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Note: Illustrations on Steel, Volumes I-II
Name: Robert F. Judson
Lawyer, of Kalamazoo, was born in Woodbury, Litchfield County, Connecticut, September 26, 1827. He is the son of Ransom and Lucy (Tuttle) Judson, who were of Puritan stock, and adhered strictly to the Puritanic faith and practice. His father served as Captain in the War of 1812. His grandfather was a Revolutionary pensioner for many years before his death. Mr. Judson has a copy of the Bible that was published in London, in 1599. This contains a family record of some of his ancestry, who lived nearly three hundred years ago. The common schools of his native town afforded his only educational advantages, until he was fourteen; when he determined upon a collegiate course, and commenced studies preparatory to entering college. He continued his studies at New Haven for four years, reciting to tutors in Yale College. He then went to Virginia, where he was employed, as teacher, in the institute at Warrenton, Fauquier County. Here he continued his scientific studies,--devoting to them the time not occupied in teaching,--until he had completed the full course required in college. Having chosen the legal profession as his subsequent pursuit, he commenced a preparatory course of reading, giving to it only the time left after faithfully discharging all other duties. In 1853 Mr. Judson settled at Fall's Church, Virginia; established a private school, which he taught three years; and also founded a village there, which became a place of beauty and thrift. He removed to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1856, where he completed his law studies; and, in 1858, was admitted to the bar. The fact that he has had an extensive practice in settling and arranging cases of bankruptcy shows the esteem in which he has been held by business men in the community. In August, 1862, he raised a company in Kalamazoo, and held the rank of Captain in the 5th Michigan Cavalry. He served about nine months under General Copeland, as Brigade Inspector of Cavalry. He was then detailed for service on the staff of General Custer, and occupied that position until he was mustered out, in 1865. He took part, with the Army of the Potomac, in more than sixty hard-fought battles and skirmishes. Since his return to legal pursuits, he has held various offices. He has given his influence to educational movements; favored and aided public enterprises according to his means; and, in his travels, has visited nearly every State in the Union. He is decidedly liberal in his religious views; his motto being, "Do right, not to escape punishment or win heaven, but because it is right." He has been married three times, and twice bereft. He married, October 11, 1865, Elizabeth George, of Alexandria, Virginia. They have four children,--two sons and two daughters.
Note: American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men with Portrait
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