|
|
Andrew J. Thayer, who at the time of his death in April, 1873, was a judge of the supreme court of Oregon, was
born at Gainesville, New York, November 27, 1818. His father, Gideon Thayer, was a cavalry soldier in the War of
1812. Reared in the Empire state Andrew J. Thayer there acquired his early education and afterward took up the
study of law in Warsaw. Following his admission to the bar he practiced his profession in Buffalo for several years
in connection with his brothers, W. W. and Edwin Thayer. W. W. had his office in Tonawanda, New York, the other
two had theirs at Buffalo. He had already become well established in his profession when he decided to seek a home
in the west and in 1852 crossed the plains with ox team and wagon, traveling after the slow manner of the times
until at length the long and weary journey was ended by his arrival in Oregon in the late fall of that year. He
settled about three miles from Corvallis, where he took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres and
while there residing engaged in the practice of law in Corvallis. He early became recognized as one of the able
members of the Oregon bar. In 1861, following the death of Senator Baker at Balls Bluff, the latter being killed,
Mr. Thayer was appointed to fill the vacant position, but Senator Eli who had the credentials recommending A. J.
Thayer for the office, went to see the battle of Bull Run and while there was captured and held as a prisoner of
war and hence never delivered the credentials. This caused Mr. Thayer to lose the position, but he had the mileage,
which amounted to about seven thousand dollars. Later Mr. Thayer was elected judge of the supreme court and occupied
a place on the bench until April, 1873, when his life's labors were ended in death. He possessed a comprehensive
knowledge of the law and his ability to apply accurately its principles made him a strong advocate, a wise counselor
and a safe judge, who was thoroughly fair and impartial in his rulings.
From:
History of Oregon Illistrated
Vol. 3
BY: Charles H. Carney
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland 1922
Privacy Policy for
OnlineBiographies
|
NAVIGATION
Oregon
Biographies
Online
Biographies
California
Biographies
New York
Biographies
Pennsylvania
Biographies
For all your genealogy needs visit
|