The Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) October 7, 1901 page 3.
Watler D. Davidge, Prominent in Affairs, Passes Away.
Walter D. Davidge, for fifty years a practitioner at the local bar, founder of the District of Columbia Bar Association and one of the most distinguished forensic orators in the history of the national capital, died this morning at 10:58 o’clock at his residence, No 1624 H street northwest. The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed except that the service is to occur at the house. Mr. Davidge had been ill for about two weeks and suffered from acute indigestion. The end came peacefully in the presence of Mr. Davidge’s children.
The city thus loses one of the most notable figures of its professional life. For thirty years or more Mr. Davidge had been one of its foremost lawyers. He appeared as counsel for nearly every large corporation represented in Washington and in many of the most notable law cases tried in the District courts. His holdings in local corporation properties were large. His position, both professional and as a business man was singularly enviable.
On the announcement of his illness the interest of practically all the professional men of the city was excited. From the first his condition was regarded as grave. During last week it was believed he could not live, but hope was not abandoned until this morning.
It is probable the funeral will be marked by an unusually large attendance. The Bar Association will feel his loss most keenly and will very likely attend the services as a body. Mr. Davidge’s family connections were large and prominent. His friends in Washington included nearly all the men distinguished in the affairs of the District, and most of them will desire to pay to his memory every possible tribute.
Of English Parentage.
Mr. Davidge was born of a distinguished English house Dr. John Beal Davidge, his grandfather, married a Miss Stewart of Scotland—the last of that family—who with her sister, took a male name, William. Dr. Davidge was educated in Glasgow and Edinburgh and was founder of the Medical College of Maryland, out of which grew the University of Maryland. One of Dr. Davidge’s sons, Francis Hawthorn Davidge [sic], was sent to England to complete his college course and studied at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. On his return he married the daughter of Justice Walter Dorsey of the Maryland court of appeals, and their son—who took the name of his maternal grandfather—became the eminent lawyer whose death occurred today.
Sketch of His Career.
Walter D. Davidge was born in Baltimore about seventy-eight years ago. His father was a lawyer and also had literary tastes which found expression in the use of his pen. He was a frequent contributor to the newspapers. His son Walter attended the Baltimore City College and about the time he had finished the course there and was ready to enter upon the study of the profession of law his father changed his residence to this city. The elder Davidge had an acquaintance with Clement Cox, the father of Judge Walter S. Cox, and a leading member of the District bar, and soon after arriving in this city, which was about the year 1844, young Davidge began the study of law in the office of Mr. Cox. Judge Cox had at that time completed his college course, but had not as yet entered upon the study of law. Davidge found other law students in the office of Mr. Cox. One was Mr. William Redin Woodward, the senior member of the District bar, and a highly respected citizen of the District. Another student was Richard Hagner, now deceased, a brother of Mr. Justice Hagner of the Supreme Court of the District. Mr. Davidge was also associated with Thomas J. Semmes, who died a short time ago, and who was one of the prominent citizens of New Orleans. Mr. Semmes and Mr. Davidge completed their studies at the same time and were admitted to the District bar on a motion made by Mr. Cox.
The two young men formed a partnership and entered upon the practice of their profession in this District. Shortly afterward Mr. Semmes married, his wife being a resident of Knoxville, Ala., and he was induced to settle in that town, thus terminating the partnership with Mr. Davidge. Subsequently, Mr. Semmes removed to New Orleans, and during the civil war he was attorney general of the confederate government.
Mr. Davidge’s Record.
Mr. Davidge continued the practice of law here, and gained for himself a distinguished name. He devoted himself to his profession with a singleness of purpose that is somewhat unusual. Although for more than a half century a lawyer in active practice, he never held a public office, and steadfastly refused connections of any sort outside of the line of his calling. He was even in the habit of declining social invitations, and to the last days of his life he maintained his freedom from all cares that had a fine legal mind, and his natural abilities were sedulously cultivated, so that the reputation which he early acquired of a clear perception of the principles of the law and the power of orderly and strong presentation of legal proposition continued practically undiminished through a half century of active practice.
As a Public Speaker.
