THE CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT. J OSIAH BENTON ALLEN, the present clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio, was born in Harrison County, July 14, 1842, and came to Athens County with his parents when quite young. He attended the common schools and afterwards the DeCamp Institute at Pagetown till the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted July 4, 1861, as private in Co. C, 30th O. V. I. With his company he participated in the battles of Carnifax Ferry, Second Bull Run, Centreville, South Mountain, Antietam, Haine's Bluff, Champion Hill, Vicksburg and others. At Vicksburg, while leading his company as sergeant, he received a wound that cost him his left arm. A second amputation was found necessary. Being unfitted for further military service, he was honorably discharged in 1864.. Returning to Athens, he entered the Ohio University where he continued his studies till the close of the college year in 1866. In the fall of 1867 he was elected to the office of County Recorder of Athens County on theRepublican ticket, which office he continued to hold for twelve consecutive years. In December, 1880, he was appointed recording clerk in the office of Secretary of State Townsend at Columbus, continuing until January, 1883. He was subsequently chosen sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives. The fact that he is now serving his third term as Clerk of the Supreme Court is evidence of his popularity with his.. party and with the general public with which he comes in contact. Clerk of the Supreme Court. DUTIES OF THE CLERK. The purpose of this department is to afford a place of record for all orders, judgments, proceedings, etc., of the Supreme Court Commissions when in service. The clerk's office is required to make and preserve these records, and the clerk is the custodian of "all files, papers, orders, judgments and decrees, and all books pertaining thereto, and issue all needful writs and processes. He shall also keep a record of all applicants for admission to the bar, all admissions to practice law in Ohio, and shall be in charge of the semi-annual examinations of students for such admission and issue all certificates of admission, he shall also act as clerk of the Supreme Court Commission.” The clerical force of the office January, 1901, consists of: Prior to the enactment of March 29, 1865 (62 O. L., 69), the Clerk of the Courts of Franklin County, Ohio, was ex-officio clerk of the Supreme Court, being represented, as a rule, by a deputy. Pursuant to the act above referred to, Rodney Foos was elected Clerk of the Supreme Court in 1865, and served until 1875, nine years. Arnold Green was Clerk for one term of three years, 1875-1878. Richard J. Fanning was Clerk for one term of three years, 1878-1881. Dwight Crowell was Clerk for one term of three years; 1881-1884. J. W. Cruikshank was Clerk for one term of three years, 1884-1887. Urban H. Hester was Clerk for two terms, six years, 1887-1893. Josiah B. Allen, the present incumbent, has been Clerk since February €, 1893. F RANK I. BROWN was born on a farm near Plain City, Madison County, Ohio, November 25, 1866. After obtaining a common school education, he took a four year's course at the National Normal University, Lebanon, Ohio, graduating in the class of 1887, with degree of B. S. Mr. Brown devoted four years to teaching in the public schools of his county. He came to Columbus in 1890. In 1896 he was admitted to the bar of the state by the Supreme Court of Ohio. THE OFFICE OF OFFICIAL STENOGRAPHER. The official stenographer of the Supreme Court, was first recognized by the General Assembly, and the office created during the session of 1898. The duties are such as the name implies, including more particularly the duties of private secretary of the members of the court. The present incumbent has filled the position since its establishment in May, 1898. |