A history of Lewis County, in the state of New York; from the beginning of its settlement to the present time - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...N. Y. Constitutional Convention of 1821. In 1822 he was elected from the double district of Lewis, Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego, as a member of the 18th congress. He was secretary of the last congressional caucus for the nomination of president, when William H. Crawford was nominated. He was for many years a trustee of the Lowville academy. As a lawyer Mr. Collins attained a high position. He was an excellent and successful advocate and criminal prosecutor. His manner of presenting a case to a jury was clear, forcible and admirably fair. His speeches were always sensible, candid and to the point. And he had rare ability in presenting the questions at issue, in stating the facts, and in argument upon them. His integrity was unsullied, and his manners were simple. cordial and unaffected. In politics he was a republican of the school of Jefferson. For several years he voted the local anti-masonic ticket. He was highly respected and popular throughout the section of the state where he was known. His sons are, William Collins, who studied law with his father, was appointed district attorney of Lewis county in 1845, and held two years, when lie was elected to the 30th congress. He now resides in Cleveland, 0. Francis Collins, another son, entered West Point academy, as cadet in 1841, became second lieutenant in the 4th artillery July 1, 1845, and first lieutenant by brevet, "for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and Cherubusco " on the 27th of August, 1847. In the former of these he The first trial for a capital crime in the county, was that of Rachel, a servant of I. W. Bostwick, for setting fire to her master's house, and was held before Judge Platt, about 1821. The accused was about eighteen years old, and...