Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-03
Charles E. Littlefield

CnarleS T.. LlCCleuelu
Charles Edgar Littlefeld, member
of Congress and one Of the foremost
citizens of the Pine Tree State, was
born in Lebanon. York County. Maine.
June 81, 1851. He is the son of the
Rev. William II. Littlefield, who
Stevens his wife. His ancestors were
among the early settlers of York
County.
His Childhood
The childhood of Mr. Littlefield was
in no particular different from that Of
boys whose parents were in limited
circumstances. His father was a Free
Will Baptist clergyman. who preached
for various periods in Lebanon, Rock
land. Dover Vinal Haven and Weeks
Mills. Young Littlefield attended the
public schools in the various towns in
which his father preached, and soon
became to be known as diligent
student. making good progress in his
studies, Notwithstanding the disad-
vantages Of the frequent change of
teachers. He attended Foxcroft
Academy and afterwards the High
schools connected with the common
school system. After several years
of hard work as millWright, carpen-
ter and pattern maker, he took charge
of a gang of men in the employ of
Bodwell Granite Co.
Begins Study Of Law
At the age of 20 Mr.. Littlefield COM
menced the study Of law in the office
of Rice & Hall, of Rockland, Maine,
and was admitted to the Bar at the
March term of the Knox County Su-
preme Court in 1876. having passed
the best examination of any candidate
for admission to this bar" Com
mencing Immediately the practice Of
his chosen profession, he was for a
time associated with General ]. P.
Cilley. a prominent pension lawyer,
and upon the dissolution of this part
nership. Mr.. Littlefield practiced alone
until the admission of his younger
brother. Arthus S., to the bar. and a
large increased practice was enjoyed
by them.
Mr. Littlefield by his perseverance
and shrewdness in the conduct of his
many cases. won well-merited dis
tinction at the bar He was an elo-
auent speaker, and had a distinguish
ed presence which commanded atten-
ton.
A True Republican
Mr. Littlefield was a tried and true
Republican, and early took a deep
and active interest in politics and in
political economy. He served in the
Common Council of Rockland, was
chairman of the Republican County
Committee for several years, and was
also a member of the Republican
State Committee. In 1885 he was
elected a Representative to the Leg
islature, and rendered efficient serv-
ice on the Judiciary and other com
mittees. He was reelected to tn:
House in 1887. and at that session
was chosen Speaker by reclamation
a peculiar honor and tribute to the
popularity and ability of the candl'
date. Mr.. Littlefield's splendid rec
ord as presiding officer in matter OF
history, and his name became d
household term in Maine politica
circles. In 1889 he was elected At
torney- General, being the youngest
man who ever held the offiffice in the
State, with the one exception of Hon
Thomas B. Reed. ,...
An Important Case
During his four years as attorney
general he tried number OF murdel
cases, and in one case only did NJ
fail to get verdict for the crime az
named in the indictment. The mos
important litigation for the state, Of
| which Mr. Littlefleld had charge
while Attorney General, was that Of
the State of Maine VS.. The Crane
Trunk Railway, 142 U. S. Supreme
Court Reports, 217. This was suit
for taxes, brought by Attorney-Gen-
eral Cleaves during his term, under
statute providing IAN annual excise
tax for the privilege of exercising I'll
franchise in the State" upon all rail
roads, and based upon the gros.
transportation receipts. The case wa:
first argued by Attorney-Genera
Cleaves for the State and A. A
Strout for the Grand Trunk. before
Judge Webb, who rendered decision
| adverse to the State Of Maine. TIT
case was carried to the Supreme
| Court of the United States. and wal
| in order for argument early In Mr.
| Littlefield's term. The profession II
| Maine were practically a unit in be-
lieving that the decision Of Judg'
Webb would be sustained. This di:
not. however, deter Mr.. Lttlefielt
from thoroughly examining and pre-
pairing the case.
| His Argument
! After carefully examining the authofi