion of the county was better known than he. He was generous to a fault. He was alternately very pious and very profane; yet no one had more charity extended to him for his faults than he. After a long life of excitement he died, avowedly looking upon the grave as a place of rest.

William Ruger, admitted in 1831, was noted as a great teacher of mathematics, teaching what was called select schools in various parts of the county, and was the author of Ruger’s Arithmetic. About 1836 he formed a copartnership with Charles Mason, who came from Madison County, and who about 1840 returned there to practice. Ruger then formed a copartnership with Joshua Moore, then living in Brownville, under the firm name of Ruger & Moore. He was elected state senator about 1838, dying in 1842. He was reputed a sound lawyer, but a poor speaker. He was an uncle of the present chief justice of the Court of Appeals.

Andrew Z. McCarty resided in this county when he was admitted in 1831, but very soon thereafter moved to Pulaski, where he resided, practicing his profession till his death a few years since. His history belongs to Oswego County.

William H. Shumway, admitted this year, was a peculiar character. No man was better known throughout the county. He never married, and was at times very intemperate, losing all his business, and suddenly reforming would regain the confidence of the community and his business. The mutations often occurred. He finally left Watertown and went to Oswego, into the insurance business, where his alternating habits followed him. Thence he went to Syracuse, and finally got into the state law library there as assistant. He died in that capacity. It was said he got nothing for his services, except what lawyers paid him for looking up books and authorities for them, at which, it was universally conceded, he was an expert.

Of Henderson Spencer, admitted the same year, nothing is known.

Jason Marsh, admitted this year, lived and practiced the law for several years in Adams, where he resided. Nothing has been learned of him except what appears upon the record. It appears that for some time he did considerable business, and was there in 1836. Probably a more extensive inquiry in Adams might discover some one who could give more particulars of his life, but they have not been found from the inquiries made.

Of Albert Richmond, admitted in 1832, and of Peter Yates, admitted in 1833, and Ahera G. Eastman, admitted in 1835, nothing is known.

Samuel G. Watson studied law in the office of C. E. & J. Clark; was admitted in 1832, and located at Sackets Harbor; was there in 1836. He subsequently located in Pulaski. He was a man of fair ability and industry; respected by the community. He was postmaster at Pulaski for a number of years.

Augustus Ford, admitted in 1833, was a son of William D. Ford, and resided in Sackets Harbor. He was respected for his legal ability and great social qualities. While at Sackets Harbor he was an intimate associate of the officers at the garrison there, among whom was General Grant. For a long time many soldiers and officers were stationed at Sackets Harbor, until at length nearly all were ordered away; and when this was done the town became dull, and the lawyers from time to time left. Mr. Ford went first to Buffalo, and after staying there a short time, he went to New York; located in Brooklyn, where he now resides.

Nathan Rathbun, admitted in 1833, lived in Brownville; had a good reputation and business in his profession. How it happens that he was one of the counsel who defended Evans for murder in the Oyer and Terminer, in 1828, when he was not admitted to the Common Pleas till 1833, five years after, can be accounted for only upon the supposition that in 1828 he had been admitted to the Supreme Court, and not to the Common Pleas till 1833. There is none of his family now remaining in Brownville or in the county so far as can be ascertained.

John S. Bagg resided in Watertown; was a brother of an eminent physician who resided here; and soon after his admission, in 1834, removed to Detroit, Michigan. He formed and left behind him no reputation as a lawyer.

Anthony Ten Eyck, admitted this year (1834), was a son of Judge Egbert Ten Eyck. He also soon after his admission removed to Detroit, where he gained considerable reputation as a lawyer, and died several years ago.

George A. Benedict, admitted at the same time, was a son of Amos Benedict, and soon after his admission he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he practiced law for awhile, and at length was part proprietor of a daily paper in that city, until his death several years ago.

Charles Mason came to this county from Madison County in 1835, and was admitted to the Common Pleas. He soon thereafter formed a partnership with William Ruger, which continued till 1839, when it was dissolved, and he returned to Madison County, where he practiced law till he was elected judge of the 6th district under the constitution of 1846. He filled this office two terms, when he was appointed clerk of the Circuit Court located at Utica, which office he filled till his death. His reputation belongs to the state rather than to this county or this district.

