Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-08-06


war his political affiliations were with
the democrats. When the intent of the
pro-slavery element was clearly mani
fest, his patriotism disposed of his prsj-
udices. His sympathies were heartily
with the union cause, and he gave one
son to die for his country. After his
service as governor he retired from pub
lie life. Not many citizens have bet
ter record than he left'behind him eth
er in public or private life. He was a
fine lawyer, being remarkably success
full with juries. He had fine physique
and a melodious voice, which he filed
with tears at his will. When he once
had a jury well in hand his opponents
might just as well give up the case. Ii
he had turned to the gospel instead of
the law there is no telling the degree of
success he might have won. Those
natural gifts and qualities that made
him great advocate il one profession
could not have failed to make him great
in the other. He was faithful 10 his
oath as an attorney, true to his client,
the soul of honor in a profession that
has become the target for many a sneer
from the public at large. Those who
knew him as an advocate abound in
"reminiscences Of his career at the bar.
He was pitted against such men as +.
j. Phelps, Timothy P. Redfeld, and
others. He was placed in positions
where his strength was tested. But he
was usually found equal to the task set
before him. Instances are narrated
where great expectations were excited
concerning him, and where he would
lead, Intentionally or otherwise, court,
ury and spectators. through double
disappointment. When he undertook
clients cause he had faith enough in
it to take it up heartily and make it his
own. He labored to make the jury
see things just as he saw them. They
must do this that the ends of justice
might be secured. As public man
some important duties fell to him. II
was while he was governor that Sena-
tors Collamer and Foote died. He was
called upon to fill the vacancies. He
selected Geo. f. Edmunds to fill Solo
mon Foot's place, after having tender
ed the position to John Gregory Smith
and Luke p. Poland he selected to fill
Senator Collamer's place. This ap-
poiutment created vacancy on the
Supreme Bench which was filed by the
appointment OF Judge Pierpoint of Yer
gennes. 1t was through his recon-
mendation that the State Reform School
became fact. 1t was located at Wa
terbury until the main building was
burned. Mr.. Dillingham; possessed
deep religious nature. This was con-
tinually manifest in his work at the
bar. He was member OF the Meth
odist church and held such important
positions as that church accords to lay
men. He was for years president of
the first national bank of Waterbury,
resigniug only in 1899. He was man
of excellent common sense. Many of
his townsmen as well as others sought
his advice in matters not strictly legal.
He was an excellent man to have in
community, acting as sort of guide
TO large number who are falling into
difficulties unless some one takes them
by the arm and leads them along. The
people of his native town were proud
of him as a lawyer. They felt honor
ed in the honors which the state saw
fit to confer upon him, and when his
public career ended, he was Waterbu-
rvs most distinguished citizen They
loved him for what he was as man.
He possessed personal attractions that
gave him warm lace in the affections
Of the community. 1t was said some
times that he did not always handle the
English language in a strictly proper
way, but those who set about to criti-
else him were so carried away by his
voice and manner, aud his personal
magnetism that grammar was forgot
ten. He has lived so long that to the
Oldest even, his career is memory,
while to the younger generation it has
almost grown into a tradition. His
life is a model in many of Its features
for those who would become worthy