History: Local: Chapter XXXVI : The Bench and Bar - Part II : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ 544 CHAPTER XXXVI. Part II. THE BENCH AND BAR. THE BAR OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY takes high rank among those of the cities and counties of the commonwealth. Our proximity to Philadelphia, long a centre of legal learning; the numerous, courts -municipal, State and federal -there in almost continuous session; the community of commercial and corporate interests; the settlement of decedents estates and adjudication of important trusts connected with them, wherein resident counsel are retained in both jurisdictions, has brought the bar of Montgomery County into almost daily contact with the best-trained professional minds in Eastern Pennsylvania. The bar has long since outlived all provincialism, and if its members ever were characterized by any marked degree of social intercourse or associated conviviality, their tastes and habits must have essentially differed in the past from the present. The individuality of the present resident bar is one of its characteristics, -partnerships in the profession are exceedingly rare, associate counsel in the trial of causes is limited to important cases and self-reliance is deemed an essential qualification for the successful lawyer of the period. Professional courtesy is nowhere more fully exemplified, honorable engagements nowhere more scrupulously fulfilled, and the member whose word cannot be safely taken by bench or bar falls below the standard of professional ethics created by the common consent of all. The gentlemen composing the resident bar of the present generation have taken a generous interest in establishing a library and a fund to sustain and enlarge it, and it will, no doubt, exert a highly beneficial influence upon its members and measurably improve their efficiency as skillful practitioners. [See NOTE 36-12.] It is to be regretted that no mortuary record of the bench and bar has been preserved during the first century of the county. Men of remarkable character and ability have attained professional eminence, enjoyed public confidence and the esteem of the community in which they lived and died, with nothing but their names on record to recall their lives and usefulness. This seems to be true of James Morris, James Biddle and John D. Coxe, all of whom were president judges of the county prior to 1804. Among the early members of the bar who filled a conspicuous place was Levi Pawling, Esq., admitted to practice in November, 1785. He rose to prominence and enjoyed a large practice in the courts of the county. He was a public-spirited man and contributed liberally to the early business enterprises of Norristown. Nathan R. Potts, Esq., was admitted August 14, 1804. He is spoken of as an "old-time gentleman," who dressed in the costume of Continental days and retained the "cue" to the time of his death. He was distinguished as a practitioner in the Orphans' Court of this county and in Philadelphia. He was one of the examiners of John H. Hobart, Esq., the present senior member of the bar. Philip S. Markley, Esq., admitted to the bar November 13, 1810, was a prominent character in the profession, and, we believe, the only member of the bar of this county who filled the office of attorney-general of the State. While in this office he appointed John H. Sheetz, Esq., his deputy attorney-general for Montgomery County. He is said to have been an able lawyer, always taking of lively interest in public affairs. John Henderson, Esq., admitted 1815, and Francis M. Jolly, Esq., admitted May 14, 1822, were among the exceptionally brilliant men in the early history of the bar. Their names are found associated with a great number of cases brought for trial and tried in their day. These two men were, frequently associated together in the trial of causes, making a strong combination in both the civil and criminal courts. Both had rare social qualities, genial in companionship, and alike convivial in their habits. [NOTE 36-12.] RULES FOR THE REGULATION OF THE LAW LIBRARY MONTGOMERY COUNTY. -Established by Act of Assembly of March 12, 1869. Numbers of volumes cataloged and now in use, two thousand four hundred. The following rules for the regulation of the Law Library, have been adopted "inter alia" by the general committee of the Law Library. The members of the bar are earnestly requested to aid the committee in the enforcement of them: "The library shall be kept open by the librarian every day, except Sundays and legal holidays, from 8:30 A.M. to 12P.M. and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. "The room, when open, and its contents shall be under the control of the librarian, who shall be responsible for its contents and for the enforcement of these rules. "The room shall be used for library purposes only, except upon occasions of general bar meetings. "All noises, disorder, lend talking or other practices calculated to interfere with or disturb persons engaged in the legitimate use of the library are strictly prohibited. "Persons using the library shall abstain from doing anything likely to injure or deface the room, its furniture, books or contents. "No books shall be taken out of the library except by a judge of the courts or a member of the bar of said county. " Neither Pennsylvania Reports, works on Pennsylvania Practice Pleadings, Digests, Acts of Assembly, Acts of Congress, encyclopedias, dictionaries, nor books containing the opinions of any of the judges of this judicial district, shall be taken out of the library, for use in the courtroom, arbitration-room, or judges chambers or in a trial or argument before all auditor, master or Commissioner, in Norristown. "Foreign reports rely he taken and kept out for twenty-four, hours only, and may be renewed once if not wanted by anyone else. "All other books may be taken out of the courthouse, but shall not be, kept out of the library for a long period than one, week at any time. "During the, session of any court for jury trials, or of any regular argument court, it Norristown, no book call be taken out except for use in court. The librarian must see that all books; are in the library at some times. "Any person mutilating or otherwise injuring a book belonging to the library, or refusing to return the same at the expiration of the little during which he is allowed by these rules to retain it, shall reimburse the library for such injury. "All persons taking out books shall notify the librarian, who shall keep a register of the books so taken, and shall see that they are properly returned, "No book shall he taken out of the borough of Norristown. "The librarian shall promptly report to the sub-committee on books any person whom he shall detect mutilating or injuring any book belonging, to the library. "Gentlemen are particularly requested not to turn down leaves, to mark place, or, to mark the books with pencil. "B. M. BOYER, Presidential judge JOSEPH FORNANCE HENRY R. BROWN LOUIS M. CHILDS NATHANIEL JACOBY, Librarian CHARLES T. MILLER, treasurer" [FINIS NOTE 36-12.] 545 Among the prominent members of a later generation we notice Philip Kendall, Esq., admitted August 22, 1826; Benjamin F. Hancock, Esq. admitted August 19, 1828; William and Benjamin Powel, Esq., admitted August 15, 1821 January 20, 1830; James H. Pawling, Esq., admitted November 22, 1831; John B. Sterigere, Esq. admitted November 17, 1829; Daniel H. Mulvany, Esq., admitted April 12, 1831. Mr. Sterigere came to the bar in the thirty-sixth year of his time; Governor Findlay commissioned he in 1818. When twenty-five years of age three years later, he was elected to the State Legislature; in 1826 he was elected to Congress, and while there completed his studies, and was admitted to the bar at the time above stated. He acquired a large practice, and took rank with the best lawyers at the bar. His industry and force of character won for him admiring friends; being self-cultured in youth, his continuous habits of study made him among the most self-reliant and aggressive members of the profession. JOHN S. McFARLAND, ESQ. - At a meeting of the bar of Montgomery County, held at the house of Mrs. Ann Webb, in Norristown, Tuesday, March 17, 1835, John Freedley, Esq., was called to the chair and Thomas M. Jolly, Esq., was appointed secretary. On motion, the following preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted: "Whereas, We have learned with the deepest regret of the death of our esteemed friend and fellow-member, John McFarland, Esq., whose urbanity of manner, amiableness of disposition and sterling integrity, obtaining for him while living the esteem, respect and regard of his numerous acquaintances, and the confidence of his profession, will leave his memory vividly Impressed upon the minds of those who, from intercourse with him, could appreciate the qualities which adorned his character; "Resolved, That we deeply commiserate with the kindred of the deceased the dispensation which has deprived them of an affectionate relative and society of a valuable member. "Resolved, That we will attend the funeral of the deceased, and, as a testimonial of our respect for his memory, will wear crape on the left arm for the period of thirty days. "JOHN FREEDLEY, Chairman THOMAS M. JOLLY, Secretary" JOHN FREEDLEY, ESQ., was admitted to the bar August 16, 1820. As a lawyer he was clear, concise and logical in argument, a close reasoner and apt in seizing and presenting the strong points of a case. While but little of an orator, deficient in fancy and totally devoid of sentimentality, his sympathy with suffering and distress, joined with his great knowledge of human nature, rendered him powerful as an advocate and skillful and successful in guiding the minds of a jury. [See NOTE 36-13.] [NOTE 36-13.] The following incident in the life of John Freedley as a lawyer came to the knowledge of the writer as counsel in the estate of Sarah Holstein, late widow of Matthias Holstein, deceased. Matthias Holstein was in his lifetime the owner of valuable real estate in the borough of Norristown. Misfortune overtook him and all his property was seized by the sheriff and sold. John Freedley became the purchaser of it, and upon the death of Mr. Holstein he conveyed to his widow, without consideration, a portion of the real estate, which, when subsequently converted into money, enabled the good lady to live comfortably and pleasantly through her long widowhood. This act of Mr. Freedley was prompted by unselfish and humane considerations, without publicity at the time, doubtless intending that his generosity should remain unknown to the world during the lifetime of the beneficiary. [FINIS NOTE 36-13.] FRANCIS DIMOND, ESQ., was of Irish parentage, and received a liberal education in his youth before coming to this country. He was first known in Montgomery County about 1830-31. He was a teacher in the public schools and taught for some years in Plymouth township, where he became intimately acquainted with Dr. Hiram Corson, then it young practitioner, and who, with his brothers, became warmly attached to him. Mr. Dimond was a cultured gentleman, and evinced a fondness for professional life. He became a student-at-law with Daniel Mulvany, Esq., about 1837, and was admitted to the bar in 1839. He had admiring friends, and by some was esteemed a public speaker of more than ordinary ability. He was scholarly and known to have a fondness for literary pursuits that in some degree unfitted him for the hard and methodical work of the successful practitioner at the bar. He remained at the bar of Montgomery County for some years after his admission, then went to Philadelphia. He subsequently, about 1843, went to the western part of the State and was accidentally drowned near the Allegheny Mountains. JOSEPH FORNANACE, ESQ., was admitted to the bar August 21, 1832, in the twenty-eighth year of his age. Like many of his professional colleagues, he had previously taught school for several years in the county, and brought with him to his new calling a knowledge of human character and a degree of wisdom, resulting from experience, that served him a valuable purpose in early acquiring a large and responsible practice Mr. Fornance was a safe adviser, deliberate, thorough and painstaking in the preparation of his cases for trial, and in the presence of court and jury his manner was earnest and forcible. A juror who served in the trial of a cause in which he was concerned as counsel for the commonwealth in 1848, thirty-six years ago, and who still survives, describes the case and his impressions of the man as follows: "The prisoner was indicted for arson; the evidence pointed to the guilt of the defendant. The defense was ably conducted, and when the court adjourned for dinner there was an well-understood impression, shared by all, that the prisoner was guilty of the offense charged. Upon the reassembling