The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-05
JUDGE GREsHAM's CAREER.


Noble c. Butler, who has been intimately asso
ciated with Judge Gresham for years, as his law
partner and friend, furnishes the following
sketch of his career:
Judge Walter @. Gresham was born near
Corydon, in Harrison county. March II, St. Pat
passed his fiftieth year. His education was ac-
quired at the local schools of his county, and at
Bloomington University, although he did not
graduate. After leaving the college he read law
with Judge Porter, at COrydon, who is still liv-
ing. just before the war he began to take part
in politics, and in 1860 was elected representa-
tive to the Legislature, as & Republican, from
Harrison county, which had previously always
been represented by a Democrat. During the
sessi',n' tnouSu very young man. ne oecane
prominent in the war legislation of the period.
He earnest advocate for concilatory
measures mp 10 the moment that war appeared
inevitable, and he then threw his whole ener-
ges for the preservation of the Union.
At the breaking out of the war
he became Northumberland of the Thirty
eighth regiment, raised in the southern part
of the state, and of which B. F. Scribner, after
ward general, was colonel. He was with the
regiment only short time when he was made
colonel of the Fifty-thrd, and served with Grant
at the siege of Vicksburg a brigadier-general
He was subsequently with Sherman before At
lanta, commanding division of Blair's corps,
and it was in battle at this time QS64) that he
was so badly wounded in the leg to compel
him to leave the field and return home His in
jury was so serious that, en- route home, he was
compelled to stop at New Albany, where he re-
manned year before his recovery. He was in
1900 DTeVeteu naJOT-penbral. he subsequently
made New Albany his home, where he formed
partnership with Judge John H. Butler and
Noble g. Butler. He was appointed State Agent,
his duty being to pay the interest on the State
debt at New York. Before 1867 he twice made
the race for Congress against the late Speaker
Kerr, in both of the campaigns very
largely reducing the Democratic ma
i0rIty. During the he had
made brilliant record as a brave soldier, ac-
quring the confidence of his superiOrs as a dis
cIplinariaD and discreet officer, and the affec-
ton of his subOrdnates well. He was held
1859 the position of United States judge for the
district of Indiana became vacant, General
Grant, then President, appointed General
Gresham to the judgeshlp without any solieita-
was about to be made, there being large num-
Der of applicants, President Grant, who
comforting with General Rawllns, the War Sec
rotary at the time, turned to The latter and sud
denly remarked: doesn't Wat Gresham live in
the Indiana districtP On being informed that
sidering the applications before him, at once re-
marked: 'That settles it,. If there is anything
for which General Gresham is available, the APP
pOintment goes to him." And it did. Judge
Gresham then entered upon the duties of the
judgeship. making Indianapolis his place of resi-
dence, and has continued in the position to the
present time.
The agent of the Associated Press here re-
ceved the following dispatch yesterday after
noon:
EVANSVILLE. Ind, April 4.-Judge Gresham
his appointment Postmaster general, and
that his commission signed yesterday by
the President. He authorizes me TO say that he
will accept. He is holding court here, but the
term will adjourn this week.
CHARLES L. HoLsTIEN,
limited States ATTORNEY