davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06
A JUSTICE OF THE MAINE SUPREME
JUDICIAL COURT FOR TWENTY
SEVEN YEARS.
Life Crowned with Love and Honors-Brief Sketch of His
Life Lawyer, Politician and Judge Fun
eral Services Held Tuesday and Attended
by Many Distinguished Men.

them, Andrew Peters, was a major In
Clinton's brigade, In the battle OF Long
Island, Aug. n, 1776. His maternal grand
father, Meistiah Jordan, was a prominent
citizen and was appointed collector of
Frenchman's Bay district, Aug. 4, 1883,
about four months after the government
was inaugurated under the constitution
His commission was signed by George
Washington, President, and counter
signed by Thomas Jefferson, secretary of
state.
Judge Peters aptitude rs a scholar de.
cided his parents to give the son a liberal
education. Tile was accordingly put to
school at Gorham academy, where he
fitted for Yale, from whicb-be graduated
In 1s42 with high honors.I The title OF
his graduating part at Yale was 1.-THE
Profession OF Politics., and was a states
mauiike production. Having decided to
enter the legal profession, % took
| course at the Harvard law school, and
thus came to the bar, being admitted In
August, 1874, at Ellsworth, fully pre-
pared and equipped for an active and
highly successful practice which soon fol-
lowed upon his removal to Bangor in the
same year.
To his chosen profession, which he
loved, possessing keen, critical and
judicial judgment, and a wide aud &C.
curate knowledge OF the law, he added
the habit Of industry. He was thus able,
with good legal mind aud an instructive
knowledge of men, to command the con-
fidence Of courts aud men from the begin
ming. He was quickly recognized as
very able lawyer and duly appreciated for
those qualities by which he became
conspicuous.
Jadged by the results Accomplished, the
verdicts won and judgments In law rem
dered in his favor, 1 should say, after an &C.
tive practice OF nearly thirty years, that he
was facite princeps. At the beginning of
his practice, he was partner for short
time with the late Judge Hathaway; ard
for five years before going upon the bench
himself his partner was Franklin A.
Wilson.
His management of the trial of a case
was simple, natural and easily understood
by jury. He always brought out the
facts IN their historical and logical order;
rarely ever calling witnesses IN rebuttaI.
he grouped his evidence with a masters
hand, and passed from point to point with
the unbroken phsianx of we'll ordered
battle.
IN many cases he fought his battles
alone against the brains of numerous
counsel on the other'side. His mind was
an immense reservoir capable OF holding
the fullest details Of lengthy and i'm
portant legal battle. As an examiner OF
witnesses he had but few equals, and the
art OF cross-exsmining he had down to
the perfection of legal skill and ability.
He was sure to find the weak point In his
opponents case, II there WAS one to be
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06
MARRIED.

BRAGG-SMITH- AT Amherst, April 4, by Ii
Patten, esq Leota Bragg, Of Clifton, to
toward NJ smith. of Amherst.
BURNs-MARCHO-A Bar Hlrbor, March 80,
ny " Wood, esq, Lizzie J Burns tc James
II Martho, both OF iar Harbor.
BUTLER-FREkMAN fremont, March 20.
by Rey Thompson. Miss Mildred q
Butler, Of fremont to George II Freeman, of
GAL ND-GILLISPIE-At Bar Harbor.
April2, by Clark esq. Alice Garland to
John Gilispe. both of Bar Harbor
HANCOCk-W ESTw ORTH-At Birch Harbor.
april at the residence of tine BRIDES parents,
sir ana Mrs Byron Hancock, by Rev q Mayo,
Chester wentworth. of Appleton.
SCoTT-REED-At ut Desert. Ma CHI 81, by NJ
l. Allen. esq, Mrs Maria Scott to Henry A
Reed, both Of Mt Desert.
STOCkBRlDGE- DUKE - At Stopington.
March 10, by Rev Fl w Conley, Miss Blanche
Leah stocs bridge to John Edward Duke both
OF Stonington
WA RD-DY ER-At Winter Harbor, A pril 2, by
Rev Mayo Mrs Mary Eta Ward to Edgar
Dyer, both of Milhridge.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06
BORN.

