St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-01-16
Tributes to the Late ). c. Ross.

work of the late Jonathan c. Ross, which
we are sure will be read with interest by
the many friends of the subject Of this
sketch. The first is by college class
mate and close friend and the other by
one who knew him we'll in his profession
al work.
One Of the characteristics of his nature
was noble biguess that had in it no
room for the small meannesses of human
nature. He never seemed to cherish i'll
feeling for anyone-even when he knew
himself wronged. Small and petty an
novances never provoked him to resent
ment, tor his nature so lovable and
gentle seemed proof against the trihing
vexations of life. Not that his personal.
ity was colorless, for he could be indig-
nant when the occasion demanded, but
that quality of his nature was more
easily aroused in the defense of others,
than in his own behalf.
l do not believe that he ever had an
enemy. His consideration for the feel
ings and wishes of his associates made
him ever willing to defer to them in mat
tClS nv OuI SNhSS
of right and fairness was so strong and
unyielding that it never permitted him to
compromise with what he believed to be
wrong. He had a keen and delicate
sense of humor-but it was always kind,
never bitter-even when levelled at exag.
geration, sham or pretense for all forms
of which his dislike was instructive and
cordial. Though undem onstrative his
nature was so gentle and lovable and his
modesty so wholly unconscious of its
own merits that he made friends wher.
ever he went. His powers were matur-
ing rapidly, and had his life been spared
he must have risen to a high place
among the leaders of his profession. To
his intimate friends, who knew and loved
him so well, his briet life will ever be an
inspiration and stimulating example
because of its winning gentleness, it's
purity and it's noble ambitions. His life
was serene and beautiful throughout and
when he came to lay it down, there was
nothing in it to be regretted, explained
or wished undone.
Jonathan Carpenter Ross began the
practice of the law in New York city in
1891. He at once showed great apti
tude for his chosen profession. From the
very beginning of his career, important
matters were placed in his charge, which
he handled with a practical ability, un-
usual in so young a man. From that
| time until his death his development as
a lawyer and as a practical man OF
affairs, was continuous and marked. He
had established large and steadily in
creasing business.
| He possessed the confidence Of his
friends and business acquaintance to a
very remarkable degree. No one who
became his client ever left him. To be-
come his client was also to become his
warm personal friend, as was illustrated
always be relied upon to the fullest ex-
tent, of its spirit as well as letter. He
had the highest sense OF honor, both in
professional and private relations.
At the time of his death he had be-
come known as 6rst-class lawyer. He
was we'll grounded in the principles OF
the law, accurate and versatile in their
application, quick to take proper ad-
vantage of his adversary, in or out OF
court, and he had that best of all endow-
ments for a practicing lawyer-clear
headed, practical common sense, and a
willingness and capacity Tor hard work.
He would have made an ideal judge
and would undoubtedly have reached
the bench in few years, if political con-
ditions made it possible. He had a ju-
dlcial mind and was enabled to see not
only his clients side of controversy,
| h,,t ho oil hoe nall ay,1 1ic aIx c
tor this reason, in many cases, the more
valuable.
He had the respect of everyone who
knew im-client, opponent, professional
associate, or tagonist-everyone.
Few have had as many warm friends,
none a less number of enemies-it is
doubted if he had one"
"He was tenacious of his views, he had
the proper amount of pugnacity; he was
not content to stay beaten in the court
of first instance and argued many ap-
peals. In his litigated cases he had more
than fair amount of success.
His name appears frequently in the
reports of the Court Of Appeals and the
General Term and Appellate Division
since 1891. One Of his last arguments
to an appellate tribunal was in Decem
ber, 1900. in the case of Prunier VS.. Ash
in the United States Circuit Court o
Appeals. An opinion in favor of his eli
ent, affirming a $4,000 verdict, fol
alienation af affections, was handed
down on January 4th, three days aftel
his death.
A few weeks previously he presented
to the Appellate Division in New Yorl
city, an appeal on behalf of two Nationa
banks in an important creditors action
involving some novel and interesting
questions. He was a close student o
the law and kept pace with the decisions
of the courts in which he practiced. HI
was member of the Bar Association o
the City OF New York, and spent grea
deal OF time in its library. He was {
safe and conscientious counsellor. Hi
advice could always be relied upon. Ii
doubtful cases his tendency was to effec
{ compromises. He led his clients out O
difficulties, rather than into them. H
was conservative in his views, vet whe
the occasion seemed to demand it, he di,
not hesitate to take radical action"