of the court Mr. Fornance recapitulated the facts of the case and reviewed that portion of the testimony indicating the possible guilt of the accused, seeming to comprehend our difficulty, and in less than ten minutes made it appear perfectly clear that the prisoner was innocent, and we so found." The lasting impression made upon this juror's mind by the success of the counsel is a fair illustration of his forensic ability and his aptitude in seizing upon the vital point in the case. The strong points in the 546 professional character of Mr. Fornance were his thorough knowledge of human nature, his comprehension of that which was necessary to be done and that unnecessary to do, with a courage to become aggressive in pressing an advantage fairly obtained, and a judicial sense of moderation that rendered him as prudent in counsel as he was sagacious, and forcible in court. Mr. Fornance was a student of the Hon. Philip S. Markley, was elected to the State Legislature in 1834, and represented his district in Congress from 1838 to 1842. He died November 24, 1852, in the forty-eighth year of his age. DANIEL H. MULVANY, ESQ., was admitted to the bar April 11, 1831. He had previously finished his academic training in the city of Reading, and read law for one year in the office of A. L. King, Esq., of that city. He returned to Montgomery County in 1829, and concluded his legal studies with Hon. Philip Kendall. He subsequently became associated with the Hon. John Freedley, who at that time enjoyed a very large practice in the civil courts of the county. In 1835, Mr. Mulvany retired from the office of Mr. Freedley and entered upon a professional career, the history of that entitles him to be ranked among the most distinguished lawyers of the State. In 1836 he was appointed deputy attorney-general for Montgomery County by William B. Reed, then attorney-general under Governor Ritner. He entered upon the duties of the office with zeal and industry. One of the most notable cases found upon the records of our criminal courts occurred during his incumbency of the office, i.e., the Commonwealth vs. Joseph Ogleby, Jr., John West Nevins, John Naglee, Jr., Ormes B. Keith and Herman Houpt. These men were all indicted for the murder of George Willauer. The case is better known as the "trial of the engineers," who, while surveying the route of a projected line of railroad along the Perkiomen, became engaged in a fracas at the hotel of John Hartranft, Sumneytown, which resulted in the stabbing and death of Willauer. The commonwealth was represented by Daniel H. Mulvany, deputy attorney-general, Philip Kendall, Esq., and James M. Pawling, Esq. The defendants were represented by John Freedley, Francis M. Jolly and John B. Sterigere, Esqs., of the Montgomery County bar; Dallas and Hazelhurst, of the Philadelphia bar; and Miles and Montgomery, of the Lancaster bar. The case was tried before Judge Fox, whose charge to the jury is reported in full in the "Norristown Register" of March 30, 1836, together with brief notes of the trial. [See NOTE 36-14.] [See NOTE 36-14.] The following gentlemen were drawn as jurymen: Jacob Wentz Thomas Reed George Pechin Isaac Mather Abraham Marple Joseph Kirkner Beneville Bertolet James Wells Jacob Stadleman James Wood John Righter Samuel P. Wetherill Before proceeding to the trial the court, on application of counsel for the defendants, made an, order "excluding all the witnesses for the prosecution from the courthouse till they were examined." [FINIS NOTE 36-14.] While Mr. Mulvany served the office well and with distinction, the office served him in extending his reputation as a lawyer, bringing him a clientage from all parts of the county, with professional engagements more important in the civil than in the criminal courts. Mr. Mulvany was one of the most self possessed, ingenious and plausible lawyers of his generation. Of him it has been said that "during the forty years of his professional life he was never, in any forensic tilt, betrayed into discourtesy to an opponent, but was ever the gentleman." He was fertile in methods and always pleasing in his manner when examining witnesses. He had few equals in power and influence with juries; he was persuasive and logical with all elegance of diction that always secured the attention of his auditors, and often moved their impulses and sympathies before he reached their judgments or appealed to their reason. He was certainly devoted to his profession, and we believe his highest ambition was to be deservedly classed among the ablest lawyers of his generation. He was exceptionally considerate to the junior members of the bar under all circumstances, and sincerely rejoiced to see them rise to the same sphere of influence and usefulness he enjoyed in his last days as all active practitioner. While he always manifested the interest of a public-spirited citizen in the affairs of his country, he was not a partisan who sought political favors. As an orator his services were required and freely given in emergencies to the political party of his choice, and in his last days, when Rebellion reached its greatest possibilities and rolled its tide of invasion over the hills of his native State, he was among the first and most gallant of his countrymen to tender his services and endure the hardships and peril associated with the life of a soldier. [NOTE: Captain Daniel H. Mulvany, Chapter XVI, "The Great Rebellion".] He died May 18, 1873. HENRY W. BONSALL, ESQ., was admitted to the bar August 9, 1853. He was a self-made man and came into professional life with the confidence of a large circle of friends. Although self-reliant and eloquent as a speaker, commanding an easy flow of language, he was disinclined to engage in public discussion when he could consistently avoid it. He acquired an office practice, and devoted himself so closely to its duties that his health became impaired. His friends recommended a change of pursuit. He preferred entering the army, and proposed doing so as early as 1862. It was apparent to his companions that he could not endure the hardships and experience incident to service in the field. He was appointed a lieutenant in the commissary department and assigned to duty in Washington City. The change in life and pursuits was without beneficial results, and he never recovered the measure of health and strength necessary to the successful prosecution of the professional life he faithfully prepared for, and to which he was conscientiously devoted. Mr. Bonsall was remarkable for his self-possession 547 and pleasing address under the most trying circumstances. He died September 5, 1866. ENOCH A. BANKS ESQ., was admitted to the bar August 20, 1855. He was a bright student was carefully prepared for professional life and had the natural powers of a fluent vigorous and eloquent speaker. His positive and aggressive temperament carried him to the most exciting field of the profession and his earliest and most successful practice was acquired in the criminal courts. His career was a brilliant one and inspired public confidence. He was elected district attorney in the year 1862, and discharged the duties of his office with marked credit to himself and the commonwealth. He was popular as an orator and his services were sought for and freely given on all proper occasions. He was genial in companionship generous and confiding and highly esteemed by the members of the bar and the judges of the courts in which he practiced. He died June 1867. JOHN R. BREITENBACH, ESQ., was admitted to the bar February 21, 1843. He enjoyed the reputation of being a conscientious adviser and possessed the power of obtaining from willing and unwilling witnesses "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." We remember an instance that fully illustrates this prominent characteristic of the man. It occurred during the last years of his professional life and as the parties concerned are in all probability still living names are omitted. The case was on trial before the jury, Judge Henry P. Ross presiding. The witness had been examined in chief for the defense and told what Mr. Breitenbach believed and knew to be false. The witness appeared to be intelligent reasonable and truthful but when subjected to the crucial test of a cross-examination as conducted by Mr. Breitenbach he was forced to make the open acknowledgment that he swore to that which he knew to be false. It was a victory for the counsel and for the right. Mr. Breitenbach was small of stature but was commanding in his address to both court and jury. His service to the country was patriotic. He commanded Company G, One Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers was promoted to major July 8, 1864 and subsequently breveted lieutenant-colonel for meritorious services. Upon his return to civil life he was appointed collector of internal revenue for this district and fulfilled his public trust with fidelity to the government. He died in 1875. JOSEPH L. ALLABOUGH, ESQ., was admitted to the bar April 11, 1855. He early acquired a lucrative practice in the Orphans' Court and Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County. He rarely engaged in the trial of cases in the criminal courts. He was clear and forcible in the statement of facts and relied upon conclusions of law in presenting his case to the court or jury. He deservedly enjoyed the reputation of presenting the most carefully prepared papers filed in the several courts in which he practiced. Those having occasion to refer to his reports as auditor -praecipes, petitions and miscellaneous proceedings -will readily perceive the neatness practiced in the execution of his professional labors. He was fond of recreation and sought exercise and pastime in search of game in common with the sportsmen of the county. He enjoyed the confidence of the legal profession and his opinions within the line of practice were always received with respect by the court. He was solicitor for the board of county commissioners for the year 1873 and died September 20, 1881. HENRY LIVEZEY, ESQ., was admitted to the bar November 10, 1869. He was a gentleman of more than ordinary ability and was among the most successful young practitioners who entered the profession in this county his brief career gave promise of an honorable and useful life in a calling of his own choice for which he seems to have been admirably adapted. Mr. Livezey died in 1873, highly esteemed and sincerely lamented by the profession. CHARLES HENRY GARBER, ESQ., was born at Garwood near Trappe, Montgomery Co., Pa., July 30, 1823. After obtaining the advantages of the common schools of the county lie completed his education at Pennsylvania College Gettysburg Pa.; studied law in the office of Addison May, Esq., at Norristown and was admitted to the bar. Mr. Garber was elected burgess of Norristown. He was a school director in the borough for twenty years. He held the office of secretary of various local corporations and was an assistant assessor of internal revenue under the administration of President Johnson. Mr. Garber was of a retiring disposition; and throughout his professional career evinced a fondness for literary pursuits. He died at Norristown Pa., November 9, 1882. JOHN HENRY HOBART. The progenitor of the Hobart family in America Edmund Hobart removed from the village of Hingham county of Norfolk England to the United States in 1633 his religious views as a "Dissenter" having influenced his removal hither. He settled in Hingham, Mass. of which town he was one of the founders and represented his district for a succession of years in the State Legislature. He had four sons - Edmund Peter Thomas Joshua and two daughters Rebecca and Sarah. Joshua Hobart, the youngest of these sons, was in 1674 Speaker of the House of Deputies of Massachusetts and possessed considerable influence in civil and military affairs. His son, John Hobart, removed to Pennsylvania married into a Swedish family and settled in Kensington now a part of Philadelphia having been extensively engaged in the West India trade. His son, Capt. Enoch Hobart, the grandfather of the subject of this biography was also engaged in the same trade and was commander of a merchant ship. He married Hannah Pratt and had three sons and six daughters, of whom Robert Enoch 548 born April 25, 1768 resided for many years in Philadelphia and subsequently removed to Pottstown. Another son, John Henry, became the distinguished bishop of the Episcopal Church and the great champion of American Episcopacy. Robert Enoch married Sarah May daughter of Samuel Potts and had children, - Nathaniel P. Robert E. John Henry Anna P. Sarah P. Rebecca Mary and Elizabeth, -of whom the only survivor, John Henry, was born March 15, 1810, in Philadelphia. When a child he removed with his father to Pottstown where he became a pupil of the village school and later in Reading pursed his studies under Rev. John Grier. PICTURE OF JNO. H. HOBART, APPEARS HERE. He then entered a military school near Germantown and at the expiration of the second year was enrolled among the cadets at West Point from which institution He resigned at the age of twenty-one and removing to Norristown entered the office of Daniel H. Mulvany as a student in law. Two years later at the May term of 1836 he was admitted to the bar and at once began practice in Norristown where he continued actively employed until 1956 when Pottstown became his home. Gen. Hobart having, in 1877, after a protracted career at the bar, retired from the active labor of the profession, returned to Norristown which has she been his place of residence. He was in 1837, married to Mary J., daughter of William Mintzer, of Pottstown whose death occurred in 1858. To this union were born children, - Robert Enoch (deceased) William Mintzer David Potts John Henry (deceased) and two who died in infancy. Gen. Hobart as a Democrat cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. He was appointed in 1847 deputy attorney general of the county of Montgomery, and in 1853 was elected district attorney, though during his long period of practice his abilities found all attractive field of labor in the Orphans' Court. He had also filled the positions of burgess, member of the Town Council and member of the school board of Norristown. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and connected with Stichter Lodge, No. 254, of Pottstown in which he has attained the rank of Past Master. Gen. Hobart is identified with the Protestant Episcopal Church and a member of Christ Church of that denomination in Pottstown. HENRY FREEDLY, the elder, was born February 4 1815; he studied law in the office of John Freedley, and was admitted to the bar on the 16th day of August, 1836. He began the practice of the law in connection with John Freedley and on his retirement succeeded to his practice. In 1853, owing to ill health, he retired from clerk of the District Court of the United States for the practice. Although Mr. Freedley was in active practice but a short period, he rose to deserved prominence at the bar, and enjoyed a large practice at the date of his retirement. He was at the time counsel for the Philadelphia and Norristown Railroad Company and also for the company who developed and operated the Ecton copper-mines, on the Perkiomen. 549 GILBERT RODMAN FOX, now the senior member of the Montgomery bar in active practice, was born at Doylestown, Bucks Co., Pa., March 27, 1817. His father was John Fox, for some years president judge of the Seventh Judicial District. His mother was Margery Rodman, daughter of Gilbert Rodman, of Edington, Bucks Co. He graduated at Princeton College in June 1835; received his diploma as Master of Arts in 1837; admitted to the bar of Bucks County in September 1838; removed to Norristown and was admitted in Montgomery County November 19th of the same year. In 1839 he was appointed by the attorney-general, Ovid F. Johnson, deputy for the county of Montgomery, and continued in that office about six years. In January, 1860, he was appointed clerk of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and resigned the office April 19, 1875. During his term of office be continued to reside in Norristown, where he has since remained in active practice until the present time. Mr. Fox is remarkably self-possessed, scholarly and courteous in his address, and deservedly enjoys the reputation of being one of the best equity lawyers in the State. JAMES BOYD in 1836 removed to Montgomery County, and in August, 1838, began the study of law with Daniel R. Mulvany, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1842. Mr. Boyd's legal attainments speedily enabled him to establish a successful general practice, and caused him to be retained in leading cases in all the courts of the county. He has seldom permitted any outside issues to divert him from the labors of his profession, in which he is still actively engaged. He was, in 1846, married to Miss Sarah, daughter of the late Samuel Jamison, an extensive manufacturer of Norristown. Their children are Robert, who died at the age of five years; Wallace J., who was elected to the Legislature in November 1881, and died the following month; and Howard. PICTURE OF JAMES BOYD, APPEARS HERE. The death of Mrs. Boyd occurred in September, 1876. Mr. Boyd is identified, either professionally or in an official capacity, with many corporations, he has been since 1856 counsel for the Reading Railroad, is president of the Stony Creek and Philadelphia Railroad, and fills the same position in connection with the Perkiomen Railroad and the Newtown and New York Railroad. He is also president of the Norristown Water Company, the Norristown Bridge Company, the Norristown Gas Company and the Montgomery Cemetery Company, and otherwise connected with bank and trust companies. Mr. Boyd was early a Whig in his political predilections, and continued until 1856 to affiliate with that party. The anti-slavery issue of the period caused him to cast his vote with the Democracy. He was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1873, and participated actively in its proceedings. He also filled the office of burgess of Norristown during the years of 1844 and 1845, but aside from this has devoted his time exclusively to his profession. 550 BENJAMIN E. CHAIN, now one of the senior and leading members of the bar of Montgomery County, was a son of John Chain, and was born at Norristown on the 15th of October, 1823. His education was commenced in the public schools of his native town, continued through a course of study in the Norristown Academy, of which Eliphalet Roberts was then the principal, and afterwards pursued at the seminary of Messrs. Hugh and Samuel Hamill, at Lawrenceville, N. J., where he was prepared for a collegiate course. In 1839 he entered Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., where he graduated in the year 1842. He then returned to his native county, and commenced the study of law under the preceptorship of G. Rodman Fox, of Norristown. About the end of the year 1843 he removed to Easton, Pa., and there continued his law studies in the office of Hon. James M. Porter until the fall of 1844. In November of that year he was admitted to the bar; on the 22d of the same month he was enrolled as a practitioner in the courts of Montgomery County, and immediately afterwards located at Norristown, where he has remained, actively and prominently engaged in the practice of his profession to the present time. In 1850, Mr. Chain was elected district attorney, being the first who held that office by election. Prior to the secession of the Southern States, and the commencement by them of armed resistance to the laws, he had been a prominent member of the Democratic Party. During the great civil war of 1861-65 he was unwavering in his support of the government in its efforts to suppress the Rebellion, and in the campaign of Gettysburg, when the Confederate army under General Lee was marching to the invasion of Pennsylvania, he volunteered for service in the ranks of his country's defenders. Since the close of the war he has not taken any prominent part in politics. He is one of the most public spirited men of Montgomery County, and has contributed much to the advancement and prosperity of his native town. He was one of the corporators of the Gas Company of Norristown, and its president for a number of years. He was one of the founder of the First National Bank of Norristown, and has been a director in that institution from its establishment to the present time. He is now, and has been for several years, senior warden of St. John's Episcopal Church at Norristown. HENRY A. STEVENS, son of John Stevens, was born in 1827 at Pittsburgh, Pa., where his father was then temporarily residing while acting on a government commission appointed for surveying the channel of the Ohio River. The son, Henry A., commenced a preparatory course of study at very early age and afterwards entered Rutgers College, where he completed his education. He then studied law in Philadelphia, where he was duly admitted to the bar and commenced practice. In October 1848, he was admitted to practice in the Montgomery County courts, where he then had occasion to act as counsel for some of his Philadelphia clients. Under the administration of President Pierce (while be was yet a resident of Philadelphia) he was offered the appointment of charge d'affaires at Caracas, Venezuela, upon the strong and flattering recommendation of some of the most prominent public men of Pennsylvania. He, however, declined the appointment, believing, that his health would not withstand the severe ordeal or the South American climate. In 1857 he relinquished practice in Philadelphia and removed to Whitemarsh township, Montgomery Co., whence, in 1868, he removed to Norristown, and has remained there in practice until the present time. In Philadelphia Mr. Stevens was for about six years solicitor for the Emigrant Association of that city he was also, one of the original members of the Glenwood Cemetery Association, and for a long time its solicitor, being succeeded in that position by Hon. William D. Baker. GEORGE W. ROGERS. William Charles Rogers, the grand father of the subject of this biographical sketch, and the son of David Rogers, M.D., of Connecticut, and his wife, Susan Tenant, was born in the latter State in 1776. He removed, when a Young man, to Philadelphia, and their married, in 1796, Mary, daughter of Jacob Hiltzheimer, to whom were born nine children. Mr. Rogers ultimately settled in Warrington, Bucks Co., Pa., as a farmer. He served in the war of 1812 as brigade major, and for many years a justice of the peace. David Rogers, the third son of William C. and Mary Rogers, was born in Bucks County, Pa., November 5, 1800, and in 1828 married Cynthia Watson, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah McKinstry Watson, the former of whom achieved a brilliant record in the war of the Revolution. PICTURE OF GEORGE W. ROGERS, APPEARS HERE. 551 The children of David and Cynthia Rogers were George W. William C and Mary H. The eldest of these, George W., was born June 15, 1829, in Warrington Township, Bucks Co., and in 1830 removed with his father to Montgomery County. He received instruction at a private school in his native county, and subsequently engaged in teaching. He determined to follow a professional career, and choosing that of the law, in January 1852, entered the office of Joseph Fornance, of Norristown, whose death occurred in November of the same year, when he became a student of Hon. David Krause. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1854, and has since been actively engaged, in the practice of his profession in Norristown. Mr. Rogers was married, on the 1st of July 1858, to Cara C., only daughter of Jesse and Mary Bean, of Norristown. Their children are Cara David Ogden Austin (deceased) and Jesse B. of whom David Ogden was admitted to the bar in 1883 and is now engaged in practice with his father. The legal attainments of Mr. Rogers early secured for him an extensive clientage, his most signal success having been won in the defense of Blasius Pistorius, who was, on the conclusion of his trial for murder, sentenced to be hung, and the sentence afterwards commuted. Mr. Rogers was, as a Democrat, formerly active in the field of politics, and on the year of his admission to the bar was elected burgess of the borough. In 1856 he was made district attorney for the term of three years. His religious associations are with the First Presbyterian Church of Norristown, of which he is a member and one of the board of trustees. He has also been for many years superintendent of its Sabbath-school. Mr. Rogers is an active Mason and member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, as also of the Hutchinson Commandery, of Norristown. PICTURE OF CHARLES T. MILLER, APPEARS HERE. CHARLES T. MILLER. -Isaac H. Miller, father of Charles T. Miller, resided in Norristown where he was a carriage manufacturer. He married Eliza Rambo, and had children, - Catherine Charles T. Jane. Charles T. was born January 22, 1832, in Norristown, the scene of his youthful experiences and later of his business career. His first educational advantages were obtained at the public school, after which he became a pupil of the Treemount Seminary, of which Rev. Samuel Aaron was principal. At the age of nineteen he entered the junior class of 1851 at Brown University, from which he graduated in 1853. 