BlLLINGS-At little Deer Isle March 81, to
sir ana Mrs Philip Billings, ii Gaae h,er.
CLEAvES-At Bar Harbor, March "a, to Mr.
and Mrs Prescou Cleaves, son.
DECOsT-At fremont, March 28, to MIR and
Mrs Benjamin Decost, a son.
DOw-At fremont, March 49, to MIR and Mrs
Willis Dow, daughter.
GRiNDLE-At Bluehiil. April /, to Mr. and
Mrs Herbert W Grindle, a son.
HALL-At Sullivan. March rs, TO Mr. and Mrs
Zemro 8 Ha l. eon
HlGGINS-At Indian Point, March is, to Mr.
and Mrs Eugene Higgins, a son.
Deer Isle, April /, to Mr. and
Mrs Emery W Pickering. daughter.
hEpoNNEFT-At Castine. March %, to Mr. and
Nrs Bradford Redonnett, daughter.
WAhDW ELL--At Penobseot April g. to Mr.
and Mrs Charles II "a ardwell, a SON
WITHIN Mat North Castine, April T. to Mr.
and Mrs Grover g Witham daughter
YOUSG-At Winter Harbor, April 3, to Mr. and
Mrs $ Young, a daughter
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

before him. The rights of both parties to
an action were carefully guarded by him
at all times.
equal footing, and none was so high or
none 80 low but what he could have JUS
tice dealt out to him with a steady hand
whose only purpose was to see the truth
and justice OF the case before him.
His alertness of mind, which made him
famous as an attorney before he was ele-
waited to the bench, served him to still
better advantage during his judicial
career. To him was given the power to
see the inner minds Of men and the abil-
ity to weigh all points carefully In the
consideration OF a case.
1t was said of him that he had a mind
as transparent as q sheet OF the finest
plate glass and whatever was seen
through 1t was seen in its true light, aud
free from prismatic hues.
With his great judicial mind he also
had what Is commonly termed as common
sense, but OF him it might be said that he
had an unusually large store OF that mat
ter. This he com bined, making a happy
com bination which always worked to the
good Of the parties in court before him.
To but few men does the public bestow
It's trust and confidence without restric-
tion as was the confidence of the people
of Maine bestowed on Judge Peters. To
have judicial ability is one thing but to
have that ability and the absolute trust
and confidence OF the people is far
greater honor.
In his decisions, he was clear, firm and
sound. During his service on the bench
some of the most important cases OF the
United States in regard to the rights of
property owners, especially with refer
ence to lumber operators and the rights
of water ways, have come up for settle
ment before his court. He and his asso-
ciates were called on many times to give
opinions on these cases with the result
that the State of Maine has in its law re-
ports cases OF well recognized authority
in cases of that nature.
No decision of his ever left him that
was not work OF art. He was noted far
and wide for the soundness, depth of
research and strength OF his written
opinions.
His description OF matters was always
clear so that they might te understood by
people in all walks of life. They were
never encountered with heavy phrases
which left doubt in the minds of the
reader. They differed from the ordinary
opinions at times when he threw of the
judicial style Of writing and put his
whole body and mind in his subject.
His love OF justice was always notic5-
able. Never In the trial of issues BETS
him did he allow mere technicalitiss to
stand in the path OF truth and JUS ice
He had the fine faculty Of combin ing the
well-grounded principles of " and
party rights in such a way as TO serve
only the best ends OF justice which he
always had in mind.
Chief Justice Appleton once said OF
Continued from page s..
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

against the wishes of his friends, but he
felt the call Of his profession and needed
1t, only to become famous in Judicial
life rather than life of public service SIS
representative OF the people OF his
district.
HIS JUDICIAL CAREER.
1t was as justice OF the supreme court
OF the State and as its chief justice that
the present generation knew Judge
Peters best. He was appointed to be as
sociste iustiee OF the supreme court in
May, ls73 his ability anc fitness for the
position being unanimously recognized
BY he people of the State at that time.
For ten years he served as associate
justice, and In 1888 was appointed to be
chief justice OF the court, which position
he held until the time OF bis resignation,
Jan. 1, 1901 when advancing age com
PEELED him 70 relinquish the duties and
responsibilities OF the position.
He was known as "the good Judge"
from one end of Maine to the other where
he for many years presided over the terms
OF court In each county. Too much can
not be said of his err as a member OF
the supreme court OF Maine. Against
much opposition he made his way In his
profession and obtained the he ghts of
honorable position such as fall to the lot
OF few men. He did not attain his honors
without an almost unlimited amount Of
csrd work, however, which better fitted
him for the trust he held.
His service as chief justice won him
many honors from the people of his ma
tive state, but they were slight In COM
p,rison with the service he rendered to
the litigsting parties appearing In court
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

