My Genealogy Hound

ADLAI E. STEVENSON. Mr. S. is by birth a Kentuckian, having been born in that State on the 23d day of October, 1835. In 1852, he came to Illinois, and soon after began study at the Wesleyan University; he also pursued his studies, both scientific and classical, at Center College, Ky. He was known as a thorough and practical student, and the time passed in the company of professors and students was put to the best possible use. His mind was placed at the head waters of the fountains of knowledge, and of all that flowed through he retained only the most precious gems. In May, 1858, he was admitted to the bar, after a rigid examination—an ordeal which is as greatly dreaded by the legal aspirant of today, if indeed not more than it was twenty years ago. On the 18th of December, 1858, Mr. Stevenson located in Woodford Co., and for ten years had a large and important practice there. In 1869, he located in Bloomington, and has practiced his profession here since. Mr. Stevenson has been the worthy recipient of honors at the hands of the people. In 1861, he was appointed Master in Chancery of Woodford Co., by Judge Richmond, and was re-appointed to the position in 1863, holding the office for four years. In 1864, Mr. Stevens received yet farther public recognition. In that year he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Twenty-third District, within the boundaries of which was embraced the counties of Woodford, Marshall and Putnam. This position he held for four years, and it is said that he prosecuted for the State with so much vigor that his district was nearly cleared of law breakers. In 1864, he was a candidate for Presidential Elector, in the McClellan campaign, and made a thorough canvass of the State. At this time, he attracted attention as a ready debater and fluent speaker, and made a good record as a campaign orator. In 1874, Mr. Stevenson was sent by the people of the 13th District to represent them in Congress, and while there he demeaned himself in a manner to command respect from political friends and foes. In 1877, President Hayes appointed Mr. Stevenson to a position upon the Board of Visitors to West Point Naval Academy. All these positions have been filled intelligently and the duties discharged faithfully, and the most searching investigation into Mr. Stevenson’s public acts would fail to uncover either neglect or malfeasance. Whilte in Congress, Hon. A. E. Stevenson was a member of the Committee on Territories, and the District of Columbia. He was appointed by the Speaker of the House as a member of the special committee to investigate charges against Federal officials in the Custom House at New Orleans. While in Congress, Mr. S. constantly advocated the reduction of expenses of the General Government, and opposed the admission of New Mexico as a State in the Union, because of its lack of the requisite population. He favored the repeal of the Resumption act and the remonetization of silver. He delivered a speech in Congress in January, 1877, advocating the organization of the Electoral Commission for the purpose of settling the complications growing out of the late Presidential election. He favored the faithful execution of that law, and opposed schemes tending to delay the count of the electoral vote. He became a law partner of James S. Ewing in June, 1869, which partnership still continues. Among the important suits in which this firm have been engaged as counsel are the mandamus proceedings against the towns of Waynesville and Old Town, recently decided by the Supreme Court in their favor. In both cases the writ of mandamus was denied, by which the towns were relieved from a heavy bonded indebtedness. Mr. S. has been an active member of the Masonic fraternity, being Past Master of Bloomington Lodge, No. 43, as well as a member of the Chapter and Commandery.