The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-04
SKETCH OF MANSFIELD TRACY wALwoRTH

Mansfield Tracy Walwortn. the murdered man.
was born in Albany December 8, 1880, being the son
OF the eminent jurist, Chancellor Walworth, who
was for twenty years the chief Judge OF the Court
OF Chancery in this State The reputation OF Chan
cellor Walw0rth stands highest among the dis
tinguished representatives OF the in this State
and his decisions are cited to-day in the various
courts OF the United States as OF binding authority
In determining many intricate principles OF equity
law. Young Walworth, therefore, had incalcuable
advantages in his early studies under the eye Of
his father, and in Q library in the family mansion at
Saratoga Astounding in solid histories, explora-
tions biographies, scientific treatises and theologi-
cal disqusitions. He entered Union College at the
age OF sixteen and graduated two years after, an
exceptionally early age for college course. DR..
Mott, the President Of the college, personally
pimented the young graduate amid class OF 14O
members.
The Chancellor had set his heart upon bringing
up his son In the profession on which ne himself
had shed such lustre and after three years. study
at Cambridge law school Mansfield was
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE AT THE BAR
OF New York State and was subsequently admitted
to practice In the courts OF the United States. The
famous patent suit between Erastus Corning Of
Albany and Henry Burden Of Troy. popularity
known as "The Spike Case and involving claim
OF 81 200 000 was referred at this time to Chance
l0r WawOrth for decision. His son, Mansfield was
appointed the clerk OF this memorable reference,
and for ten years was constantly occupied IN re-
cording the testimony taken and preparing 1t for
the press. The printed evidence finally made q
number OF volumes large enough to constitute q
law library.
His arduous labors in this suit did not prevent
the young lawyer from INDUCING in
LITERARY PURSUITS.
His first serious effort in literature was entitled
Lulu; or, Tale Of the National Hotel Poisoning"
1t was considered by many readers as satire on
.spike suit After this novel came .Hotspar rDs
Tale OF the Hudson" both of which were favorably
received. His best work, in the opinion OF his lite
rary admirers, appeared IN 1859, under the title Of
Antiquarian research, varied scholarship and ex-
tenslve reading on the part OF the author are
ceeded by "Beverly" and 'Delaplaine," the
latter embodying domestic experiences which
have resulted so fatally for him. 'The Lives of the
Six Chancelors OF New York Staten cost him much
time and research, and he had completed the first
volume short time before his death. He has been
contributions being published in the Home Journal
and his latest for the weekly publications devoted
to continued stories. A resident member Of the
New York Historical Society, he was constant
visitor at their halls on Second avenue Although,
some years ago, he gave promise of
ATTAINING A HIGH POSITION
as an orator, yet he abandoned the idea and con-
tented himself with writing addresses, which have
been frequently delivered before literary societies.
Regarding the domestic life of Mr.. Walworth 1t
married the daughter Of Colonel Hardin Of Ken
lucky, the hero Of Buena Vista. The marriage
agreed, about three years ago, to mutual separa.
ton, such as the Catholic Church permits instead
of divorce. During the war he got himself into
trouble as clerk in the War Department by giving
Information to the Confederate government. He
was at first thrown into prison, but afterwards re-
leased on parole and sent to his fathers home in
Saratoga.
Mr. Waworih was very prepossessing In appear
ance and quite a favOrite in many circles OF So
clGtV In this civ. Even TO his most intimate
friends he was very reticent about his domestic
troubles and few OF his acquaintances knew OF the
existence OF O skeleton in the closet.
THE wALwORTH MANSION,
The Walwortn mansion, a. Saratoga Springs,
where the great Chancellor lived many years,
is situated on Broadway, in that village, about
mile from the principal hotels 1t is PLAIN, I'M
pretending old building, almost hidden from public
gaze by magnificent elm trees and possessing
nothing attractive in appearance. Mrs. WalwOrth.
the widow OF the murdered man, has kept young
ladies' seminary here for some years.