The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-06
SIDNEY EOGeRTON.
Ohio Lawyers Paid q Handsome Compli'
ment tn the First Governor Of Montana.

Ohio Lawyers Paid q Handsome Compli.
ment tn the First Governor of Montana.
Through the courtesy Of Hon. w. F.
sanders the tanda has obtained a
clipping from the Cleveland, Ohio,
Press, of March IS. with an account of
a banquet given in honor Of o Sid
ney Edgerton, first territorial governor
of Montana. Under Akron date the
Press report says: Barberton inn, the
famous hosiery of the Magic City, was
never the scene of a more brilliant
gathering than il was last night, when
the members Of the Summit county bar
association assembled to do honor to
the oldest practicing lawyer at the
Summit county bar, Hon. Sidney Ed
gerton.
Governor Edgerton was born in Caz-
enovia. N. ", April II, 1919. In 1914 he
came to Akron and began the study of
law in the Office of Judge Rufus p.
Spalding. Two years later he gradu-
ated from the Cincinnati law school and
was admitted to the bar. He was
elected prosecuting attorney of Summit
county in 1852 and served -four years.
From 1858 until 1862 he was a member
of congress, n in 1853 President Lin
coin appointed him chief Justice OF
Idaho. While in Idaho he drew up a
bill for the organization OF the territory
of Montana. n secured its passage in
1864. He was appointed governor of the
new ttTTltOTy ny TTcSiucut LiiCOIu. diid
served until February, 1865, when he
resigned, returned to Akron and re-
sumed the practice of law.
AT a meeting of the bar association.
held a short time ago. 1t was decided
to old a banquet in honor of the
venerable attorney, and a committee.
composed of Major f. C.. Bryan, c. {.
Benner and Francis Soldering. was
appointed to make the necessary
arrangements. This committee worked
hard, and. with the assistance OF Man.
ager w. A. johnson Of the inn, made
the occasion one that will always be
remembered by those present.
Special cars conveyed the guests to
Barberton, and at 1880 they were ush-
cred into the spacious dining room of
the inn and seated at numerous small
tables. These tables were very taste
fully decorated with smilax. flowers,
and growing plants. and the room
presented a pretty appearance.
After the last course of the dinner
had beer served. Major Bryan, chair
man Of the banquet committee, In a few
well chosen words, Judge j.
A. Kohler as POSTMASTER. After pleas
ant introductory words, Judge kohier
said: w are here to pay tribute ia
an honored N venerable member OF
our association. He has illustrated the
high qualities that mark an honest man
and a true lawyer. and Is a man whom
we all admire" He then gave q brief
history Of the governors life. and said
that when he was elected to congress- II
meant more than II does to-day, wher
offices are bought and sold. He closed
by saying he wanted to make public
acknowledgment Of the many kind
nesses Governor Edgerton had don
him.
Governor Edgerton responded very
fttingly. He said 1t was hard for him
to speak after the high compliment
that had been paid him and that HI
felt highly honored by the banquet
Continuing. he said in part: II see M
face here that was a or TIT
bar when I came. I'm 1886. At that TIM
the bar contained many fne lawyers
Judge Humphrey. Judge Bliss. Judgt
Spalding. General Beirce, Mr.. Otis
Judge Carter and others. Soon aftel
Judge Epson. Mr.. Oviatt N myself
We're admitted to the bar and the res
of you came later.
1T Is a qualification to know that
have lived In Summit county for 5
years n that I have the confidence o
the people and he respect OF my Eel
low-lawyers. 1t In not pleasant TO zee
that you are growing old and that you
day OF usefulness IL nearly n to Sc
the shadows Of the coming night an
the Trail narrowing before you. blu
nature prepares the a gioriously 70
us. Gentlemen. 1 thank you. 1t wi!
always be a pleasant reflection for m
to know that I had your respect an
consideration in my old age"
Numerous toasts followed. n IN
occasion was In every way a worth,
able man in whose hon II vas gfver