seem to have rendered any opinion at that time. His first opinion, as Justice, was de livered in a case upon appeal to the Court of Errors, from Chancery, which involved some questions relative to the law of fix tures. Judge Knapp's argument was exhaus tive, has received the approval of succeeding courts, and settled the law in the State. The reports from that time until the present fully show that he has been alive to his re sponsibilities as Justice, and that he has always been ready and willing to perform his whole duty. His circuit includes only the county of Hudson, the smallest in ex tent of territory but the second in popu lation and importance. It includes the populous city of Jersey City. Jonathan Dixon, Jr., was born in England in 1839, but he removed so early to the United States that he has not the slightest trait of lan guage or manner which would indicate his foreign birth. He is, in fact, as patriotic a citizen of the great Republic as any to be found among the native born. He settled early in his life at New Brunswick, and be came a member of the family of Cornelius L. Hardenbergh, who had been a lawyer of extensive practice, but had become blind. Young Dixon acted as his personal attendant and amanuensis for several years. In 1855 he connected himself with Rutgers College, and graduated from that institution in 1859. He then entered the office of Mr. Warren Har denbergh as a student-at-law, and continued his studies with him and with Messrs. Dutton and Adrain, until he was licensed in 1862. He almost immediately removed to Jersey City, and became a clerk in the office of E. B. Wakeman, a lawyer then doing a large business. Mr. Wakeman very soon discovered the fitness of the young attorney for the practice of law, and offered him a partnership, which, however, only continued for one year. In 1865 he received his coun sellor's license, and from that year until 1870 practised his profession alone. In 1870 he connected himself with Gilbert Col lins, then a rising young lawyer, and con
tinued in business with him until 1875. Such shining abilities and great worth as were possessed by him were soon discovered and appreciated, and he gradually but rap idly grew in public esteem as a citizen and lawyer until he reached a height in his pro fession which could only be obtained by a man of brains and integrity. He became very early distinguished as a lawyer of great acuteness of intellect. This characteristic, united with industry and perseverance, with strict attention to the interests of his clients and care in all the details of his practice, soon secured for him a very large clientage. In 1875 he was nominated as an Associate Justice by Governor Bedle, and confirmed by the Senate. He was a Republican, and the Governor was a Democrat; but the worth and fitness of the nominee for the position were too apparent to be overlooked, and party lines were for once disregarded. Gov ernor Bedle honored himself by his nomina tion, secured for the State the services of an accomplished jurist and an upright judge, and added force and dignity to the bench. His appointment took effect April 8, 1875, in time for him to be seated at the June term of the Supreme Court, but he does not seem to have then rendered any opinion. In November following, at the next term, he delivered several opinions, all of which fully proved the ability of Judge Dixon to meet and grapple with any cause which might be presented to him. Since his ap pointment he has been one of the most active members of the courts in which he sits. He is peculiarly adapted for the posi tion of judge. It would be impossible to catalogue all the characteristics which dis tinguish his fitness; but the following are some, perhaps the most prominent, cool, patient to listen, observant of every point, acute-minded, quick in perception, alert to learn what there is in a cause, profound in his appreciation of the difference between right and wrong, even to the minutest shades, well read in his profession, and capable of analyzing and applying the legal principle
