Draft:Hulbert F. Fairchild

Hulbert F. Fairchild (October 25, 1817 – February 3, 1866) was a justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court from 1860 to 1864.

He was born at New Lisbon, New York, and was educated at Williams College, Massachusetts. In 1838 he went to Louisville, Kentucky, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1841. In December of that year he came to Arkansas and located at Pocahontas. There he practiced law for four years, when he removed to Batesville. He rapidly advanced in his profession, and when, in 1855, the Pulaski chancery court was established for the purpose of dealing with the innumerable controversies arising out of the failure of the Real Estate Bank, the recognition of his capacity was such that the Democratic governor chose him, though a Whig, for the office of chancellor. He accepted and discharged the duties of the place with great distinction until 1860, when he was elevated to the supreme bench. The advent. of the war cut short a judicial career which promised to be one of great eminence. During the rebellion he adhered to the southern cause; but sadly, for his mind was too clear for him to be blind to the error of secession. In 1864 he removed to St. Louis, but under what was known. as the Drake constitution he was disqualified from practicing law, and in 1865, took a voyage to Europe for business and pleasure. Returning, he settled at Memphis, and, in January, 1866, started up White river to Batesville; but on his way he fell sick at Jacksonport, and there he died on the 3rd of February. In person, Judge Fairchild was of medium height, strongly built, with black hair and beard. He was a great student and a tireless worker, burning his lamp every night until long past midnight; and his studies were by no means confined to the law. He was pleasant in his manners. and of a kind and gentle disposition, but reserved rather than expansive. His mind was not oratorical or imaginative, but was clear, calm, analytical and strong. By the even balance of his intellect he was peculiarly suited to a place upon the bench. The opinions which he has left in our reports are models of strength and accuracy; and had he been permitted to hold the position longer he would have made for himself a great reputation. As it is, he will not be forgotten by the bar of his state, who feel, when they find one of his opinions, that they have found the law.

References

Category:1817 births Category:1866 deaths Category:Justices of the Arkansas Supreme Court

This open draft remains in progress as of July 5, 2023.