Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-03-07
EDWARDS PIERRxpoSr DEAD.
A osurdy Supporter Of Lincoln and Grant
and Jurist and Diplomsa.

osurdy Supporter Of Lincoln ana Gran
snd . Jurist and Diplomas.
Ex-Attorney General Edwards Pierrepon,
died early yesterday. in his ssventy-ninth year
at his dwelling, No. 1os 9Th avenue, New York
Judge Pierrepont, As he was commonly called,
had been in Ill health for nearly three years
suffering from general nervous debility, a the
result Of a long life Of incessaut labor. He did
not, however. altogether cease from taking an
active interest in many Of the affairs of the
day. and. although obliged to take long periods
OF physical rest he retained . healthy mental
activity.
On Wednesday last he had an attack Of cerebral
hemorrhage, which resulted in the complete
paralysis Of his right arm and side and deprive
him OF the power OF speech. He also lost con-
seriousness and continued to steadily sink unti]
this morning. He was attended by DR.. John 8.
Bassett Judge Pierrepont leaves a widow, one
daughter and four grandchildren.
JUDGE PIERRrPoNr's LIFE.
Edwards Pierrepont was born on March 4,
1877. In North Haven. Conn. At the age Ut
twenty-four years he graduated from Yale Col
lege with the honors Of his class. one of his
ancestors, the Rev. James Pierrepont, having
moved to New Haven in 100 and been one Of
the founders of the college. Remaining in the
city after he had taken his degree, he studied
law In the New Haven school. and at the end of
his course began the practice of his profession
at Columbus, Ohio. But circumstances in
duced him. five years later, to return to the
east. when he at once, in 1847, resumed practice
in the city of New York.
During the ten succeeding years Mr.. Pierre
pont met with a notable success at the bar. and
one year later, when vacancy occurred in the
superior court by the death Of Judge Oakley
he was chosen to fill the position. Three wears
later Ed. Morgan was governor and in a letter
10 MIN ne resigned the Office and thenceforth
ceased 10 act with the democratic party. having
pointed out In his letter of resignation the
dangers which the slavery disc ussion was
Fastening upon the country. When the attack
was made on Fort Sumter he at once gave
hearty support to the administration OF Mr..
Lincoln and at tho formation Of the union re-
FORM committee was one of the most active and
prompt OF ats supporters. Shortly afterward.
In April. 1861, he was chosen one of the orators
on the occasion OF the memorable dcmunstra-
ton In Union Square in New York.
From that time onward, through the admin
istration OF President Lincoln, Judge Pierre
pont continued an earnest supporter Of the
Union cause, and in the darkest DAYS Of the
summer OF 1868 was prominent among those
whostill remained firm i'll their faith that the
north would win.
Until 1863 Judge Pierrspont continued his
law practice in New York city, being engaged
csno associated with some of the leading prac-
titiOncrs at the bar.
Perhaps his most distinguished practice was
in the trial OF John II. Surratt in 1867 for COM
pllcity IN the assassination of President Lin
coin. In the following Year lie gave much
attention to the campaign and aided very
largely in the election Of Gen. Grant. Imme-
dlately after his Inauguration President Grant
appointed him United States district attorney
for southern New York. but he resigned the
place fourteen months later and became an
active worker III the movement against the
Iamnany ring. which began in the fail OF the
succeeding year, being one OF the Committee
Of seventy.
In 1872 he again supported Gen. Grant for
the presidency, and shortly after the inaugural
ton Was offered the Russian mission which he
declined. A! the annual commencement Of
Columbian College in this city III 1871 lie re-
ceIyed the degree OF doctor vi laws, which
honor again conferred upon him two
years latcr by Yale College. In March, 1874,
he wrote q letter to Senator Sherman the
financial question, in which he advocated tine
resumption OF specie payments. In April,
1878, he was appointed Attorney General, and
his connection with that office brought him
prominently before the country through the
attitude Of the government toward tine dis
turbances III Mississippi and the prosecution
of the st. Louis whisky frauds. In the latter
case his famous whisky letter" drew forth
wide comment.
President Grant appointed Mr.. Pierrepont
minister to England May %, 1876 lie ac-
copied the mission, leaving the attorney gen.
eralslip 10 Judge Taft.
Mr.. Iier-e,jont was u man Of erect stately
figure, with large, intellectual head. His
features were regular and highly expressive OF
the mental and moral culture which was CHAR
acteristlc of the man. In his manners he WIS
courtiy and polite, but never familiar. lie was
powerful aud eloquent speaker at the bar
a m, .lIl -t..r Ia anra
public man and private citizen was unblem-
ished.