552 Choosing the law as a profession, he began its study in the office of B. Markley Boyer, of Norristown, and was admitted to the bar on the 22d of August, 1855. Mr. Miller began his professional career in his native town, and has since continued a successful practice of a general character. Mr. Miller was married to Lydia, eldest daughter of John R. and Elizabeth W. Supplee, of Lower Merion Township, Montgomery Co. A Republican in politics, he has been devoted to his profession and found little leisure for participation in the political issues of the day. He was, however, elected and served a term as burgess of the borough of Norristown. He is secretary of the Norristown Gas Company and one of the directors of the Norristown Water Company. His religious belief is in harmony with the creed of the Protestant Episcopal Church. GEORGE N. CORSON was born March 11, 1833, on his father's farm, at the mouth of the Skippack, on the Perkiomen, in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery Co. He was reared on the farm. His education was almost entirely self-attained, his scholastic life being exceedingly brief. A few weeks of one winter were spent under the tuition of the Rev. Samuel Aaron, at Treemount Seminary, Norristown, and subsequently he attended Freeland Seminary, in Upper Providence, then in the charge of A. Hunsicker and J. W. Sunderland. His other schooling was obtained at the Level School, a mile from his home. From 1850 to 1853 he taught school at various places in the county. December 5, 1853, he commenced the study of law with Hon. James Boyd at Norristown. August 21, 1856, he was admitted to the bar. His committee of examination consisted of the late Judge Krause, the present Judge Boyer, Thomas P. Potts, Esq., and the then presiding judge, Hon. D. M. Smyser. September 29, 1859, He was married to Maria, daughter of Alfred Hurst, Esq., of Norristown. Until April 1, 1872, he occupied the old law-office formerly used by Hon. John B. Sterigere. April 20,1861, he enlisted as a private soldier under the very first call made by President Lincoln for troops to subdue the Rebellion. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to his law practice in Norristown. He was always a Republican, taking an active part for Fremont in 1856, and for Lincoln, Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Blaine, respectively. In 1869 he was the Republican candidate of Bucks and Montgomery Counties for additional law judge. In 1862 he was appointed notary public by Governor Curtin. At that time there were but two notaries in Norristown. In 1867 he was appointed by Chief Justice Chase register in bankruptcy for Montgomery and Lehigh Counties in that position he adjudged millions of dollars of property and his decisions as register were in no case reversed. In 1872 he was elected a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention, in which body he took prominent part in debates on many important subjects, notably those of trial by jury and the election of judges. CHARLES HUNSICKER. -Mr. Hunsicker's ancestors first settled on the Perkiomen, in Montgomery County. His grandfather, John Hunsicker, was an extensive land-owner and farmer in Upper Providence Township, as also a Mennonite preacher. His children were Joseph Henry D. Garret and three daughters. Joseph was born May 29, 1798; was a native of Montgomery County, where he pursued his business career both as a farmer and a lumber merchant. He married Elizabeth Meyer, of the same county, whose children were John M. Samuel Joseph W. Anna E. (Mrs. J. A. Henkels) Davis and Charles. PICTURE OF CHARLES HUNSICKER, APPEARS HERE. Mr. Hunsicker enjoyed the advantages of a thorough English education, and by his intelligence obtained a position of commanding influence in the county, which he represented for a term as associate judge. His death occurred December 1, 1870. His son Charles was born in Upper Providence township on the 26th of October, 1835, and at the age of fourteen became a pupil of Washington Hall, at the Trappe, and later of the Freeland Seminary. Before attaining his sixteenth year he entered the sophomore class of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., and graduated at the age of nineteen. Choosing the law as a professor, he entered the office of Hon. James Boyd, of Norristown, and was admitted to practice in August 1857. Choosing Norristown as an advantageous field of labor, he rapidly rose to a leading position at the bar, his ability and legal acumen securing a successful and lucrative practice, which, from preference rather than any other circumstance, is principally confined within the limits of the county. Mr. Hunsicker was married, on the 13th of June, 1865, to Miss Maggie, daughter of General William Schall, of Norristown, to whom were born two sons, -Edwin S., now a student in Union College, and James R., who is pursuing a preparatory course at the Hill School, at Pottstown. Mr. Hunsicker entered the service during the war of the Rebellion was adjutant of the Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served on two occasions with the rank of lieutenant in addition to the emergency period. He was, as a Democrat, in 1865, elected district attorney of the county of Montgomery for a term of three years, and chosen as delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1873, taking a prominent part in the proceedings of that memorable body. He introduced a section providing for the review of criminal trials by the Supreme Court of the State, which, although defeated in the convention, was subsequently made a law by the Legislature. He is one of the trustees of the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and has been honored with various other official positions. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention held at Chicago in 1884, which nominated Grover Cleveland for the Presidency. Mr. Hunsicker's religious affiliations are with the Reformed Church, Norristown, of which he is a member and was a former trustee. 553 HENRY K. WEAND, who has been in practice in Norristown for almost a quarter of a century, is a native of Montgomery County, born at Pottstown March 29, 1838. He received his education at the public schools of this county and Philadelphia, and at the Hill Seminary at Pottstown. He read law under the preceptorship of the Hon. B. M. Boyer, and was admitted to practice in April, 1860. During his residence and practice at Norristown he held the position of borough solicitor for a number of years, and of solicitor for the county two years. He is now, solicitor for the sheriff of Montgomery County, and president of the school board of the Norristown District. He was counsel for the heirs who disputed the will of Letitia McClenachan, and succeeded in having it set aside. He was also attorney for the contestants in the argument before the Legislature, in 1872, of the contested election for judge of the seventh Judicial District of Pennsylvania. During the war of the Rebellion he twice enlisted as a soldier, and served in the army until the close of the conflict. Afterwards he was appointed and served as judge advocate-general on the staff of Governor Hartranft, with the rank of brigadier-general. FRANKLIN MARCH, now an attorney of nearly twenty-five years practice in the courts of Montgomery County, was born at Lawrenceville, Chester Co., July 14, 1837. He was educated at Washington Hall, at Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College), at Pughtown Academy under Professor Phillips, and at Millersville Normal School, graduating from the latter in 1857. He was then employed in teaching and in the office of the collector of the Schuylkill Navigation Company until 1859, when he commenced the study of law at the State and National Law School, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he remained one year, and finished his course of study in the office of A. B. Longaker, at Norristown. In August, 1860, he was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice at Norristown. He was elected burgess of the borough in 1862. Having an interest in the Limerick Iron Foundry, at Lawrenceville, Chester Co., he removed in 1867 to that place, which has since been his residence, though still practicing continuously at Norristown until the present time. JACOB R. HUNSICKER was born in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery Co., April 18, 1836. His youth was passed on a farm in the township of Upper Providence. He was educated at Freeland Seminary, Collegeville and at Washington Hall in the village of the Trappe. For a period of about five years after reaching the age of seventeen he taught school at Greenville and various other places in Montgomery County, and also, at Roxborough, in Philadelphia. In April, 1858, he commenced the study of law with Charles Hunsicker, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in May, 1861, locating in the business of his profession at Norristown, where he is now in practice. He has always taken an active interest in the improvement of Norristown and has been instrumental in the organization of three building associations, as also of the Western Market Company, the Norris City Cemetery Association and the First National Bank of Conshohocken. GEORGE W. BUSH is a native of Bridgeport, Montgomery Co., born June 11, 1840. In his youth he was a student at Treemount Seminary (then under charge of the Rev. Samuel Aaron), where he remained until 1858. He then commenced reading law in the office of John R. Breitenbach, at Norristown, where he continued two years, and afterwards studied in the office of Daniel Dougherty, in Philadelphia, until his admission to the bar of that county, in June, 1861. In the follow August he was admitted in Montgomery County. The great civil war had commenced in that year, and he entered the military service: first in the Fourth (three months') Pennsylvania Regiment, and afterwards in the Anderson Troop, under the command of Captain William J. Palmer, serving under General Buell at headquarters Army of the Cumberland until he received an injury which temporarily disabled him for duty. Later he served in the quartermaster's department at Washington, D. C., and at Nashville, Tenn. In 1866 he located at Norristown in the practice of his profession. In that and the following Year he was solicitor for the borough of Norristown, and he held the office of district attorney for the term succeeding his election to that position in 1868. HENRY B. DICKINSON, now a lawyer of more than twenty years practice in Norristown, was a law student in the office of G. Rodman Fox, Esq., and was admitted to practice in Montgomery County in November, 1863, soon after which time he commenced business as an attorney at the county-seat. Mr. Dickinson is a native of Whitemarsh Township, born April 14, 1836. He was educated at Treemount Seminary, Norristown, under charge of the Rev. Samuel Aaron, and afterwards is taught school in Gwynedd and Springfield townships until the commencement of his law study, in 1861. On the 1st of July 1863, he enlisted in a military company under command of Captain B. M. Boyer (now president judge), which was a part of the emergency troops, called out to repel the invasion of the Confederate army then marching to the field of Gettysburg. This military service continued thirty-six days, when the emergency was past and the troops disbanded. Immediately after his admission to the bar Mr. Dickinson commenced the business of his profession at Norristown, where he has remained in practice continuously to the present time. In the year 1880-81 he was solicitor for the board of Commissioners of Montgomery County. One of the most important civil cases in his practice was that of A. S. Acuff vs. Oliver Wampole upon a parole contract for the sale of real estate. The most important criminal case was that of the, Commonwealth vs. Murphy et al., indicted for the murder of Thomas Faulkner, in which Mr. Dickinson was associated with the Hon. B. H. Boyer for the defendants. 554 MILLER D. EVANS, son of William Evans, was born November 3, 1836, at Downingtown, Chester Co., where he received his rudimentary and academical education. He studied law in the office of Henry W. Smith at Reading. In November 1864, he was admitted to the bar in Montgomery County, and located as an attorney at Pottstown, where he still remains in practice. He is solicitor for the borough of Pottstown, for the National Bank of Pottstown and for the Warwick Iron Company. JOSEPH FORNANCE, son of the Hon. Joseph Fornance, of Norristown, was born in April, 1841, in Washington, D. C., where his father was then residing as a member of Congress for the district embracing the county of Montgomery. Joseph Fornance, Jr., was educated at Treemount Seminary Norristown then undercharge of the Rev. Samuel Aaron. After leaving that school he was engaged in teaching for several years, and in 1864 commenced reading law in the office of G. Rodman Fox, Esq. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1866, and from that time to the present has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Norristown. HENRY U. BRUNNER, son of Frederick Brunner, was born in Worcester Township December 23, 1840. He received his preparatory education in the common schools and at the Trappe Academy, and in September, 1860, entered Franklin and Marshall College where he was graduated in July, 1864. He then became a teacher in the academy at Irwin Station, Westmoreland Co., Pa., where he remained about one year, reading law at the same time in the office of Gen. Henry D. Foster. He was admitted to practice at Greensburg, Pa., in August, 1866, and in September following was admitted in Montgomery County, and began practice in Norristown, in the same office which he still occupies. In the trial of Thomas F. Curley for the murder of Mary Ann Whitby, Mr. Brunner was counsel for the defense. Previously (October, 1871) he had been elected district attorney, and served for the term ending in January 1875. HENRY R. BROWN a native of Philadelphia was born on the 15th of December, 1844. Having received his preparatory education in the public and private schools of that city, he (in November, 1863) entered as a law student the office of the Hon. Daniel M. Smyser, at Norristown, where, in November 1866, he was admitted to the bar, being soon afterwards admitted in Philadelphia, where he then commenced the practice of his profession, though at the same time residing in Norristown. After about four year's practice in Philadelphia he engaged in mercantile pursuits in that city, and so continued until November 1874. He then removed to California, where he remained two years during which time here received form the controller for the currency the appointment of national bank examiner In the fall of 1876 he was called to Washington, and was afterwards sent to Kansas as receiver of a national bank at Wichita, in that State. At the conclusion of this service he returned East, and early in 1877, commenced the practice of his profession at Norristown, he is now member of the Law Library committee, and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, being elected in the spring of 1881 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Wallace J. Boyd. JACOB V. GOTSWALS is an attorney of nearly eighteen years' practice at Norristown, where he located in the business of his profession after his admission to the bar, in August 1866. He was solicitor for the borough of Norristown one year, and district attorney for three years following his election to that office in 1875. During that time, in pursuance of the duties of his position, he prosecuted and procured the conviction of three persons for murder in the first degree, viz. Thomas F. Curle for the murder of Mary Ann Whitby, in Upper Providence; Blasius Pistoris, for the murder of Isaac Jaquette, of Norristown; and a young man named Wahlen for the murder of Max Hugo Hoene, at Elm Station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, in 1876. Of these murderers, -all of whom were convicted on circumstantial evidence, -Curley was executed, Wahlen committed suicide in jail after conviction, and Pistorius is now serving a life sentence in the Eastern Penitentiary, he having been granted a new trial with change of venue to Philadelphia, where he was again convicted in the first degree and received the corresponding sentence, which was afterwards commuted by the Board of Pardons to imprisonment for life. Mr. Gotwalts is a native of Lower Providence Township, Montgomery Co., born May 13, 1841. He received a preparatory education at Freeland Seminary and in September 1856, entered Dickinson College, where he was graduated in June, 1860, being anniversarian of the Union Philosophical Society. In the fall of 1880 he went to Cape May where for one year he was employed as a private tutor. For two years following this he was in charge of a private school at the same place, and was: afterwards principal of the High School at Cape Island City, in which position he continued till 1865, when he removed to Norristown, and was employed as a teacher in the Treemount Seminary for about one year, during which time he continued the study of law with the Hon. George N. Corson under whose preceptorship, he afterward continued until his admission to practice. 555 PICTURE OF THEODORE W. BEAN, APPEARS HERE. THEODORE W. BEAN, the subject of this sketch was born in Norriton township, Montgomery Co., Pa., May 11, 1833. he was the youngest son of William and Mary Bean. His father, eldest son of Jesse Bean, was born November 11, 1788, and died January 29, 1855. Jesse Bean, the only child of John Bean, was born January 26, 1761, married Hannah, daughter of Edward Lane, and died July 28, 1847. His father, John Bean, died 1799, at the age of seventy-six years. It is known that John was born in America, and it is believed that his parents, James and Mary, immigrated to this country from Wales about 1700. Jesse Bean settled in Norriton, on the "Cold Spring" farm of three hundred acres. He was superintendent of the Ridge Turnpike Company for many years and elected to the State Legislature from 1811 to 1813. His son William succeeded him in the occupancy of the same premises, and was elected a member of the State Legislature from 1840 to 1843, inclusive. He was prominently associated with the agricultural interests of the county until his death. The family were connected with the St. James' Episcopal Church, at Evansburg, where repose the remains of four generations. [NOTE: Major James Bean, who served throughout the Revolution, was a collateral relative of Jesse Bean, and is also buried at St. James'.] Mary Weber Bean, mother of Theodore W., now surviving at the age of ninety years, was the only daughter of John Weber, and was born November 18, 1794. John Weber, her father, died 1815, aged forty-six years, and was the son of Christian Weber, who was born April 20, 1744, and died June 20, 1815. This Christian was the son of Christian Weber, who was born in Amsterdam, Holland, 1697, and migrated to this country in the ship "Good Will," Captain Crocker commanding, sailing from Amsterdam March 6, 1727, and reaching Philadelphia September 6th following. The emigrant father settled in Worcester township, and became a landholder in 1732, taking the oath of allegiance to the British crown in 1734. He died June 15, 1773. The Weber (or Webber) ancestry of Christian have been traced to Bavaria, from whence they migrated to Holland in the fifteenth century. Christian Weber, the maternal great-grandfather, was identified with the patriots of the Revolution, having served with the Pennsylvania troops in that struggle. John Weber, the maternal grandfather, was prominently connected with public affairs, serving in the State Assembly from 1808 to 1811, and elected Speaker of that body during the last year of his term. Theo W. Bean was educated in the common schools of his township, and at the age of seventeen (May, 1850) he apprenticed himself to Isaiah Richards, then carrying on the smithing business at Jeffersonville. After serving his time (three years) he commenced business for himself at the Trooper village. He continued here until 1859, when he purchased the Richards homestead, where he had learned his trade. Mr. Bean pursued a methodical course of self-culture from and after his apprenticeship, having in view the practice of law. He was married January 4, 1860, to Hannah Heebner, youngest daughter of John Heebner, of Lower Providence. Mrs. Bean's paternal ancestry is of German nativity. Her father, John Heebner, was born January 9, 1802; married Susannah Barndollar, January 7, 1827, and died June 8, 1850. He owned and operated the Perkiomen Mills, now located at Yerkes Station, and was a school director in Lower Providence Township for many years, being an active, supporter of the common-school system. His father, Christopher Heebner, died August 21, 1827, aged fifty-eight years, and his grandfather, Christopher Heebner, died August 21, 1827, the same day and year. David (Huebner) Heebner, the emigrant ancestor, and his wife, Maria, came to Pennsylvania in 1734. He died December 27, 1784, and his widow June 11, 1793. The war for the Union swept our subject, with thousands of others, into the ranks of the army. He and his brother, Edwin A., enlisted in Company L, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, August 1862, recruited by Captain D. B. Hartranft. He was appointed first sergeant upon the muster in of the company at Harrisburg, and subsequently elected second and first lieutenant before the command left the State. He was promoted to captain May 30, 1863. The command entered the Army of the Potomac in the winter of 1862, and participated in all its subsequent campaigns. The Fifth Squadron of the regiment to which his company was attached was called, by order of General John Buford, to division headquarters, soon after the battle of Gettysburg, for escort and special duty. Captain Bean served on the staff of General Buford until the death of that officer, February, 1864, and on the staff of Buford's successors, Generals Torbet and Merritt, being with the latter while in command of the cavalry corps Army of Potomac at the battle of Five Forks, and in the pursuit of Lee until the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. He was breveted major and lieutenant-colonel for gallant and distinguished service in the army. Upon his return to civil life he immediately resumed business and study, and was admitted to the bar of Montgomery County March 1869, when he entered upon the duties of his profession. In March 1870, he was appointed deputy escheator for the county of Montgomery; was solicitor for the county treasurer from 1872 to 1877, solicitor for the borough of Norristown for the year 1880, and solicitor for the sheriff's office from 1880 to 1884. Colonel Bean brought with him to the bar mature years, experience and self-possession, with pleasing address and tireless industry. He is fertile and exhaustive in effort, and never hopeless in a cause which he espouses. To these qualities as a lawyer must be added that of a public-spirited citizen. His fondness for historical truth and logical deductions has made him a popular orator with the masses. 556 Among his best efforts may be named the "Historical Oration" at the Valley Forge centennial, June 19, 1878; General Zook memorial, Gettysburg, Pa., July 1882; and Memorial Day oration, Lancaster, May, 1883. His writings some of which are noted in Mr. Buck's bibliography, page 350, are mostly of a historic character, the last of which being the "History of Montgomery County," for which this outline of the editor's life and family is furnished. Colonel Bean and family now reside in Norristown, he has three children, - William Heebner, now a cadet at the United States Military Academy, West Point; Mary L. the only daughter; Lane S. in his seventh year. J. WRIGHT APPLE, son of John D. Apple, Esq., who for many years was one of the most prominent men of the upper portion of Montgomery County, was born in Marlborough township December 30, 1845. After a rudimentary training in the local public schools, he attended Frederick Institute and Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College), where his education was completed. In 1867 he commenced the study of law in the office of George N. Corson, and at the conclusion of his course was admitted to the bar, August 17, 1869, immediately, after which he began the business of his profession in Norristown, and soon acquired a good practice. In 1872 he received the appointment of prison inspector and served in that office three years. On the 1st of January 1876, he was appointed solicitor for the commissioners of Montgomery County, and at the general election in 1877 he was chosen district attorney for the term of three years. Soon after assuming the duties of that office it became his business to assist Henry S. Hagert, Esq., district attorney of Philadelphia, in the second trial of Blasius Pistorius for murder, in the courts of that county, to which the case had been carried on a change of venue and where the trial resulted in a second conviction of the prisoner. In 1880, Mr. Apple was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, in which his fellow-townsman, General W. S. Hancock, was nominated for the Presidency. NEVILLE D. TYSON was born at Baltimore, Md., October 11, 1846. His education was commenced under private tutors, and completed under the preceptorship of William Arrott, at Penllyn. During the war of the Rebellion, in the year 1863 to 1865, he was in the naval service of the United States, as captain's clerk in the steam frigate "Minnesota," flagship of Admiral Lee (on whose staff he served), and afterwards in the sloop-of-war, "Canandaigua," of the South Atlantic blockading squadron. In 1867 he commenced the study of law in the office of his brother, Carroll S. Tyson at Norristown, and was admitted to the bar in August 1869. One of the most important cases in which he has been engaged during his fifteen years' practice at Norristown, was that of Meyer and