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     The first session of Court was held in Hamilton, May 10, 1803, at the home of John Torrence.  This building is still standing at the corner of Dayton and Water streets, owned by G. A. Rentschler.

     The first regular term began with Francis Dunlevy as presiding judge, and Daniel Symmes prosecuting attorney.  The first term of the Supreme court was on Oct. 11, 1803, and was composed of Judges Samuel Huntington and Samuel Sprigg; Arthur St. Clair, Jr., as Prosecuting Attorney.  Judge Dunlevy was a man of great strength of character, and possessed wide influence.  He had not originally been intended for the bar.  There were, indeed, few regularly bred lawyers in the country. Judge Dunlevy's family were originally from Spain, having become Protestants and fled from that country to France, where they remained until the revocation of the edict of Nantes.

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     The name of Daniel Symmes appears as that of the first Prosecuting Attorney.  He was at that time, and ever after, a resident of Cincinnati, and was appointed to the position because there was no resident lawyer here.  He was a son of Timothy Symmes, and a nephew of Judge John Cleves Symmes, and was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1772.  He was a graduate of Princeton college, and came West with his father.  He was married to Elizabeth Oliver in 1795.  Arthur St. Clair, Jr., succeeded him.  He was a son of General St. Clair, and a man of considerable attainments and means.  Before coming out here he had run away with a Quaker lady, who made him a good wife, and who bore him several children.  He was a candidate for territorial delegate, at the very beginning of the history of Ohio, but was defeated by William Henry Harrison.

     WILLIAM CORRY was Hamilton's first lawyer.  He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, Dec. 14, 1778; received a liberal education at Parson Duke's academy, in Tennessee.  In 1798, he came to the Northwestern Territory and studied law with William McMillan, of Cincinnati.  In 1803 he removed to Hamilton and began practice.  In 1807 he was appointed prosecutor for the State, which office he held until his removal from Hamilton in the year 1810.  In March, 1810, Mr. Corry was married to Eleanor Fleming.  He then determined to abandon the practice of law, and removed from Hamilton and settled on his farm near Cincinnati.  He removed to Cincinnati in 1811, where he again resumed the practice of law.  He was elected and represented the county of Hamilton in the General Assembly; was appointed by the town council to the office of Mayor, and held it until 1819 by appointment.  He died in that city on the 16th of December, 1835.

     DAVID K. ESTE was the second lawyer who settled in Hamilton.  He was born at Morristown, New Jersey, Oct. 21, 1785, where he received the rudiments of his education.  He afterwards entered Princeton College, where he graduated

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in September, 1803.  In the spring of 1804 he began the study of law, and was in due time admitted to the bar in his native state.  In May, 1809, he left that state and came to Ohio, and in June following settled in Hamilton, and commenced the practice of his profession.  In 1810 he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in the place of William Corry, who had removed to Cincinnati, holding this office until April, 1816.

     JOSEPH S. BENHAM was born near Lebanon, Ohio; in 1808 and 1809, attended school in Hamilton; studied law with David K. Este, and was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in this city.  He died in Cincinnati, July 15, 1840.

     BENJAMIN COLLETT came to Hamilton from Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, in 1815.  He was a graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; studied law at Lebanon with his brother, Joshua Collett, and with Judge John McLean.  He was a classical scholar.  As a well read lawyer he was excelled by none in the state.  He soon acquired a very respectable practice.  In April, 1816, he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney for the county of Butler, and held the office until 1820.  A year or two afterwards he returned to Lebanon.

     GEORGE SARGEANT located in Hamilton in 1816, studied law with Joseph S. Benham.  He was admitted to the bar upon the completion of his course of study, and began practice immediately afterward.  He continued to practice until about the year 1826.  In September 1827, he became so much deranged that he was strictly confined.  The Masonic Fraternity, of which he was a member, appointed a committee of their members to see to his condition.  He was supported and cared for by the society for about a year.  He was afterward taken to an asylum in Cincinnati, where he remained several years chained to the floor, and was then removed to the asylum at Columbus.  He never recovered from his derangement, dying in 1852.

     The following accomplished lawyers attended court in Hamilton in the early days: Jacob Burnett, afterward Judge, Nicholas Longworth, George P. Torrence, Elias Glover and

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Ethan Allen, of Cincinnati; Thomas Freeman and Thomas L. Ross, of Lebanon; John McLean, afterward a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Joshua Collett.
     In 1842, the resident lawyers of Hamilton were: John Woods, F. D. Rigdon, William Bebb, J. P. Reynolds, Jesse Corwin, Alfred C. Thomas, Elijah Vance, Thomas Millikin, John B. Weller, Michael C. Ryan, Oliver S. Witherby, Ezekiel Walker and Thomas H. Wilkins. At this date Lewis D. Campbell and John M. Millikin had retired from active practice.