As a speaker Mr. Davidge’s talents were manifested at an early age. He had at his home in Washington a considerable collection of medals and cups obtained as prizes while a student in college. He was distinguished at the bar as much for his pleas before juries in cases at law as for his arguments before the bench in equity. He was heard frequently before the Supreme Court of the United States and was often complimented by the members of that bench on the logic and force of his arguments. To fine presence, great dignity of manner and a pleasant delivery Mr. Davidge added, as his experience at the bar was extended, a profound knowledge of American and English law and a reliable and extraordinary recollection of the details of significant cases. His forte was the elucidation of obscure passages of law.
Formation of Bar Association.
A chance meeting with Mr. Eugene Carusi in the latter’s office in the late sixties led to the formation of the Bar Association, which was not incorporated, however, until 1874. Mr. Davidge was one of its earliest presidents and was for many years its most active as well as its most prominent member.
Mr. Davidge was married in 1862 to Miss Anna L. Washington, the daughter of Dr. Bailey Washington of the United States navy. The ceremony occurred at the Church of the Epiphany, and with that congregation Mr. Davidge continued to worship until his death. Mrs. Davidge died sixteen years ago.
The lines of Mr. Davidge’s face, especially in profile were so perfect as to be termed classic, and while he was a man of small stature he always attracted notice by the refined and cultivated beauty of his features. He was a man of polished manners and socially he was genial and pleasant.
Employed in Important Cases.
Of late years he enjoyed the distinction which is awarded to eminence in the profession of law of being called upon as senior counsel in important cases. The record of his engagements would be a repetition of the names of most of the leading causes that have appeared in the District court calendars. He was associated as counsel for the prosecution if the Guiteau trial and he also appeared in the star route trials. He was president of the Lawyers’ Club, an organization of lawyers which has now ceased to exist, and was a member of the Metropolitan Club.
Mr. Davidge leaves a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are now in Washington. They are: Maude Lee Davidge, Walter Dorsey Davidge, Anna Davidge, William Fendall Davidge, Francis Stewart Davidge, Edith Davidge and John Washington Davidge. Mr. W.F. Davidge lives in Prince William county, Va. The others are residents of this city.
Watler D. Davidge, Prominent in Affairs, Passes Away.
Walter D. Davidge, for fifty years a practitioner at the local bar, founder of the District of Columbia Bar Association and one of the most distinguished forensic orators in the history of the national capital, died this morning at 10:58 o’clock at his residence, No 1624 H street northwest. The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed except that the service is to occur at the house. Mr. Davidge had been ill for about two weeks and suffered from acute indigestion. The end came peacefully in the presence of Mr. Davidge’s children.
The city thus loses one of the most notable figures of its professional life. For thirty years or more Mr. Davidge had been one of its foremost lawyers. He appeared as counsel for nearly every large corporation represented in Washington and in many of the most notable law cases tried in the District courts. His holdings in local corporation properties were large. His position, both professional and as a business man was singularly enviable.
On the announcement of his illness the interest of practically all the professional men of the city was excited. From the first his condition was regarded as grave. During last week it was believed he could not live, but hope was not abandoned until this morning.
It is probable the funeral will be marked by an unusually large attendance. The Bar Association will feel his loss most keenly and will very likely attend the services as a body. Mr. Davidge’s family connections were large and prominent. His friends in Washington included nearly all the men distinguished in the affairs of the District, and most of them will desire to pay to his memory every possible tribute.
Of English Parentage.
Mr. Davidge was born of a distinguished English house Dr. John Beal Davidge, his grandfather, married a Miss Stewart of Scotland—the last of that family—who with her sister, took a male name, William. Dr. Davidge was educated in Glasgow and Edinburgh and was founder of the Medical College of Maryland, out of which grew the University of Maryland. One of Dr. Davidge’s sons, Francis Hawthorn Davidge [sic], was sent to England to complete his college course and studied at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. On his return he married the daughter of Justice Walter Dorsey of the Maryland court of appeals, and their son—who took the name of his maternal grandfather—became the eminent lawyer whose death occurred today.
Sketch of His Career.
