The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-03-17

| Griffin. the military commander OF Texas.
In 1872 he was elected from the State at
large to the Forty-third congress and
| served his fun term. but declined re-
election because he wished TO devote him
self TO tho Law, Rcsumng practice, he
was actively and exclusively engaged IN II
Till 1882 when, having been made the
| nominee OF the democratic marty for chief
justice OF the supreme court OF Texas he
was elected TO that office and held the
same until his resignation, March 8, 1888.
After that time no held no public posi-
I tion, but gave his time aud attention
wholly to the practice OF his profession
For a period Of forty-fve years Judge
Willie had to do In various capacities,
more or less actively, With the legislative
and judicial history OF Texas. upon which
he left the imprint OF his talents and
character in marked degree. He always
enjoyed a wide personal popularity, botn
with the people and tie memb rs OF Z .
bar. as was evidenced by the votes re-
ceived by him and the expressions of the
esteem rendered through resolutions and
tho newspapers whenever his name was
suggested for positions of public trust.
The vote cast for him for chief justice
in 1882 gave him the largest majority
which, up to that time. had ever been re-
celved by any candidate In Texas, his vote
being 100000 out Of 200 900 cast for that
office.
II was a source of surprise and much re-
eret to the people throughout the State
when Judge Willie resigned his place as
chief justice, but 1t was step forced on
him by the inadequacy Of the salary, AZ
WAS stated by him to the then governor.
in the letter accompanying his letter OF
resignation.
Judge Willie at all times since taking up
his residence in Galveston manifested an
abiding faith In the future OF the city and
lent his aid on all proper occasions 10 do
everything possible to promote its growth
and welfare. in March 1874, while in con-
gress he delivered In the house Of repre-
sentstiyes one OF the abeBt and most con-
vincing arguments in behalf of an appro-
priation for the improvement of the harbor
made during that session OF congress on a
commercial matter. It was. however as
lawyer and a member Of the State judlci-
airy that Judge willie was best known and
as such that he achieved the most solid
results. His chosen profession was the
ambition OF his l!fe and he pursued its ar
duOu8 duties with the enthusiasm of youth.
in politics Judge Willie was always
democrat He voted for secession, but
when the war was over he accepted the
result in good faith and afterward gave
his support to all those measures of
practical nature looking to the rehabilita-
ton OF Texas.
At Marshall. Texas on October 20. 1850.
Judge Willie married Miss Bette johnson.
e native Of Bolivar Tenn. and a daughter
OF Lyttleton and Mary c. Johnson, the
former of whom died when his daughter.
Bette was an infant. the mother being
subsequently married to William G. Har-
per Of Brandon. Miss Judge Willie and his
wife had len children born to them, ave
OF whom are still living, namely, Miss May
\. Willie Mr.. Asa II. Willie, IT., Mr..
~ rla
all OF Galveston, and Mrs \. ]. Womack
Of Galveston.