Dickinson, assignees, etc., vs. Beekman Remington; which was argued twice before Judge Ross, once before Judge Stinson and once before Judge Boyer. Directly connected with this, and a part of the same matter, were the following-named cases, viz. -John Fallon, trustee, vs. Joseph Shaw et al., bill in equity and Beneficial Saving Fund Society of Philadelphia, assignees, etc., vs. John R. Barker, Jr., administrator of James H. Bryan, in both of which Mr. Tyson appeared as counsel. JOHN W. BICKEL is a native of Pottstown. He was educated at the State Normal School at Millersville, from which graduated in 1864, and soon afterwards commenced teaching in Schuylkill County, in which he continued for two years, holding the position of principal of the public schools at Port Carbon. He then began the study of law in the office of the Hon. Francis W. Hughes, at Pottsville, and at the conclusion of his course was admitted to the bar of Schuylkill County, being afterwards (October 1871) admitted in Montgomery County. He entered practice at Pottsville, where he remained until April, 1875, when he returned to his native county, and located in business in Norristown. He has held the position of solicitor for the sheriff and for the prothonotary, and now a hold the office of district attorney, to which is was elected in 1883. JAMES W. SCHRACK, was born in Norristown May 4, 1851, and was educated at Franklin and Marshall College, where he was graduated in 1871. He studied law in the office of George W. Rogers, Esq., and was admitted to practice in November 1873. In that year he was presiding officer of the Chi Phi college fraternity of the United States. From the time of his admission to the bar he has been located in the practice of his profession at Norristown. J. P. HALE JENKINS was born January 13, 1851, in Hatfield township, Montgomery Co. was educated in the public schools and at Lexington Seminary, and is also a graduate of Crittenden's Commercial College. In April, 1872, he entered as a law student in the office of the Hon. George N. Corson. He was admitted to the bar in May 1874, and immediately commenced practice in Norristown. He is now solicitor for the directors of the poor of Montgomery County, having held the position since 1881; has been solicitor for the Excelsior Savings Fund and Loan Association of Norristown, also solicitor for the borough of Norristown from 1882, and is solicitor for the Line Lexington Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is also one of the directors of the Stony Creek Railroad Company. He was the delegate for the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania in the Republican National Convention of 1884. AARON S. SWARTZ was born in Towamensing Township February 24, 1849. His early education was obtained in the public schools and in Freeland Seminary, after which he entered Lafayette College at Easton, Pa., and graduated at that institution in 1871. He then taught in the schools of Phoenixville one year and in 1872 he became law pupil of G. Rodman Fox. He was admitted to practice in 1875, and commenced business in Norristown, at the same time holding the position of deputy clerk in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to which he had been appointed before his admission. This position he resigned in 1877, when he received the nomination for the office of district attorney. He was also the Republican nominee for the judgeship in 1881. He is now solicitor for the board of commissioner of Montgomery County, having held the position since 1882. The most important of the earlier cases in his practice was that of the Commonwealth against Moses Sutton (colored), for the murder of Mrs. Roeder of Blue Bell. In this case (which was tried in 1878) he appeared as junior counsel, with B. E. Chain, Esq., for the defense. The trial resulted in the acquittal of the prisoner 557 IRVING P. WANGER is a native of Chester County, born in North Coventry Township March 5, l852. After receiving a rudimentary education in the common schools he became a student in the Hill School, at Pottstown, where he remained until June, 1869. He then engaged in teaching until August 1870, when he became a clerk in the office of the prothonotary of Chester County. In February, 1871, he was advanced to the position of deputy prothonotary. In January, 1872, he commenced the study of law in the office of Franklin March, Esq. On the 1st of December, 1872, he was appointed deputy prothonotary of Montgomery County, and thereupon removed to Norristown, where he was admitted to the bar in December, 1875, and immediately afterwards began practice as an attorney. Since that time he has held for two years the position of solicitor for the School Board of Norristown, has held, by election, the office of burgess of the borough, as also that of district attorney for three years succeeding his election in 1880. LOUIS M. CHILDS was a law student in the office of G. Rodman Fox, Esq., from 1874 until his admission to the bar, in March, 1876, immediately following which be began the business of his profession in Norristown, where be has remained in practice to the present time. He held for one year the position of solicitor for the Borough Council of Norristown, and is now solicitor for the prothonotary. Mr. Childs is a native of Norristown, born August 19, 1852; received his preparatory education at the public schools, then entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1872. After that time, and before his commencement of the study of law, he was interested and engaged in iron manufacture in Adams County, Pa. SAMUEL MOONEY JR., studied law under the preceptorship of the Hon. B. Markley Boyer; was admitted to the bar December 16, 1876, and commenced practice in Norristown where he was born April 8, 1854 and where, in its public schools he received his education preparatory to his entrance into the University of Pennsylvania, in which he was a student prior to the commencement of his law study. GEORGE G. HOOVER, a nephew of Judge Hiram C. Hoover, and a law pupil of the Hon. Charles Hunsicker, was admitted to practice in Montgomery County June 18, 1877. He is a native of Gwynedd Township, was educated at the Norristown High School and at Treemount Seminary under Professor John W. Loch, and afterwards graduated at the National School of Elocution and Oratory in Philadelphia. From the year of his admission to the present time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Norristown. NICHOLAS HENRY LARZELERE. - When Louis XIV., for political reasons, October 22, 1685, revoked the Edict of Nantes, France lost by the Huguenot expulsion a half-million of her best citizens. The brothers Nicholas and John Larzelere emigrated to America and settled upon Long Island. Nicholas afterwards removed to Staten Island, where he raised a family of four children. The eldest son was likewise named Nicholas, who, in 1741, moved into Bucks County, this State, and settled in Lower Makefield. He raised it family of eight children, died at the age of eighty-four and was buried in the Episcopal graveyard at Bristol. His eldest son, also Nicholas, was born on Staten Island in 1734, married Hannah Britton, of Bristol, and moved into Bensalem, where he owned a large estate and raised ten children. He fought in the Revolution and died at the age of eighty-four. The eldest son of the last Nicholas was Benjamin, who married Sarah Brown, of Bristol, and moved into that township, had eight children and died at the age of eighty-four, on the old homestead the present borough of Bristol is partly built. Britton, the youngest son of the third Nicholas and brother of Benjamin, fought in the war of 1812, and in 1878 died in Philadelphia at the advanced age of ninety-six. PICTURE OF NICHOLAS HENRY LARZELERE, APPEARS HERE. The eldest son of Benjamin was Nicholas, who came into Montgomery County about the year 1825 and settled in Abington. He married Esther, daughter of Colonel Jeremiah Berrell, of Abington, had twelve children, died at the age of sixty-seven and was buried in the burial ground of the Presbyterian Church at Abington. His widow still survives at the age of eighty-two. Of his twelve children, eleven are still living. The second eldest son was Benjamin, the father of the present Nicholas, who was born on the 7th of March 1851, in Warminster Township, Bucks Co. The genealogy on the maternal side is not so clearly traceable. His mother was Mary Maxwell, eldest daughter of Henry Maxwell, of Moreland, who married Ann Buskirk, eldest daughter of Jacob Buskirk, whose father came from Holland in the latter part of seventeenth century and married Elizabeth Lawrence, eldest daughter of Jonathan Lawrence, who was the eldest son of John and Mary Lawrence, who emigrated front England to America in the year 1713 and settled in Massachusetts Colony. Mary Lawrence was the daughter of Charles Townley, of Lancashire, England, and the genealogies of the Townleys of Lancashire run back to the reign of Henry VIII. 558 The subject of this sketch grew up on his father's farm in Warrington Township, Bucks Co., whither he had removed. He attended the public schools in the wintertime, and worked on the farm through seed-time and harvest, after the fashion of firmer youths. At eighteen he entered the Doylestown English and Classical Seminary, where he prepared for college, teaching part of the time; was matriculated as a member of the freshman class in Lafayette College in September, 1871, and graduated in 1875. During his junior year he won the first honors in the junior oratorical contest between Franklin and Washington Halls. In his senior year he was elected the representative of Lafayette College to the inter-collegiate oratorical content which took place in the Academy of Music, in New York City, on the 13th of January, 1875. In this contest Amherst, Princeton, Williams, Cornell, College of the City of New York, Columbia and Lafayette strove for honors. In September, 1875, he entered the law office of George Ross, Esq., of Bucks County, and after reading under his direction for one year, entered the office of Hon. B. Markley Boyer, of Norristown, and was admitted to the bar of Montgomery County September 28, 1877. In the practice of his profession he rapidly gained distinction, and now enjoys a large and responsible practice. Among the more important cases in which he achieved success were Bradfield et al. versus Insurance Company, and the Gaffey manslaughter case. He was also the solicitor of the Free Bridge Association, which, after one of the fiercest contests ever waged in the county, was successful in throwing open to public travel, free of toll, the De Kalb Street bridge, which crosses the river Schuylkill at Norristown. HENRY C. BOYER, son of the Hon. B. Markley Boyer, president judge of the thirty-eighth Judicial District, was born at Norristown May 23, 1855. He was educated at the Treemount Seminary, Norristown; "The Hill," Pottstown, Pa., Georgetown College, D. C.; and the University of Pennsylvania, class of 1876. In 1875 he began the study of law in his father's (B. M. Boyer's) office, at Norristown. He was admitted to the bar of Montgomery County in April, 1878, and to practice in the Common Pleas Court No. 1, of Philadelphia, on January 1, 1881. He is solicitor for the borough of Bridgeport and the West Laurel Hill Cemetery Company. JACOB A. STRASSBURGER was born in Hilltown Township, Bucks Co., on October 15, 1849. He obtained his preparatory education at the Seminary of Quakertown and the Treemount Seminary, at Norristown. In 1870 be entered the sophomore class of Ursinus College, from which he graduated in 1873, and then commenced the study of law in the office of Gen. B. Frank Fisher in Philadelphia. He was admitted to the bar in that county in June 1876, and practiced in the city until his removal to Norristown, where he was admitted in June, 1878, and where he has since remained in practice. He was the Republican candidate for district attorney, in 1883. HENRY FREEDLEY, JR., is a native of Norristown, born July 29, 1848. He graduated at the Polytechnic College, in Philadelphia, in 1868, and in 1871 commenced the study of law at Norristown, in the office of Benjamin E. Chain. After a short time his study was temporarily suspended, but was recommended in 1876. In November, 1878, he was admitted to the bar, and at once commenced practice at Norristown, where he is still located. He holds the position of solicitor for the Norristown Passenger Railroad now in process of construction and nearly completed. MONTGOMERY EVANS, son of Thomas B. Evans, was born in Limerick Township, Montgomery Co., November 18, 1853. His rudimentary education was obtained at the common schools of the township, and afterwards he attended the Phoenix Normal Institute under Professor Joseph Bond and Professor H. Page Davidson. In the spring of 1870 he commended study at the Treemount Seminary, at Norristown, under Professor John W. Loch, and remained there until July 1871, when he was admitted to the freshman class at Yale College. He did not, however, become a student of Yale. but in September, 1871, entered Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa., where he was graduated in June 1875. In the following September he located at Montrose, Susquehanna Co., Pa., where he held the position of principal of the public schools for two years. In May, 1877, he relinquished the position, and entered as a law student in the office of Benjamin E. Chain, and in December, 1878, was admitted to the bar at Norristown where he is now located in practice. WILLIAM F. SOLLY, a native of Norristown, and one of the law pupils of G. Rodman Fox, Esq., was born February 17, 1858. He was educated in the public schools and in the High School of Norristown, from which he graduated in June 1873. After leaving school he was employed as a clerk in his father's store until May 1876, when he commenced reading law. He was admitted to the bar in September 1879, and immediately afterwards began the business of his profession at Norristown, where he is now located. He is solicitor for several corporations and for the register of wills of Montgomery County. FREELAND G. HOBSON is a native of Upper Providence, township, born October 13, 1848. He was educated at Ursinus College, graduated in 1876, and in the same year began the study of law in the office of Jacob V. Gotwalts, in Norristown. He was admitted to the bar in March, 1880, and commenced the business of his profession in Norristown, where he is still in practice. He was chairman of the Centennial Association of Montgomery County, and is now editor of the "Montgomery Law Reporter." 