Senator Christian Hedges View All Years

Senator White, from a special committee, submitted the following report and moved its adoption:

CHRISTIAN HEDGES.

MR. PRESIDENT—Your committee, appointed to draft resolutions to commemorate the life and services of ex-Senator Christian Hedges beg leave to submit the following report and resolutions:

Christian Hedges was born in Mansfield, Ohio, May 1, 1830.

He entered the Cincinnati Law School and graduated from that college at the age of seventeen. He was too young to be admitted to the bar for practice, so entered a law office until his age would permit him to admission to the bar.

In 1849 the gold fields of California made such a strong appeal to Mr. Hedges that he went there with many others to seek his fortune in the west. He returned to Iowa county in 1859, where he has resided ever since.

He was married to Miss Ellen Rush at Marengo, Iowa, in September, 1864. To this union eight children were born, three of whom preceded him to the great beyond. Those whom with his wife survive are: Mrs. George E. Swain of North English, Iowa; Mrs. William Hankey of Letts, Iowa; Mrs. E. K. Tyler of Muscatine; Mrs. B. C. Leib of Marengo, Iowa; Bruce E. Hedges of Davenport, Iowa, and seven grandchildren.

Judge Hedges had a long and eventful career. He heard the call of his country in the sixties, and entered the services of the rebellion as captain of the Seventh Volunteer Infantry of Iowa. His ability was soon recognized, and won for him promotion to Military Judge Advocate, which position he held for some time. His great ability was recognized by the people of Iowa after the war was over, and he served his Senatorial District in the Eighteenth General Assembly. During his term as Senator his genius as an interpreter of law and an administrator of justice was soon recognized and won for him the Judgeship of the Circuit Court of the Eighth District. This position he held for twelve years, or until the Circuit Court was abolished by legislative enactment.

He held many positions of private and civic trust, in all of which he acquitted himself with high honor and credit. He was for many years director and legal adviser of the Marengo Savings Bank of Marengo, Iowa; the Farmers’ Savings Bank of Victor, Iowa, and the Farmers’ Savings Bank of North English. He held the position of mayor, several terms as councilman and city attorney for the town of Marengo, Iowa. He wielded a wide and beneficial influence upon his community, and was always ready and willing to assist every one by his wise, fearless and ready counsel. Many a struggling young man has helped by his advice, especially those in the legal profession. Many of the prominent lawyers of the state of Iowa have been helped by his great knowledge and experience.

He died at Marengo, Iowa, February 26th, 1913, and was buried on the 28th day of February in the I. O. O. F. cemetery at Marengo, Iowa.

Whereas, Hon Christian Hedges, a member of this body in the Eighteenth General Assembly, has been called from this life; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Senate of the State of Iowa has heard of his death with deep sorrow and regret, and that it recognizes the high character of his service to his state.

Resolved, That the Senate take this occasion to acknowledge its recognition and express its high regard and appreciation of the worth of the character and public services of Christian Hedges, and to extend to his family its sincere sympathy in their great bereavement. Be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, engrossed and duly authenticated by the President and Secretary of the Senate, be presented to the family of the deceased.

J. A. WHITE,

G. E. HILSINGER,

G. M. GILLETTE,

Committee.

The resolutions were adopted unanimously by a rising vote.