John F. Bradner, of Middletown, was also at one time closely connected with the administration of the criminal law, having been the recorder of Middletown for many years; a position in which he presided with great dignity over many important and exciting trials. Mr. Bradner is an advocate who enters upon a trial with all the ardor and enthusiasm born of absolute conviction in the justice of his cause, and he never fails to make a strong impression upon a jury.
John L. Wiggins, of Middletown, son-in-law of Judge Groo and brother of Willis H. Wiggins, an eminent member of the Ohio judiciary, is distinguished for the earnestness, energy and enthusiasm with which he espouses every cause committed to him. He is original and resourceful. In an action brought once against his client for a violation of the law in respect of adulterated milk, Mr. Wiggins gravely argued to the jury that in his judgment the law was unconstitutional. As the facts were clearly against his client, the judge did not take the trouble to interrupt him, but was astonished when the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Mr. Wiggins' client, based wholly upon the constitutional argument.
The next day Mr. O'Neill, encouraged by Mr. Wiggins' tactics, entered upon the same line of defense, but Judge Gaynor admonished by the miscarriage of the day before, promptly suppressed it, and Mr. O'Neill's client was convicted.
Alton J. Vail, of Middletown, is a lawyer whose modesty often conceals his merits, which, however, are well known to his clients. Mr. Vail has for many years transacted the business of the Middletown Savings Bank. He is an authority upon titles and upon all questions involving the law of real estate, his opinion upon these and kindred questions having frequently been sustained by the courts. Wide experience, sound judgment, conservative instincts, elevated character, absolute probity and intense loyalty in friendship unite in Alton J. Vail, the able lawyer, the honorable man, the upright citizen.
A. C. N. Thompson, of Middletown, who is in partnership with Mr. Dill, has abundant inspiration in his name. He is the son of John A. Thompson, once a prominent lawyer of Monticello who, on account of his admiration for one of the greatest lawyers of his day named him after Archibald C. Niven.
Mr. Thompson has already shown one quality conspicuous in his distinguished godfather—that of capacity for hard work. His energy and self-denial in preparing himself for the bar while engaged in the exacting duties of another calling, give promise of abundant success in the career now opening before him.
Charles T. Vail, who entered upon a career of high promise at the bar was cut down upon its threshold. No lawyer in Middletown ever had the faculty of winning friends as easily as he. His sunny disposition, affectionate nature and engaging manners won for him a host of admirers, adherents and clients. Undimmed affection in many hearts still sheds a tear over the untimely grave of Charlie Vail.
Dewitt Van Zandt, of the Middletown bar, was the son of that gifted divine, Dr. Van Zandt, so long the beloved pastor of the brick church at Montgomery. Coming to Middletown fresh from college, his sparkling wit and ready repartee endeared him to a large circle of admiring friends. But soon he was overtaken by broken health, which paralyzed his energies and crumbled his ambitions. Through all the experiences of a life that failed to fulfill its early promise, he maintained the instincts, the manners and the bearing of the true gentleman. He never lost the sweetness, serenity and gentleness of his disposition, or the high standard of personal honor inherited from his revered father. Fond meditation still tenderly dwells upon the fadeless memory of DeWitt Van Zandt.
John G. Mills, of the Goshen bar, removed to Washington, where he died in April, 1883. While necessity chained him to the law inclination led him along the flowery paths of literature, his talents and accomplishments brought him into relations with the great and the gifted, one of his dearest friends being Robert G. Ingersoll, who pronounced the oration at his funeral. Mr. Ingersoll said:
"My friends: Again we are face to face with the great mystery that shrouds the world. We question, but there is no reply. Out on the wide waste seas there drifts no spar. Over the desert of death the sphinx gazes forever, but never speaks.