The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-23
MAJ. c. L. HOLSTEIN DEAD
HE WAS ONE OF THE PROMINENT
LAWYERS OF THE CITY.
A Brilliant Record as n Soldier of the
Rebellion-His Record as Dis
trict Attorney.

The death Of Major Charles l.. Holstein,
at his home, 52S Lockerbie street, at 4:4O
p. m. yesterday, came a great shock 10
his associates of the Marion county bar
and to his surviving comrades OF the civil
war by whom he was held in highest
esteem and almost brotherly affection. A
number of members of the Loyal Legion,
with whom Major Holstein was closely
identified in life, were In the lobby of the
Denison Hotel last evening and when the
news Of their comrades death was con-
veyed to them they clasped hands In
silence while tears coursed down their
cheeks, testifying the position the dead
man held in their regard.
For the past year or more Major Hol-
stein had been in failing health and when
the epidemic of influenza or grip reached
this city recently he was in condition to
become its easy victim. About six weeks
ago he began to show marked signs of a
breakdown, but persisted in his regular
trips to his Office for two weeks longer
when he was compelled to give up and
take to his bed from which he never arose.
The disease took the form Of bronchial
pneumonia affecting both lungs. Major
moment of his life and his remarkable
serenity of disposition never forsook him.
BORN IN 1874.
Charles Louis Holstein was born in Madi-
son, Ind, Feb. %, 1874 He had the benefit
of a complete common school education.
two years in Hanover College and nearly
three in the Kentucky Military Institute.
in which school he attainded great dis
tinction. In his Junior year the war OF the
rebellion broke out and young Holstein, a
lad OF only seventeen, FASTENED to his home
in Madison, where he soon responded to
the call of President Lincoln for seventy
five thousand volunteers. He served with
gallantry and distinction during three
years OF the war. After the close Of his
term Of service he returned to Hanover,
where he finished the course with honor
and then took the regular course of the
Harvard Law School. He took up his
residence In indianapolis in 1866, and began
the active practice of the law with the
firm of Hendricks, Hord & Hendricks, one
OF the most noted legal firms this State
ever had. In 1868 Major Holstein and By
ron K. Elliott afterwards Supreme judge
formed a partnership which continued until
ISL. when Major Holstein was appointed
assistant to United States Attorney Thorn
as NJ. Browne. While he occupied this re-
sponsible position he attained much dis
unction by his brilliant work in the prose
cution OF the famous whisky conspiracy
cases. He also rendered valuable service
III counterfeit, revenue and national bank
cases and his success in the prosecution of
violations of the pension laws was excep-
tional. When Colonel Nelson Trussler,
United States district attorney, died on
Feb. II, 1880, on the recommendation of the
Department of Justice at Washington and
as recognition of his valuable services as
assistant district attorney, President Hayes
a nf cd Mat oil trfn
ney for Indiana for the full term of four
years. After his service with the govern
ment ended, Major Holstein resumed the
active practice of the law here. He was
always conspicuous on account OF his
erudition and thorough legal learning.
especially his knowledge of the science of
civil and criminal pleading, and the law of
practice. AS an advocate, his terse style
of argument and the boldness with which
he grappled intricate questions, as well as
the purity OF his diction were universally
admired among his brethren in the profess
sion and the judges before whom he prac-
ticed.
WAS A STUDENT.
Major Holstein found time to acquire a
large store of knowledge of ancient and
modern literature and occasionally held
converse with the muses.. On Dec. II. 1867.
Major Holstein was married to Miss Mag
gle Nickun, daughter OF John Nickum, a
once active and prosperous business man
OF Indianapolis. Major and Mrs. Holstein
resided with Mrs. Holstein's parents in a
handsome, luxuriously appointed home,
and during the past few years James
Whitcomb Riley made his abode with
them. Mr.. Riley was an intimate friend
and an ardent admirer of Major Holstein
and last night paid gentle tribute to his
worth as follows:
n NOT fhnxo tr - 4 l.
gallant remnant of the Grand Army of the
Republic that knew Charley Holstein that
did not love him for some gallant trait.
This feeling among his comrades is one
of positive affection, unexampled. He had
the true soldier spirit in HMM camp
and in battle. That shines out in his
verses. There Is a fine trumpet note in
them that will thrill the soldier heart. /
think there is no man or woman or child
who ever knew him that was not drawn To
him by his winning qualities that seemed
to radiate from him. He had the radia ting
quality Of fellowship. That is ii. He was
the friend Of his fellows. 1t was the great
human heart in him which was as sweet as
the love of a child and as artless."
DR.. Franklin w. Hayes said Of Major
Holstein: MY relations with Major Hol-
stein were. not only those of physician. but
OF a friend OF many years standing and
his death deprives me, as Ii does q large
number of others, Of a friend who posses
| sed certainly as many OF the sweet and
| loyal Characteristics OF friendship as it is
| ever the good fortune of men to know
made.