Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-08

courts the coming tpBIlHtT VI
the law-making branch Of the
State Government az regular III
teryals. the fine public and private
Libraries. were all recognized as Offering
special inducements to young men with
the legal profession in view. When 10
these were added the historic inter 81,
the fine social and literary life. and the
growing business Of the capital city OF
the state Richmond Sc med TO be spe-
cially adapted to the promotion Of legal
training.
ORIGIN OF THE SCHOOL.
The school was first proposed In connec-
ton with the college IN 1861, but il was
n6t till 1870 that IL went into operation.
Among its early professors, IL number
these distinguished jurists. William
Green, IL. j.. and Judge Halyburton.
Later. they were succeeded by Mr.. VIII
liam A. Maury, now Of Washington city,
and James Neeson, Esq, then eminent III
his profession. Among the Bachelors OF
Law graduatcd from me college in these
early days Of legal teaching were the
present distinguished gentlemen: Q.
Y. Meredith. Esq, who IS also an active
trustee Of the college, and chairman OF
the Law Committee Judge 5. b. Witt,
Judge 4. l.. Holiday Attorney NJ. l..
SpotswOOd, and others well known az the
Richmond Bar Succeeding Messrs. Maury
and Neeson. Professor Samuel o. Davies
taught the school alone for vcral years.
At its first organization the school was
merely attached to the college, but the
trustees soon saw the necessity for a
change. In 1874 it was provided that the
school should b come on antegral part
OF the college The classes were required
20 be taught there. the students matricu-
lated as did the academic men. the regu-
latiOns governing their conduct was the
same, and the examinations were con-
Quoted on the same principle. This plan is
yet maintained, and grows in favor.
THE PROFESSORSHIP ENDOWED.
During all these years the law school,
while efficiently conducted and taught,
lacked the stability OF endowment. It
was finally suspended for several years.
In the mean time, the late Thomas g..
Williams the wealthy tObacconist, and
an alumnus and trustee of the col
lege, became Interested in the revival
Of this department of instruction, and II
was known to his family and friends
that he designed providing an endowment
which would give il permanency. His
decease came before his plans were
formed. but his widow and children gene
rously came forward and offered s., 900
10 ondow the pres mt professorship.
This handsome gift they rendered as a
Tasting memorial" Of the hOnored and
esteemed husband father, and citizen.
This was done in May, 1890. The trustees
at once reorganiZed the school. with
the happiest results. Fortunately. they
were guided In their choice Of teacher
to Roger Gregory, and he has made Il
most acceptable and successful professor
of law.
Judge Gregory was born and reared in
King William county. Va. he graduated
with high distinction at the University
Of Virginia, and soon thereafter com
menced the practice Of law in his native
county lie hal inherited large agricul-
tural interests, and devoted considerable
attention to his extensive plantations.
His legal attachments and broad sympa-
thies soon marked him as a fit repre-
sentative of his people IN legislative halls,
and he was sent 10 Richmond 10
take a seat i'm the State legislature
Mr.. Gregory was further honored by be-
ing elected Judge OF King William coun-
~. which position he held so long
as the County Court had Circuit Court
Jurisdiction. After resienIng his office.
Judge Gregory resumed the practice Of
law, and also conducted farming opera
tons on a large scale. In the summer
OF 1890 his name was proposed for the
College, and iurisis OF distinction hasten
ed TO commend his profound legal
learning. and his eminent qualifications
as a teacher of law. He was unanimous
~ elected. and his work has abundant