Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1898-10-28

Horace Mann Orcn. Of Sault Ste.
Marie. Prosecuting Attorney Of Chip
pcwa County, was born February 3,
1859, near Oakland Clinton County,
Ohio. His parents were natives Of that
county. His father. Charles Oren, en-
listed in the Union army, was ap-
pointed captain in the Fifth L. 5. Col
ored Infantry, and was killed before
Petersburg. Virginia, in July, 1864. His
mother was left with two young chill
dren. supported herself and them by
teaching in Antioch College, Ohio, and
in the high school at Indianapolis. She
had attended Antioch College as stu
dent under the great educator, Horace
Mann, who was its first president. In
1873 she was elected State Librarian
Of Indiana and was the first woman
elected TO that office. Afterwards she
was an instructor and member or
the faculty Of Purdue University, at
La Fayette, Indiana. While thus en-
gagged, she was married second time
and removed to Miami County, Indi-
ana. which IL her home at this time.
Horace Mann Oren attended the pub
lie schools Of indianapolis and was
graduated from its high school. He
assisted his mother in the state LII
brary and later was an assistant III
the indianapolis Public Library. He
entered the University of Michigan in
1871 and was graduated from the clas-
steal course in 1881. He entered the
Law Department OF the University.
from which he was graduated in 1883.
The summer Of 1852 he spent at Sault
ste. Marie as editor Of the News"
1t,,fA lion
the bar he settled at the 500 and
engaged in practice. continuing alone
until 1892 He entered into partner.
ship with hte late Hon. j. w. McNla-
hon and William NJ. Smell. In 1894
Mr.. Smell retired from the firm and
the same year Mr.. Mcmahon died.
In 1895 he formed partnership with
William Webster. which is still in eX-
istence. Mr.. Oren has been city attor-
ney of Sault ste. Marie. justice of the
peace, circuit court commissioner and
prosecuting attorney. He was elected
to the last named office In 1894 and re-
elected in November. 1896, by ma
jority of LOO. His firm has the lead
ing business in the county. He was
married in 1890. to Margaret j. Wal
lace. Of Grindstone City. Michigan.
They have two children. Mr.. Oren's
scholastic and professional acquire
lqents preparatory TO engaging in the
practice Of law We're far above those
of the average young lawyer. During
his whole life he has been n student.
His taste for literature. perhaps born
III the libraries. has been cultivated
through all the years that followed.
He began the practice of law Il schol-
o,lN mi 81
pirations which always tend to lift one
higher. His training has been excel
fcnt-by n mother or fine mind thor
ough education and beautiful charac-
ter: he had confidence in mankind and
confidence in his own ability to sue
ceed. He had learned the lesson of
manly self-dependence and was ready
to join the company of older lawyers.
He asked no special favors, but de-
sired only an even chance. With a
realization OF the essential conditions
he settled among strangers and went
TO work. He has gained the popular
confidence and won professional es-
teen. lie has established himself ana
secured his position on merit. In the
discharge of his official duties as pub
lie prosecutor he seeks only to apply
and enforce the law, without malice or
vndictiveness. The motive to protect
society is quite as strong as that TO
punish the criminal. His character is
well and firmly compacted of the elc-
ments and principles that fortify a
man against assaults. qualify him for
professional distinction and the actu-
alities encountered in social OF bust
ness life He will be most excellent
attorney for the interests of the State
o,J tho n.on1p