Hon. John Andrew Peters, ex- chief JUS
tice of the Maine supreme Judicial court,
died at his home in Bangor Saturday,
incident to old age.
, For some weeks Judge Peters had been
very feeble, and Friday became upcon-
scious In which condition he passed away
surrounded by his family.
In his death the legal profession aud the
scholarship of Maine lose a shining light,
and among all classes will be niourned
the demise OF one who has well been re-
garded as one OF Names most brilliant
sons, and as the best loved man in his
native State. All Maine will mourn for
Judge Peters. and wider yet will be the
sincere sorrow at the taking away OF this
admirable man, with the record OF whose
career Of eminent service to the State, the
nation and to HE fellowmen will be asso-
Kindness, his courtesy, his sweet tempered
wit-allo which blended 10 perfect har-
mony to make his personality one OF the
most lovable OF the times In which he
lived.
Judge Peters Is survived by his wife,
Frances E., daughter Of the late Amos NJ.
Roberts, and two daug hters, Annie Char
lotte, wife Of Prescott ii. Vose, and Miss
Fannie r. Peters, both of Bangor. Other
living relatives are two brothers Will
liam b. Peters, of Mt. Desert, and Ed
ward j. Peters, OF Brooklyn, N. Y; sis
ter, Mrs. Harriet p. Butman,, OF Brook
Ign, N. Y, and six nephews-George N.
Black and DR.. w illiam @. Peters, of Bos-
ton; Charles Peters and Andrew Peters,
OF New York city, and Chief Justice An
drew p. Wiswell and Judge John A.
Peters, IT,, OF Ellsworth.
The funeral services we're held In Ban
gor Tuesday afternoon, conducted by
Prof. John 8. Sewall. The bearers were
Chief.Justice Andrew p. Wisweil, John
A. Peters jr., Ellsworth; George N. Black,
Charles b. Pitman, Harold A. Pltman,
Boston; and Prescott II. vose, Bangor.
The delegation from the Hancock
county bar to attend the funeral was
composed of II. e. Hsmlin, A. w. King
and l.. r. Giles, OF Ellsworth, and
o. F. Fellows, OF Bucksport. The entire
supreme court OF Maine was In attend
ance, together with many other dis
tinguished men of this and other states,
and also delegations from ali the bar as
socistions of Maine. Mr.. Justice Emery,
of Ellsworth, attended the funeral with
the other Maine justices.
Out Of respect for the deceased all
places of business In the city were closed
yesterday during the hour OF the funeral.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

found, and often used his ready wilt to the
merriment OF the court and jury. Some
times this worked greatly to his advan-
tage, turning what seemed to be sure
defeat into victory for his client.
In making bis arguments to a jury or
court he was strong, logical, clear and
brilliant, bis remarks being repiete with
plain illustrations which carried much
weight. He always made a strong appeal
to jury, having the faculty of talking to
that body, In man to-mau fashion, APP
pealing to its good sense and judgment.
At no time was he at loss for an anec-
dote to work into his argument at the
proper place. and this served to make
lighter the usual tedious ordeal of
lengthy legal argument. His manner Of
telling an anecdcts was like his presen-
tation OF a case, clear and always to the
point, leaving no doubtful meaning. At
times, in his arguments, he became very
dramatic, holding his auditors spellbound
Although he never catered to criminal
defenses, he would never allow a person,
whom he believed innocent, to go unde-
Tended before he courts OF justice. His
practice In this line was very limited.
Most OF his time was given to large civil
and equity cases, number OF suits in
which he VAS interested being famous
for the amount of the verdiets rendered
for his clients.
HIS POLITICAL LIFE.
l1pdge Peters first entered politics in
1862, serving two, successive terms In the
Maine legislatural SO great Was his pop.
ularity and personal following that he
was the unanimous choice OF the uni n
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

party, although he was whig in polit ical
faith. He distinguished himself as a
member Of the State Senate, in 1864, when
he successfully led the Opposition to the
proposed removal OF the State capital
from Augusta to Portlandl His speech on
that occasion was memorable one, and
brought him into great prominence in a
nsH field.
Up 1s84-1866 he was elected attorney
general by the legislature, and he served
in the capacity with dlstinctio5snd much
cfedit to himself.
In 1866 his personal popularity and
ability obtained for him the election as
representative Of the fourth congressional
district, serving three terms In that
capacity.1 Then his love TO, his chosen
profession called him back to the practice
Of law, and ended what promised to be a
brilliant political career. During his first
term he was a member OF the committee
on patents and public expenditures, and
In his third term was on the judiciary
committee and chairman Of the commit
tee on the congressional library.
While congressman his abundant
good nature, witty sayings and great
ability won for him hosts of friends at
the capital, and often removed opposition
to measures introduced by him.
One OF his most important acts while a
congressman was the securing OF the
adoption of the statute, then prevailing
in this State, allowing parties to an action
at law to testify In their own cases.
His ability as an orator was :best appre-
ciated on the occasion OF his eulogy liz
the House upon Senator Fessenden for
which he received the warm congratula-
lions Of his associates.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

