The Supreme Court of New Jersey. that official, although opposed politically to Mr. Woodhull, made him Prosecutor for the adjoining county of Cape May. He held the positions for two terms, a period of ten years, being re-appointed by another Gover nor also opposed to him in politics. In 1866 he was made Associate Justice by Governor Ward, and at the expiration of his first term was re-appointed by a Dem ocratic Governor, although he was a very pronounced and active Republican. He held the office of Associate Justice for two terms, fourteen years in all, retiring from the bench in 1880 and taking up his residence at Cam den, where he soon after died. Judge Woodhull was an exceedingly con scientious judge, avoiding at all times and upon all occasions any possible interference with the just performance of his official acts. He brought to his office an appreciation of the honor which attached to it, and of the manner in which its responsibilities should be met. He was unswerving in his stern determination to do his whole duty, first learning what that duty was; and yet he was one of the most popular judges who ever dignified the bench. This was due to his kindly nature and his courteous manner. He was firm, but his firmness never became sternness nor less urbane when dealing with his brethren of the bar. If in his view duty forbade him to refuse a motion, the counsel who lost could make no complaint of the manner in which his motion was de nied. He was well equipped for his high
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office by diligent study and the experience he had gained in his large practice. Judge Woodhull was a fair representative of the best class of country lawyers, who some times make the best judges. He had been obliged to attend to all kinds of cases, and this had given him a large experience in the class of suits coming before the courts of his extensive and influential district, which was largely agricultural in its interests, with some manufacturing establishments. He does not seem to have written many opinions during his term of office; but those reported show great labor in preparation, were sound, and expressed with logical con ciseness. He was zealous in the performance of every duty assigned to him; was selfpoised without conceit, and independent in thought, without the assumption of vanity. He presided at several very important criminal trials, two of which might be classed among the causes cdlebres of the State. In one of these he set aside the verdict of the jury, which was very rarely done in the crim inal jurisprudence of New Jersey. Judge Woodhull's personal appearance was very prepossessing. He was fully six feet high, gracefully formed, with large, dark, sparkling eyes, carried himself erect and in a most dignified manner, but easy and free from all affectation. He was the most un selfish of men, delighted in aiding the deserv ing, and doing kindnesses to all. It may truly be said of him that he was an upright, capable, and conscientious judge.
