Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-04-06
THE JUDGE Of the 18th CIRCUIT.

The GAINESVILLE Gazette has the fol-
lowing biographical sketch of Mr. Con-
ger who was yesterday elected by the
Republicans Judge of the 18th judicial
circuit. composed of Rock, Green and
Jefferson counties :
Harmon S. Conger was. born and
raised in CORTLAND county, New York,
where he read and practiced law until
he came to this city in 1855. Belong
ing to the Wing party, and that party in
the minority in the district, Mr. Con
ger took lively interest in political
affairs, and while pursuing his legal
studies, he purchased the CORTLAND
County Wing, which he edited with
ability and earnestness for six years.
But the paper was not financial sue
cess, although quite satisfactory to his
party friends, aud the young editor sold
it out and gave his entire time and en-
ergies to his profession Shortly after
his admission to the bar, and much to
his surprise, he was nominated to Con-
gress by the Wing convention in 1916
That district was then democratic and
was represented by democrat, Geo.
r. Rathburn) and many believed
that the nomination was only an empty
honor But contrary to the expecta-
tons of everybody, Mr.. Conger was
elected to the Both Congress. and again
re elected in 1913, although his oppo-
nent was his old preceptor and one of
the ablest and most popular men in the
District. After serving his constitu-
ents two terms in Congress, Mr. Con
ger gave his undivided attention to the
study of law, and during his residence
of fifteen years in this city, he has al
lowed nothing to divert him from the
pursuit of his life. And now in the
maturity of his powers, with an ex-
perience of twenty-five years as an at
torney, ripe scholar and having well
improved his rare opportunities to ac
quIre cor. ect notions Of men and things.
we find him chosen by his fellow citi-
zens to serve them as judicial officer.
He has never been found wanting n any
test that has cen applied to him, aud
the bar OF both parti S, as we'll as the
people of Rock county, confidently as
sure their neighbors of the other coun
ties of the circuit that they will not
be disappointed in Harmon S. Conger.
We add nothing more except this
Dir. Conger is not politician, in any
sense, and although as sincere and firm
republican in his convictions as can
be found in Rock county, he has never
attended a political caucus or conyen.
ton in this city, nor made a political
speech that we ever heard Of. He
has taken this course, not because he
felt no interest in public affairs, but
because, having given nearly ali the
| best years of his early manhood to the
service OF the public, as public speak
er, as editor Of an important political
newspaper, and as Member Of Con
gress, he felt it important to serve him
self and family. No man in the cir
cult could have been named for the
new judgeship who could be less OBJ
jectionab to men of both political
parties than Mr.. Conger, as he is as
free from obnoxious partlsanship as it
| IS possible for man to be. A good
citizen-a we'll trained lawye hon
est man-Harmon S. Conger possess
es all the qualifications that are neces
sary to make capable and efficient
judge, whose future career will be a
credit to himself, satisfaction to the
people who have confded in his integ
rity, and an honor to the bench.