Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-01-23
SUPPLEME EMIT.
For the Democrat.
HON. LOT NJ. MORRILL,.

ucdlu VI AAoi. LIZ " I'm -hv''hs ""'SH
occurred in this city on the 10th Of Jan
uary, instant, and have kindly offered me
space in your columns for a more ex.
tended resume of the life and public ser
vices OF our late distinguished citizen
Although his death had been almost
hourly expected for several weeks, and
the public were in some measure pre-
pared for il, yet when the time came, il
produced a profound sensation. and
awakened deep feelings Of sorrow and
regret in the hearts Of wide circle OF
friends. The people of Maine in all its
history, have never been called upon to
mourn the death Of purer. nobler or
more patriotic citizen. and his memory
will long be enshrined in loving hearts.
Kind, sffable, gentle as 4 child in phi
vs,e life, ye, true as steel and firm as a
rock when duty called, and where prin-
ciple was involved.
He was born in Belgrade, in this
county. His father, Peaslee Morrill,, an
energetic farmer, came from York county
where many Of the name resided in the
early times, TO Augusta, then called Hal
lowell. where his name appears on the
tax-lis, OF 1875. He subsequently, moved
TO Belgrade where 10, NJ. was born May
10, 1912. He fitted for college and en-
tered al Waterville and was there for q
time, but did no, remain TO graduate.
He spent some time in teaching in New
York and subsequently in Readteld where
he also commenced the study Of law in
the office OF Judge Fuller. He was sub
seauen,ly admitted TO the bar, and opened
an Office in Readfeld. The only other
practitioner in town AZ that time, was
Hon. Timothy o. Howe who is now
Postmaster General. In 1913, Mr.. Nor
vii came TO Augusta and formed CO.
partnership with Hon. j. W. Bradbury
which continued for many years. he
was no; only sound lawyer but an able
advocate, and soon achieved the reputa-
ton and that justly, Of being one Of the
mos, eloquent jury lawyers in the
State.
He wa. then Democrat in politics
and his first entry into political life was
in 1854. when he wa. elected to repre-
sent Augusta in the Maine Legislature.
This was when the old parties were
breaking up, and the new and vigorous
Republican party was coming to the
front. His brother Arson 2. had a.
ready severed his connection with the
Democratic party of which be had been a
pillar Of strength, and was a candidate
for Governor. The following year. Mr..
Morrill, was elected TO the State Senate
from Kennebec county, on the Demo
cratic ticket, and was made President Of
the Senate. This was the famous
Wells" wear when Judge Woodbury.
Davi. was impesched for the performance
of his duty in reference to the enforce
men, of the prohibitory law, and the law
i.self was repealed. Mr.. Morrill, was
opposed to these proceedings, and leav-
ing the chair, made an able speech
against repeal. In the course Of his re-
marks. he threatened 10 abandon the
party if i, pursued its suicidal course,
and he faithfully kept his word. In
1857, he was nominated for Governor on
the Republican ticket and swept the
State BY more than 10000 majority.
He was reelected twice by large majori-
ties, and in 1861 when Senator Hamlin
resigned to accept the office of Vice
President, Mr.. Morrill, was elected to fill
the vacancy. The United States Senate
was a place for which Mr.. Morrill, was
peculiarly adapted. and he at once took
high rank in that digni6ed and distin-
guished body. He served out Mr.. Ham
Inns term and was then reelected for q
full term which expired in 1869. He
was a candidate for reelection, but Mr..
Hamlin entered the field against him
and the Legislature was equally divided
between them. After a long and men,
orable struggle there was break among
Mr.. Morrilrs adherents, and Mr.. Ham
lin was elected. The lamented death Of
Senator Fessenden created vacancy in
the autumn Of 1869, and Governor Cham
berlain. in which act be voiced large
majority Of the Republicans Of the State.
appointed Mr.. Morrill, to fill out the term.
The Legislature of 1871, elected him for
a full term, but in 1876, he resigned his
sea, in the Senate to accept the Portfolio
of the Treasury rendered him and urged
upon him. by President Grant. The in
asguration of President Hayes and the
appoin,ment of his Cabinet relieved Mr..
Morrill,, who was offered the English
Mission, then the Collectorsh;p Of Boston