Biographies: Levi M. VILAS, Eau Claire, Eau Claire Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nance Sampson 13 December 2000 ==================================================================== Levi M. Vilas, formerly of the Eau Claire bar, and at the time of his death judge of the district court of Ramsey county, Minnesota, was born February 17, 1844, at Chelsea, Orange county, Vermont. He completed his general education in the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1863. His graduation from the Albany law school occurred in 1864, in which year he was admitted to the bar in New York. Returning to Madison, he engaged with his brother, William F., in the practice of law for about one year, after which he went into the quartermaster's department of the army as chief clerk, remaining in that position two years. In 1868 he removed to Eau Claire, Wis., where he built up and maintained a large practice. He was elected to the office of city attorney in 1872, and mayor in 1876; district attorney in 1877 and 1879. Mr. Vilas removed from Eau Claire to St. Paul, Minn., in June 1887. In less than two years after becoming a resident of St. Paul he was selected by the governor for judge of the district court of Ramsey county, which appointment was accepted and the duties of the office entered upon. But the worthy recipient of that honor was not long permitted to hold the scales of justice; disease even at the time he left Wisconsin had laid hold of him, and on August 25, 1889, he passed away at the family home at Madison. Levi M. Vilas was an excellent lawyer. His standing in the profession was such as any member of the bar might envy; such as cannot be reached otherwise than by diligent application of a trained and strong mind. His manner of expression was marked; his style was his own -- clear, terse and strong. His voice was strong, but musical. His appearance was prepossessing and indicated great strength. --Taken from "The History of Eau Claire County, 1914, Past & Present", page 277.