The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1901-10-03


term, in five of which divorces were decreed.
Five divorce cases on the old docket were
dismissed.
Fines and costs to the amount of $2,110.C0
were paid in liquor cases and $23.O1 in other
cases total $2133.O1.
Annie NJ. Partridge VS.. Oxford County
Patrons of Husbandry Insurance Co. .Ac-
tion on policy to recover insurance on house
burned in Searsport Settled, and entered
neither party. Williamson for plaintiff
James S. Wright of South Paris for de-
fendant.
Martha j. Otis ct al. petitioners VS.. per-
sons unknown. Petition to quiet title to
land in Islesboro. Decree that the respon-
dents are forever debar-ed from claiming
any right in the premises. Williamson for
petitioners.
George R. Staples of Newburgh, who was
sentenced to two years and six months in
State Prison, was taken to Thomaston last
Friday by deputy warden
Court adjourned Thursday efternoon
after term of days.
A TRIBUTE TO JUDGE KNOWLTON. The
following address in memory of the late
Hon. Joseph W. Knowlton of Liberty was
delivered by Joseph Williamson, Esq, of
Belfast: May it please the court: 1t has
been intrusted to me by my brethren Of the
bar to call the attention of your Honor to
the death of our Oldest associate, the late
Judge Joseph Warren Knowlton, which oc-
cured at his home in Liberty, on hetwenty-
seventh of June last, at the advanced age
of ovsf ninety-two years. Although, from
his long inflmities the event was not en-
trely unexpected, its announcement caused
regret to all who knew him.
The history of Judge Knowlton is that of
many son of New England
"Whose life in low estate began,
And on Simnie village green''
and who by earnest endeavor and untiring
diligence has attained to honor and respect.
Born in Liberty, where, except for brief
period, he always resided, his parents, who
were among the pioneer settlers Of that
town died when their son was a youth,
leaving him wholly dependent upon his own
efforts for a livelihood Attending school
barn, and occasionally in the district school
house, he devoted every moment which
could be spared from manual labor to study,
and soon attained the position of a success
full teacher. During the first year of his
majority he was chosen town clerk, and
from reading some odd volumes of Maine
| Reports which thus came into his custody,
and some elementary legal works, he ac-
quired a knowledge of and taste for the
law, which soon led him into that profess
sion. At first he managed cases with effect
before justices of the peace, but upon :
| ing admitted to the bar 1916, he practiced in
| the old District Court and afterwards in the
/ Supreme Court until within short time b.
| fore his death. For a brief period he re-
| sided in Old Town, as a partner Of the late
| Hon. George P. Sewall, but soon returned
to his native town, where he was called to
many offices of trust. He was representa-
tive to the Legislature in 1854, County At
! torney from 1857 to 1859, and Judge of Pro-
bate from 1861 to 1868.
| My acquaintance with Judge Knowlton
commenced half century ago, when | was
student at law. Since then / have con-
stantly met him in practice. A more up
right lawyer l never knew. He seemed all
ways to remember that the cause of his
client was a sacred trust committed to him,
and he never failed to give it all the time
and research which were necessary to pres
ent it thoroughly and carefully. This give
him formidable power before a jury. He al
ways felt as if he was contending for the
right, and ever manifested an earnestness,
a sincerity and persuasive force which flow
ed fran tfat conviction. Doubtless this
trait sometimes led him from seeing the
strength Of his adversary's side, but it
nel er failed to ir fuse vigor and enthusiasm
into his efforts. AS counsellor, he was
clear, safe and practical. His advice was
characterized by weight of common sense,
as well as by legal knowledge. AS a man
he possessed qualities which insured the
esteem of all who enjoyed his society, or
came within the circle of his influence.
Affable and liberal minded, he ever re-
tanned the highest confidence of his fellow
citizens, who found him kind neighbor, a
Christian gentleman, and a true friend.
With the permission of your Honor, l
now beg to offer the following resolutions
Resolved, That the death of the Hon.
Joseph W. KnowltOn, at the ripe age of
over four score and twelve years, is a
proper occasion for an expression of our re-
spect for his character. The record of his
long and useful professional life is closed
without stain or blemish, and his memory
will long be cherished and honored by his
brethren of this bar as we'll as by all who
knew him. =
The present occasion should not pass
without the notice Of another from our
ranks,
"Who, having won
The bound Of mans appointed years at last