The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-07-18
DEATH OF JUDGE STEELE OF VERNON

DEATH OF JUDGE STEELE OF VERMONT. -
Judge Benjamin Human Steele, promi-
ncnt lawyer of Vermont, who died in Min
ncsota on Sunday. was born at Stanstead
p. O., February 9, 1887, graduated at Dart
mouth in 1857, was admitted to the bar
while resident of Derby Line, of which
place he was some time postmaster In
1861 he married Martha, daughter of ID. II.
Sumner of Hartland, VT Practicing law
he soon passed to the front rank in his pro-
fession, and was in November, 1885, on the
appointment of Chief Justice Poland to the
place in the United States Senate made va
cant by the death of Judge Colamcr, ap-
pointed by Gov. Dillingham; to the Supreme
Court bench, at the age of 90. He was
very successful as a Judge and during his
term removed to st. Johnsbury. In 1870 he
declined reelection, his father-in-law hay
ing died, leaving a large estate which need
ed his whole care, and removed to Hart
land, where he has resided for more than
two years In 1870 he was appointed a
member of the state board of education,
and in 1872 a trustee of the state library.
Contrasting the congressional nomination in
in 1872 with Judge Poland, he received the
enthusiastic support of large portion of
his district, and was defeated only after one
of the most closely contested struggles
Vermont has ever seen. During the winter
he was afflicted with what was hoped to be
mere bronchial difficulty, and in March
went to New York for medical treatment.
Here he gained until May, when he was
worse and returned home, remaining but
few days. He resigned his place upon the
board of education and, acting under med
ical advice, departed some six weeks ago to
Minnesota. His friends have been within
few days rejoiccd at hearing reports of
his improved condition, when now comes
the news of his DEATH No man in Yer
mont of his years attained higher honors
and influence or gave brighter promise of
career of enlarging and distinguished SER
vice and credit to the state than he. Judge
Steele was fortunate in leaving the Vermont
supreme bench before the remarkable de-
crees and appointments of one of his as
sociates had brought upon it the reproach
OF being the plant instrument of railroad
usurpation and pillage but the people of
the state are unfortunate in losing him
just now, when an effort is making to re-
deem courts and legislatures from the odium
of the last two years work. He was man
OF popular qualities, as well as of judicial
abilities. and would have made a brilliant
and safe leader in the contest that is fast
coming on. His personal appearance was
striking,-he was of a stature which would
be unusual outside of Vermont, of prepos-
sessing aspect, and lively and engaging
manners While in college at Dartmouth
he taught school in Massachusetts, and his
death will be lamented by those who knew
the brilliant young collegian In Concord.
Among his numerous family connections Is
Judge w. s. Shurtleff of this city. No
definite arrangements about the time and
place of his funeral have yet been made
but his remains are on the way to Vermont
from the remote place of his DEATH
Springfield Republican.