St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-12-17

of Trevor McClurg. and Misses Mary
and Martha.
At the time of his marriage Mr.. Gill
fillan lived on 1glehart street, just be-
yond Western avenue, but since 1876
he has occupied the present spacious
residence on South Exchange street.
Jus tice Mitchell, of the supreme
court, gave the following appreciatiye
estimate of the deceased juriSt's abiI-
tiles:
Justice Mftchell's EuIOgy.
Although l have known Judge Gll-
fillan for some thirty-five years vet
my Intimate personal acquaintance
with him only began about fourteen
years ago, when became member of
the supreme court Of this state. Since
that time have been in constant asso-
citation with him, officially aud socially.
In my opinion, he was one of the
ablest judges who have sat on any
bench i'll this country during the past
quarter OF a century. He was a man of
unusually vigorous and analytical mind.
and OF the most fearless courage and
independence. In the discharge Of his
official duties he knew neither persons
nor classes among litigants or counsel,
his sole aim being to decide a cause ac-
cOrding to legal principles as he under
stood them.
1t never once entered into his mind
to consider what effect any particular
decision might have upon himself. He
never did or said thing for mere effect.
There cannot be found IN any of his
Judicial utteranceS a word or SYLLABLE
designed to m axe show of learning or
to cater to popular taste. Had he been
ambitious Of fame, in the ordinary sense
of the word, a man OF his ability might
have achieved mu ch greater degree of
success in that direction than he did.
But in writing his opinions his sole aim
was to do his duty, to decide cause
correctly and to state clearly the
grounds upon which the decision rested :;
and he said nothing that was not neces-
sary for the purpose. In his mum crous
decisions to be found in over thirty five
volumes of our reports, he has left an
enduring monument to his eminent
ability as a juIist.
To appreciate him as a man it was
necessary to know him intimately. To
those who were not personally well ac-
qualnted with him his manner some
times seemed rather cold and reserved.
and, at times, even brusque. But those
who knew him well soon found that
this was mere matter of external man.
ner. He was, in fact, man of exceed
ingly kind heart, although never DEM
Onstrative. While, like all men of
strong mind. he had positive opinions.
and the courage to express them, vet he
was modest In his estimate OF his own
abilities, and always considerate of the
opinions of others.
If were asked tO.name the trait most
prominent in his character as a man, it
would be his strong sense of duty and
his sincere desire to perform it faith
fully, but not OStentatiously. In his
death the state has sustained a great
loss, and L certainly have lost not only
NEST helpful colleague, but also
most valued personal friend.
II. L. Williams Opinion.
Henry l.. Williams, old-time partner
of the judge, after recalling the early
incidents of Mr.. Gilfllan's career, con-
tinued: ale went on the bench at the
earnest solicitation OF the bar and the
business men, and at a pecuniary loss
to himself. HIS mind was peculiarly
fitted for the position he held. He was
noted for his knowledge of the law AS
a justice his reputation was very high
in many othetr safes bss ides Mime