Charles Hayden, admitted in 1819, lived in Richland, Oswego County. His history belongs to that county.

David Brooks, Jr., was admitted in 1819, and all that is known of him is that for awhile he was a partner of Justin Butterfield, under the name of Butterfield & Brooks, and resided in Sackets Harbor.

Of Abel P. Vosburgh nothing can be learned. Whence he came, where he resided, and whence he went is unknown.

Nothing of David Perry has been ascertained. Admitted in 1811, he did considerable business, but his name is not found on the list of attorneys of 1821.

Daniel Wardwell, admitted in 1814, then resided in Mannsville. J. Rossiter, probably a student in his office, admitted the year after, became his partner. The firm of Wardwell & Rossiter appears upon the record for several years. Mr. Wardwell removed to and practiced in Adams. He was appointed judge, and first sat on the bench at the December Term, 1824, the last time in December, 1826. He was elected congressman three successive terms, representing Jefferson County six years. He is reputed as a man of ability and integrity, and has left surviving a highly respectable family. One of his sons is now living in Adams, and another in Rome.

William D. Ford, admitted in 1817, is recorded as living in Sackets Harbor. There is some evidence that at one time he had an office and practiced law in the then village of Watertown. For many years he was a prominent member of the bar. He was the father of Augustus Ford hereinbefore mentioned.

Justin Butterfield was admitted to the bar of Jefferson County Common Pleas in 1813, and had an extensive law business until he went to Chicago in 1840. There is evidence that he was located in Watertown most of the time, and a part of the time in Sackets Harbor. During the time he had several partners, among whom was David Brroks, Jr. In the opinion of many of his contemporaries he was the ablest lawyer in the county. He left behind him a brilliant reputation, which still lingers in the memory of the older inhabitants, and has been transmitted to and believed by those who never saw or heard him. There are many incidents of his professional life, of his genius, tact, and mental acuteness, worth recording, which would be appropriate in an extended history of his life, but which the limits of this article will not permit. He acquired a good reputation in Chicago. He defended the prophet Joseph Smith before Judge Pope, and there were several jurymen by the name of Angel. His opening address to the jury on this occasion was, “May it please the court, I arise before the Pope in the present of angels to defend the prophet of the Lord.” There are many versions of this address, but the above is given as the substance of what he actually said.

Gouverneur M. Bucklin, admitted in 1836, was a son of David W. Bucklin. He inherited from his father his physical development, voice, and “volubility of tongue,” but not his industry and ambition. He lived in Watertown till about 1840. He had no business for the reason he would not do it. He married a very estimable lady about this time, a Miss Abbey, and removed to Carthage, where he remained several years and did very well. He then removed to New York and had an appointment in the custom-house, which he held through all administrations until his death. He had most extraordinary conversational powers, commanding attention in whatever social position, high or low, he was placed. With brilliant talents nothing prevented his success but want of application. He died several years since at his residence in Jersey City.

Alonzo M. Watson, admitted in 1837, was a resident of Watertown. In 1840 he formed a copartnership with John F. Hutchinson in the law business. Though he had ability and integrity he was not successful. He organized a Fourier association here, located on Cold Creek some two miles east of the village, of which he was president, upon several hundred acres of land, and carried on the business until not only the association, but about every one of its members, became insolvent. He left the law practice, and finally removed to Rochester, and died there soon after, leaving a widow with a large family of enterprising boys. They came back to this county after the father’s decease, and settled in Redwood, and one of the boys, Don M., became for a long time a most efficient commissioner of common schools in the third commissioner district of the county.

Westel W. Wager resided in Brownville, flourished as a lawyer, but mostly in the lower courts, for a number of years. He died of consumption many years since, leaving a son who is a successful practitioner in the city of New York.

