Memoirs of the Erie County,
PA Bench & Bar, Volume II

Four years in the making, this 300 page book, complete with photographs, provides biographies of Erie attorneys who have died between 1928 and 1999.  It's a "must have" legal and historic reference book for all ECBA members and Erie history buffs.

Family members of those whose biographies appear in the book will want a copy to keep as a memento of their loved one's place in Erie's rich legal history.

This handsome hardback volume also includes the history of six local law firms, a historical list of judges of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas and the president judges of that Court, as well as a listing of ECBA members.

Here are some interesting examples of what's in Memoirs:

Judge Miles Kitts' biography includes information about his resolutions to purchase the Perry House on 2nd and French Streets, to obtain the Flagship Niagara and to install the Mill Creek Tube after the devastating flood of 1915.

Senator C. Arthur Blass was a frequent guest of president-elect William McKinley at his home in Canton, Ohio and he composed a 16-verse poem upon McKinley's assassination titled "To Our Martyred President."

Samuel J. Roberts became Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

In April 1970, Hobart Williams became the first black attorney admitted to the Erie County Bar.

Judge Joseph Willson played professional football for the Buffalo Rangers, one of the earliest teams in the National Football League.

Memoirs, Volume I was written by Erie County/Pennsylvania Supreme Court Judge Emory A. Walling. Published in 1928, it provided biographical information of Erie County Bar members to that date. It is no longer in print.

Memoirs, Volume II is available from the Erie County Bar Association and Foundation offices, 302 West 9th Street, Erie, PA  16502-1427 or by calling 814-459-3111.

Cost: $24.95 plus 6% sales tax.