The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-10-15

From Livingstor,'s Reporter.
Biographical Sketch of Hon. J John NPLean,

| From Iivin gstor,'s Reporter.
Biographical Sketch of Hon. John NI'Lean,
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE L. s.
y low, vaultcd Chamber in the eastern base
ment of the capitol, having no pretensions to
architectural splendor and ornament, is the
place where the supreme judicial department
of the federal government has its local habta-
ton. There is exercised an authority. bound
ed In its territorial extent only by the limits of
the republic. 1t embraces among its subjects
individuals, tribes. and sovereign states the
operations Of the state and federal governments
in various departments and relations, and de-
termincs rights incident to peace and war. Its
judges are called upon sometimes to administer
the laws of nations, the laws cf the federal re-
public, the laws of the several states, to eX-
pound national treaties, and enforce private
contracts. In the variety, Importance. and ma
Jesty of its jurisdiction, and the wisdom and
simplicity of its exercise, the Supreme Court OF
the United States has no parallel upon earth,
and is without example in the history of the
world The stranger in Washington who comes
into the presence of this tribunal, and witnes-
ses the grave simplicity and wisdom that dis
tnguishes its proceedings, feels degree Of re-
spcct and veneration inspired by no other de
partment Of the government. As with de ap in
terest he looks upon the magistrates clothed
with snch high authority, his eye will rest upon
the calm and dignled c0untcnance of Mr.. JUS
tice VI Lean. who now sits in that chamber the
survivor of Marshall and Story. at the right
hand of the Chief Justice, the senior Judge in
commission.
A Judge of the Supreme Court of the United
States, POstmaster-General, Commissioner of
the General Land-Ofcc, Member of Congress-
a Judge Of the Supreme Court of his own State
these important stations in the three depart
mcnts of Government. executive, legislative,
and judicial. comprise the sphere of Judge Nc
Leans public life. The manner in which they
have been filled is distinguished by an ability
equalled only by the integrity Of his private
life: presenting a character useful and worthy
of respect III its day and generation, extending
| by example its influence 10 all time
The history Of such life is the history Of the
country. In the brief space allotted for this
sketch can only be traced in outline the path
by which, from obscure youth and humble sta
ton Judge M'Lcan has attained the honors OF
his mature age. And it will thus be seen that,
while such distinction is reached by few, the
path to it in this republican government is open
to all: that to this principle may be ascribcd
the usefulness and success of his life
Lives Of great men all remind us,
We make lives sublime,
And departing, leave behind Us
Footprints On the sands of time.'
In Morris county. New jersey, on the Ilth of
March. 11Sj. john MI-Can was born. Three
years afterwards his father, in humble circum-
Stances with large family, removed to the
western country: settling for Il short time. first
at Morgaa> town. Virginia. afterwards on Jcssa-
mine. near the tOWn Of NiChOlasvilr, Kent
ucky. from whence he removed, in 1893. to the
mciglIborhood Of May-ick. and finally. in 1897,
to that part oi the territory northwest of the
Ohio River. Wl!.ch now constitutes Warren
county. ohio. II" settled upon and cleared a
tarni in this new country. where, for forty years
and uniil his death lie resided. His son after
wards owned. and for Il long time resided up
on the homestead. The means of education in
that country in those days were very limited,
and. in the father condition, the son could not
be sent abroad to bc educated but. being sent
to school at an early age. he made great prof
cheney in The elementary branches of education.
Laborlng on the farm until sixteen Years of age.
he then received instruction from the Reverend
Matthew Walac" and Mr. Stubbs in the langtla-
GcS, with which, by their aid and dilgent stu
dy, he became well acquainted in the mean
time. with generous Independence, refusing 10
tax his fathers limited means, he by his own
labor maintained himself and betrayed the eX-
penscs of his tuition.
Ardent ana aspiring. at an early age he re-
solved to pursue the legal profession. Anima-
ted with genuine ambition, dismavcd by no diff
ficultics with firm and determined purpose con-
iidlng in his own virtue and industry to over
come ali obstacles, he engaged, at the age of
eighteen years, to write in the clerks Office of
Hamilton county. in Cincinnati. in order to
maintain himself by devoting portion of his
time each day to that labor. while pursuing the
study of law under the direction of Arthur ST.
Clair, an eminent counsellor, son of the distin-
guished general of that name. and who had
been governor and Judge Of the Northwest Ter
ritory. While supporting himself, he thus ac-
quired, in connection with the principles of le-
gal science, a knowledge of the practical forms
Of his profession, the details of public business,
and formed those mcthodical and diligcnt hab-
its that proved of infinite service i'm his subsc-
qucnt career. In addition to his other employ
mcnts he became member, and took an active
part in the discussions of debating society in
Cincinnati, many of whose members have since
attained distinction in the public service. And
il may well he doubted whether any mode of
instruction more efficient could have been de-
viscd for the future lawyer, statesman and Judge
than was diligently rcsortcd to for three years
by the young aspirant for his own Improvement
aud to overcome his straitencd circumstances
and secure his independence.
In the spring of 1907. being then twenty-five
years of age. Judge Mclean was married to a
lady of amiable manners and great bcncvolcnce
of character, Miss Rcbccca Edwards, daughter
of DR.. Edwards, formerly of South Carolina
She was for many years his devoted companion,
sharing the struggles OF his carly life and the
honors of his manhood. in her own sphere pre-
siding with Judgment and discretion over the
cares of large family.
In the fall of 1907, he was admitted to the
bar; and entering upon the practice of law at
Lebanon, in Warren county, he soon found him
self in the enjoyment of public confidence, and
in the receipt of ample professional cmolu-
ments.
At the October election in 1912, becoming q
candidate to represent in Congress his district.
which then included the city of Cincinnati. af-
ter an animated contest with two competitors,
he was elected by large majority over both of
the opposing candidates. The political princi-
pies with which he entered public life, and the
manner they We're acted upon, in the high and
IrnSnonSiILn station 10 which he ANaS nnW cal led