Frederick W. Hubbard, admitted in 1838, was a son of Judge Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion, and married a daughter of Peleg Burchard. He studied law in the office of Lansing & Sherman, his brothers-in-law, and was a man of strict integrity and high moral character. He formed a copartnership with J. H. Dutton, his cousin, under the name of Hubbard & Dutton, for several years, and then with his nephew, Stephen J. Hubbard. He was elected a justice of the Supreme Court, and took his seat upon the bench January 1, 1852, for eight years. During these eight years the politics of the county changed, and he was succeeded by Hon. Joseph Mullin. He then resumed the practice of law, doing an extensive business till his death. Some year or two before he died he removed his office to the city of New York.

Hiram Steele was practicing law and resided in Sackets Harbor prior to 1819. He was one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in this county during the years 1821 and 1822.

E. Smith Lee was admitted in 1819, resided in Sackets Harbor, and formed a copartnership with Hiram Steele, under the name of Lee & Steele. An amusing anecdote is related of this firm, as occurring at one of the circuit courts held in this county. At that time a written calendar of cases to be tried was made up for the use of the court, on which was one, at least, wherein Lee & Steele were the attorneys; and the clerk, in writing the name of Lee, had neglected to loop the e in the name of Lee, and some wag, or mischievous member of the bar, found an opportunity to dot the first e and put a loop to the second, so as to make the whole list of their causes read, “Lie and Steele, attorneys for the,” etc. This was not discovered till the judge was calling the calendar and came upon the names, and, in his embarrassment, the judge, looking through the list, called the attention of the clerk to it. This very soon caused a breeze of mirth through the bar, and an expression of wrath from the attorneys thus libelled, and a continual running fire of interjectional invective during the term. This firm, however, for a number of years did a large business, as appears from the record. Their subsequent history or whereabouts is unknown.

Jeduthan Steele reided in Sackets Harbor. He was admitted in 1824, and was a prominent man there as well as in the county. He died in 1838. Nothing further of his history could be learned, as none of his relatives are now living in the county so far as can be ascertained.

Horace How came from Vermont to Sackets Harbor about 1830, and was admitted that year. He married one of the daughters of John M. Canfield. He had good ability, but did not engage extensively in the practice of the law. He left there in 1848, and went to Chicago, where he died.

Lysander H. Brown. -- The life, character, and eminent ability of Lysander H. Brown, a member of the Jefferson County bar, deserve more than a commonplace tribute. The germ of eloquence seems to have been born in him. It is not the eloquence that entertains without instructing, that is lost and forgotten as soon as it is uttered; but the eloquence of manner, thought, and diction that leaves a lasting and enobling impression upon the mind. He is the only representative of the bar of this county so largely endowed by nature with this great gift, and he has never failed to use it at the call of the profession. In History of Jefferson County, published in 1878, by L. H. Everts & Co., is a sketch of the principal events of his life; but from that sketch but little of the characteristic oratorical ability of Mr. Brown can be learned. It will be the effort here to recall the early events of his life, which tended to develop his peculiar talent, and the growth and maturity of that talent during a long life of exemplary usefulness. He was born in Brownville, December 20, 1808. The early part of his life was spent upon a farm, attending, during the winter, the district school. By this occupation he obtained vigor of mind and body. In 1828 or 1829 he entered Union Academy at Belleville, where he remained two years. It was here that he had the opportunity of cultivating his special gift. The late Judge Mullin and George F. Comstock, of Syracuse, were students there during the time. The Rev. Jedediah Burchard, the eloquent evangelist, was an officiating clergyman at that place, and taught a class in elocution, of which class Mr. Brown was a most attentive and tractable member. Under the most excellent and masterly tuition of this celebrated clergyman he laid the foundation of that winning and lively oratory for which he was afterwards so distinguished. In 1831 he entered Union College, graduating in July, 1834. During this time the Rev. Dr. Nott, in the full vigor of his life, was the president, and Dr. Alonzo Potter, afterwards bishop of the diocese of Pennsylvania, was the vice-president of that institution, with a large faculty possessing as high a character, and occupying as high a position in public estimation, as any institution of learning in the country.