559 WILLIAM F. DANNEHOWER was a law in the office of G. Rodman Fox, Esq., was admitted to the bar of Montgomery County June 7, 1880), and immediately located in business at Norristown, where he still remains in practice. He is a native of Zeiglersville, Montgomery Co., born December 17, 1854. He was educated, first, in the common school, then attended one year at the State Normal School, at Kutztown, Berks Co., and one year at the Excelsior Normal Institute, at Carversville, Bucks Co. and in the fall of 1872 entered Lafayette College, from which he graduated in the Spring of 1876. In 1877 he commenced reading law, and during his term of legal study he had for some time the editorial management of the "Norristown Register." FRANK H. BAKER, son of Andrew H. Baker, cashier of the Jenkintown National Bank, was born at Franklinville, Montgomery Co., and September 8, 1858. He attended the High School of Norristown, graduating with the class of 1875, and was afterwards a student for two years at Treemount Seminary, under Professor John W. Loch. He commenced the study of law in September 1877, in the office of Benjamin E. Chain, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in January 1881, from which time to the present he has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Norristown. ELWOOD L. HALLMAN was admitted to the bar in Montgomery County in January 1881, after the usual term of law-reading in the office of the Hon. Charles Hunsicker, at Norristown. Mr. Hallman is a native of Upper Providence Township, Montgomery Co., born July 22, 1857. After a preparatory course of study at the Treemount Seminary, under Professor John W. Loch, he (in 1875) entered Dartmonth College, at Hanover, N. H., where he was graduated in June 1878. From his admission in 1881 to the present time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Norristown. During the whole of his practice he has been solicitor for the Royers Ford Bridge Company, and since 1883 has also been employed as solicitor for the Peoples National Bank of Norristown. EUGENE D. EGBERT was born in Lower Merion township, Montgomery County, December 30, 1856. On the 30th of January 1875 he graduated at the Norristown High School, and soon afterwards entered as a law student in the office of the Hon. George N. Corson. He commenced business as an attorney at Norristown in 1881, having been admitted to practice on the 7th of February in that year. WALTER S. JENNINGS is a native of England, born at Truro, in the county of Cornwall, January 7, 1855. He was educated chiefly in the schools of Norristown, and in 1777 commenced the study of law in the office of the Hon. George N. Corson. Having finished the usual course, of study, he was admitted to the bar in February, 1881, and located in business in Norristown where he has since remained in practice EPHRAIM F. SLOUGH was born in Worcester Township January 15, 1852. He was educated at Rambo's Collegiate Institute and at Ursinus College, graduating from the latter institution in the spring of 1877. He commenced reading law at Norristown in the office of Joseph L. Allabaugh, and completed his legal study under the preceptorship of Louis M. Childs. He was admitted to practice in March 1881, and located in Norristown, where he is now engaged in the business of his profession. ISAAC CHISM, now engaged in the practice of law at Norristown, is a native of Philadelphia, born May 31,1856. He commenced his education under private tutors, and was afterwards successively a student at the Norristown High School, at Treemount Seminary, under Professor John W. Loch, and at the Hahnemann Medical College. He then taught at the West Penn Square Academy, in Philadelphia, until 1878, when he commenced reading law at Norristown in the office of the Hon. B. M. Boyer. He was admitted to the bar in September 1881, and commenced the business of his profession in Norristown. He was admitted to the Philadelphia bar September 30, 1882, to the bar of the Supreme Court April 21, 1884; is also a member of the bar of Delaware County. WILLIAM M. CLIFT was born May 13, 1854; was educated at the Philadelphia Central High School, became a law student in the office of Henry K. Weand, in Norristown, and was admitted to practice in Montgomery County in June 1882. He is now stenographic reporter for the courts of Montgomery and Bucks Counties, a position to which be was appointed before his admission to the bar, And which he has held continuously to the present time. HENRY B. GARBER, son of Charles H. Garber, who was for nearly forty years a member of the Montgomery County bar, was born at Norristown January 31, 1859, and was educated at Treemount Seminary, under Professor John W. Loch. In the spring of 1876 be commenced the study of law in the office of G. Rodman Fox, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1882, immediately after which he began the business of his profession at his location in Norristown. HENRY M. TRACY is a native of Conshohocken, born in 1861. He studied law in the office of Daniel Dougherty, of Philadelphia, and graduated in the Law Department of the University of Pennsylvania in June 1882, this being equivalent to admission to practice. He was admitted to the bar in Montgomery County in September of the same year. He is now in practice in both counties, having an office at Conshohocken and another in Philadelphia. HARRY M. BROWNBACK was born in West Vincent Township, Chester Co., December 17, 1860. He was educated in private schools and at Ursinus College, where he remained a student until the spring of 1878, -the end of his junior year, -when he commenced the study of law in the office of Franklin March, Esq., In December, 1882, he was admitted to the bar of Montgomery County, and established at Norristown, where he is still in practice. 560 HENRY D. SAYLOR was born October 22, 1857, at Pottstown, where he attended the public schools and the Pottstown High School, and afterwards entered the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in June, 1882. On completing his education he became a law student under Thomas J. Ashton, Esq., of Philadelphia, but completed his law course in the office of E. Coppee Mitchell, of that city. He was admitted to practice in Philadelphia in June 1882, and soon afterwards (February 1883) was admitted in Montgomery County, where he commenced practice. He has an office in Norristown and another at Pottstown, which is his place of residence. DAVID H. ROSS, son of John Ross, is a native of New York State, born at New York Mills, in Oneida County, February 18, 1855. He was a student in the University of Pennsylvania; studied law under the Hon. Clement B. Penrose, judge of the Orphans' Court of Philadelphia, was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in January 1879, and in Montgomery County in March, 1883, and has since been engaged in practice in born counties, having an office in Conshohocken and also one in Philadelphia. B. PERCY CHAIN, son of Benjamin E. Chain, Esq., of the Montgomery bar, was born at Norristown December 22, 1858. He, was educated at Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa., studied law in the office of his father, was admitted to the bar In May, 1883, and located in practice in his native town. MUSCOE M. GIBSON, son of the Rev. Isaac Gibson, was born at Blacksburg, W. Va., February 6, 1859. He acquired his education at the Norristown High School, at the Treemount Seminary, under Professor John W. Loch, and at Lafayette College, where he was graduated in 1880. He studied law in the office of Benjamin E. Chain, Esq., was admitted to the bar of Montgomery County in June, 1883, and then located in business in Norristown, where he is now in practice, D. OGDEN ROGERS, son of George W. Rogers, of the Montgomery County bar, was born at Norristown June 4, 1860. He attended Treemount Seminary about three years, and was afterwards a student at Lafayette College in the class of 1882. He was a law student in the office of his father, with whom he became a partner in the business of his profession soon after his admission to practice in June, 1883. He is solicitor for the Ambler National Bank, for J. M. Albertson & Co., bankers, of Norristown, for the Ambler Building and Loan Association and for the Washington Benevolent Society. ATTORNEYS' LIST. -The following is a list of the resident practicing attorneys of the bar of Montgomery County, with the dates of their admission, as published in 1873 by direction of the court, with those subsequently admitted: Joseph L. Allabaugh, admitted April 11, 1855. Andrew J. Anderson admitted April 16, 1858. J. Wright Apple, admitted August 17, 1869. Thomas Burnside, admitted February 13, 1864. Benjamin Bartholomew, admitted, January 17, 1826. Charles W. Brooke, admitted November 17, 1834. James Boyd, admitted August 16, 1842. John R. Breitenbach, admitted February 21, 1843. Benjamin M. Boyer, admitted August 21, 1843. William Butler, admitted November 18, 1845. G. Blight Browne, admitted February 16, 1846. Henry W. Bonsall, admitted August 9, 1853. Elijah W. Beans, admitted January 10, 1854. Enoch A. Banks, admitted August 20, 1855. Albert Bradfield, admitted June 18, 1861. George W. Bush, admitted August 19, 1861. Henry U. Brunner, admitted September 26, 1866. Henry B. Brown, admitted November 13, 1866. Theodore W. Bean, admitted February 24, 1869. John D. Bertolet, admitted May 27, 1870. John W. Bickel, admitted October 18, 1871. Horace G. Boyer, admitted December 14, 1875. Wallace J. Boyd, admitted June 9, 1876. Henry C. Boyer, admitted April 6, 1871. Frank H Baker, admitted January 15, 1881. Harry M. Brownback, admitted December 14, 1882. John M Crawford, admitted April 10, 1844. Benjamin Evans Chain, admitted November 22, 1844. Patrick Case, admitted February 20, 1845. George N. Corson, admitted August 31, 1856. Franklin Crosby, admitted August 16, 1858. Louis M. Child, admitted March 14, 1876. Isaac Chism, admitted September 14, 1881. William M. Clift, admitted June 1, 1882. R. Percy Chain, admitted May 7, 1883. Alexander R. Cutler, admitted February 23, 1885. Samuel Dorrance, admitted May 22, 1837. Francis Dimond, admitted November 18, 1839. Henry B. Dickinson, admitted November 16, 1863. William Henry Dewees, admitted April 13, 1865. George Delp, admitted May 16, 1865. Charles Davis, admitted November 13, 1865. John Davis Duffield, admitted January 17, 1867. T. Jefferson Day, admitted August 21, 1871. William F. Dannehower, admitted June 7, 1880. Benjamin Evans, admitted November 13, 1810. James B. Evans, admitted November 25, 1853. Miller D. Evans, admitted November 15, 1864. H. Preston Egbert, admitted September 26, 1866. Charles Eyre, admitted August 17, 1868. Warren C. Evans, admitted May 18, 1871. Rowland Evans, admitted August 20, 1872. Montgomery Evans, admitted December 2, 1878. Eugene D. Egbert, admitted February 7, 1881. John Freeley, admitted August 16, 1820. Joseph Fornance, admitted August 21, 1832. Henry Freedley, admitted August 16, 1836. G. Rodman Fox, admitted November 19, 1838. Edward J. Fox, admitted July 13, 1846. William F. Filbert, admitted May 15, 1854. Augustus G. Feather, admitted September 1, 1860. Joseph Fornance, admitted April 12, 1866. Henry Freeley, Jr., admitted November 5, 1878. John S. Freeman, admitted October, 14, 1884. Charles H. Garber, admitted May 21, 1845. Zadok T. Galt, admitted April 15, 1847. Jesse H. Gery, admitted February 23, 1855. John W. Gumpsey, admitted September 27, 1865. Jacob V. Gotwalts, admitted August 20, 1867. Henry B. Garber, admitted August 7, 1882. Muscoe M. Gibson, admitted June 7, 1883. Samuel Holstein, admitted August 16, 1825. Benjamin F. Hancock, admitted August 19, 1828. John Henderson, admitted _________, 1815. Nathaniel P. Hobart, admitted August 17, 1830. Emanuel Helffenstein, admitted April 11, 1832. Charles B. Heacock, admitted April 14, 1835. John Henry Hobart, admitted May 17, 1836. John Potts Hobart, admitted November 21, 1836. 