Walter D. Davidge was born in Baltimore about seventy-eight years ago. His father was a lawyer and also had literary tastes which found expression in the use of his pen. He was a frequent contributor to the newspapers. His son Walter attended the Baltimore City College and about the time he had finished the course there and was ready to enter upon the study of the profession of law his father changed his residence to this city. The elder Davidge had an acquaintance with Clement Cox, the father of Judge Walter S. Cox, and a leading member of the District bar, and soon after arriving in this city, which was about the year 1844, young Davidge began the study of law in the office of Mr. Cox. Judge Cox had at that time completed his college course, but had not as yet entered upon the study of law. Davidge found other law students in the office of Mr. Cox. One was Mr. William Redin Woodward, the senior member of the District bar, and a highly respected citizen of the District. Another student was Richard Hagner, now deceased, a brother of Mr. Justice Hagner of the Supreme Court of the District. Mr. Davidge was also associated with Thomas J. Semmes, who died a short time ago, and who was one of the prominent citizens of New Orleans. Mr. Semmes and Mr. Davidge completed their studies at the same time and were admitted to the District bar on a motion made by Mr. Cox.
The two young men formed a partnership and entered upon the practice of their profession in this District. Shortly afterward Mr. Semmes married, his wife being a resident of Knoxville, Ala., and he was induced to settle in that town, thus terminating the partnership with Mr. Davidge. Subsequently, Mr. Semmes removed to New Orleans, and during the civil war he was attorney general of the confederate government.
Mr. Davidge’s Record.
Mr. Davidge continued the practice of law here, and gained for himself a distinguished name. He devoted himself to his profession with a singleness of purpose that is somewhat unusual. Although for more than a half century a lawyer in active practice, he never held a public office, and steadfastly refused connections of any sort outside of the line of his calling. He was even in the habit of declining social invitations, and to the last days of his life he maintained his freedom from all cares that had a fine legal mind, and his natural abilities were sedulously cultivated, so that the reputation which he early acquired of a clear perception of the principles of the law and the power of orderly and strong presentation of legal proposition continued practically undiminished through a half century of active practice.
As a Public Speaker.
As a speaker Mr. Davidge’s talents were manifested at an early age. He had at his home in Washington a considerable collection of medals and cups obtained as prizes while a student in college. He was distinguished at the bar as much for his pleas before juries in cases at law as for his arguments before the bench in equity. He was heard frequently before the Supreme Court of the United States and was often complimented by the members of that bench on the logic and force of his arguments. To fine presence, great dignity of manner and a pleasant delivery Mr. Davidge added, as his experience at the bar was extended, a profound knowledge of American and English law and a reliable and extraordinary recollection of the details of significant cases. His forte was the elucidation of obscure passages of law.
Formation of Bar Association.
A chance meeting with Mr. Eugene Carusi in the latter’s office in the late sixties led to the formation of the Bar Association, which was not incorporated, however, until 1874. Mr. Davidge was one of its earliest presidents and was for many years its most active as well as its most prominent member.
Mr. Davidge was married in 1862 to Miss Anna L. Washington, the daughter of Dr. Bailey Washington of the United States navy. The ceremony occurred at the Church of the Epiphany, and with that congregation Mr. Davidge continued to worship until his death. Mrs. Davidge died sixteen years ago.
The lines of Mr. Davidge’s face, especially in profile were so perfect as to be termed classic, and while he was a man of small stature he always attracted notice by the refined and cultivated beauty of his features. He was a man of polished manners and socially he was genial and pleasant.
Employed in Important Cases.
Of late years he enjoyed the distinction which is awarded to eminence in the profession of law of being called upon as senior counsel in important cases. The record of his engagements would be a repetition of the names of most of the leading causes that have appeared in the District court calendars. He was associated as counsel for the prosecution if the Guiteau trial and he also appeared in the star route trials. He was president of the Lawyers’ Club, an organization of lawyers which has now ceased to exist, and was a member of the Metropolitan Club.
Mr. Davidge leaves a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are now in Washington. They are: Maude Lee Davidge, Walter Dorsey Davidge, Anna Davidge, William Fendall Davidge, Francis Stewart Davidge, Edith Davidge and John Washington Davidge. Mr. W.F. Davidge lives in Prince William county, Va. The others are residents of this city.
The Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) October 7, 1901 page 3.
Watler D. Davidge, Prominent in Affairs, Passes Away.
Walter D. Davidge, for fifty years a practitioner at the local bar, founder of the District of Columbia Bar Association and one of the most distinguished forensic orators in the history of the national capital, died this morning at 10:58 o’clock at his residence, No 1624 H street northwest. The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed except that the service is to occur at the house. Mr. Davidge had been ill for about two weeks and suffered from acute indigestion. The end came peacefully in the presence of Mr. Davidge’s children.
The city thus loses one of the most notable figures of its professional life. For thirty years or more Mr. Davidge had been one of its foremost lawyers. He appeared as counsel for nearly every large corporation represented in Washington and in many of the most notable law cases tried in the District courts. His holdings in local corporation properties were large. His position, both professional and as a business man was singularly enviable.
On the announcement of his illness the interest of practically all the professional men of the city was excited. From the first his condition was regarded as grave. During last week it was believed he could not live, but hope was not abandoned until this morning.
It is probable the funeral will be marked by an unusually large attendance. The Bar Association will feel his loss most keenly and will very likely attend the services as a body. Mr. Davidge’s family connections were large and prominent. His friends in Washington included nearly all the men distinguished in the affairs of the District, and most of them will desire to pay to his memory every possible tribute.
Of English Parentage.
Mr. Davidge was born of a distinguished English house Dr. John Beal Davidge, his grandfather, married a Miss Stewart of Scotland—the last of that family—who with her sister, took a male name, William. Dr. Davidge was educated in Glasgow and Edinburgh and was founder of the Medical College of Maryland, out of which grew the University of Maryland. One of Dr. Davidge’s sons, Francis Hawthorn Davidge [sic], was sent to England to complete his college course and studied at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. On his return he married the daughter of Justice Walter Dorsey of the Maryland court of appeals, and their son—who took the name of his maternal grandfather—became the eminent lawyer whose death occurred today.
Sketch of His Career.
Walter D. Davidge was born in Baltimore about seventy-eight years ago. His father was a lawyer and also had literary tastes which found expression in the use of his pen. He was a frequent contributor to the newspapers. His son Walter attended the Baltimore City College and about the time he had finished the course there and was ready to enter upon the study of the profession of law his father changed his residence to this city. The elder Davidge had an acquaintance with Clement Cox, the father of Judge Walter S. Cox, and a leading member of the District bar, and soon after arriving in this city, which was about the year 1844, young Davidge began the study of law in the office of Mr. Cox. Judge Cox had at that time completed his college course, but had not as yet entered upon the study of law. Davidge found other law students in the office of Mr. Cox. One was Mr. William Redin Woodward, the senior member of the District bar, and a highly respected citizen of the District. Another student was Richard Hagner, now deceased, a brother of Mr. Justice Hagner of the Supreme Court of the District. Mr. Davidge was also associated with Thomas J. Semmes, who died a short time ago, and who was one of the prominent citizens of New Orleans. Mr. Semmes and Mr. Davidge completed their studies at the same time and were admitted to the District bar on a motion made by Mr. Cox.
The two young men formed a partnership and entered upon the practice of their profession in this District. Shortly afterward Mr. Semmes married, his wife being a resident of Knoxville, Ala., and he was induced to settle in that town, thus terminating the partnership with Mr. Davidge. Subsequently, Mr. Semmes removed to New Orleans, and during the civil war he was attorney general of the confederate government.
Mr. Davidge’s Record.
Mr. Davidge continued the practice of law here, and gained for himself a distinguished name. He devoted himself to his profession with a singleness of purpose that is somewhat unusual. Although for more than a half century a lawyer in active practice, he never held a public office, and steadfastly refused connections of any sort outside of the line of his calling. He was even in the habit of declining social invitations, and to the last days of his life he maintained his freedom from all cares that had a fine legal mind, and his natural abilities were sedulously cultivated, so that the reputation which he early acquired of a clear perception of the principles of the law and the power of orderly and strong presentation of legal proposition continued practically undiminished through a half century of active practice.
As a Public Speaker.
