Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-01-10
COURT OF APPEALS.

COUR XII OF APPEALS.
On last Friday night, the caucus of
the Democratic members of the Gen
eral Assembly made nominations for
the Court of Appeals of Virginia,
and on last Saturday the nominees
were elected for a term of twelve
years, beginning January LIST, 1895.
The people felt deep interest in the
result, for they fully appreciate the
importance to their lights and liberties
of having not only an able, but what is
incorruptible court of last resort, and
the result was gratifying, as such will
be it's character. Staunton and Au-
gusta county have special reasons for
qualification, as their choice for a mem
Der of that high tribunal, was not only
nominated, but received more votes
than any of his able and distinguished
competitors. This is very great COM
pliment to his ability and character.
and we have no doubt that his services
on the Bench will show that it was
justly bestowed. 1t is needless for us
to state that the nomination of Geo.
M. Harrison is gratifying to us, for it
will be remembered that he was first
nominated for that honor by an edito
rial in the SPECTATOR, in which his
qualifications of mind and character,
and the claims of this county to the
nomination were set forth at some
length. In the nominations and cleo
tions made each of the five grand
divisions of the State is given a repre-
sentative on the Court of Appeals as
follows =
John A. Buchanan, of Washington
county.
R. HI. Cardwell, of Hanover.
George NJ. Harrison, of Augusta.
James Keith, of Fauquier.
John w. Rely, of Halifax.
The Dispatch gives the following
sketches of those who will compose the
court -
HON. JOHN A. BUCHANAN.
Hon. John A. Buchanan was born in
Smythe county in 1915, and in 1861, at
the age of 16, enlisted in one of the
companies of the Stonewall Brigade.
He was captured at Gettysburg. and
was for some time in prison. After the
war he completed his liberal education
at Emory and Henry College and stud
led law at the University of Virginia.
Immediately upon leaving the Univer
sity he commenced the practice of law,
and soon made his way to the head of
his profession. He was member of
the House of Delegates, session of 1885
g. and recognized leader in the body.
In 1888 he was elected to Congress from
his district (the NINTH, 3redeeming it
from the hands of the Republicans by
a majority of 5000. He was again
nominated and elected in 1890, and de-
clined denomination in 1892.
HON. R. H. CALDWELL.
Hon. r. HI. Cardwell was born in
Madison county, N. c., August 1, 1896
He enlisted in the Junior Reserves of
North Carolina at the age of 49, but in
1864 was, at his own request, transfer
red to the Army of Northern Virginia
When hostilities ceased he came to
Virginia and commenced the practice
of law, being successful from the start.
In 1881 he was elected to the House of
Delegates from Hanover, and has been
a member of that body ever since. He
is now serving his fourth term as
Speaker. He was presidential cleo
tor in 1884 and member of the debt
commission.
GEORGE NJ. HARRISON.
George M. Harrison was born in Au-
gusta county February IA, 1847, and is
son of Henry Harrison, of the distin-
guished James-river family of that
name. He entered the Confederate
army as a member of the Fredericks-
burg Battery when a mere boy, and
after two years of faithful service sur
rendered at Appomattox. The war
over, he took the law-course at the
University of Virginia, and for the past
twenty-three years has been engaged
in the active practice of his profession
in Staunton, the bar of which city has
for generations been noted for it's dis
tinguished lawyers.
JUDGE JAMES KEITH.
Judge James Keith was born in Sep
TENDER, 1889. He entered the Confed.
crate Army at the beginning of the
war as member of the celebrated
Black-Horse Cavalry, served gallantly
throughout the struggle, and when th g
end came was adjutant of his regiment.
His legal ability had long been recog.
nized, and in 1870 he was Elected judge
of the Eleventh Judiio,al Circuit, which
position he pow holds, defeating Judge
Henry w. Thomas. His name was
urged upon Mr.. Cleveland as Judge
Bonds successor.
JOHN W. RELY.
John W. Rely was born in Frederick
county about tifty-two years ago. He
entered the Confederate army when
quite young and rose to the rank of
major. The close of the war found
him wrecked in fortune, and he became
tutor in the family of Judge W. S.
Barton, with whom he studied law.
Subsequently he became the law part
ner of Judge Barton. He moved to
Halifax about twenty years ago, and
for eighteen years has been Common
wealth's Attorney of that county. He
has been one of the most successful
lawyers in this section, and as one of
the revisers of the Code of Virginia dis
played great genius and ability.