Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-01-19
For the GallipOlis Jooraal,


HoS ANUS NrT.EThe writer Of ri,
tribute Of respect to the talents anc
; worth of the Hon. ARlus NYE, is promp
ted by no other motive than that of re
ferring to his life and character as al
example worthy of imitation by thos,
who are now preparing to enter the pail
of the law.
With so many disadvantages crossing
his path, while in his minority, no onI
could have supposed he ever would b.
at the front rank Of the law profession
He was born in the stockade at Mariet
ia, in the Indian war between 1890 and
1895. When the war ended, each fam.
lilly went forth to engage in such busi-
ness as to them seemed best. His ia.
ther engaged in the tanning business,
and when Arius was old enough to grind
bark with an old-fashioned wooden
wheel, he engaged in that unpleasant
occupation during summer, and going
to school in winter, by which he learned
to read. write and cypher by the time he
was thirteen years old. With his fa-
theirs consent, at fourteen he entered
his maternal uncle's store, as an assis-
tsnt salesman. Being now removed
from the dust Of the bark mill, he soon
acquired a little library and began the
study of English grammar, which he
soon became master of. He then took
up the study of the science of mathe-
matics, which he became master Of in
tuitively. About the time of his major
ity he engaged in a mercantile establish
ment, in connection with his father,
which promised fair remuneration for
the time and capital invested. With
prospects flattering, he was induced at
an early period ofhis life to wed a young
lady of deservedly fine accomplish
ments, out of one of the best families
in Virginia. With business promising
an easy independence, and companion
in every way worthy of his choice, he
was enjoying the hey-day of life. As
his custom increased, he was compelled
to add to his stock in trade, and like a
large portion of our business young
men, felt emboldened in anticipating his
usual success in business, made use of
his credit in purchasing considerable
amount of merchandise, which he was
satisfied he could pay for with his usual
good fortune. His merchandise was
shipped from Philadelphia to Pitts
burgh, and there put on fat-boat, (the
usual conveyance in those days, to be
conveyed to Marietta. While descend
ing the river the boat was snagged, and
in an hour his fair prospects were bias
ted, his merchandise sunk and ruined.
When the news reached him he conclu-
ded he was ruined, was unwilling to
purchase second stock upon credit,
and turned over his whole interest to his
father, to be rid of the liability he was
under to his creditors, and with a wife
and one child he entered upon the thea
tire of life pennyless. But with mind
capable of reaction and spirit uncon-
querable, he determined to study law,
running in debt for the support Of his
family until he could acquire eompe-
tency by his practice.
He now went to the study of law in
good earnest, and in twelve months he
obtained license to practice, and began
even-handed with Hon. T. Ewing, S. F.
Vinton and many other eminent attor-
neys of that day. With his scanty
stock of classical literature, he was com
PEELED to employ portion of his time
in those studies in connection with his
law studies.
At the bar and upon the bench as
president Judge of the court of COM
mon pleas, but few men in Ohio excel
him in knowledge of law. Indeed
his opinions are sought after by judges
and attorneys in many important points.
As Senator in the Legislature of
Ohio he occupied the foremost rank in
capacity for Legislation. 1t was from
his suggestions that the State bank and
branches were brought into existence,
than which asbetter system was never
devised, as the financial prosperity of
Ohio has abundantIy proven. In all
important law suits, within the judicial
circuit in which he resides, he is uni
formly employed. The enviable rank
he has attained for law knowledge and
classical literature, has elevated him in
the minds of all persons who are capa-
bic of appreciating talents of high
order.
Had Mr.. N. the talent of brevity in
discussing important law questions, his
display of legal lore would be much
more acceptable to jury and audience.
1t is rather misfortune that he elabo-
rates his subject too much. 1t becomes
irksome to a weary jury, and often the
application Of his argument is unheed
ed and lost on jury, when with fewer
words and more rapid utterance he
would rank among the best jury lawyers
in Ohio.
AS classical writer but few men ex-
eel him. His life has been that of close
application to study; the law is bis hob
by, but in ancient and modern history,
in geography, in belle lettres, ne occu-
pies an enviable station.
On temporary sojourn in Marietta,
he was observed going at stated times to
his Office, as a merchant does to his
store, thus employing himself with the
same assiduity to his books as if he was
now just entering upon the study Of law.
r. II.