Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-01-12

is a sufficient certificate Of his character
and ability. He knows how to present
his views in clear and logical language.
Tho Senate viii be pleased to listen to
him when he speaks"
In substantiation Of this last statement
senator Proctor mentioned that the judges
in Vermont are elected by the Legisla-
ture every two years. Judge Ross has
held HIS position, secured Predictions and
could have held his position as long as
he liked" concluded the senator.
SKETCH or JUDGE ROSS.
Jonathan Ross son Of Royal and Eliza
(Mason) Ross, was born April 3O 1926 1t
Waterford. Jonathan Ross, the grand
father Of the Judge, moved from Massa-
chusctts to Waterford, in or about the
year 113j. There he cleared away the for
est and cultivated a farm on which no
supported himself. wife and family Of
six children, of whom Royal, the father
of the subject Of this sketch, was the sec
ond son.
Jonathan Ross received the excellent
education ordinarily impaired in the COM
mon schools of Vermont, and fitted f0~
college at st. Johnsbury. Matricul ,ting
at dartmouth college in lS47 he graduated
from that institution in ISL.
Up to the close of his twcnty-frst year
Mr.. Ross had 4 practical acquaintance
w ili dITlCNllUlNl ldboT on MS l1tnCr >
farm. His summers were occupied in tllo
cultivation Of its acres and his winters,
between the ages Of eighteen and twenty-
i've, in teaching IN the public schools Of
Vermont. New Hampshire and Massachu-
sets In this pursuit he achieved unus-
ual and decided success
After graduating from college he taught
in Craftsbury, and was principal Of tho
academy at Chelsea. While residing IN
the latter town hc studied law in the Of
fee Of Judge William IIenard, and was
admitted to the bar Of Orange county Jan.
IS. 1856.
In 1855 Mr.. Ross contracted n legal CO..
partnership with a. j. Willard, Esq, oe
St. Johrsbury, which continued for nearly
two years. After that no practiCed by
himself until 1sd5. when he was associated
with G. y. Burbank. Esq This connec-
tion lasted for twelve months and was
succeeded i'm lNG9 by partnership with Mir.
W. 7. Smith The latter relation existed
until the following year, in which Nj.
Ross was elected a judge Of the Supreme
Court
Judge Poss has taken an active and in
fiuential part IN the public affairs Of NcI-
mont. From lS5S TO 1S6N he was treasurer
Of the Fassumpsic Savings bank. Under
his fduciaTy management the corporation
never lost a dollar. In lSj2-'f3 he wos
states attorney for Caledonia COUNTY. In
1850 1866 and 1861 he was sent to the Leg
IL. j
bury, and served effectively on the judic-
iary and other committees He wAs for
some years before 1870 an active an intu-
tial member Of tho State board Of educa-
ton. III 1869 he was n member Of the last
council Of censOrs held in the state. In
1870 he was returned by Caledonia county
to the State Senate, and in the same year
was elected sixth assistant Judge of tho
Supreme Court IN 1890 ne was elected
chief Judge Of the Supreme Court, which
position he nas worthily filed.
Mr. Ross was married on the 22d of No
vember, 1852 to Eliza Ann, daughter OF
Isaiah and Caroline (Bugbee) Carpenter.
Eight children were born to them: Caro-
line c.. Elizabeth Helen (deceased), Julia
(Nrs. Dr. Aldrich Of Somervile Mass0,
Martha. Edith, Edward Harlan and John.
Mrs. Ross, who was a sister of Judge
Alonzo 7. Carpenter of the New Hamp-
shire Supreme Court died some yes
since. and Judge Ross married for his sec
ond wife, Miss Helen Daggett.
INTERVIEW WITH MIR. FIFIELD.
Montpelier. Ian lib L. Fihcld was
seen this evening and said regarding his
declinaton Of the senatorial appointments:
II regret sincerely that | was obliged 10
refuse. 1t WIS due to no indspostior OF
mine to accept individually speaking. The
condition of the health OF my wife pre-
vented as ! have already stated. l should
like to have represented my city, State
and country in the Senate but my domes-
tiCe aft hrs prevented il.
/ "Rcgarding future senatorial affairs [
have nothing to say. Incidentally how
eVer, it seems TO me that there is a strong
Dillingham; sentiment and ne would seem
to be the strongest candidate that appears
at present. Notwithstanding the local
pride which l feel stood back of me | am
certain that all will feel that 1 have
shown great consideration for my family.
which prevented my accepting the great
est honor that ever came to me. Further
than that | have nothing to say regard
ing the matter"