The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-02-04

age OF 1s. Shortly after he came west
and landed at IleavenwCrth in the fall
Of 1859. He Immediately opened law
Office and has been engaged in practice
ever since. In September, 1861, he was
married to Miss Rose Helen Riley, of
Ebensburg, Pa. AS result Of this union
there were born three children, Hattie
M. now the wife Of Capt. W J. Mich
olson, Seventh United States cavalry,
stationed at Fort San Carlos, Ariz.; Ed
ward j. Fenlon, engaged in business in
New York city, and Thomas y Fenlon,
jr., who was associated with his father
in the practice Of law under the firm
name OF FenIon e. Fenlon.
In 1861 Mr.. Fenlon was elected district
attorney for the district composed of
Jefferson, Jackson. Leavenworth and
Wyand0tte counties, and was reelected
in 1866. In 1870 he was elected represen-
tative from LeavenwOrth county to the
state legislature and was reelected in
1873, defeating the brilliant orator and
ex-cOngreSsman. Marcus j. Parrett
This was a special session of the legiSla-
ture, and Mr.. Fenlon was honOred by
being chosen speaker, a position never
before or since held by a Democrat in
Kansas. 1t was high acknowledge
ment Of his worth and ability At this
session the members were called upon
to relieve the sufferers from the grass
hopper invasion. Mr.. Fenlon's interest
and 1abors in behalf Of the people Of
western Kansas in that year earned him
great praise.
Al Iris SESSION. MI n GIlOn SuCCEGuGU
in having passed a. law which has cost
the railroad companies Of this state mill
lions of dollars 1t is the law known as
the FenlOn fellow servant act of KAN
sas. In this state before the enactment
Of this law an employe Of railroad
company. who was injured by the neglf-
gence or carelessneSs of a co-servant,
could not maintain an action against
the company for damages
Edgar w. Dennis the then famous
lobbyist, was stationed at Topeka in the
interest of the Union Pacific railroad
company to watch railroad legisIation
it was almost conceded that such a law
could not pass if those interested in the
affairs Of railroad companies got notice
of the introduction of such a. bill before
hand MIR. Fenlon knew this, and waited
for an opportunity which finally came.
and under a suspension of the rules Of
the house he introduced his bill under
the modest head Of IAN act to define
the liability of railroad companies in
certain cases. and it was enacted into
q law in short order. This law was af-
forwards contested in the courts. the
railroad companies claiming that it was
institutional. but Mr. FenlOn sue
cessfulIy defended his felloW-servant
law in. the state and United States SUI
preme courts.
In 1876 Mr.. FeDlon was given the Dem
ocratic nomination for congress in the
First congressional district. but was de-
feated by William a. Phillips. He re-
ceived a second nomination later and
was again 0eTeateu by Ex-Governor
Morrill,. Of Kansas. the district being
overwhelmingly Republican.
In the early eighties Mr.. Fenlon was
nominated and elected county attorney
of I4eavenworth county. and held the
Office for two terms. His last venture
for public Office was In 1894 for state
senator from Leavenworth county. The
Democratic convention nominated DR..
s. f. Nicely. and the Republicans nomi-
mated Senator Lucien Baker. DR.. Nelly
withdrew from the race and Mr. Fen
Ions permission was asked to place his
name on the ticket. which was done. and
while he got a large complimentary vote
his opponent was elected
Mr.. Fenlon represented his county in