     MICHAEL SARGEANT was an early, brilliant member of the bar.  He was a fine classical scholar, and conversant with elegant literature as well as a thorough lawyer.  Mr. Sargeant died suddenly on the night of Apr. 19, 1830, aged thirty-three years.  He was found in the morning dead in his bed.  He lies buried in the Fourth ward burying-ground, now the park.  He was a man of large capacity, and had he lived would have won fame.
     From 1844, to 1858, we give the list of Hamilton Attorneys: Charles Richardson, Valentine Chase, William Shottwell, Robert Hazelton, Moore C. Gilmore, Rossville, Thomas Millikin, Isaac Robertson, George Webster, William H. Miller, William P. Young, John B. Weller, J. M. Nutt, I. W. Crosby, Thomas Moore, John W. Wilson, James Clark, James B. Millikin, William E. Brown, E. V. Wilson, J. H. Gist, Alex. F. Hume, Josiah Scott, N. C. McFarland, Jessse Corwin and Elijah Vance.

     JAMES CLARK was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1830; graduated from Miami university in 1854; studied law; was admitted to the bar and elected Common Pleas Judge.  He was a man of marked ability as a lawyer, judge and scholar.  His range of reading was very wide, and he collected a fine library.  Judge Clark died at the Magnetic Springs House, in Statesville, New York, Dec. 28, 1881.

      Attorneys at law in 1866: Isaac Robertson, Thomas Millikin, N. C. McFarland, M. N. Maginnis, Bobert Christy

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Alex. F. Hume, William E. Brown, J. B. Millikin, Thomas Moore, A. W. Scott, Elijah Vance, Ransford Smith, Ferd. VanDerveer, Israel Williams, S. Z. Gard, W. A. Kinneer, P. C. Conklin, Stephen Crane, A. W. Eckert and Alex. C. Hughes.
     S. C. Symmes, Frank H. Shaffer and N. E. Warwick, were here in 1870 and Houston James came ten years later.

THOMAS MILLIKIN

     THOMAS MILLIKIN the oldest practicing member of the Hamilton Bar, was born in Rossville, Sept. 28, 1819.  He was the son of Robert B. Millikin, a well-known physician, and Sarah (Gray) Millikin.  The latter was from Virginia and the former from Pennsylvania.  Thomas Millikin began his classical studies with the Rev. Joseph G. Monfort, in Rossville, in 1832, and entered Miami university in September, 1834, graduating from that institution in July, 1838.  He began the study of law with Elijah Vance, in the fall of 1838, and was admitted to the bar Dec. 20, 1840.  Three years later he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney, and served as such for one year.  From that time to this he has uninterruptedly followed the practice of his profession.  Mr. Millikin was originator of the Hamilton Gas company, and also of the Hamilton and Lindenwald Electric Transit company, of which he has been president since its incorporation.  Since 1852 he has been the attorney for the C., H. & D. Ry. Co., and is also the attorney for the Big Four.  In the year 1874 he was tendered a commission as judge of the Supreme court of Ohio to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge John A. Corwin, but declined the honor.  Mr. Millikin has often delivered public addresses on various topics.  On July 4, 1876, at the Hamilton Centennial anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he delivered one of the principal orations, and was president of the citizens committee during the Centennial celebration of the building of Ft. Hamilton.  When the corner stone of the present court house was laid he also delivered an address.  A few years ago he took two partners, his grandson Brandon R. Millikin, and Mr.

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Robert N. Shotts, who are associated with him under the firm name of Millikin, Shotts & Millikin.
     He was married at Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 4, 1841, to Mary, daughter of the late William B. VanHook.  She was born in 1824, and after a happy married life of fifty-two years she was called to her eternal rest Jan. 13, 1894 while on a visit to her children at Peoria, Ill.  Mr. Millikin and his wife were the parents of seven children William B., Robert B., Sallie G., Murray G., May M., Ira S., and Julia M. Millikin. Of these William B., Murray G., and May M., are deceased.  William served in the Thirty-fifth O. V. I. and Robert in the Ninety-third during the war.
     It is as a lawyer that he will always be known and remembered.  He has won many important suits at court, among which was the Deshler will case at Columbus, a case which he prosecuted with vigor and ability and which he brought to a successful termination.
     No man stands higher in the city and county of his birth than Mr. Millikin.  His name is a synonym for all that is honorable.  In spite of his years he is as active as ever in his professional duties.  He loves the history of the records of the past and is thoroughly informed on the events of the past seventy years with which he has had any connection.  His life has been an open book and he will leave behind him what is more valuable than earthly riches-a good name.  Few men have left a deeper impress on the city and state in the last forty-five years than he, and none have won success and made as much law for our great commonwealth as Mr. Millikin.