John Andrew Peters, the seventh chief
justice Of Maine, was born Oct. 8, 1922, at
Ellsworth. He was the second son OF
Andrew and Sally tJordan) Peters, and
came OF Revolutionary ancestry. One I
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

Trains leaving Ellsworth 7.l6 m and 613 p
m, and arriving EllsN3 -th II Sc a m, DAT p m,
connect with Washington Co r r.
fStop on signal or notice to Conductor.
These trains conner a: Bangor, with through
trains on Main Line. TO and from Portland, BOs-
ton and ST. John. --
Passengers are earnestly requested to procure
tickets before entering the trains, and especially
Ellsworth to Falls and Falls to Ellsworth.
GEO. r. EVANS,
Vice Pres. and Genl Manager.
F. E. BOOTHBY, G. p. & +. A.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY HANCOCK SSH, Henry w.
Cushman, cashier of the above-named bank
do solemnly swear that the above statement
is true to the best of my knowledge and be-
lief. HENRY w. CUSHMAN, Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 4th
day of April, 1904.
LEONARD M. MOORE,
(Seal.) Notary Public.
Correct-Attest:
2. z. GREEDY.
]. A. PETERS, Directors
A. W. KING,
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06
BLAINE's TRIBUTE.

The following tribute to Judge Peters
career In the national House is found In
that excellent work, Twenty Years In
Congress, written by that noble and brill
liant son of Maine, james g. Blaine. 1t
reads as follows:
"Another marked character came from
New England, John A. Peters, of Maine,
a graduate OF Yale, a man of ability, of
humor, of learning in the law. He had
enjoyed the advantage of q successful
career at the bar, and was, by long train
ing and indeed by instinct devoted to his
profession. In his six years. service In the
House he acquired among his fellow
members a personal popularity and per-
sonal influence rarely surpassed In con-
gressional experience.
"He made no long speeches and was
not frequently on the floor, but when he
rose he spoke forcibly, aptly, sttractively
and with that unerring sense of justice
which always carried him to the right
side OF question with unmistakable in-
huence upon the best Judgment OF the
House,
In another place he again said of him:
"Sinee his retirement from Congress his
career on the supreme bench of Maine,
and more recently as its chief justice, has
given roundness and completeness to a
candor have attracted not only the conf
denee and respect of an entire State, but
the devoted attachment of q largely in
creasing circle of friends"
[, His retirement from political life was
Evening star., 1904-02-27
BIG MEETING FOR MEN.
'.Songs in the Dark" to Be Repeated
Other Features.

An unusually attractive program IS an
nounced for the big meeting for men to be
held in Lafayette Opera House tomorrow
afternoon at $50 o'clock. The songs-in-the-
dark service which was such pronounced
success last Sunday. will be given again
tomorrow. with several changes and i'm
provements One of the attractive features
of this service tomorrow will be the sing
ing of .'The Holy City" by Mr.. Tom Green.
the well-known tenor, and the illustration
of the song by moving pictures. These NOV
ing pictures have been secured through the
kindness of Rev. A. H. Zimmerman, the
lecturer, who uses them in his lectures.
The effect is said to be very beautiful and
impressive.
The address of the afternoon will be de-
livered by Dr. Edwin H. Hughes. president
of Depauw University, Greencastle. Ind.
who makes the long journey from his Indi-
ana college for the express purpose of ad-
dressing this meeting. Dr. Hughes has been
recognized for a number of years as one
of the foremost pulpit orators of the east
and his recent election to the presidency
of Depauw University has placed him in a
position of commanding influence in the
central west.
The doors of the opera house will open
at $50 o'clock sharp, and admission is by
ticket only, usual. These cards of ad-
mission may be secured at the Y. NJ c. A.,
at hotels or at the usual business places.
Evening star., 1904-02-27
BIDS FOR SCHOOL BUILDING.
Contract for New Home for Business
Branch Excites Competition

