Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-11-16
iCoPrRIGHT SECURED.
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
OR. "REMINISCENCES oFTHE PAST.

OK, HS SfGiNiSSENSSS Or ne rms
When Judge W oodward's term expired, It
became necessary to appoint President Judge
70 serve until under the amended Constitution
Al election could take place. The honor was
conferred by Governor Johnston on James 7.
Hale OF Centre county. Judge Hale presided
at several courts and produced a very fayOra-
bic impression. Time would have soon worn
off that which alone has been alleged against
him-being too much of the advocate. Mr..
Hale we'll known in our community. For
many years he had attended our courts regu-
larIy, and assisted at the trial of important
causes. He is in the prime of life, OF fine ap
pearance, polished manners, superior attain
ments, and well versed in the knowledge of
law He has been an industrious lawyer, and
at the bar ranks high. His personal character
adds force to mis- words, which, when address
ing a jury or the court, are earnest. He is
pleasant spcaker-scldOm indulges in oratori-
cal di splGy, but in chaste and plain language
delivers himself of lucid and strong arguments.
mannerism in speaking attracts the auditor
from the subject to the man, and mars some
what the effect on those not directly interested
hand 20 the temperance reform, in which
well as other benevolent enterprises, he has
been warmly enlisted. As a politician, he was
connected with the old Wing party, and since
Its dissolution lie has remained ARA yed against
the Democratic party. At the election of
1853, he was elected member of Congress in
district where the party to which he is at
tached had been tor years in the minority.
In the fall of 1851, Robert G.. White was c.
lected us successor to Judge Hale. He presl-
ded at but one court, and then a change in the
district made Hon. John c. Knox the Presi-
dent Judge. Again the district remodel
ed. and Hon. James Burnside was elected in
1858. The melancholy accident which re-
moved Mr.. Burnside having occurred during
.iIe publication of these sketches, and a lengthy
notice then having been published, is sufficient
reason for saying no more here. The vacancy
occaSioned by the death of Judge Burnside
was filled by the appointment of Hon. James
Gamble of Jersey Shore. Mr.. Gamble had
represented this county in the Legislature
when we were connected with Lycoming coun-
Is in 4 Representative district. He is an a
mable and worthy gentleman, possessed OF
talents of high order. Personally popular,
Judge Gamble, through the sutfrages of his
neighbors, has been elected to Congress and
called upon 10 fill other positions Having
served here but one term as President Judge,
We caniot speak of his merits. His successor
is Samuel Linn of BeIIefoDte, of Rev.
James Linn, who for more than fifty years has
ofliciated as pastor of a Presbyterian church
in Centre county, and who in an early day oc-
casionalIy minIstered to the spiritual wants of
our citizens.
Samuel Linn from his admission to practice
until recently was another of the Bellefonte
Lawyers who was regular IN his attendance at
our court The principal part of his time has
been devoted to his profession. Few men OF
his age have acquired and merited so great a
came for legal eruditIon as he. In our good
old Commonwealth he has few peers and his
superiors are rare. His practice has been
large, and extended over several counties. In
the examination of witnesses he shows con-
siderable tact-his cross examinations being
often searching and severe. When assisting
in a cause you might suppose from his dreamy
look that he was half asleep and uninterested,
but when a question is asked or testimony Of
fcred which is not germaine to the case and
effects his client, quick as the flash he rises
to his feet and interposes his objections
Then, should the occasion demand it, you
hear from his lips clear. concise, ana loglcai
argument, showing a master intellect Iesa'
scGmen, and deep reading. When before the
Jury, he is listened to with marked attention.
His speeches episodes which I'LL up the
routine of the week. Something good is al
ways Looked for. If there is any fun IN the
case he is sure to bring it out, and that in the
dr0llcst manner when you least expect it. Mr.
Linn is close reasoner, sometimes splits hairs.
h appears best in those matters where author
ities seem contradictory or nearly balanced;
then he throws himself into the argument, and
sFova- gun of heavy metal. He is honora-