Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and Biographical Record of Northern Michigan Record Publishing Company, Chicago - 1895 -125- HON. FRED H. ALDRICH. The name which introduces this article is familiar to all the residents of Northern Michigan as that of Judge of the Twenty-eighth Judicial Circuit, and a sketch of his life will therefore possess more than usual interest for our read- ers. The prominence to which he has attained is the result of his superior intellectual qualifications. He is endowed by inheritance with a vigerous mind, and this he has cultivated by research and constant study. On questions of law he discriminates clearly and forcibly, and while practicing at the Bar his legal attainments placed him among the most successful of his profession in this locality. Upon the Bench he is known as a sagacious, trustworthy and learned man of foresight and judgment profound, admirably versed in the principles of wise statesmanship and public policy. Early in the history of America the ALDRICH family settled in Rhode Island. Thence some of the reprentatives moved to New York State, where our subject's grandfather, AMOS, lived and died. JOSEPH D., son of the latter, was born in New York, but when a young man removed to Ohio, and buying a large tract of land, gave his attention to clearing and improving a farm. He continued to make his home on that place until his death, in 1889. In politi- cal belief he was a Republican, and for many years held the office of School Examiner. To the good works of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member, he contributed liberally. As an agriculturist he was enterprising and progressive, and accumu- lated considerable property. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of JULIA CARTER, was born in Ohio, and still resides in Wauseon, that state. In girlhood she was a teacher, but of late years has given her attention to literature, and is the author of a number of works which have been published in leading magazines, some under a nom de plume and others above her own signature. She is now filling the position of Vice-President for Ohio of the Western Association of Authors. Her writings, both prose and poetical, have been wide- ly read and extensively circulated, and have brought her a nation- al reputaton. Her religious connectons are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her three sons are still living, the eldest, A. EUGENE, being a resident of Wauseon; BENJAMIN F., who was edu- cated at Adrian College, is a minister of the Congregational Church at Pontiac, Mich. In Wauseon, Ohio, where he was born Septembe 11, 1861, the subject of this sketch passed his early life, alternating work on the home farm in summer with attendance at the public school dur- ing winter. On selecting a life occupation, he chose the law, and began his studies in the office of Hann Bros., of Wauseon, continuing with them later under Judge SILAS S. FALLASS, of Cadillac. In 1883 he was admitted to the Bar, and at once opened an office at East Jordan, Mich., where he remained nearly two years. In 1884, associated with W. H. PARKS, under the firm title of PARKS & ALDRICH, he located at Cadillac, where he has since resided. After the death of Mr. PARKS he continued alone until his election to the Bench in 1887. For his responsible position he is fitted by an excellent education, having been a former student at Adrian College. He is also qualified for it by his thorough legal training, his wide information, and his deep insight into the motives that govern the actions of men. The first election of Judge ALDRICH to the Bench was upon the independent ticket, he having been nominated by the Bar of the circuit, but when he was re-elected in 1893 it was as the Republican ---------------------------------------------------------------- -126- candidate. Politically he is a stanch advocate of Republican principles, and is one of the leaders of his party in Northern Michigan. The position of Circuit Judge is the only office he has ever held except that of City Attorney. He has contributed a number of articles to law magazines, which have brought him into prominence in the profession of other states. In the fall of 1884 Judge ALDRICH was united in marriage with Miss CORENE, daughter of HENRY ISBELL, a farmer of Delta, Ohio, where she was born. Five children have been born to bless their union, four of whom are living, namely; FRED HOWARD, who was born December 30, 1887; JULIA MAY, February 4, 1889; and RUBY CORENE, September 13, 1891. Judge ALDRICH is deeply interested in all measures pertaining to the progress of this section of the state. As a citizen he has ever been intensely public-spirited, and has always been found on the right side in very important questions affecting the general interest of the people. His qualities of character have been such as to win and retain the friendship of his associates. Men have come to rely upon his good judgment and unfailing common sense; they trust his unselfish interest in the welfare of others, and repose the utmost confidence in his decisions. ==========================================================================