Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1886-01-08
Death of Former Montgomerian.
DERwooD, Montgomery Co., Nd,
January 9, 1886.

Mr.. Editor IL enclose the following re-
marks on one who in his youthful days
with parents emigrated to what was then
known as the Far West, and who, when
he reached manhood's age, returned on
visit to his childhoods home seeking the
heart and hand in marriage of one of Mont
gomery's fair daughters, she being the eld-
est daughter of the late Darius and Ann
Darby. The remarks on his life emanating
from one who was friend and neighbor as
well as brother jurist, but differing in poll
tics as wide as the Poles, speaks far ADLER
of Judge Willett's merits than my feeble
pen can possibly do. An insertion of them
in your columns would interest many Of your
readers. II. j. IsHERwooD.
/ Judge NJ. L. Willett died of paralysis at
his residence near Bryan, on Wednesday,
December the 10Th, 1886, aged GO years, 10
months and 10 days.
Meredith Il. Willett was born in Mont
gomery county, Md, February q, 1919. In
1884 he came with his parents TO Rchland
county, Ohio, and after acquiring such edu-
cation as the local schools afforded he en-
tered the law office of Judge Hurd at Mount
Vernon, and subsequently Of Stewart s.
! Newman at Mansfield. Hon. Sam Kirk
wood, since Governor of Iowa, and Hon.
Charles Irvine were fellow students with
| him. After his admission to the bar he
located at Mt. Gilead, where he practiced in
partnership with Major j. W. Stinchcomb
until 1850 when he went overland to Cali
fornia. Returning year later he came to
West Unity, this county, and engaged in
school teaching. In 1858 he was elected
Justice Of the Peace was soon after ap-
pointed postmaster, and at the October cleo
ton was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and
was reelected In 1856. In 1857 he was
| Il - Ia - -
mated for State Senator by the Democrats OF
the Bed district and was elected by even
1900 majority when the Republicans car
ried the State by 100000. He was re-el9,cted
in 1855 by 5000 majority. In 1866 he was
appointed delegate from the state-at- large
to the reconstruction convention at lPhila-
delphia. Among his colleagues were Hon.
Henry b. Payne, Hon. Hugh J. Jewett,
Judge II. p Ranney, Gen. Geo. W. Nor
gan and Judge Bliss The delegates from
this district were Judge Dunlap, of 'Aoled
and Judge VIM. Carter, Of Defiance His
last official position was that of Supervisor
of Census for this district
OF the character and public service we
quote literally from the remarks Of Judge
Bowersox, at the funeral Saturday, Decem-
Der 10th:
come now TO speak of Judge Wi!lett rs
a citizen, a member of my profession, a friend
and neighbor have had occasion u know
him, and to form an estimate OF his charAc
ter and ability in the heat and zeal Of patti
san strife, as we'll AS in the intimate per.
sonal association of every day life. In the
very desperation ut our struggles here in the
northwest the iearlessness and undauntcl
courage OF the man, compelled the admira
ton of his opponents. My personal knowl-
edge of him in this regard extended over
the last ten years. Though old age and
ill-health had greatly impaired his bodily
strength, yet the vigor of his mind and
courage OF his heart seemed to increase
rather than diminish. Strong in his con
victions and unyielding in his beliefs, he
generously accorded to others all the rights
he claimed for himself He was regarded
as most generous opponent. However
hard and straight he might strike from the
shoulder, yet when the conflict was over,
with him its bitterness was past. No former
foe ever need meet him more than half way.
As lawyer he occupied position pecu
liarly his own. He excelled as an advocate,
rather than in his profound knowledge Of
the law. He was stronger in the practice
of the criminal than Of the civil law. lie
cared little for the details, but with remark
able ability grasped the important and win
hlliS DDlulo III Il Cdst. l1C huCW llOib uuOubt
and relied upon, the law of common sense,
rather than the law as written in books.
have said that he cxcelled as an advocate.
To jury he was always effective. At
times he was surprisingly strong. Some Of
the most powerful efforts ever made TO a
jury in this county, both in our civil aud
criminal practice, were made by these lips
that are forever still.
The deceased was clear, fearless an in
teresting rs newspaper writer, sometimes
bitter in his articles, he always presented
his views Of subject in language clear and /
torcible. Some OF his editorials were far |
above a very high average.
Judge Willetts leading characteristic was |
in his judgment AMI estimate OF men. l |
am inclined to the belief that in that respect /
he had few equals and no superiors among
the people of these parts. To this is largely |
referable his power as jury lawyer and
his success a leader OF mon.
The occasion is not an inappropriate one
to refer to the almost reverent regard in
which he was held by the Immediate as
well as the more distantly related members
of his family. Who has conversed with
his brothers or his younger relatives with
out remarkng the high esteem In which he
was held, and the Difference that was paid
to his opinions.
Having lived sixty-six years, ten months
and eight days, Judge Merldeth r. Wilett
died amid the peace and quiet of his com
try home. Far from the scenes Of his birth
and boyhood his life went out. In The Gem
etery SO near TIL arena Of his active lite, 80
near the scenes of his hopes and aspirations,
his successes and triumphs, he sleeps his
dreamless sleep beneath the green sward.-
Then lei him sleep undsturbed by the
shafts of biting criticism.