The very atmosphere he breathed was full of literature, classical and scientific; and he was permitted almost daily to listen to the private and public talk of two of the highest specimens of oratorical genius. Graduating with the highest honors of the college, and with a mind disciplined and exalted under these influences, Mr. Brown, in October, 1834, became the principal of the Champion Academy. Under his direction that academy at once took high standing among the educational institutions of the country. He remained in charge of the academy until March, 1838, and during the time many of his students received that education and mental discipline which afterwards gave them high positions in the business and professional world. It was during this period that the public first became acquainted with his ability as a captivating public speaker. His able and eloquent addresses during this period raised him very high in the estimation of the public. In March, 1838, he left the academy and came to Watertown to complete the study of the profession, with a reputation unsurpassed by any one in the county. It was during this summer that he commenced his political life by public speeches in favor of the election of Isaac H. Bronson for Congress. In October, 1839, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. In 1840 he was in the political field in support of Martin Van Buren, but his eloquence made little impression against the senseless excitement of the log cabin campaign. His mind was not adapted and could not bend to the details and technicalities of the legal profession; and yet he has been engaged in the courts, and in business connected with the courts, during large portions of his time. His familiarity with law and lawyers and judges has been extensive for 50 years; not only the professional courtesies but the social amenities have been cordial between them. In 1842 he was appointed to and accepted the office of superintendent of common schools of Jefferson County. This employment was more congenial with his tastes. In this avocation he excelled. During this time he made to Hon. Samuel Young, state superintendent, the most able report received by him from any of the counties in the state. He held this office three years.

In 1844 occurred the presidential campaign between James K. Polk, the Democratic nominee, and Henry Clay, the Whig candidate. During this campaign Mr. Brown was nominated for the Assembly. The ablest political speeches Mr. Brown ever made were during this campaign for the election of the Democratic candidate for President. He was thoroughly posted on every issue involved in the canvass, and he handled them with great eloquence and power. During this canvass, in the old Agricultural hall, in the rear of the county jail, the Hon. John A. Dix and Mr. Brown, on the same occasion, addressed a crowded house. Both seemed to do their utmost. It was the universal opinion that Mr. Brown, in the clearness of his statements, the logic of his reasoning, and purity of diction, far exceeded that of Mr. Dix. In after years Mr. Brown was often called to speak in company with such men as John Van Buren, Horatio Seymour, Daniel S. Dickinson, and others of equal celebrity, invariably acquitting himself with conspicuous credit. Even as late as the Cleveland and Blaine campaign he spoke with Lieut.-Gov. Dorsheimer to an audience of over 3,000 at the armory in the city of Watertown; and his speech was considered on all hand the feature of the occasion. Mr. Brown was elected to the Assembly, and took his seat January 1, 1845. His acts there are a matter of public record. It was universally conceded that he was the best speaker in the House. In 1846 he was candidate for the nomination for Congress, and a majority of the delegates to the nominating convention were elected pledged for him. But that majority was changed by his opponents nominating one of his supporters for sheriff. The result was the defeat of the nominee at the election. All the efforts of Mr. Brown to the contrary could not prevent it. In 1847 he was elected surrogate, the first under the constitution of 1846, and held the office from July 1, 1847, to January 1, 1852. His prominence as a speaker, and his activity in the political field, continued down to 1884.

Isaac Van Vleek, * (Van Vleek or Van Vleck ?) admitted in 1845, resided at Sackets Harbor, where, for a number of years, he practiced law, and was known throughout the county as a prominent Democratic politician, and frequently represented his party as a delegate to county conventions. He subsequently left the county, and his residence since has not been ascertained.

Luther J. Dorwin* (*This sketch of Mr. Dowin was written by Lysander H. Brown, at the request of the publisher) has been a member of the Jefferson County bar longer than any man living except Judge Wright. He has been in constant active practice 46 years; and it is no reflection upon the very able men of that bar, to say that he has stood in the front rank of the profession among them. He is an industrious student, as well as an alert and successful practitioner. He loves the law. His trained brain delights to pry into its depths, to cull its golden treasures, and unravel its intricacies. If a question of law presents itself he applies it to foundation principles for solution. Nothing is sound with him till he finds the base on which it rests.