561 Hilary B. Hancock, admitted May 19, 1846. Robert H. Hobart, admitted August 20, 1846. Joseph W. Hunsicker, admitted November 21, 1850. Charles Hunsicker, admitted August 19, 1857. John F. Hartranft, admitted October 24, 1860. Jacob R. Hunsicker, admitted May 23, 1861. John M. Hummel, admitted June 29, 1872. George C. Hoover, admitted June 18, 1877. Freeland G. Hobson, admitted March 1, 1880. Elwood L. Hallman, admitted January 15, 1881. John Richard Jones, admitted October 13, 1839. Richard B. Jones, admitted May 14, 1810. Francis Mayberry Jolly, admitted May 14, 1822. Owen Jones, admitted May 19, 1842. William Laurence, Jones, admitted January 11, 1860. Daniel Jacoby, admitted March 2, 1806. J. P. Hale Jenkins, admitted May 2, 1874. Walter S. Jennings, admitted February 7, 1831. Philip Kendall, admitted August 22, 1826. David Krause, admitted January 19, 1852. Samuel A. Kelsay, admitted May 26, 1862. C. Tyson Kratz, admitted June 4, 1876. Christopher Leoser, admitted February 26, 1822. Abraham B. Longaker, admitted September 28, 1853. Henry Livezey, admitted November 10, 1869. Nicholas H. Larzelere, admitted September 29, 1877. Philip S. Markley, admitted November 13, 1810. John S. McFarland, admitted November 17, 1828. James Milnor, admitted 1794. Daniel H. Mulvany, admitted April 12, 1831. Addison May, admitted August 21, 1839. John McNair, admitted May 29, 1851. Henry McMiller, admitted October 18, 1852. Charles T. Miller, admitted August 22, 1855. Franklin March, admitted August 31, 1860. Franklin M. Molony, admitted April 13, 1865. Elbridge McConkey, admitted May 16, 1865. Charles Henry Mathews, admitted June 18, 1867. Benjamin F. McAtee, admitted October 30, 1872. Samuel Mooney, Jr., admitted December 16, 1876. James I E. Naille. T. Warren O'Neil, admitted October 25, 1875. Levi Pawling, admitted November __, 1795. Nathan R. Potts, admitted August 14, 1804. Ferdinand H. Potts, admitted April 14,1829. William Powell, admitted August 15, 1821. Benjamin Powell, admitted January 20, 1830. James M. Pawling, admitted November 22, 1831. John Potts, admitted August 16, 1836. Benedict D. Potts, admitted November 23, 1840. John N. Pumroy, admitted November 1, 1843. Howard Newcomb Potts, admitted November 24, 1843 . Thomas M. Pawling, admitted May 20, 1845. Thomas P. Potts, admitted November 19, 1855. Thomas Ross, admitted 1785. Thomas Ross, admitted August 16, 1830. William Ross, admitted November 22, 1831. Jenkins J. Ross admitted August 21, 1843. Jonathan M. Roberts, admitted May 19, 1848. George W. Rogers, admitted January 23, 1854. Oscar Reichenbach, admitted October 24, 1860. Samuel C. Roberts, admitted November 20, 1860. Benton Ramsey, admitted February 7, 1876. William A. Reading, admitted January 15, 1881. David H. Ross, admitted March 5, 1883. D. Ogden Rogers, admitted June 11, 1883. John H. Scheetz, admitted August 23, 1823. John B. Sterigere, admitted November 17, 1829. George W. Stinson, admitted February 20, 1844. Charles Slemmer, admitted May 19, 1846. Henry A. Stevens, admitted October 23, 1848. Richard T. Stewart, admitted March 1, 1849. Charles H. Stinson, admitted May 22, 1849. Edward Schall, admitted August 20, 1858. Edwin Schall, admitted August 20, 1858. Daniel M. Smyser, admitted January 13, 1862. James W. Schrack, admitted November 15, 1873. Aaron S. Swartz, admitted May 10, 1875. Wm. Henry Sutton, admitted May 17, 1875. J. A. Strausberger, admitted June 6, 1878. William F. Solly, admitted September 1, 1879. Ephraim F. Slough, admitted March 11, 1831. Joseph Austin Spencer, admitted December 1, 1881. Henry D. Saylor, admitted February 5, 1883. Samuel H. Traquair, admitted August 17, 1835. Israel Thomas, admitted August 19, 1845. Elijah Thomas, admitted August 20, 1861. Carrol S. Tyson, admitted March 3, 1863. Neville D. Tyson, admitted August 17, 1869. Henry M. Tracy, admitted September 13, 1882. Joseph Umstead, admitted October 23, 1854. Abram Weaver, admitted March 1, 1846. Lewis S. Wells, admitted May 10, 1853. Henry K. Weand, admitted April 21, 1860. George Dering Wolff, admitted November 15, 1871. Irwin P. Wanger, admitted December 18, 1875. William H. Yerkes, admitted November 15, 1859. Isaac D. Yocum, admitted May 21, 1872. The following are the students at the Montgomery county bar, 1885: Ephraim L. Acker Norman B. Corson John M. Detra Warren M. Dickinson Gilbert R. Fox, Jr. J. B. Holland Edward E. Long Albert E. Longaker Frank L. Murphy Robert Stinson C. Henry Stinson. SETTLING THE DOCKET-PROFESSIONAL COMITY-LAY AUDITORS-RULES OF COURT -AN IMPORTANT WATER CASE. -SETTLING THE DOCKET. -A practice known as "Settling the Docket" appears to have prevailed at the bar of Montgomery County for many years prior to 1836; when it began we are not advised, but that it terminated at or about the above date seems to be authenticated by the present senior resident members of the profession. The practice was concerning what we would now term the making up of the trial list. In the days referred to, at the close of a term, the bar would meet at the Washington House (now Koplin's hardware-store) to settle the docket; the chairman would have before him the appearance docket and would call in their regular order the cases brought to that term, as follows: No. 1. Smith vs. Jones, suit upon promissory note. Counsel for plaintiff would rise and briefly state his case. If there was no just defense counsel for defendant would respond by saying, "Enter judgment for plaintiff for the amount of note or claim, with stay of execution for six months," the "practice" seeming to be on the part of the defense that if the trial be waived, the time gained by insisting upon it would be conceded by the plaintiff. The chairman of the meeting would then enter judgment for plaintiff with stay of execution for the time named by counsel, and the prothonotary would afterwards enter the same in the, judgment docket from this memoranda. If upon the call of a case counsel for the defendant would state that he had a just defense, a plea would be entered with or without a narr, as they might agree. In this manner the list of cases would be called and entries made by the chairman. When the business was all transacted the bar adjourned to the "Term Supper;" these were convivial occasions and greatly enjoyed by the practicing members in those days. They were informal and social; set speeches and labored responses to proposed sentiments were unpopular gathering; the "occasion" was always stimulating and, suggestive, and volunteers ever responsive. This was natural and in accordance with customs and manners of the period. The records show, among those who thus associated in the settlement of the docket, the names of Bartholomew Burnside and Brook Dorrance Freedley and Fornance Henderson Holstein Hancock and the surviving and veteran Gen. Hobart Jolly and Kendall Markley McFarland and Mulvany Levi and James Pawling Potts and the Powells Ross Thomas Williams Scheets and Sterigere. Something akin to this practice was that instituted during the administration of the late Judge Ross in the bar meetings, to make up an occasional trial list of "short cases." At these meetings cases were called from the appearance or continual docket by the chairman (usually James Boyd, Esq.), whose efficiency in distinguishing short cases from long ones made him a terror to litigants for delay. If cases were found to be "short," they were so designated by the chairman and placed on a separate trial list; a large list of such cases could be disposed of in a week, and meritorious cases of collections hastened. But those latter-day bar meetings were severely business-like transactions, and unattended with a "supper" or any, after associations of a social or convivial nature. 562 EARLY PROFESSIONAL COMITY. -The following appears in the Norristown papers October 22, 1834: "DANIEL H. MULVANY "Respectfully announces to his friends and the public that in consequence of an arrangement entered into with John Freedley, Esq., relative to the practice of law, he will hereafter occupy the same office with Mr. Freedley next door to the store of Samuel Jacoby, where he will attend to all professional business, which may be entrusted to him. "The undersigned would also give notice that hereafter, whenever he shall be absent from home, his professional business will be in the charge of Mr. Mulvany, who will also attend to the calls of those interested in the same. JOHN FREEDLEY." We are not advised when the above arrangement terminated, but we find them on opposite sides in the trial of the engineers, or celebrated Williams case, in March, 1836, Mulvany, then deputy attorney-general for the commonwealth and Freedley for the defense. The following auditor's notice shows an obsolete practice, which appears to have existed as late as 1836: " AUDITOR'S NOTICE. "To the creditors and all others interested in the distribution of the estate of Isaac Beaver. We, the undersigned auditors appointed by the court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County to audit, settle and adjust the rates and propositions of the assets remaining in the hands of John Shearer, assignee of said Isaac Beaver, to and among his respective creditors according to the order established by law, will meet at the public-house of John Brouch, in the borough of Norristown, on Thursday the 9th day of June next, at 10 o'clock A.M., to fulfil the duties of said appointment, at which time and place you may attend if you think proper and present your claim. "J. W. EVANS. "W. H. SLINGLUFF "M. R. MOORE, "Auditors." -"Norristown Register, May 25, 1836." RULES OF COURT. -The following appears editorially in the "Norristown Register" of December 28, 1836, and is believed to have been written by the late John B. Sterigere, Esq.: "COURT RULES. "We observe among the petitions enumerated as having been presented in the House of Representatives on the 19th instant one by Mr. Crawford, from the Huntington bar, for the passage of a law requiring the judges of the respective courts to publish their rules of practice. "This we regard as a most important measure, and so far as our observation enables us to judge, will be alike beneficial to the Bench and Bar. That rules of practice should be definitely fixed upon and published, we think there can be no contrariety of opinion, for among other beneficial results which would flow from it, the necessity of appeal to the bench on points of practice would be fully obviated. We have deemed it advisable to notice this subject for the benefit of those concerned, to whom we submit it." It would seem from the above that the published rules of court such as are now in use, are of comparatively recent origin. Among the civil causes tried in this county of great public interest was that of Bernard McCready vs. the President and Managers of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. The trial began on the 28th day of November, 1836, before Judge Fox, and continued for the period of one week. The counsel for plaintiff were J. M. Pawling, John B. Sterigere, and H. J. Williams, Esqs., and for the defendants, John Freedley and Benjamin Tilghman, Esqs. The complaint was that in 1832 a portion of the dam at the foot of Swede Street, extending across the river Schuylkill, had sunk and the portion thus injured was washed away, depriving the plaintiff of the proper use of the water for his factory, and that the current thus formed created gravel-banks below the dam, causing back-water upon the sheeting of his water-wheels, and hence damage. The case involved extended inquiry, embracing expert testimony, much of which was of a conflicting character. Elaborate arguments were made in the submission of the cause to the court and jury. The verdict was for the plaintiff, five thousand five hundred dollars damages. The court sat ten hours each day in the hearing of this case, and its adjudication is said to have been among the important cases which practically settled the law with reference to the liability of the Navigation Company for damages resulting from the improper construction of dams in the improvement of the Schuylkill River for navigation purposes.