ISAAC ROBERTSON

     ISAAC ROBERTSON - The subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1818, being a son of Isaac and Eleanor (Doke) Robertson.  His grandfather, John Robertson, was born in New Jersey and took part in the Revolutionary War.  In 1804, he came to Ohio, settling in Warren county, where he engaged in farming, and there died.  The father of the subject of this sketch was the eldest of seven children and came to Butler

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county when he was a boy.  He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died at Germantown, Ohio, in 1871, aged eighty-six years.  By trade he was a contractor and builder.  Isaac Robertson attended college at Miami university, but did not graduate, owing to ill health.  When he was a young man he read law and taught school, finishing his studies in the office of Lowe & Lowe, in Dayton, Ohio.  After being admitted to the bar in 1844, he continued to teach school for four years, and later began practice in Hamilton.  He was Prosecuting Attorney of Butler county from 1852 to 1856.  After the annexation of Rossville to Hamilton, in 1854, he took a prominent part in the educational affairs of this city.  For many years Mr. Robertson has been justly considered one of Hamilton's best citizens.  As a lawyer he enjoys a reputation for integrity, true worth and merit.  He possesses the sincere respect and esteem of his brother attorneys and of the citizens of this city and county.  He has made a good record for him self and he will leave an honorable name behind him.

     ALEXANDER F. HUME was born in Delaware county, New York, Apr. 20, 1831.  He was reared in Clarke county, this state; received his higher education in the high school at Springfield, Miami university and at the college at Danville, Kentucky, from which latter he was graduated in 1850.  On taking up law, he studied in the offices of Judge William A. Rogers and Judge William White, of Springfield.  In 1852, he was admitted to the bar, and soon afterward came to Hamilton, where he formed a partnership with L. M. Farrow one of his fellow students, who afterward became Postmaster of Hamilton.  In 1859, he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in which capacity he served for five years, then refusing renomination.  Afterward he resumed law and devoted himself to his extensive and increasing practice.  In 1875, he was re-elected to the same position, in which he had proved him self so efficient in former years.  After serving as judge for twelve and one-half years, he again declined further candidacy.  In 1878, he was a candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court

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of the state on the Democratic ticket, and came within three thousand votes of an election.  He carried his own county by a majority of three thousand.  He was one of the organizers and the first president of the Second National Bank, of Hamilton, resigning the position afterward.
     The marriage of Judge Hume was celebrated Sept. 5, 1854.  He was the father of six children.  He is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Hamilton.  He is a lawyer of rare ability, and no one in the profession has a larger or more lucrative practice in this locality than he enjoys.  In the legitimate lines of his calling, he has been active and has acquired a goodly fortune.

     WILLIAM S. GIFFEN. - Our subject was born in Hamilton, Apr. 8, 1851, and is the son of Stephen E. and Rachel (Crane) Giffen.  He attended the public schools of this city and graduated from the High school in 1876.  He entered Miami university in September of this year, where he remained four years, being graduated therefrom in 1871.  He read law in the office of ex-Governor James E. Campbell for two years, attending the Cincinnati Law school at the same time.  He was graduated from there in 1880, and was admitted to the bar in the same year, when he began the practice of law in this city, with John M. Davidson as his partner.  In 1881, Judge Giffen was elected attorney for the Home Loan and Building association and continued in this capacity until he was appointed Common Pleas Judge.  In 1887, he was the Republican candidate for Mayor of the city of Hamilton, against Alexander Getz, Democrat, and was defeated by one hundred and fifty-seven, the city at that time being normally 1,200 Democratic.  In October, 1891, he was nominated at Dayton, Ohio, for Common Pleas Judge in the first sub-division of the second judicial district, comprising Butler, Darke, Montgomery and Preble counties.  His Democratic opponent was General Ferd. VanDerveer, who was a candidate for re-election.  Judge Giffen met with defeat at this election, the district being about 4,000 Democratic.  In November, 1892,

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Judge VanDerveer having died, President McKinley, then Governor of Ohio, appointed Judge Giffen to fill the vacancy thus occasioned, and to serve until the next regular election.  Again, in 1893, he was nominated by the Republican party to fill the unexpired term of Judge VanDerveer to be completed Feb. 9, 1897.  His Democrat opponent was Judge P. G. Berry, since deceased.  Although the district was normally 4,000 Democratic, Judge Giffen was elected by five hundred majority, thus achieving the proud distinction of being the first Republican to be elected in this judicial sub-division since it was organized, in 1852.  In the spring of 1894, the Legislature re-arranged the sub-divisions of this judicial district and made Butler county a sub-division by itself.  In August, 1896, Judge Giffen was again nominated for Common Pleas Judge, his Democrat opponent was John F. Neilan, and the campaign waged by Judge Giffen at this election was the most aggressive that had ever been made by any Republican in this county, although he was defeated by the meager majority of four hundred and ninety-nine, Bryan carried the county by 2,749 over McKinley.
     Judge Giffen in all his political contests has shown himself to be a phenominal phenomenal candidate, and it is predicted that the future has in store for him greater political honors than he has achieved in the past.
     On Aug. 28, 1894, Judge Giffen was united in marriage to Miss Emma Brant at Trinity Episcopal church.

