The following biographies are from the chapter entitled "Courts and Legal Profession" from the "History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, 1914"... Levi M. Vilas, formerly of the Eau Claire bar, and at the time of his death judge of the district court of Ramsey county, Minnesota, was born February 17, 1844, at Chelsea, Orange county, Vermont. He completed his general education in the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1863. His graduation from the Albany law school occurred in 1864, in which year he was admitted to the bar in New York. Returning to Madison, he engaged with his brother, William F., in the practice of law for about one year, after which he went into the quartermaster's department of the army as chief clerk, remaining in that position two years. In 1868 he removed to Eau Claire, Wis., where he built up and maintained a large practice. He was elected to the office of city attorney in 1872, and mayor in 1876; district attorney in 1877 and 1879. Mr. Vilas removed from Eau Claire to St. Paul, Minn., in June 1887. In less than two years after becoming a resident of St. Paul he was selected by the governor for judge of the district court of Ramsey county, which appointment was accepted and the duties of the office entered upon. But the worthy recipient of that honor was not long permitted to hold the scales of justice; disease even at the time he left Wisconsin had laid hold of him, and on August 25, 1889, he passed away at the family home at Madison. Levi M. Vilas was an excellent lawyer. His standing in the profession was such as any member of the bar might envy; such as cannot be reached otherwise than by diligent application of a trained and strong mind. His manner of expression was marked; his style was his own -- clear, terse and strong. His voice was strong, but musical. His appearance was prepossessing and indicated great strength. James F. Salisbury came to Wisconsin, locating at Hudson in 1876, remaining there one year. He came to Eau Claire and was associated with Joseph F. Ellis in the practice of law. He was born in Brockport, Monroe county, New York, November 7, 1849. J. F. Salisbury was educated in St. Paul, Minn., and at the Michigan State University, graduating from the latter institution in 1871. He was admitted to the bar in 1871 and commenced practice at St. Paul. Ira B. Bradford, a member of the Eau Claire county bar, has practiced law at Augusta since 1873. He was born in the town of Fulton, Rock county, Wisconsin, June 24, 1851. he was educated in the academies and seminaries of New Hampshire, and in the fall of 1869 went to Edinboro, Pa., and entered upon the study of law. In the fall of 1871 he returned to New Hampshire and continued his studies at Newport until the summer of 1872, when he went again to Edinboro. In February, 1873, he reached Janesville, Wis., and entered the law office of Cassoday & Carpenter as a student. In March, 1873, he was admitted to the bar at Monroe and immediately went to Augusta. Mr. Bradford was the first mayor of Augusta. In 1879 and 1881 he was a member of the assembly, and served as speaker during the latter year. Rosiel D. Campbell was born in LaFayette, Onondago county, New York, February 15, 1810. Came to Beloit, Wis., in 1838, where he resided for a time, then went to Boone county, Illinois for two years, and in October, 1861 enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the battle of Ft. Donelson he was promoted to captain, receiving his commission just before the battle of Pittsburg Landing. In the fall of 1862 he resigned and came to Waterloo, Wis., where he resided until 1867, when he located in the town of Ludington, Eau Claire county, and in 1869 moved into Augusta. He served as president of the village and also held the office of court commissioner, and for several years was justice of the peace. Mr. Campbell was admitted to practice in the territory of Wisconsin in 1842, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1843. Judson C. Crawford was born in Ulysses, Tompkins county, New York, April 26, 1823; lived there until he came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1847. He taught school at Sheboygan and two years at Waupun, and one year at Ceresco. Afterward for many years he was engaged in the general missionary work, being a regularly ordained minister of the Universalist Church. In March, 1875, he settled in Augusta and engaged in the practice of law. ++++++++++++ And there's STILL more to come! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net