As a speaker Mr. Davidge’s talents were manifested at an early age. He had at his home in Washington a considerable collection of medals and cups obtained as prizes while a student in college. He was distinguished at the bar as much for his pleas before juries in cases at law as for his arguments before the bench in equity. He was heard frequently before the Supreme Court of the United States and was often complimented by the members of that bench on the logic and force of his arguments. To fine presence, great dignity of manner and a pleasant delivery Mr. Davidge added, as his experience at the bar was extended, a profound knowledge of American and English law and a reliable and extraordinary recollection of the details of significant cases. His forte was the elucidation of obscure passages of law.
Formation of Bar Association.
A chance meeting with Mr. Eugene Carusi in the latter’s office in the late sixties led to the formation of the Bar Association, which was not incorporated, however, until 1874. Mr. Davidge was one of its earliest presidents and was for many years its most active as well as its most prominent member.
Mr. Davidge was married in 1862 to Miss Anna L. Washington, the daughter of Dr. Bailey Washington of the United States navy. The ceremony occurred at the Church of the Epiphany, and with that congregation Mr. Davidge continued to worship until his death. Mrs. Davidge died sixteen years ago.
The lines of Mr. Davidge’s face, especially in profile were so perfect as to be termed classic, and while he was a man of small stature he always attracted notice by the refined and cultivated beauty of his features. He was a man of polished manners and socially he was genial and pleasant.
Employed in Important Cases.
Of late years he enjoyed the distinction which is awarded to eminence in the profession of law of being called upon as senior counsel in important cases. The record of his engagements would be a repetition of the names of most of the leading causes that have appeared in the District court calendars. He was associated as counsel for the prosecution if the Guiteau trial and he also appeared in the star route trials. He was president of the Lawyers’ Club, an organization of lawyers which has now ceased to exist, and was a member of the Metropolitan Club.
Mr. Davidge leaves a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are now in Washington. They are: Maude Lee Davidge, Walter Dorsey Davidge, Anna Davidge, William Fendall Davidge, Francis Stewart Davidge, Edith Davidge and John Washington Davidge. Mr. W.F. Davidge lives in Prince William county, Va. The others are residents of this city.
Watler D. Davidge, Prominent in Affairs, Passes Away.
Walter D. Davidge, for fifty years a practitioner at the local bar, founder of the District of Columbia Bar Association and one of the most distinguished forensic orators in the history of the national capital, died this morning at 10:58 o’clock at his residence, No 1624 H street northwest. The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed except that the service is to occur at the house. Mr. Davidge had been ill for about two weeks and suffered from acute indigestion. The end came peacefully in the presence of Mr. Davidge’s children.
The city thus loses one of the most notable figures of its professional life. For thirty years or more Mr. Davidge had been one of its foremost lawyers. He appeared as counsel for nearly every large corporation represented in Washington and in many of the most notable law cases tried in the District courts. His holdings in local corporation properties were large. His position, both professional and as a business man was singularly enviable.
On the announcement of his illness the interest of practically all the professional men of the city was excited. From the first his condition was regarded as grave. During last week it was believed he could not live, but hope was not abandoned until this morning.
It is probable the funeral will be marked by an unusually large attendance. The Bar Association will feel his loss most keenly and will very likely attend the services as a body. Mr. Davidge’s family connections were large and prominent. His friends in Washington included nearly all the men distinguished in the affairs of the District, and most of them will desire to pay to his memory every possible tribute.
Of English Parentage.
Mr. Davidge was born of a distinguished English house Dr. John Beal Davidge, his grandfather, married a Miss Stewart of Scotland—the last of that family—who with her sister, took a male name, William. Dr. Davidge was educated in Glasgow and Edinburgh and was founder of the Medical College of Maryland, out of which grew the University of Maryland. One of Dr. Davidge’s sons, Francis Hawthorn Davidge [sic], was sent to England to complete his college course and studied at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. On his return he married the daughter of Justice Walter Dorsey of the Maryland court of appeals, and their son—who took the name of his maternal grandfather—became the eminent lawyer whose death occurred today.
Sketch of His Career.
