The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-25
LIFE AVID SERVICES OF MR.. STANTON.

The deceased exSecretary was native OF OHIO
having been Torn al Seubenvllle In that State, on
the 10th OF December, 1915. HIS father, a native of
North Carolina, was physician in good practice,
but emgrated to Ohio from Virginia before the birth
OF the subject OF this SKETCH Edwin NJ Stanton re-
ceived q Rood rudimcntary education and subse-
Quently entered Kenyon College, but did not remain
there many months, his fathers circumstances be-
coming stratened and compelling his return 1t was
about the year 1884 when he moved to Columbus the
capital OF Ohio, and obtained situation as clerK in
booksellers store. While engaged In the duties of
this position he applied himself diligently to the
study OF law and with such success that in 1880 ne
was admitted TO the bar. At first he engaged in
practice at Cadiz in Harrison county, where ne
served one term rs prosecuting attorney and at its
expiration returned to SteuDenville, his naive
place. Here he settled permanently, acquired
an extensive and profitable practice, anu be-
came prominent IN politics. Mr.. Stanton was at the
time, o member OF the democratic party,
which then controlled the State. IN 1889 the
Legislature Of Ohio elected him reporter OF the de-
cls0ns OF the Supreme Court Tor term OF three
years. The duties OF this really laborlous office
were performed with skill and ability. His repu-
tation a lawyer had also spread over southeastern
Ohio and the frontier counties of Western Virginia.
throughout which section OF country he principally
practlsed. The success that attented his prole5.
si0nal career was signal and honorable, and made
him known far outside the units OF the States
TONED. When, in 1872 C. j. McNulty, Clerk OF the
House OF Representatives was charged with defai-
cation, he selected Mr.. Stanton to defend him. The
trial took place at Washington, and although the
evidence was heavy against the accused the legal
talent Of his counsel wa2 successful III Obtaining a
verdict of acguitta. This case, which was undoubt-
eddy OF great gravity and Importance was a signal
reputation and placed him beside the great legal
lights OF the country.
REMOVAL TO PENNSYLVANIA.
in 1SAS Mr.. Stanton, to the great regret Of his
ohio clients, removed to Pittsburg Pennsylvania
where he had formed professional copartnershID
with Charles Shaler and Theodore Umbstfatter. law
yers OF distinction and large practice. In brief while
the deceased tile recognized head OF the Pittsburg
par. His practice, however, was by nomeans confined
TO Pennsylvania. Probably the most profitable part
of the Supreme Court of the United States at
Washington, to the bar of which he mad been called
some years previous Here ne was engaged IN some
OF the most noted OF the times such nat OF
the Wheeling Bridge Company, In which he was
associated with the late Robert J. Walker. His
argument In this is regarded model Of close
logical and thoughtful reasoning, and deservedly
ranks hign In the legal world, being considered
worthy place IN Towards Reports. In many other
cases OF great importance both before the Supreme
Court ana before the courts OF Pennsylvania he was
prominently concerned during his residence in
Plttsburg HIS attention to business ana the asst.
duty he displayed IN all matters entrusted to his
charge enabled clients to place the utmost rell-
ability upor MIN. As might be supposed, he found
but little or no time to participate in politics. save
as a voter. lie was, however, recognized demo-
crat. and If at any time MS influence was exerted
for candidate Il was invariably In behalf OF the
democracy. We state this fact particularly because
some ultra radical writers have declared that he had
been neutral
RESIDENCE m WASHINGTON.
Mr.. Stanton's business In the Supreme Court OF
the United states became 30 large that he was COM
PEELED TO dissolve the Pittsburg partnership and
to Washington. In 1858 Attorney General jeremiah
y. Black appointed him to plead the case OF the
United states the famous California land cases. lie
accordingly proceeded 10 san Francisco, ana, alter
hard hgnt succeeded In Overthf0wlng the titles
GAINED under the Mexican grants anu securing the
land Tor the rghtful claimants. Returning 10 wash
Ington, he established himself in business there,
meeting with the same marked success that had
attended all OF ms efforts elsewhere When Slckies
killed Key Mr.. stanton was retained, with other
eminent counsel, Tor the defence The part ne TOOK
IN the tra! was conspicuous and important, although
the start 1t was perceived that General Slckies
would be acquitted. pubic sentiment being strongly
III his favor.
APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Up TO December, 1850, Mr.. stanton had never held
any 0nlcial position under the government OF the
United States except once iii the California casee
referred TO- But events were transporting which
were to develop his great executive ability. The
secession movement had eliminated IN South Caro-
Ina preparing TO withdraw from The Union. General
Cass, disguised with the hesitancy That marked
President Buehansns course, resigned his position