ALLEN ANDREWS

     ALLEN ANDREWS - The subject of this sketch was born in Muncie, Indiana, Aug. 11, 1849.  He enjoyed the advantage of a good common school education and was graduated from Liber college, in his native state; was subsequently a student at the National Normal school at Lebanon.  He entered the teacher's profession.  In 1871-72, was superintendant of the schools of New Madison, Ohio.  He studied law in the office of Judge William Allen, at Greenville, Ohio, and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio, Mar. 16, 1874.  On Feb. 29, 1876, he came to Hamilton

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and began practising his profession.  On Oct. 18, 1880, he became associated with H. L. and J. E. Morey, since which time the firm of Morey, Andrews & Morey has gained a wide reputation as one of the best legal firms in this section of Ohio.  Mr. Andrews enjoys the well earned distinction of being the only thirty-third degree Mason in Butler county.  This honor came to him unsolicited and it is a matter of record that no previous resident of Butler county ever attained this elevation.  He is one of the best known Masons, having served two years as Grand Master of Ohio Masons.  On Jan. 29, 1879, Mr. Andrews was married to Miss Belle Davis, daughter of J. P. Davis of this city.  The union was a most happy one and Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are the parents of five interesting children.
     With his family he is a regular attendant at the First Methodist Episcopal church although not a communicant.  He is closely identified with the Sunday school of this church.  In politics he was reared a Republican, but since 1876 has affiliated with the Democratic party.
     Mr. Andrews is a lawyer of the highest standing and for years has been a leader in his profession.  He is devoted to his life study of the law, and gives all his energy to his practice.  He has a judicial mind, is keen, careful and discriminating, and is a natural and pleasing orator.  As a man he is genial and generous and is well liked by those with whom he comes in contact.  His ability is unquestioned and as he is a young man there is undoubtedly opening out for him a career that is bright with promise.

WILLIAM E. BROWN

     WILLIAM E. BROWN, President of the Second National Bank, of Hamilton, was born in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1825.  His father was a mechanic of moderate means, and his son was obliged to obtain an education by his own exertions.  He made his own start in life, and by industry has accumulated a large and valuable estate.  He was early taught to labor, and at the age of seventeen was in Northern Mississippi, a journeyman shoemaker.  He subsequently passed eighteen months in New York City.  At the age of twenty-one

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he commenced the study of law in Xenia.  He completed his preparatory legal studies in Dayton, and was admitted to the bar on the 29th of March, 1849.  The following spring he settled in Hamilton, with very little money.  Up to this time he had worked at his trade to pay expenses.  Before the expiration of his first year's practice in Hamilton, he had business enough to support himself.  He married the daughter of Robert Beckett in 1852.  In 1855 he was elected an elder in the United Presbyterian church of Hamilton.  He gave up the practice of law for a while on account of impaired health, but afterward resumed it.  He was elected president of the Second National Bank of Hamilton, in 1870.  Under his able management this institution has nearly trebled its business.  It was, in a great measure, through his advice and direction that the handsome building of this bank was built.  Mr. Brown is not only a thorough lawyer, but he is also an energetic man of business and a safe counsellor.  He is a man of strong character.

ISRAEL WILLIAMS

     ISRAEL WILLIAMS was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1827.  He spent most of his boyhood days in Champaign county.  He came to Hamilton in 1856.  He attended Granville college; in 1853 graduated from Farmers' college, studying law in the office of Gunckel & Strong, of Dayton, and he was admitted to the bar in March 1855 in Cincinnati.  Since 1856 he has practiced in this city steadily, and as a practitioner and counsellor at law he has long enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a large clientage.  He is a man of earnest and decided convictions, and he is in full touch with the progressiveness of his day and generation.  In every way he is admirably adapted for the successful discharge of his professional and other duties.  He is one of those who materially helped make our city what it is today, and his influence in this community can hardly be over estimated.  Mr. Williams was a Democrat before the Civil War, but when Fort Sumter was fired upon became an ardent supporter of the Union cause.  In connection with Frederick Egry he purchased the Telegraph then the Democratic organ of Butler county, and merged it

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with the Intelligencer.  Under their management the paper was a great aid to the union cause, upholding the vigorous prosecution of the war.
     On Jan. 9, 1860, he was married to Maggie Wakefield.  His domestic life has always been happy, and his family is well known in the social circles of Hamilton.

