Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1872-07-09
him the idol of his Bar.

essenIlal part OF MS nature, ulSplayeu
upon the bench the "suaviter in mo-
do" it was invariably accompanied
with the "fortiter in re-" Numerous
illustrations might be given, but one
most remarkable, and bordering on
the tragic, must suffice.
In 1888 an attrocious murder had
been perpetrated in Grant county,
and a person charged with the crime,
and committed to jail TO await the
action of the grand jury. He was
brought before JUDGE Dunn upon
writ OF habeas corpus, who, after a
full investigation, admitted the pris-
oner to bail, which he obtained, and
was set at liberty. The inhabitants
IN the vicinity Of the murder were
very much incensed. and assembled
in large numbers, with the avowed
intention of lynching the accused,
who only saved his life by fight
His sureties were also compelled to
leave the Territory at the hazard of
their lives. The mob, in which were
some very respectable citizens, also
passed resolution-of which they
notified the judge-that he attempt
ed to hold another court in that
county it would be at the risk of his
life.
On the day appointed by law for
the holding of the court, the Judge
appeared, as usual, without guard or
escort, as calm and undisturbed as
though he was entirely ignorant of
the menaces of the mob, many of
whom, as he knew, were in attend.
ance, and without having even spok
en- to any member Of the bar, or to
the sheriff, Of the danger, with which
be was threatened, he took bis seat
upon the bench, with his accustomed
quiet dignity, and ordered the sheriff
to open court. 1t was observed that
he took with him, to his seat, his sad
die bags, and placed them immedi
ately by his side. This was his ar
senal. The firm, determined and
resolute purpose of the Judge to hold
that court, at that time and at that
place, in despite of all threats of per-
sonal violence, was Enthusiastically de-
veloped in every lineament of his I'M
blanched features, that all appearance
of mob violence was effectually SUBJ
dued. The sheriff opened court, and
its business was proceeded with in
the usual orderly manner.
To all persons in any manner in
terested in the business of his court,
the Judge was always kind and con-
siderate. Between suitors the scales
of justice were held with a steady
and impartial hand. The time and
patience of jurers were never taxed
beyond the indispensable and para
mount demands of the public veal
Witnesses were protected from all
improper annoyances of lawyers
The officers of court were encouraged
and assisted in the discharge of their
duties. Every person charged with
crime was certain TO receive a fair
and impartial trial, and even convict.
ed criminals were treated with every
merciful consideration consistent with
justice.
But it was TO the pioneer bar of
Wisconsin that JUDGE DUNN, by his
large opportunities of association,
most especially endeared himself
Always courteous, always charitable,
considerate-especially to the young.
er members-and Away as indulgent
as was compatible with justice; no
member of the bar ever justly COM
planned of unfair treatment, and
whenever it became necessary TO ex-
cept to any of his rulings, no fair
lawyer ever complained that he could
not get fair bill of EXCEPTIONS
And whether on a motion for a new
trial, or on error to the Supreme
Court, he was never restrained by
any pride of opinion from reversing
his own rulings, with the same redi-
ness as he would those of another.
The brevity which propriety de-
mands upon an occasion Of this kind,
will not admit of more extended
notice of the judicial career of JUDGE
Dunn, which is his best title to good
fame, to which, as Bacon says,
"Deatb openeth the gate"
While yet holding the Office of
Chief Justice JUDGE Dunn was elect
ed from the County OF La Fayette a
member of the Second Convention,
which formed the existing Constitu-
ton of the State, adopted in March,
ls48. He was President pro TEN,
and on the permanent organization
was appointed Chairman of the Ju-
dietary Committee. He possessed a
commanding influence in that body,
which was mainly due to his power
full and unanswerable arguments, al
ways presented in concise and plain
words, with that eloquence which re-
suits from honest, truthful statements
forcibly expressed.
At the first session of the State
Legislature the name of JUDGE Dunn
was presented by his friends as can
didate for e. S. Senator in the eau
Gus Of Democratic members. The
name of Governor Dodge was also
before the caucus, and HE received
the nomination, and was subsequent
ly elected f.; the other Senator being
elected from the eastern part of the
State. If JUDGE Dunn would have
consented to have been candidate
for the House of Representatives, he
would doubtless have been elected
without opposition in his party, and
the State have received the benefits
his wisdom could have conferred in
the councils of the nation. But this
was not his destiny, and he spent his
life in the valley of the Mississippi,
never having visited the National
Capital, and without beholding eth
er of the oceans which are the bourne
of our continent, he embarked on the
unknown ocean of eternity, which
hath no bourne.
Upon the establishment of State
Courts, JUDGE Dunn devoted him
self to the practice of law, which be
continued up TO his death. A portion