The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-26
JUDGE DRUMMOND.
He Has Resigned, to Take Effect July IA
Long and Honorable Life.

He Has Resigned, to Take Effect July IA
Long and Honorable Life.
Chicago Times, Yesterday.
Judge Drummond has forwarded to Washing
ton his resignation of his office as Judge of the
United States Circuit Court for this circuit. to
take effect July l. In speaking of his reasons
for resigning yesterday, the Judge said he was
now in his seventy fifth year. and while still
comparatively strong in body and mind, the
duties of his office had become burdensome to
him, and he felt the need of rest He init
mated that if he could bave had some one to as
sist him at times in his work he might have
postponed his resignation for awhile, but he
thought the work was too much for one man.
and especially for man of his age. AS it was
he would remain until his successor was ap-
pointed.
"Of course can not say who my successor
will be-" said the Judge. There are TO my
knowledge four candidates for the position and
have notified each of these of my resignation
They are Judge Blodgett, Judge Bailey. of Free
port, Judge Dyer of Wisconsin, and Judge
Gresham, the present Postmaster general
understand that the impression prevails in
Washington that Judge Gresham will be the
successful candidate, but of this know nothing
personally"
The name of Thomas Drummond has for
nearly forty years been prominent in Illinois,
as he is among the oldest and most respected of
the judiciary in the State. He was born at
Bristol Mills, Lincoln county, Maine, where his
grandfather, native of Scotland, had settled
some time prior to the Revolutionary war His
father the Hon. James Drummond had been
both a farmer and seafaring man. and was for
some years member of the State Legislature.
His death occurred in 1881 his wife having died
10. .hafo W Thomas
Thomas early education was received at the
village school-house near his home but he
afterward attended various academies in the
State-at New Castle Monmouth, Farmingham,
and Gorham-and at the age of seventeen he
entered Bowdoin college, at Brunswick, Me-,
from which he graduated after the usual course,
being then twenty one years old AS soon as he
was out of college he went to Philadelphia and
began the study of law in the Office of Will
lam T. Dwight, a son of President Dwight
of Yale College When this gentleman, soon
afterward, left the bar to enter the ministry Mr.
Drummond continued his studies with Thomas
Bradford, jur., until March, 1885, when he was
admitted to practice at the bar. He remained
in Philadelphia two years longer, and in May,
1884, attracted by the opportunities of the new
West, he came to Illinois and established law
Office at Galena, where he continued in his pro-
fession fifteen years His ability and accurate
knowlege of the law soon brought him into
favorable notice, and his advance to the front
ranks of his profession was rapid and sure.
Upon the death of Judge Pope in February,
1850, Mr.. Drummond was appointed by General
Taylor to succeed him as Judge of the United
States District Court for the district of Illinois
On the 10th day of December 1869, he was ap-
pointed by General Grant to the bench of the
Circuit Court, which position he has held to the
present time-having served continuously on
the bench for over thrty-four years.
The man who worthily fills the Office of United
States Judge, which is one of the highest that
can be attained by an American citizen, is en-
titled to more than ordinary degree of re-