Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-08-26

Hoiit dtidtl BIcdttI dttciltlon II oiii
visitors than that of Hon. John A.
Peters of Bangor, late chief justice of
the Supreme Court of this State, and
whose recent retirement from the
bench, after years of honorable and
faithful service, was regretted by the
entire bar. The painting hangs at the
right of the main entrance and is re-
garded an admirable likeness of the
ex-chief justice by those who know
him well.
The following sketch Of his life and
character, written by lifelong friend,
Hon. S. w. Matthews, is presented:
James c. Blaine, in his Twenty
Years OF Congress" thus briefly but ac-
curately sketches conspicuous Inquire
among Names galaxy of eminent men
who have shed lustre upon the State
Another marked character came
from New England-John A. Peters of
Maine-a graduate of Yale, man of
ability, of humor, of learning In the
law. He had enjoyed the advantage of
successful career at the bar and was
by long training and indeed by instinct,
devoted to the profession. In his six
years service in the House he ac-
quired among his fellow members a
personal popularity and personal in
fiuence rarely surpassed in Congress
sional experience. He made no long
speeches and was not frequently on
the floor. but when he rose he spoke
forciby, aptly, attractively, and with
that unerring sense of justice which
always carried him to the right side of
a question with unmistakable influence
upon the best judgment of the House.
Since his retirement from Congress his
career on the Supreme Bench of Maine
and more recently as it's Chief Justice,
has given roundness and completeness
10 a character whose integrity, gener-
osity and candor have attracted not
only the confidence and respect of an
entire State, but the devoted attach
ment of q continually enlarging circle
of friends.
John Andrew Peters. son of Andrew
and Sally (Jordan) Peters, was born in
Ellsworth, Hancock county, Maine
October 9, 1922. He comes of Revolu-
tionary stock, one of his ancestors
Andrew Peters, having been "A Major in
Clinton's Brigade, in the battle OF
Long Island, August 81, 1916. Mr.
refers IdlItf NdS al SuNSNoSiui me-
chant, noted in all his business deal
ings for decision. honesty and fidelity
His mother was of a lively tempera
ment, ready sympathy, mirthful anc
full of wit. These qualities were
transmitted in full measure, to then
SON..
After a thorough preparation for col
lege at Gorham Academy, Maine, he
entered Yale, where he graduated with
high honors, in 1912. He was mem
Der of the Alpha Delta Phi, the Phi
Beta Kappa, tffe Skull and Bones, and
some less important societies, his
scholarship and social qualities MAX
ing him a favorite among the students
After his graduation he studied law
i'm the office of Hon. Thomas Robinson
in Ellsworth, and at Harvard Law
school. He was admitted to the bar
in Hancock county in August, 1874. and
the same year became associated in
the practice of the law in Bangor,
where he has since resided, with Hon.
Joshua w. Hathaway, afterwards a
Judge Of the Supreme Judicial court.
AT later date he and Hon. Franklin
A. Wilson formed a partnership which
continued for several years. AS a law
yer Mr.. Peters was distinguished Cor
his knowledge, ability, perfect in
tegrity and thorough devotion to the
interests of his clients. which qualities,
combined with a generous and kindly
disposition, with ready wit and
buoyant and Astounding humor, made
him leader at the bar and gave him
a very extensive and lucrative prac-
tice.
Although Mr.. Peters tastes and
training We're those of lawyer and not
of a politician. he could not resist the
solicitations of his party friends to
enter the political field. and became a
candidate for the Maine Senate, to
which he was elected in 1862 and 1868.
In 1864 he was a member of the Maine
House of Representatives, and was
elected attorney general of the State,
in which position he served with great
distinction during the years 1864, 1865
and 1866. In the latter year he was
elected to the fortieth Congress, to
represent the Fourth District, then
comprising the counties of Penobscot.
Piscataquis and Aroostook, serving
three consecutive terms in that body.
During his first Congressional term he
was a member of the committees on
patents and public expenditures, and
for the other terms member of the
judiciary committee, and chairman,
on the part of the House, of the COM
mittee on the Congressional library.
Voluntarily terminating his Con-
gressional career after six years of
highly successful service expiring
! March 4. 1873. in response to the al
3, most unanimous desire of the legal
fraternity of the State, he was APP
pointed Associate Justice of the SUI
ypreme judicial court. May 20, 1873. He
was reappointed May 20. 1880. and APP
pointed Chief Justice in September,
4 1883. to succeed Chief Justice Apple
: ton. He was reappointed Chief Justice
in September, 1890. and again in 1897.
On January l, 1900. he resigned his
judicial commission. retiring from an
office which. in different positions. he
had held nearly ,twenty-seven years.
Judge Peters career in his judicial
office was marked by courtesy. inn
partiality. and clearness in exposition
OF the law and the facts to the iury.
His written opinions are lucid and ac-
curate. and place him in the front rank
OF the eminent judges who have
honored the bench of the State While