Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-11-09
IcoPrRIGHT sECURED.l
"CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
Or, "REMINISCENCES FTHE PAST,

cHr Or HE PRSIs
Lewis W. Smith came to the Bar at a later
period than bis brother. He in many re-
spects his opposite, and possessed more of
those traits of character which render man
popular with his neighbors and companions,
aud contribute to worldly advancement. lie
was quick OF perception, had good flow of
language, was acquainted with the minutia of
practice, and acquired fair position at the
bar. He knew sordid or avaricious feel
ing; could make better than husband wealth !;
was impressive, ardent. sociable and humane.
He died at early age in 1917.
4 In 1925, Robert Wallace was admitted 10
practice in this county. He was native Of
Ireland taught school for some time, and
then studied law in Miffin county, where
he originally admitted. It is probable
fhat in the preparatory studies Mr.. W allace
had made more proficiency than those with
whom he had TO contend at the Bar. He was
great reader. cOnversant with the public af-
fairs, careful in the details OF practice, and OBJ
tanned good share of business. Order and
taste were developed in him to a considerable
extent, and he was liberal to fault. If occa-
40 his celebrity. Though his speech may not
Hiways have conveyed his thought his heart
*as ever in the right place. AS partizan, he
WAS not without his influence in the Demo
cratic party, an: once elected County
Treasurer. He left the county to live for sew
eral years in HolIidavsburg and although he
now resides here, he has not regained his
practice as his old friends and clients during
his absence had formed new associations.
a remark made by J. W. Smith shortly af-
ter George r. Barrett came to reside in Clear
field town, fixed the destiny of the latter gen
tle'nan. Mr. b. had been admitted TO the Bar,
poor, almost briefless and struggling for
an existence. He called OIL his more opuIeft
legal brother to rent a house, when he was
asked by Smith, who could not but have been
aware OF his calling, s.Pray, what business do
you intend to follow here - Barrett cut TO
the quick, could scarcely avoid showing re-
sentiment, but thinking that prudence was the
better part of valor, answered, 81 am practi-
sing laws He was at this time almost dis
heartened and seriously meditated pulling up
stakes and removing 10 some other place, but
this incident made him resolve 10 stay. Geo.
r. Barrett to the manor born-the town
Of Curwensville being his birth place and the
scene of his early days. His father is now
respected and aged citizen of Brady township.
Mr. b. was born in 1915. When l6 years of
age, he entered the printing office of John
Bisler, Ex-Gov. of California, who was then
He remained with Mr.. Bigler until the spring
Of 1881, and then removed to Brookvile, JEFF
ferson county, where he edited and published
the BrookUiHe JefeJ sonian.JS During his publi-
cation Of this paper, he entered himself
student law. He abandoned the paper and
removed to Lewisburg, Union county, where
ire conducted q campaign paper and continued
his legal studies under Mr.. Linn. There he
married and was also admitted to practice.
In September 1886, he returned to Clearfield
county, and was enrolled among the members
of this Bar. There were then some or s
members in practice with whom he was bro't
IN contact. At first briefs were but few and
fees like angels visits, but time and perseye-
rance brought him to the foremost rank at the
Bar. He obtained large practice in Jeff.'r
son county, and was for several years engaged
in near all the causes tried in Elk county. In
1892, he was appointed by ovid F. Johnson
Deputy Attorney General for Jefferson coun-
ty, and in 1874 commissioned for Clearfield
county as Deputy. Previous to this be had
been elected by the Democratic party as
Member OF the Legislature of lo4I-2 In
1858 he was appointed by the President to re-
wise and codify the revenue laws OF the Uni
ted Stales. The duties of this appointment
called him to the seat of government. whist
there vacancy occurred in the I'D judicial
district, and he was rendered, by Gov. Blgler,
and accepted the appointment of President
Judge, he succeeding Judge Eldred. The
district was largely Democratic, and although |
strongly solicited to be a candidate at the en-
suing election, he declined and returned to |
hi. practice. he wa. succeeded by James M. |