The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-21
JUDGE THOMAS DRUMMoND.
Thirty-Four Years Judge-SOme Particulars
of His Career.
Chicago Inter Ocean.

Chicago Inter Ocean
Yesterday marked the close of the thirty
fourth year of Judge Thomas Drummond's ca
reer as Judge of the United States District Court
for the district of Illinois, he having been APP
pointed to the position by President Taylor on
Feb. 10, 1850. His long career is remarkable in
itself, but shows other causes worthy of men
ton, as he has served with integrity and justice
as absolute as it is possible for man to serve His
career as Judge of the district Of Illinois has been
but a continuation of his career as a student and
practitioner, the whole being marked by integ-
rity Justice and earnestness of purpose
Judge Drummond, the son of farmer of
Scotch descent, was born at Bristol Mills, Lin
coin county. Maine, ON Oct l6, 1909. In early
life he was much of the time at sea, and was
for several years member of the Maine Legis-
ture. He commenced the study of law in the
Office of William Dwight, Esq. who practiced in
Philadelphia, and was admitted to the bar in
1888 Two years later he began the practice of
his profession at Galena, this State. He was
there called upon to measure swords with
skilled contestants, his traits of character, his
ability and attachments enabling him to meet
them successfully. He remained in. Galena for
nineteen years. during which period his reputa-
ton as a sound jurist extended beyond Illinois.
1t was at the end Of his period of practice in
Galena that President Taylor APP
pointed him judge of the United States
Court for the district of Illinois. Feb Is, 1855,
the act was passed which divided the State into
two districts of northern and southern Illinois,
fixed at Chicago, and of the southern at Spring
field, and Judge Drummond then became dis
trict Judge of the northern district. In April,
1869, the act introduced by Senator Lyman
Trumbull creating the Circuit Court was passed,
and on Dec % following Judge Drummond was
appointed circuit judge by President Grant, his
circuit embracing the three States of Illinois,
Indiana and Wisconsin. The salary of the Cir
cult Court Judge for this circuits &C. 000 and that
of the district judge $4,000 After ten years of
service the incumbent, being seventy years of age,
may retire on full pay. Judge Drummond is now
in his seventy-fourth year, and could have retired
three years ago. He is most deservedly popu-
lar, both socially and professionally His rare
ability and intellectual culture. and his stern
integrity. which has caused him to be regarded
as the bulwark of the highest justice in his
circuit, have always placed him in the highest
judicial rank in the Union. He is still hale and
hearty, and in the full possession of both mental
and physical powers. He remarked yesterday
to a reporter that, while he had not fixed the
date of his resignation he would undoubtedly
resign very shortly-as soon as he had wound up
the matters now pending before him.
At the time of his appointment by President
Taylor, Judge Drummond was a staunch mem
Der OF the old Wing party. and since the forma-
ton of the Republican party he has been in full
sympathy with its principles.