The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1877-09-05
FRAGMENTS or THE EARLY HISTORY
OF OHIO COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXI.
By II. d. TAYLOR

uartlOru DaT were ShIluel leNls huu
Moses Cummings. TeVis came from
Shelby county, and only practiced at the
Hartford bar few years and again re-
turned to Shelbyville, and was clerk Of
that court for many years. While in
Hartford his habits were rather dissipa>
ted, but he was looked upon ne a young
lawyer Of promise. and got a fair portion
of patronage. Moses Cummings came to
Hartford at quite an early period. Few
men Of his period were his superlors in
intellectual endowments, or real moral
worth. But he had one vice, and one
virtue in excess; both Of which stood in
his path and barred his way to honor
and distinction. His vice was intemper>
an.e, hiI virtve in excess was the most
consumste modesty and want Of self re-
lance. Charles Henderson, the clerk of
our court for many years, was often heard
TO say that he never heard Moses Cummins
say foolish thing in court and Philip
Thompson, a competitor at the bar, used
TO say that Inc would as soon have Cum-
mings to draw up the proceedings in n
suit Ms John Marshal, then chief justice
OF tie United States. Yet, with all these
legal and intellectual qualifications, he
would resort to almost any subterluge
rather than speak in public; aud there
is little doubt but his inebriety was partly
attributable TO this cause. Litigants love
to hear their virtues ventilated, and their
adversaries villifcd, even at the expense
of their pockets. Hence, most clients
will pass 10y a man Of profound legal
kno~l ledge, and employ fussy, secopd-
rate attorney, if he is a fluent speaker.
This was Cummings fate. Men would
consult with him as TO their legal rights.
and then 60 to other lawyers to do their
speaking. However, there are still more
evidences left among the old records of
our court of the chastity, force and per-
spicuity ofhis intellect Whether acting
as surveyor or commissioner of court, or
attorney, every instrument Of writing
drawn by HIM is remarkable for its per-
spicuity, clearness and chaste breyity
In society he was mild. gentle and retir>
ing; never assuming the lead in CONVEX
sation; never thrusting his views and
opinions upon others, and always ex~
pressed his ideas in the fewest possible
words.
A story Is told Of his attending a party
at the house of old Harrison Taylor.
Old Blunt Jane, as she was familiarity
called, was remarkably social and talka-
tive, and, observing the young lawyers
extreme modesty aud retiring manner,
tried several times to interest him and
engage him in conversation, but meeting
with such little success, che exclaimed:
well, well, they say your name is
Noses, and you are young lawyer;
have you got brother Aaron to do your
talkingH think you will have to have
one before you make a great lawyer Of
yourself" She was a shrewd observer
Of human character. and her predictions
proved too true for with all his intel,
lectual and moral worth he never reached
fame or distinction, hut remained poor,
gaining only q meagre support by prac-
ticing Law. Surveying and sometimes
teaching school, and it is to be re-
GREETED that he did not devote his whole
time and attention to the latter calling,
for few men excelled him in the art Of
conveying his ideas 10 the meanest capaci-
ty and although he seldom resorted to
the use Of the rod, yet the continued smile
playing upon his countenance, and jet
black eye, seemed to be foreboding disaster
and punishment to the indolent and
naughty, and appropriation aud love to
the timid and diligent.
We have endeavored to portray the
man in his sober hours, but when par
tally intoxicated he was quite different
-talkative. witty, and sarcastic, bold
and daring, but never aggressive or quar-
relsome unless ill>treated; always polite
and good natured in his most whitening
sarcasms. never uttering a word that
would be out of place in the most polite
society. In word, his brilliant fancy,
wit and sarcasm, while drinking, was far
more enjoyed by his best friends than his
retiring, unassuming modesty while sober,
and his drinking was no doubt too often
winked at. if not encouraged, by many
who should have been his better friends.
He removed to Davies county, where
he resided many years. and finally went
to Texas, where he died.
A striking contrast to the foregoing
/ nerson was PhiliD Thomson the next