Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1883 — BY MERIT WON. [ARTICLE]

BY MERIT WON.

Judge Hammond Elevated to The Supreme Bench. In response to« telegram from Gov. Porter, the Hon. E. P. Hammond took the train for Indianapolis last Sunday night, and on the following day Was appointed Supreme Judge in the Fifth district, to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Woods. Although several of the very ablest and best known jurists of the state were applicants for the position, and although one of them, Judge Frazier, of Warsaw, was an old and warm personal friend of the Governor’s, while Judge Hammond was a stranger to* liim, yet so overwhelming was the evidence of the latter’s peculiar fitness for the position, and so strong was the feeling in his favor all over tht northern portion of the state, that “competition fled before him,” and his appointment was soon decided upon. The oath of office was taken Monday afternoon, and the duties of the position entered upon at once. The office pays a salary of $4,000 per year, has 18 months before the term expires, with a good chance fora re-election.

The press of Indiana and our neighboring states have been unanimous in commending the wisdom of the appointment. The following sketch copied from the Indianapolis Journal of Monday, is but a fair specimen of the notices which appeared in all the leading papers of the State, and in the Times Tribune and Inter-Ocean, of Chicago/ Governor Porter will to-day appoint Hon. Edwin P. Hammond, of Rensselaer, judge of the Supreme Court for the unexpired term of Judge Woods, which concludes in November of next year. It has been known for several days that the choice was between Judge Frazer and Judge Hammond, both of whom are eminently fitted for the place, and it is no disparagement to the for mer to say that the appointment of the latter was probably the best that could have been made. ' He has long been recognized as one of the best judges in the State, and the petitions that were sent in his behalf included the signatures of nearly all the prominent attorneys in northern Indiana. Judge Hammond was born at Brookville, Indiana, Noy. 26, 1835. He came to Indianapolis in 1854, and after a short time spent as a clerk in a store, he began the study of law with his half brother, Abraham A. Hammond, who was afterward Governor of the State. In 1858 he began to practice at Rensselaer, and in 1861. at the breaking out of the war, enlisted under General Robert H. Milroy, in Company G. Ninth Indiana Volunteers, of which he was elected first lieutenant. At the expira'ion of his term of service -he resumed the practice of law at Rensselaer, and was shortly afterward elected to represent the counties of Newton, Jasper and Pulaski in the Legislatures, without, opposition. In August, 1862, he organized Company A, Eighty-seventh Indiana, and was commissioned captain. He was promoted to major in March, 1868, and to lieutenant-colonel in the subsequent November. He commanded his regiment during the last year of the war, and showed great skill in the one hundred day's incessant fighting from “Chattanooga down to the sea.” At the close of the War the President on the recommendation-of Colonel Hammond's brigade, division and corps commanders, appointed him colonel brevet “for gallant and meritorious service during the war,” as recited in his commission. Upon his return home he at once built up a large and lucrative practice, and had a fine reputation as an attorney. In March, 1873 Governor Hendricks appointed him judge of the Thirtieth judicial circuit, although he was a Republican in politics—his appointment being recommended by every attorney in the district except one, Who was liimselt a candidate. He was twice re-elected to this position with*’ out opposition, all the political parties tinitingin his support. At his home Judge Hammond is held in high esteem, being considered a close and careful student, a cautious abd practical man, a kind neighbor, pleasant compassion, and steadfast friendi /