The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1862-05-20


had not The benefit Of 90 early education,
probably none but what the common schools
furnished IN Kentucky; yet, Notwithstanding
these disadvantages, and almost without
instruction during the time he oeieiated as
deputy Clerk, be qualified himself for the
practice of law, and in 1920, If we recoi-
lect right, he was admitted Attorney and
Counsellor of Law of the Court in which
Princeton is situated. By industry and
great energy, he soon stood in the front
rank among the brethren in his profession.
He continued in the practice OF law for
twelve years or more, when he was elected
Judge of the Circuit in which he practiced.
AS lawyer, all who met him and who
were opposed to him in any case, well knew
that be would be perfectly prepared for
combat-that nothing would be left undone
that was necessary in order to present his
cause in the m ost favorable light-that be
would be fortified with all the armory the
books could furnish, and that if he failed,
it would not be because on his part anything
which could be urged in behalf of his client
had been neglected or forgotten. Many now
living will testify to the able manner
be administered Justice while on the bench;
he was the enlightened and impartial
judge. While engaged in the practice of
law, previous to his being Judge, it was
his custom to attend regularly the terms
Of the Supreme Court and he who looks
over the volumes of Blackford's Reports,
published at that period, will find that few
of the able bar of that county, at that time,
were oftener employed. --------
Judge Hall filed various public Offices in
this State, and from what we know of his
character we feel sure, they were never
sought for by him. They were conferred
because be was deemed more fitted for them
than any person in the community in which
he lived. He was twice, we believe, elect
ed to the legislature he was Lieut. Gov
ernor for one term; he was chosen without
opposition as delegate to the Convention
that formed our present constitution; be
was President of the Evansville and Craw-
| louisville railroad; be was Canal Commits
| sioner; and last, not least, he was elder at
the time Of his death, of the Presby terrain
Church of which he was q member. To
| illustrate the faithfulness and honesty with
which he performed public trusts, we deem
it not inappropriate to mention an anec-
dote that was related to US by a late Sena-
| tor of Indiana. Some fault had been found
with the Canal Commissioners at the time
Judge Hall was one; some Of their ac-
counts were deemed too extravagant, and it
was thought proper that an investigation
of them should be had. When Judge
Halls was presented, it was so clear-every
item of expense and disbursement put down
| In due order-and his charges, Withal, so
moderate, that It excited both the surprise
and admiration of the Senate, and induced
them Immediately tosmove that the thanks
of the Senate be rendered him for the faith
! full discharge of the duties of his Office,
which was unanimously adopted.
Judge Hall was twice married. His first
! wife was the daughter of Judge William
Prince, one "f h earliest pioneers of the
Western cu'...,ry. and who, at the time of
his death, WAS member of Congress from
/ this district. His second wife was Miss So
phia Ames. By both wives he left children;
and we are happy to hear he has left. to
them an ample fortune. His second wife
survives him.
The qualities of mind for which Judge
Hall was most conspicuous were sound
sense and judgment. He was not what
not much imaginatiohir;a BUT that for which
he was most remarkable was the power of
concentrating all the faculties of his mind
in the Investigation of any subject ne was
called upon to consider, which he was sure
to master, if within the scope of his studies
and business. If consulted, those who were
| governed by his opinion were sure to be
right.
His manners were more of the scholar
than the man of the world; at first he
seemed cold, bat as acquaintance with him
ripened, his reserve disappeared, and he be-
came genial and Sympathetic. No one was
g more faithful and attached friend. The
arts of the demagogue he most heartily de-
spised; he only desired that popularity
" which follows, not that which is run
after" his patriotism was shown by his
deeds, not by his words.
In closing this article, we believe we ex-
press the opinion of all who had the pleas
ure of his acquaintance, when we say that
no one could have died in this community
who would be greater loss OF more re-
GREETED.