Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1923-11-16
In Memory OF The Late Judge
Edward G. Peter.

by the Rockville Bar Association to pre-
pare resolutions on the death of the late
Judge Edward C. Peter submitted its report.
The resolutions were read by Mr.. John A.
Garrett and are as follows:
The Honorable the Judges of the Circuit
Court for Montgomery county. Nd:
The committee appointed to draft reso-
buttons upon the death of the late Edward
C. Peter. Associate Judge of the Sixth
Judicial Circuit of Maryland. respectfully
submits the following:
Judge Edward Peter was born at
Rockville on the 18th day Of June, 1852,
and was a son of the late George Peter
and Lavinia Gassaway Peter.
His legal training was received in the
Office of his father, then associated in the
practice of the law with the late Judge
James B. Henderson, and was admitted
to the bar OF this court on the 18th day
Of June. 1888.
Mr.. Peter was elected States Attorney
for Montgomery county in 1887 and was
reelected in 1891. serving two terms.
On June 81. 1888, he was married to
Mary Gordon Vinson. a daughter Of the
late Judge John T. Vinson. Associate
Judge of this Circuit. OF this marriage
there were born a daughter and three sons.
Of whom the former is the wife Of Mr..
Albert M. Bouic of this bar.
After his retirement from the office of
States Attorney, Mr. Peter rapidly assumed
a position as leader Of the local bar. &C.
quiring a large and successful practice,
which he continued to enjoy until his
elevation to the bench by appointment Of
Governor Crothers upon the expiration of
the term of the late Judge Henderson in
1910. The following year Judge Peter was
elected Associate Judge of this Circuit
for full term of fifteen years. Of which
he had served twelve at the time of his
death. August %. 1928.
AS man and as a lawyer one Of the
distinguishing traits of Judge Peter was
his democracy. He was equally at home
with all classes of men and was able to
understand and interpret the thoughts
and aspirations of men regardless Of con-
dition.
Out of his practice and out of his expert
ence in the political affairs Of the county,
in which he was long leader, he acquired
a wide knowledge of the people Of the
county. His acquaintance was as large as
that of any man in public life in his
generation. He made study of people
and his quick and retentive memory en-
abled him to make the most of this knowl-
edge. This fact. together with natural
ability to discern human motive, con-
tributed greatly to his success both as
lawyer and as a judge. In the latter
capacity his industry and his fine sense
of justice make it not surprising that he
was seldom reversed in the Court Of APP
peals during the time he served on the
bench. While Judge Peter was a man OF
strong opinion and positive character he
was ever courteous to an opponent and
likewise to those who practiced before him
after he became judge. His kindness.
his love of human companionship and the
many other winning qualities which en-
dear his memory to all who were thrown
into close contact with him describe his
generous and attractive personality. The
majesty of the law and the dignity of the
bench were jealousy guarded by him and
whoever infringed upon either we're certain
to meet with his prompt and decisive
rebuke.
His devotion to duty and his unhagging
industry in performing it was remarkable
and it seemed as If no amount Of labor in
investigating a case was ever a barrier to
its accomplishment. His courage in the
maintenance of what he considered the
true solution of question was of most
determined type. He was indeed learned
lawyer and by nature a profound thinker
and just judge. While using precedents
TO sustain his own views his judgments
and opinions were worked out by careful
reflection upon the fundamental principles
of the law.
He heard courteously he answered wise.
ly, he considered soberly and decided
impartially.
He delighted to help younger members
Of the bar. giving generously Of his time
and from his well-stored mind citing cases
in point already decided.
A. a d;sttndnishad Ia.vuar ne a inst n nd
learned Judge and as a leading citizen Of
his community his loss has already been
keenly felt and he will continue to be
missed and his memory cherished by all
who knew him in any of those capacities.
Eulogies were pronounced by John A.
Garrett. H. M. Talbot. Geo. H. Lamar. VIM.
H. Talbot. Clifford H. Robertson Bowie F.
Waters. VIM. F. Prettyman. Geo. A. Pearre
and Judge Hammond Urner. Judge Urner
said:
Gentlemen of the Bar:
At the opening Of the September Term,
in Frederick, had the privilege of respond
ing to the resolutions in which the men,
bers Of the Frederick county bar expressed
their appreciation Of Judge Edward c.
Peter. and have looked forward to this
opportunity to pay tribute to his men,
DRY here in his home community and in
the court where he rendered the greater
part Of his services as a lawyer and as a
judge. know how highly he was esteemed
and how well he was beloved by the peo-
pie Of this county, among whom he was
born and reared and lived his active and
useful life, and can testify to the fact
that the people Of Frederick county held
him in equal admiration and affection.
They always welcomed him with the ut
most cordially, and they unaffected in
every way their high and warm regard for
him as judge and as man. They were
ahockad and prieved hevond exnreaaion /