Walter D. Davidge was born in Baltimore about seventy-eight years ago. His father was a lawyer and also had literary tastes which found expression in the use of his pen. He was a frequent contributor to the newspapers. His son Walter attended the Baltimore City College and about the time he had finished the course there and was ready to enter upon the study of the profession of law his father changed his residence to this city. The elder Davidge had an acquaintance with Clement Cox, the father of Judge Walter S. Cox, and a leading member of the District bar, and soon after arriving in this city, which was about the year 1844, young Davidge began the study of law in the office of Mr. Cox. Judge Cox had at that time completed his college course, but had not as yet entered upon the study of law. Davidge found other law students in the office of Mr. Cox. One was Mr. William Redin Woodward, the senior member of the District bar, and a highly respected citizen of the District. Another student was Richard Hagner, now deceased, a brother of Mr. Justice Hagner of the Supreme Court of the District. Mr. Davidge was also associated with Thomas J. Semmes, who died a short time ago, and who was one of the prominent citizens of New Orleans. Mr. Semmes and Mr. Davidge completed their studies at the same time and were admitted to the District bar on a motion made by Mr. Cox.
The two young men formed a partnership and entered upon the practice of their profession in this District. Shortly afterward Mr. Semmes married, his wife being a resident of Knoxville, Ala., and he was induced to settle in that town, thus terminating the partnership with Mr. Davidge. Subsequently, Mr. Semmes removed to New Orleans, and during the civil war he was attorney general of the confederate government.
Mr. Davidge’s Record.
Mr. Davidge continued the practice of law here, and gained for himself a distinguished name. He devoted himself to his profession with a singleness of purpose that is somewhat unusual. Although for more than a half century a lawyer in active practice, he never held a public office, and steadfastly refused connections of any sort outside of the line of his calling. He was even in the habit of declining social invitations, and to the last days of his life he maintained his freedom from all cares that had a fine legal mind, and his natural abilities were sedulously cultivated, so that the reputation which he early acquired of a clear perception of the principles of the law and the power of orderly and strong presentation of legal proposition continued practically undiminished through a half century of active practice.
As a Public Speaker.
As a speaker Mr. Davidge’s talents were manifested at an early age. He had at his home in Washington a considerable collection of medals and cups obtained as prizes while a student in college. He was distinguished at the bar as much for his pleas before juries in cases at law as for his arguments before the bench in equity. He was heard frequently before the Supreme Court of the United States and was often complimented by the members of that bench on the logic and force of his arguments. To fine presence, great dignity of manner and a pleasant delivery Mr. Davidge added, as his experience at the bar was extended, a profound knowledge of American and English law and a reliable and extraordinary recollection of the details of significant cases. His forte was the elucidation of obscure passages of law.
Formation of Bar Association.
A chance meeting with Mr. Eugene Carusi in the latter’s office in the late sixties led to the formation of the Bar Association, which was not incorporated, however, until 1874. Mr. Davidge was one of its earliest presidents and was for many years its most active as well as its most prominent member.
Mr. Davidge was married in 1862 to Miss Anna L. Washington, the daughter of Dr. Bailey Washington of the United States navy. The ceremony occurred at the Church of the Epiphany, and with that congregation Mr. Davidge continued to worship until his death. Mrs. Davidge died sixteen years ago.
The lines of Mr. Davidge’s face, especially in profile were so perfect as to be termed classic, and while he was a man of small stature he always attracted notice by the refined and cultivated beauty of his features. He was a man of polished manners and socially he was genial and pleasant.
Employed in Important Cases.
Of late years he enjoyed the distinction which is awarded to eminence in the profession of law of being called upon as senior counsel in important cases. The record of his engagements would be a repetition of the names of most of the leading causes that have appeared in the District court calendars. He was associated as counsel for the prosecution if the Guiteau trial and he also appeared in the star route trials. He was president of the Lawyers’ Club, an organization of lawyers which has now ceased to exist, and was a member of the Metropolitan Club.
Mr. Davidge leaves a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are now in Washington. They are: Maude Lee Davidge, Walter Dorsey Davidge, Anna Davidge, William Fendall Davidge, Francis Stewart Davidge, Edith Davidge and John Washington Davidge. Mr. W.F. Davidge lives in Prince William county, Va. The others are residents of this city.
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