Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-13

two men did not sever and they were
| in frequent communication with each other.
1t was about 1876 when they graduated, and
! John Hampton came home to study law
under his father. During his stay at col
| lege he also became very intimate with
Judge John kirkpatrick, which intimacy
proved a lasting one.
Brilliant Record in His Profession.
In 1S4S John Hampton was admitted to
the bar, and forged ahead rapidly, soon &C.
quiring large practice. While he handled
very few criminal cases, his record in civil
suits was very brilliant one. This was largely
attributable to his remarkable coolness and
composure. Old lawyers tell how, under the
most adverse and CALLING circumstances. he re-
manned unrufii ed, working his opponent up to
a high state of agitation by his well picked,
sarcastic sentences Some of the best attorneys
at the bar have given way to the violence of
their feelings almost in a frenzy while John
Hampton was dealing out cold common sense
on the case intersperSed with his own peculiar
witticlsms. which kept the jury In roar Of
laughter. He was never known to become
furried or confused while trying case, but
had wonderful power OF putting his antag-
onist in that condition. Aside from the un-
questioned advantage he reaped in this way.
he seemed to take personal delight in exer-
clsing this power.
AS a tryer OF causes be was without rival
He was perfectly familiar with all manner of
civil cases, and could see through them very
quickly. Possessed of a magnificent voice,
his utterances always commanded attention.
This in connection with his faculty of keeping
jurors in a good humor by holding up the oppo.
sition in ridiculous light gave him great
power over them. AS a counsel he was emin-
emily safe.
Partnerships He Had Formed.
with William c. Moreland, now City Attorney
Afterward he was connected with Congress
man John Dalzell. in the law firm of Hampton
& DalzeII, and with William Scot7, in the firm
of Hampton Scott, attorneys for the Penn
sylyania Railroad Company. He became con-
nected with the railroad company in his early
career as a lawyer and has been retained by it
ever since.
In the legal fraternity of Allegheny county
he had many warm friends He was a good
conversationalist. full OF timely stories. remi-
niscences and witty sayings. John Hampton
was small in stature, always nattily attlred, and
his figure was familiar one on the streets of
Pittsburg.
He married Ann Todd, a daughter of Judge
Todd of the Common Pleas Court, Phila-
delphla, and afterward of Greensburg. He
leaves one daughter, Ida Todd Hampton,
aged l6. The home of the family is at No. l27
Hampton had been in poor health and
his wife persuaded him few, days
ago to go with her to Lakewood
in hopes that his health would be benefited.
The change proved Intellectual. however, and
he grew worse steadily. His wife was with him
when he died
Out of the Political Arena.
Mr.. Hampton in his younger days took an
active interest in politics. but in recent years
he had withdrawn from the political arena.
His last service was rendered to the Republican
party when he was one of the delegates to the
national convention which nominated HAYES
in 1876. 1t was at this gathering that Bob In
Cersoll maue himself famous IN his speech
The feeling in Pennsylvania was strong for the
"Plumed Knight" as the great orator
called him, hut the Camerons through
the party machine, had pledged the
State delegation for Ex-Governor Hartranft.
Mr.. Hampton was one of the few men who
boited and voted for Blaine.
On the stump he was irresistible. He was
one of the best campagners in the State. His
manner was easy and graceful. his language
polished and his sarcasm cutting and biting
Mr.. Hampton could fay an opponent amid
rOars of laughter from ms hearers and at polit-
cal gatherings the people always like to hear a
red-hot speech. This is the kind that Mr.
Hampton delivered.
After he became SO absorbed in the affairs
of the Pennsylvania Railroad he took few
outside cases, and his forensic powers we're
seldom heard in court. The fact is that
he was one Df the best orators practising at the
Allegheny county bar, and old lawyers often
regretted that the spice and satire of Mr.
Hampton's speeches were no longer heard in
the courts.
The funeral of Mr.. Hampton will take place
Wednesday afternoon at o'clock from his
late residence. Further details have not yet
been arranged.