Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-02-14
OLD OXFORD TO THE FRONT
HENRY C. PEABODY FOR JUDGE.

Editor Democrat:
The death OF Judge Virgin ls not only
q great loss to his family and numerous
friends but to the state. Many among
his friends will feel 1t personal loss, as
the Judge was one OF the most genial
men In the world.
/ remember the time when he frat
came to the bar In Oxford County, and
am quite sure.I heard him make his frat
argument to q Jury. That eminent
lawyer and Jurist, Nathan Clifford, was
opposing counsel, but Virgin won the
case.
In his early practice Judge Virgin was
Inclined In certain degree to dlstrust
himself, hence he did not at frat advance
to the high position he subsequently oc-
Gu oied ut the bar. Neither he nor his
friends then understood that he poss-
essed great reserve force, which on
ly required an opportunity to bring II
Into action. Long before he was ap-
pointed to the bench he acquired an en-
yiable reputation as q jury lawyer.
Among his brethren Of the bar, Judge
Virgin was always popular, both a. an
advocate and O Judge. As q Judge he
always maintained the dignity Of the
position, and ut the same time was kind
and obliging to all having business In
his courts. His written opinions, while
on the bench, were always we'll prepared,
and were 30 many evidences OF patient
research and study fortified by the best
authorities extant.
The death Of Judge Virgin takes from
the grand old county Of Oxford one OF
lts most distinguished sons.
While Oxford County has given to the
country larger number OF distinguish
ed statesmen than any other rural county
In this, or any other state, 1t has at the
same time sent forth other OF her sons to
hold high and responsible positions up
on the bench.
Albion X. Paris, Daniel GoOdenow
and Joseph Howard were honored In
their lives and memories, rs distinguish.
ed Justices of the Supreme judicial
Court; while long ago Judah Dana pre-
sided as Chief Justice Ia the Common
Pleas, aud Stephen Emery and Joseph
@. Cole were popular judges on the
bench OF the old Western District.
Before Judge Virgins death, three
out of eight Justices Of the Supreme
Judicial Court of Maine were natives OF
Old Oxford. Judge Walton, the "Nes-
tor" OF the bench, the Oldest and ablest
member of the court, was born In Mex
lcO-not the land OF the "M0ntezumas'
but among the glorious old hills OF
Northeastern Oxford, while right along
side Justice Virgin frat saw light In
Rumford, and Justice Foster 10 Newry.
For twenty years Judge Virgin held
rank among the ablest Jurists In the
state, while Judge Foster, although
comparatively young 10 years, has nj.
ready developed elements OF character
which, In the near future, will advance
him to the front rank among his peers.
In this state, as a rule, In common
parlsnce, we have had "go0d" judges OF
our courts. But truth compels US to
say, that In q few cases, men have been
appointed to the bench who must have
been Q wonder to themselves how 1t
ever happened that they were thought
OF for high and responsible positions In
our courts. But none of this class ever
came from the land Of the "Bears".
And right here II Is proper for me to
say, tndJ tnc pfOudouitiOs aO wy
strong that old Oxford will "hold her
own" upon the bench Ut the Supreme
Court In the future. The Portland bar
without an exception, have signed a pc
tltion to the governor and council rec
ommendlng Hon. Henry c. Peabody, now
the popular Judge Of the Probate Court
10 this county, to fll Judge Virgins
place.
Judge Peabody IL q native OF "Old
Oxford and will undoubtedly receive the
warm support of his native county. lie
Il gentleman Of fine education, q ripe
scholar, learned In the law, possessing
In . marked degree the elements OF
character required to make q popular
Judge. lie Is genial and easy OF ap.
proach, gentlemsnly and dignlfied In all
his relations In life. No better or more
popular appointment could bs made.
And It 10 but just to add, that Judge
Peabody IL the peer OF any OF the other
men mentioned for the place, and his
appointment would be an honor to the
state and the profession OF which he isa
distinguished member.
John i, PERRY,