The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1867-01-05
from the Oregon statosman.1
Death OF Judge StraIGOm.

DG81A OA - uWEe ObEBGbOMs
Hon. r. L. Stratton, one Of the justices
of the Circuit and Supreme Courts of
Oregon died, after brief illness, at his
residence in Eugene City, on the evening
Of the 26 inst, and was buried at Salem,
on Sunday, by the Order of Odd Fellows
of VIII ch he was member.
He was born in Tioga county Pennsyl-
vania, in 1921, from whence he removed
when q youth, to Indiana. There he
learned the trade of millwright, but soon
abandoned it, and prepared himself for
entering college, and graduated at Mari
eta, Ohio. He then studied law at Mad
ison, Indiana and was admitted to the bar
in that place. He practiced there for a
brief period, but came to Oregon in 1852
and established himself in the Ump. IN
valley where he continued the practice Of
his profession, also engaging in other bus
iness pursuits, until the formation Of our
State government, and his election to the
position which he filled at the time Of his
death. lie was twice elected prosecuting
atty Of his district during our Territorial
existence, and always occupied prominent
position before the public.
Politically, Judge Stratton has been
mainly associated with the democratic
party casting his first Presidential vote
Tor Polk and Dallas in 1874. In 164S,
his youth and ardent, impulsiye nature,
not uDuaturally led him to the support Of
the Buffalo free-soil movement Of that year
the standard barriers Of which we were
Van Buren, and Adams He subsequent
ly returned to the democracy, and in Ore
gon acted uniformly and zealously with
that party up to the commencement OF
the war, participating actively in its coun-
ellis and discussions. An effective public
speaker, possessing vivid Imagination,
ready. earnest, clear, and oftimes eloquent
his services were always in demand at the
hustlngs; and no important canvass tran
spired prior to his going upon the bench
IN which he did not participate. At the
first state election in 1898, he was chosen
Judge Of the principal court Of the State
upon the democratic ticket. Since the
occurrence of the war his party afinities
have not been strong, though he has acted
with the Union" party and was re-elect-
ed judge upon that ticket in 1864.
Upon the bench, his career has been
honorable aud useful. With clear head
well.informcd mind, and generous impul.
ses. he has, to good degree, Won public
esteem aud confidence as judge.
In religion Judge Strattou's predilect.
IONS were with the Methodists, and at one
time he was connected with that church,
and contemplated entering its ministry.
During his later years he had no immedi-
ate connection with it, but his attachments
and partiaiities remained with the denom-
inatlon, aud the general articles Of their
faith, aud distinguishing characteristics,
received his SANCTION. Nevertheless, he
wasau independent thinker, aud held Opin-
ions peculiarly his own, aud not common
ly received by the protesting world.
In hi4 intercourSe with his fellows, he
was genial, buoyant, and hopeful; in con.
yer.atlon, lively, intelligen., aud agreeable
and his society was sought and priced
HIs friendships were ardent and faithful
and the sorrowful announcement Of his
death casts gloom all around where his
cheerful face was wont TO be seen, and his
p.casaht greetings heard. An extended
mountaineering will ever hold him in
grateful remembrance.
Judge Stratton'z sudden death furnish
es startling example of the uncertainty
Of life. Ii We had been asked 10 name d
our companions the one more likely thar
all others TO ai:ain length of years, h'
would have been selected. OF hardy
race, tough constitution, simple and abste
mions habits, we know scarcely anot.- el
who gives like promise of long life. l
behoUves all to consider we'll the mysteri
Gus change he has experienced. and which
none can escape; to found firmly thei
faith and hope, aud
$50 live. that, when thy summons comes TO join
The innumerable caravan, that moves
To the pale realms Of shade where each shall tax
His chamber in the silent halls OF death.
, Thou 60 not, like the quarry slave At night,
Scuurged to his dungeon; but sustained and sooihe
BY anfalteripg trust, approach thy grave
, Like one who wraps the drapery Of his couch
About him. and lies down TO pleasant dreams.