     C. J. SMITH  [See Prosecuting Attorneys]

     CLARENCE MURPHY  [See Probate Judges]

JOHN C. SLAYBACK

     JOHN C. SLAYBACK was born in Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1848.  His boyhood life was that of the ordinary country boy.  He lived on the farm until he was twenty years of age, attending the district school, securing a good common school education.  When he left the farm, he taught one school and immediately afterward began a course of study at the National Normal university at Lebanon, where he completed a classical course, graduating from four departments - commerce, teaching, science and classics.  Mr. Slayback spent one year in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.  In the summer of 1878, he read law in the office of ex-Governor James E. Campbell, and in the fall of this year he entered the Cincinnati Law school and on May 14, 1879, he was admitted to the bar.  On July 1, 1879, he came to Hamilton and took a desk in Mr. Campbell's office.  Here he remained for eight months, when he moved into the quarters he still occupies in the Hamilton House building.
     Subsequently Mr. Slayback became a partner of Frank H. Shaffer, under the firm name of Slayback & Shaffer.  This partnership lasted for three or four years when it was dissolved, Mr. Shaffer removing to Cincinnati.  A couple of years later Mr. Slayback formed a partnership with William Beckett, son of the late William Beckett, under the firm name of Slayback & Beckett.  A few years ago the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Beckett locating in the West.  From this time onto 1888 Mr. Slayback practiced alone, but in this year he formed a partnership with ex-Probate Judge William H. Harr

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and Peter B. Holly.  This partnership existed for two years when Mr. Holly retired.  Since that time the firm has been Slayback & Harr.  During his legal career, Mr. Slayback has been retained in many cases of importance.  His close attention to business is proverbial and the success he has achieved has been well deserved.  There are few, if any, attorneys in Southwestern Ohio, who have a better practice.
     In politics Mr. Slayback is an ardent Republican.  He has never held public office.  Mr. Slayback has been a delegate to the State convention of the Ohio Republican league and has been honored by being chosen as a delegate to the convention of the National organization.  He is a member of all the Hamilton Masonic bodies, including the commandery of Knights Templars of which latter body he has been recorder for several years.  He is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, being a member of Ohio Consistory, and is also a member of Syrian Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.  He is a Past Regent of Hamilton Council No. 338 Royal Arcanum.
     In Hamilton and throughout the county, Mr. Slayback is held in high esteem and regard.  He is the head of a happy family prominent in the social circles of this city.

U. F. BICKLEY

     U. F. BICKLEY - The subject of this brief biographical sketch was born at St. Charles, Butler county, Ohio, Mar. 27, 1867.  He attended district school until he was sixteen years old, when he entered the High school at New London, Ohio.  Subsequently he taught school in the village of his birth for four years.  He followed up this experience with a year on the road as a traveling salesman for a large book establishment.  Coming to Hamilton, he read law with the late lamented Edward E. Hull.  In the fall of 1892, he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, taking the law course and also pursuing studies in the literary department of this well known institution.  He graduated in 1893, ranking among the first ten in a class of three hundred and thirty students.  Before leaving the university he was paid the high compliment of being offered Assistant Professorship by the Dean of the law

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department.  He declined the position, as he desired to immediately enter active practice.  Mr. Bickley spent four years with the law firm of Babcock & Garrigus, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He then returned to Michigan and finished his law course, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1893.  During this year he was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit Court and the Circuit Court of Appeals of Michigan.  During his senior year at the University, of Michigan, he was appointed by the faculty as editor of The Michigan Law Journal under whose editorship the journal was made a state and the standard legal publication of the state.
     Returning to Ohio, Mr. Bickley was admitted to the bar at Columbus, in December, 1893, receiving the highest grade in a class of one hundred and twenty.  In January, 1894, he began the practice of his profession in Hamilton, being associated with Judge P. G. Berry.  At the death of his friend Mr. Berry, Mr. Bickley assumed charge of the large and lucrative practice of the deceased, which clientage he has held by virtue of his ability as an attorney and counsellor at law.  Mr. Bickley has a thorough knowledge of the law, is a young man of good address and pleasing manners, and a bright future is predicted for him.  The vast field of the legal profession affords him ample scope for the exercise of those qualities which are possessed by all successful lawyers, and which are naturally his.  He is a safe counsellor.
     Mr. Bickley is a member of Lone Star Lodge, No. 39, Knights of Pythias.  He is naturally kind and benevolent in disposition, and his presence and kindly ways are in themselves an encouragement and pleasure to those who know him.

