Page 41 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 28

Figure 7. FStirresteth,oHmeeleonfaC, MoronnetlaiunsaaTnedrrEitdonrya. Hedges, on Joliet

In 1867, Hedges joined in a law partnership with Robert
Lawrence and L. M. Burson; their offices were on Broad Street, near
the Post Office, and their professional advertisement boasted “Will
practice in all the Courts of the Territory.”80

From the tone of his journal entries, all of his time after returning
west in June, 1867, was spent for the next year in legal practice.
He was still U.S. Attorney, on October 1, 1867, when he sent a bill
of $175 to the Secretary of Interior for services rendered as U.S.
Attorney-as well as paying $25 to renew his “Law License.”81

The birth of Emma Marion was recorded on September 19, and
as always, it served as a source of pride and happiness to the entire
family.82

Another office of public trust was accorded Hedges on February
7, 1868, when he was appointed U.S. Commissioner. On the 10th, he
took the oath of office and filed his commission with the Clerk of the
District Court. However, his first action as U.S. Commissioner was
not performed until March 31, when he issued a warrant against W.
H. Gernhart for selling liquor to the Indians on the little Blackfoot.83

The item of a home again became important to the Hedges
family, when Cornelius spent most of June 10 making preparations
to build, which included drawing plans and making estimates.
That evening he noted: “materials cheaper than I expected all but
lumber.” The building progressed through summer into early fall,
then on November 4, the growing Hedges family moved into the
new home on Broad Street, or Broadway. “Most tried to death,”
recorded Hedges, “got the beds up and nothing else -paint not done
nor dry.”84