by his contemporaries as a perfect lawyer, closely reaching the point of genius in the vastness and splendor of his learning, the lawyer of to-day, on turning to his remarkably concise and lucid opinions, finds him self ready to add to the meed of praise. A native of Kentucky, a graduate of Transylvania University, he became a resident of Missouri in 1840. Attaining a high rank at the Boonville Bar, he removed to St. Louis in 1850, and after a short association with Sinclair Kirtley, formed a partnership with the gifted and lamented Samuel T. Glover. The firm of Glover & Richardson enjoyed a successful and lucrative practice. In 1857 he yielded to a request to permit his name to be used at the ensuing election for judges of the Supreme Court, and his friends were overjoyed at the overwhelming nature of the favorable result. He became the close friend and warm admirer of Judge Scott. The poor state of his health impelled his resignation in 1859; and the following year death claimed him, at the early age of forty-two. The loss to the profession and to the State was great, for there was no rank beyond his reach. Distinguished authority bore eloquent testimony to his correctness of mind, his patient industry and gentle courtesy, and declared that none could know such a man without loving him, nor study his works without concurring in the estimate so expressed.
Ephraim B. Ewing.
The son of Rev. Finis Ewing, a distinguished divine, born in Todd County, Kentucky, in 1819, carefully and thoroughly educated at Cumberland College, Judge Ewing came to the study of the law well equipped by natural endowments and mental preparation to reach a leading position in the profession. He was admitted in 1842; became Secretary of State in 1849; Attorney-General in 1857; succeeded Judge Richardson in 1859, and left the bench in 1861, because of his refusal to take the Test Oath dictated by the Gamble Convention. In 1870 he was elected one of the judges of the St. Louis Circuit Court, and in 1872 was again made a judge of the Supreme Court. With a suddenness that was startling he died, as if in an instant, June 21, 1873, leaving a large family, a number of whom have since become well known in public life. Judge Ewing's marked characteristics were a conscientious fidelity, an untiring devotion to his profession, and a rare felicity in giving expression to his views. Never an orator, he was still always sure of close attention. Though reserved in disposition, he enjoyed that popularity which rests on general and unbounded confidence. He was tall and exceedingly spare, with a face that bespoke his honesty of purpose and untiring application to duty. During his last term he delivered a number of opinions which disclose his powers to fine advantage (Newmeyer v. Missouri, etc., R. R. Co., 52 Mo. 81; Pier v. Heinrichoffen, 52 Mo. 333; Ketchum v. American Express Co., 52 Mo. 390; Pacific Railroad Co. v. Cass County, 53 Mo. 17; Straub v. Soderer, 53 Mo. 38).
David Wagner.
Judge Wagner is one of the best known of Missouri judges, and his opinions are very numerously cited and quoted from by modern text-writers. This is attributable partly to the fact that during his term of service much of the law of the State, owing to changed conditions and an era of great commercial activity, was passing through a formative state, but principally to the fact that his vigor and originality of thought illuminated so many topics which fell to his investigation and decision. He is a striking illustration that good judges are often the creatures of circumstances. Given the opportunity, a man who might otherwise have remained to fame unknown, is lifted into prominence. Judge Wagner was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Dec. 31, 1826. He came to Missouri in 1842; was admitted to the bar in 1848, and practiced his profession until 1862. In that year he was elected a member of the State Senate, and became a leading member of that body. In 1864