P. B. HOLLY

     PETER B. HOLLY was born in Lemon township, Butler county, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1853.  His youthful days were passed on the homestead farm, where he gained a thorough knowledge of agriculture.  After an early schooling in his immediate neighborhood he attended the Mennonite college at Wadsworth, Ohio, for one year; and later he taught school for five years.  Afterward, he graduated from the National Nor-

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mal university, of Lebanon, completing a successful course in the teacher's, business, and scientific departments.  While a student in Lebanon he was Professor of German in the Normal university and the public schools.  On his return to the home farm he resumed its cultivation for five years.  In the fall of 1885 he began the study of law.  During this period he still superintended the farm, and it was his custom to ride ten miles to Lebanon when his day's work was ended, and recite in the evening with his classes.  In 1886 he was graduated from the law department of the Normal university and was admitted to practice in Ohio, having passed two examinations, one by the local committee, and the other by the Supreme Court committee.  All this was after less than one year's study, as he crowded the junior and senior years into one.  Afterward he took a post graduate course in the Cincinnati College of Law, and on June 10, 1887, he opened an office in Hamilton.  Since that date he has conducted and managed a general practice.  He has made a high place for himself as a lawyer and is held in well deserved esteem.  Mr. Holly has a desirable class of clients and is intrusted entrusted with much responsible legal work in the way of settling estates.  For a young lawyer he has been very successful.  He is justly regarded as one of Hamilton's tried attorneys. He superintends the management of the home farm and has manufacturing interests in this city.  In politics Mr. Holly is a Democrat; socially, he is a member of Lone Star Lodge, No. 39, Knights of Pythias, in which order he has been honored with important offices.  Mr. Holly's thorough knowledge of the German language makes his services invaluable to people of that nationality.

     WILLIAM H. HARR  [See Probate Judges]

     J. J. McMAKEN  [See State Senators]

EDWARD JONES

     EDWARD H. JONES was born of Welsh parentage, in the village of Gomer, Allen county, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1865.  In childhood he removed with his parents to Paddy's Run, Butler county.  He was educated in the public schools of Morgan township and at Miami university.  In the summer of 1890, he

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entered the law office of Morey, Andrews & Morey.  After some months of invaluable experience, he entered the Cincinnati Law school whence he was graduated, a finished barrister in the spring of the succeeding year.  In 1891 he was elected clerk of the board of State Deputy Supervisors of Elections, and re-elected on the two following years.  From this position he passed logically into the office of city solicitor which he still holds to his own profit and the advantage of the city.

FRANK P. RICHTER

     FRANK P. RICHTER was born in Hamilton, Ohio, June 24, 1867.  He was educated in the schools of this city, graduating from the High school in 1885.  Subsequently he studied law and attended the Cincinnati Law school, from which he was graduated in the summer of 1888.  Mr. Richter stood third in his class at the law school out of sixty students.  Immediately after his graduation he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of his profession in this city, which he has continued ever since.  Mr. Richter has been an industrious and successful member of the Hamilton bar.  There are few men of his age in Southwestern Ohio, who command greater respect among lawyers or in the general estimation of the business community.  In 1889, he was elected Secretary of the Board of Public Affairs and was afterward elected Secretary of the Board of Elections.  He was one of the organizers of the Butler County Bar Association and acted as Secre-

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tary of that organization for four years.  At present he is the attorney for the Home Loan and Building Association, having succeeded Judge Giffen to that position when he was elevated to the common pleas judgeship.  He was the unanimous choice of the Republicans of this county in convention assembled in September, 1893 for the highly important and dignified position of Probate Judge and against great odds, he made a very brilliant and energetic campaign.  In the Second and Fourth wards of this city Mr. Richter received the highest number of votes ever cast for a Republican candidate which is a strong testimonial of the esteem in which he is held in this city.  In February, 1894, he was elected vice-president of the Ohio Republican league which convened at Columbus; and was re-elected in 1895, at Cincinnati.  He is of German-Irish extraction, his father's ancestors being German, and those of his mother Irish.  His great-grandfather, Samuel Dillon, was the first coroner of Butler county, and his remains are now buried at the east gate of the court house park, the grounds where the court house now stands at one time being a burial ground.
     Mr. Richter has laid a good foundation for a large and steady practice.  He is one of the best known and most able young attorneys at the Hamilton bar.

