Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-06-16
The Wnrran nar.

mind. lie was born in Massachusetts,
in 1904. When a mere boy'he removed
with his parents to the then almost unin-
habited wilderness, and dense forests Of
the western Reserve" and pitched his
tent in the township of Windham, Por
tage County, in the year 1879. He was
educated in the forest with a slight scho-
lastic training; yet by the force of high
purpose and invincible resolution, by in
dustry, energy, yankee enterprise, and
a bold and vigorous mind. he has won
a name for sound judgment, sagacity
and public spirit among the most distin
guished men of Ohio.
He came to Warren ard entered the
Office OF Roswell Stone, a young talented
lawyer of the early history of this place
in 1928. After due course Of study, was
examined and admitted to the bar in
1897, commenced practice; in partner
ship with Hon. David Tod, under the
firm of Orchard & Tod. In 1929 he
was appointed P. N. by Gen. Jackson, in
place of General Perkins removed, and
resigned in 1888. He was elected Judge
of Common Pleas, in 1888, and resign.
ed in 1886, at the close of the term, do
ing the business of four years, He was
Immediately appointed Solicitor of Gen
eral Land Office at Washington, by Gen.
Jackson, which Office he resigned in
1889. He was then appointed Solicitor
of the United States Treasury, by Van
Buren,, holding the Office through Van
Buren's Administration, aad during the
short rule Of Gen. Harrison, until his
death, in April 1871, when Mr.. B. was
removed. He then returned to this
place and resumed practice with his for
merpartner, Mr.. Tod, continuing it until
1912, when he was elected 10 the Su
preme Bench of this State. That Office
he held until l849, being Chief Judge
for the two last years. lie then resum
ed practiceiat the Bar Of this County, con
tinuing it up TO this lime, without inter
mission, except when lie was absent at
Columbus, serving one term in The Leg
i%slature Of this State, having been elect
ed in 1858. Since 1855. he has been a
Director Of the Atlantic IL Great West
ern Rail Road Company, and now holds
the Office of General Solicitor Of the Com
pany.
It will be seen hat Judge Birchard
has-held many important Offices, in all
of which without a single exception, he
has acquitted himself well, discharging
the duties with strict integrity, and
faiihfulness. AS Solicitor of the Land
Office and Treasury, he was a most dill
gent and laborious officer, instituting sew
eraI changes in the mode of transacting
business in each of those offices high
Iy BENEFICIAL. We think his talents
are peculiarly adapted to the bench,
be is a MAI of cool reflection, sound
Judgment, and not easily swayed by
or p~redJucies. Il might Eat least
with apparent truth be said that be was
. disciple of the philosopher Zeno, from
he stoical Indifference with which he re-
and the immobility of counter
which he assumes, when an argu-
nent or circumstance is brought TO bear
lpon feeling or prejudice. His decis
ons are nov referred to, as being replete
With careful research, supported by
and standard authorities, and
marked almost universally by sound log p,
cal and legal conclusions. He certain
y did honor to himself, TO the position
which he occupied, and, to the State.
7hile a member of the Supreme Bench !
+ Ohio. Politically, he has always been ;
answering democrat, is a strong par
isan. and an honorable opponent. Has
.eclared himself in favor of the ultra
.ecompton measure of the South. |
As a lawyer, Mr.. Birchard prepares +,
asses with great care and research, and d
With a clear knowledge of the principles |
4 law. He excels TO a great degree in
ounseling, and in the preparation of :
ases. Is a man OF little imagination, +,
ence rarely attempts to sway the minds ;
+ a jury by appealing 10 their sympa- a
lies or passions. At loltier periods of
loquence be utterly denies any P'e;en- .,
ons. The scenes ard events of the y
past life have been varied and
lteresting. and there is nothing in which I
e more delights, than their rehearsal. :.
He is a little above the medium size :,
sht complexion, light grey eyes, regu
r features, medium sized head, high il
-ominent forehead, hair thin and of a
ght color, beard very heavy, which the
Tres of life and the burden of years a
ave almost entire whitened. giving him a
patriarchal appearance which we sci
pm if ever, associate in our minds with y
lr ideas of the legal fraternity. to
As 10 L.. who honored me with a TO- "
&c, Two or three weeks since. and which 5;
have been unable to take note of soon !,
, l have but little TO say, as he has al re
ady been SO fully and satisfactorily re, ~
to by the editor. o.
But as he appeals 10 me directly and G
ems TO court some little notice. l ada r.,
st. That tastes differ Secondly; as 81
a description of something in the ami a
al or vegetable kingdom. which q. so "
desires-that if the sail Il. will -"
in review, before oar abode, display .,