Bids We're opened at the District build ng
today for the construction of the proposed
new Business High School structure, to be
located on the square bounded by Rhode
Island avenue, r, Sth and 9th streets north
west. The lowest bidder was Isadore Pa
varini. whose bid for the construction of
the building. according to the plans for de-
sign "a" was $166S00. and accord ng to
design "B,'' S167,9o0. The amount ava liable
for the construction of the building is s16S,
COO. Since Mr.. Pavarini is the lowest bid
der, it is understood that he will be award
ed the contract for the new Business High
School
There were seven proposals received for
this building. The plans for design "a
specify facing of red brick, while design
''B calls for notified brick facing.
In addition to the bid of Mr.. Payarni,
the following contractors submitted propo-
sails on designs "A" and 3d." respectively:
Gleeson & Humphrey. $1s0300 and S1s2. 800;
James l.. Parsons, $194.G00 and S195 900:
James M. Dunn, S1S0,o00 and S1Sl.J60;
Frank P May. $1S2,340 and $1S3, $50; H. P.
Cumming Company. Ware. Mass. S192.700
and s194. .415: Meads & Reynolds. S1s0997
and S1S2.347.
1t is understood that the building will be
constructed of notified brick facing. and
that work will be commenced within a
short time The specifications stipulate
that the building shall be finished within
eighteen months after the award of the
contract
Evening star., 1904-02-27
FAIL TO COMPLY WITH LAW.
Fines Amounting to SIS Each Paid by
Two Defendants

Andrew Braid, clerk in the geological
survey appeared in the Police Court to-
day to answer to three charges of failure
on his part to comply with the provisions
of the snow law. Braid, Judge Bundy was
informed. is the owner of three vacant lots
adjoining each other near the corner of 9th
street and Massachusetts avenue north
east, and as such neglected to remove last
weeks fall of snow from the sidewalk
Mr.. Braid admitted that such was the case.
and explained that he was so busiIy occu-
pied with his official duties that he forgot
about having the snow removed thinking
that the sun would melt it in short time
The court declined to accept the excuse
and imposed fines amounting to SIS, which
We're paid.
Thomas Bradley, representing the real
estate department of the Washington Loan
ana trust Company. was in court on be-
half OF the company, which was charged
with failure to remove the snow from the
sidewalk adjoining nineteen different lots
in its charge. He admitted that the snow
mad not been removed. and explained that
the company's force of men engaged to re-
move the snow had so much work to do
that it could not get to the lots within the
time allowed by law. The charges were
hled on three separate informations and
through a mistake. it is said, the court
imposed fines amounting only to SIS, not
being told that nineteen lots were charged.
The fines as imposed were paid.
Five other persons were cited to appear
in court to answer to charges of a similar
character, but each chose the alternative
and forfeited IS collateral. They were: Fred
s. Cawson. 600 f street northeast: Edward
Flynn. 235 H street northeast; Robert A.
Golden. S14 B street northwest; Shong Lee.
1912 New Hampshire avenue and David
Matterson, lot 141, square $50.
Evening star., 1904-02-27
HIS LIFE CRUSHED OUT
HUGH CONNOLLY, RAILROAD EN-
PLoYE, ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.
Was Inspecting Car and Engine
Backed Into It-Inquest
to Be Held.

Hugh J. Connolly. an inspector in the
employ of the p. w. and b. railroad. was
killed by a moving car in the New Jersey
avenue freight yard this forenoon. The
fatal accident occurred while the inspector
was attending to his regular duties and
Coroner hewitt may hold an inquest Mon
day Connolly was charged with the duty
of inspecting the heating apparatus in the
passenger cars. In order to make proper
investigation this morning it was necessary
for him to get on the ground under the
car and while he was there an engine
came along and bumped against the car
with sufficient force to move the vehicle
and crush out the mans life. How # was
made possible for such accident to oc-
cur and the life of the workman to be
sacrificed without a minutes warning VIII
probably be related by witnesses when the
affair is investigated.
AS soon as Ii was seen that the inspector
had been pinned beneath the car the engine
was moved ahead and railroad men went
to his rescue. 1t was then too late for
them to be of service to him. for the wheels
OF the heavy car had moved over his Stom-
ach and crushed him to such an extent that
1t was impossible to save his life. His
companions removed him from the track
and hurried message over the wires to
the Emergency Hospital. DR. White. the
resident physician, received the message
and went with the ambulance to the scene
OF the accident. He found that the body
had not been mutilated to any extent and
had it placed in the ambulance. No time
was lost in reaching the hospital. Upon
arriving there an examination showed that
life was extinct and the body was placed
In the hospital mOrgue to await the arrival
of the coroner. Connolly was thirty-five
years old and lived at No. 80 street
southeast. He leaves widow and six
children. Arrangements for his funeral
have not yet been made.