 
M. O. BURNS

    M. O. BURNS was born in this city Apr. 26, 1867.  He was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, and Notre Dame university, at South Bend, Indiana, from which institution he was graduated in 1886.  He then proceeded to gratify his ambition by attending the Cincinnati Law school.  Having good application beside being naturally quick, he left a good record behind him when he graduated in 1888, entering the Butler county bar shortly after.  Since then Mr. Burns has been practicing in this city, meeting with success.  He numbers among his clients many of the wealthiest and best citizens of Hamilton, and is successful in caring for their interests.   In April, 1891, he was the successful candidate in the race for the city solicitorship.  Taking his office in the following Septem-

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ber, Mr. Burns entered upon a term of office which was very eventful and a severe test, before which a less able man would have failed.  His official career was marked by nothing save success, though he handled the formidable gas legislation, which case was taken before the Supreme Court.  The great move toward public improvement such as electric lighting and sewerage was began while he was in office and he success fully met all problems which they have involved.  Mr. Burns is the present efficient City Clerk.  His past career commends him to the public.  There are few young lawyers in this section of the state who have a larger practice or one involving heavier responsibilities.

NELSON WILLIAMS

     NELSON WILLIAMS - The subject of this brief biographical sketch was born in St. Paris, Champaign county, Ohio, Mar. 23, 1853, and is the son of George and Margaret (McKinley) Williams.  He resided in the county of his nativity until thirteen years of age, when his parents moved to Conover, Miami county.  There he attended a graded school, after which he engaged in teaching for a period of three years.  It had been his ambition to become an attorney, and in the pursuit of this desire he came to Hamilton in March, 1874, and began the study of law in the office of Israel Williams.  Admitted to the bar in April, 1876, he remained with his former preceptor until 1881, when, in July, he began practicing alone.  Mr. Williams is at present in the employment of a good general practice.  He is a careful, conservative lawyer, and at the same time a young man of broad culture and genuine ability.  In 1882, he became attorney for the Provident Life and Trust Company, of Philadelphia, and since 1887 he has had full charge of their extensive legal business in Ohio.
     On Oct. 21, 1880, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Sue Mallory, daughter of Dr. Henry Mallory.  In the Masonic order, the only secret society to which he belongs, Mr. Williams is quite prominent, and deservedly so as he has earned the dignities he has attained by true and faithful work in the quarries of the ancient fraternity.  He joined the order

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in 1886 and since that date he has served two years as the Worshipful Master of Washington Lodge No. 17 F. and A. M.; one year as the High Priest of Hamilton Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.; one year as the Thrice Illustrious Master of Hamilton Council No. 19, R. and S. M. , and one year as Eminent Commander of Hamilton Commandery No. 41, Knights Templars.  He is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.  In the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. and A. M., he served one year as Grand Orator, and at present is the Grand Senior Warden.  He is also the conductor in the state council of high priests or the "order of high priesthood."  In other ways he is prominent in Masonry and his poems of a Masonic nature have received the compliment of being printed and preserved by those who have heard him recite his lines.
     In politics Mr. Williams is a Republican, and has served as executive committeeman of the Ohio Republican league.  He has presided over several local conventions of his party with ability and impartiality and his services as an orator are often called into requisition on public occasions.  He is a forcible speaker, both on the stump and at the bar.

     BRANDON R. MILLIKIN was born in Hamilton, Aug. 19, 1867.  The foundation for his early education was laid in the public schools of this city.  In 1885, he entered the classical course of Amherst college in Massachussetts.  Returning from this institution he read law a year in the office of his grandfather,  Thomas Millikin, after which he entered the Cincinnati school of law, from which he was graduated in 1891.  Upon the completion of his collegiate course he returned to this city and was taken in as the junior member of the firm of Millikin, Shotts & Millikin.  While at Amherst college Mr. Millikin became a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.  He is a charter member of the Sons of Veterans of Hamilton.  Mr. Millikin is a popular and talented young attorney.  He is well read, both in current and standard literature.
    On Jan. 9, 1895, Mr. Millikin was married to Miss Grace E. Jewett, of Wyoming, Ohio.

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H. H. HAINES

     HENRY H. HAINES was born in Preble county, Ohio, Oct. 3, 1862.  He is the son of Charles S. and Francena Haines.  In 1872, his parents moved to Hamilton; and in 1882, Mr. Haines graduated from the Hamilton High school.  At an early age he was inclined toward the legal profession and carrying out his intentions he attended the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which institution he graduated in 1885.  In 1886, he was admitted to practice in Ohio.  During 1887-88 he resided in Findlay, Ohio, and from 1889 to 1893 he lived at Washington, D. C., where he held an important and responsible position in one of the departments.  Mr. Haines returned to Hamilton in 1893, and began the practice of law.  He stands well in the profession; is a bright and energetic young man.  He is well informed on all questions of law and is destined to take a front rank in his chosen calling.
     In 1890, Mr. Haines was united in marriage to Miss Rose Giddings, of Green Springs, Ohio.  In politics, Mr. Haines is a pronounced Republican.

