One of a Thousand/Wade, Levi Clifford
Wade, Levi Clifford, son of Levi and Abbie A. (Rogers) Wade, was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny county, Pa., January 16, 1843. His parents were of New England birth.
He was educated at home and in the public schools until he was thirteen years of age. From thirteen to sixteen he was under private tutors; from sixteen to nineteen he studied law in Lewisburg University; entered Yale College at nineteen, and was graduated in the class of 1866, with special honors. While in college he was one of the editors of the "Yale Literary Magazine," and took several prizes in debate, declamation, and composition.
He studied Greek and Hebrew exegesis one year under Dr. H. B. Hackett, and theology one year under Dr. Alvah Hovey; taught school in Newton, from 1868 to '73—studying law at the same time. He was admitted to practice in 1873, and was employed by I. W. Richardson, in his law practice, until 1875, when he opened an office on his own account in the city of Boston, where he continued until May 1, 1880. During the last three years he was in partnership with Hon. J. Q. A. Brackett, governor-elect of the Commonwealth, under the firm name of Wade & Brackett.
Since 1880 Mr. Wade has confined himself exclusively to railway law and management, and has been counsel for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, the Atlantic & Pacific, Sonora, and the Mexican Central Railway companies. He is one of the four original projectors and owners of what is now the property of the Mexican Central Railway Company, of which he is president and general counsel, having held these positions for the past five years.
Mr. Wade was married in Bath, Me., November 16, 1869, to Margaret, daughter of Hon. William and Lydia H. (Elliott) Rogers. Of this union are four living children: Arthur C., William R., Levi C., Jr., and Robert N. Wade. Two daughters died in infancy.
Mr. Wade represented Newton, his present residence, in the Legislature four successive years, 1876–'79. In the latter year he was elected speaker of the House.
He is one of the directors of the general theological library; of the Mexican Central Railway Company, Sonora Railway Company, Atlantic & Pacific Railway Company, and Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad Company. He is a member of the Newton water board.