The Bar

    The first practitioner of law in Blackford County was _____ Buckles, who was afterward circuit judge for twelve years, and a ember of the State Legislature as late as last year. He was a resident of Hartford City but a short time, was then of course a young man, and on leaving this place he returned to Muncie, whence he came and where he is still living.

    The next were Joseph W. Holliday and Edward G. Carroll, who were here at the same time. Holliday went to the Mexican War, and died soon after his return. He was an able lawyer, a Whig, and at one time was a member of the Legislature. Carroll was a prominent man. He died here, and was buried near Hartford City, but his grave can not now be identified.

    George S. Howell, from Ohio, commenced practicing in Hartford City in 1843-'44, and remained here, following his profession, until his death, which took place within a few years. He was an honest attorney and counselor, a Democrat in his political views, and was twice a member of the Legislature.

    Wellington Stewart, county auditor for a time, was a man of great vigor and many positive traits. After practicing here a number of years, he moved to California.

    Andrew J. Neff commenced practice here in early day, was a member of the Legislature one term, 1857-'58, a volunteer in the late war, and afterward lived in Winchester and Greencastle, and finally went to Tennessee. He was a Democrat in his politics.

    J.T. Wells, who was born in the northeastern part of this county, read law under the preceptorship of Mr. Bonham, commenced practice in 1867, made two trips to the West, and died in 1877, at Peru, Indiana.

    A.B. Jetmore came to Hartford City in 1859, practiced law until about 1876, and then moved to Missouri, but is now a resident of Topeka, Kansas.

    Thomas S. Briscoe, editor of the Telegram, used to practice law, is still a member of the bar.

    At Montpelier D.F. Kuffel practiced law from 1879 to 1886, and is now making his residence temporarily in California.

    The present bar of Blackford County comprises Bonham & Bonham, Cantwell & Cantwell, Shinn & Pierce and W.H. Carroll, at Hartford City, and J.C. Maddox, G.A. Mason and Thomas Slater at Montpelier. Mr. Carroll, who is in partnership with Hiram Brownlee, of Marion, has just closed a term as judge of this circuit, comprising Grant and Blackford Counties.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford County, Indiana. The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.