The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-03-12
Death of hon. David A. Smalley.

A telegram received from B. B. Smalley,
esq informs us that Hon. David A. Small
ley, judge of the United States court for
the district of Vermont, died at his resi-
dence in Burlington at half-past nine
o'clock on Saturday evening. Ills death
was sudden al though not unexpected.
David A. Smalley was born in Jericho,
Chittenden county, and was not far from
70 years of age at the time of his death.
He received the education of the common
schools of his early home. He was ready
scholar and secured for himself more than
an ordinary education for the young men
of that period. Having an active mind,
coupled with great energy of character, he
began the study of law at an early age
and was admitted to the bar. He entered
upon his profession with great zeal and
persistene and for many years was a
diligent and close student. He rose rapid
ly in his profession, and at middle life &C.
cupied a leading position at the bar of
Chttenden county, which at that period
possessed some of the best legal talent in
the state-William A. Griswold, Milo L.
Bennett, Charles Adams, Asahel Peck,
George p. Marsh and Jacob Meek. He
became early interested in politics, identi-
flying himself with the democratic party,
to which he gave his allegiance until his
death.
In 1912 he was elected to the senate
from Chittenden county, and served in that
body with distinguished ability. Judge
Smalley, however, was better known as a
party leader than as legislator. Having
been for many years the leader OF his party
in the state he very naturally became
known beyond Vermont, attaining a ma
tional reputation. He was for many years
chairman of the democratic national COM
mittee in which position he gathered
around him large circle iof friends, and
was in a''great measure the leading mana
ger of the party. He called the celebrated
Charleston convention OF 1860 to order and
presided until an organization was effected.
A firm and unwavering friend of Stephen
A. Douglass he stood by his fortunes to
the last and until that distinguished states
man passed away.
Mr.. Smalley was appointed judge Of the
United States court for the district of YER
mont on the death of Hon. Samuel Prem
tiss, by his personal and political friend,
President Pierce, without solicitation on
his part, and was taken by surprise at its
announcement. 1t is not for us at this
time TO speak of Mr.. Smalley as Judge.
He maintained good rank on the bench
and was frequently called to other states to
hold court, and especially he was many
times called to preside in the southern dis
trict of New York. His celebrated and
loyal charge to the grand jury III the city
of New York in 1861, attracted wide atten-
ton and favorable commentator through
out the whole country. His health, how
ever, for few years past has prevented his
presiding at the regular terms of court, but
he has been able to hear many cases in
chambers.
Judge Smalley was a man who had a
warm attachment for his friends, and they
have great reason to honor his memory and
mourn his loss. A man of positive char
acter, frank in the expression of his opin-
ions, at times, perhaps he seemed austere,
but the impulses of his nature were gener-
Gus and friendly. The writer of this
sketch has enjoyed his friendship from his
boYhood and has reason to be grateful to
him for many kindly act, and to revere
his memory and be Saddened at his death.
We present this meagre and imperfect
sketch of Judge Smaley this morning,
leaving to ADLER and more competent hands
the preparation of a more elaborate sketch
of his public and private life and the de-
lineation of his characteristics as lawyer
and judge.
The funeral will be attended at Burling-
ton on Tuesday afternoon.