     STEPHEN CRANE

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JOHN F. HEATH

     JOHN F. HEATH - The subject of this sketch was born in New Haven, Connecticut, June 21, 1856.  He attended school in his native city, including the Yale preparatory school, until he was twenty years of age, when he was employed by Professor Basche, of the United States coast survey, and worked for two or three seasons.  Subsequently he was employed by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Rail way company.  He served in the baggage department of the road at New Haven.  In November, 1879, Mr. Heath came to Hamilton and began the study of law in the office of John F. Neilan.  After pursuing his legal studies for two years, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under F. D. Black, serving in this capacity, until Mr. Black's term expired.  Mr. Heath filled the same position under George W. St. Clair, and when that official's term expired, he was appointed deputy under A. J. Welliver, clerk of the court of common pleas.  At the expiration of Mr. Welliver's term, Mr. Heath was elected Secretary of the City Board of Gas Trustees, a position he fills most capably at the present time.  Mr. Heath is a careful accountant and his clerical duties are performed with the greatest accuracy.  He began as secretary in January, 1894, and has given entire satisfaction.  In October, 1889, Mr. Heath was admitted to the bar, by the Supreme Court at Columbus, and he has a thorough knowledge of his profession and its requirements.  For two years Mr. Heath was a member of the City Board of Equalization.  He is a worthy young man, a desirable citizen, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.
     On Apr. 15, 1885, Mr. Heath was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Goldrick.  Three bright and happy children grace

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the family circle.  Mr. Heath is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Catholic Benevolent Legion, and the American Sons of Columbus.   Politically, Mr Heath has always been a Democrat, all his affiliations having been with that party.

     EDGAR A. BELDEN was born in Hamilton, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1855.  He was a graduate from the Hamilton High school in 1872, and began the study of law in the office of Thomas Millikin.  After a thorough course of legal inquiry rendered doubly valuable by the constant presence and example of his distinguished friend and preceptor, Mr. Belden was admitted to the bar in 1881 and entered upon a career of active practice, which he has since pursued uninterruptedly with uniform success and satisfaction.  Mr. Belden has followed the law through all its intricacies and is fully competent to care for interests of what ever nature.  He has seen fit to devote himself in great part to the more dignified and lucrative field of commercial law.  He practiced independently until July 7, 1894, when with the association of S. D. Fitton jr., the present firm of Belden & Fitton was organized.  His active connection with the Methodist church and his still more intimate association with the history of the local Y. M. C. A. which he was instrumental in founding and on whose board of trustees he has continually served, are pleasant features of his life and bespeak much for the character of the man.
     In politics he has also figured to no inconsiderable degree.  In 1884 he was the Republican nominee for the office of Prosecuting Attorney and the glory of his defeat and the narrowness of its margin speak volumes for the esteem in which he is held among his own people.  Mr. Belden is often a conspicuous figure at Republican gatherings.  His services as chairman of the recent county and judicial convention will not be soon forgotten.  His opening speech was a model of chaste rhetoric and sound and convincing argument.
     He was married in 1888 to Miss Elisa Potter of this city.  Two children, Horace and Lucia have been born into their

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home.  Mr. Belden has practiced his profession among us for fifteen years with distinguished ability and success.

     S. D. FITTON, JR,

      ROBERT S. WOODRUFF

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     J. E. MOREY

     HINCKLEY SMITH

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     DAVID PIERCE

     ROBERT N. SHOTTS was born in Hamilton, Aug. 28, 1855.  He was educated in the public schools of this city, graduating from the High school in 1872.  He read law with Thomas Millikin.  Afterward he entered the Cincinnati Law school; began practicing his profession in Hamilton, in

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1877.  He became a member of the firm of Millikin, Shotts & Millikin in 1891.  This firm ranks among the solid, substantial and representative legal firms of this city.  Mr. Shotts is a young gentleman of genuine ability, prompt, courteous and honorable in all his transactions.  He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum.
     Mr. Shotts was married to Miss Bertha Phillips, June 20, 1885.  They are prominent in society circles.

     CHARLES S. HAINES was born in Boston, Mass. , Nov. 17, 1836.  While yet a boy his parents came west, locating in Eaton, Preble county, Ohio.  He was educated in the public schools of his adopted town; read law in the office of his father, Judge Abner Haines.  Charles Haines came to Hamilton in 1872.  A short time afterward he was elected justice of the peace of Hamilton township.  He was admitted to the bar in 1877, and immediately began practicing in this city.  In 1892-93, he followed his profession in Seattle, Washington.  He returned to Hamilton in 1894.  As an attorney he is a gentle man of no mean ability; he merits encouragement, and to all he offers full and faithful legal service.  In politics, Mr. Haines has always been identified with the Democratic party.