On Wednesday morning the passer by on the street saw the insignia of Death hang on the front door of the Judge Corbett residence. Without further information this was sufficient to announce the death of Judge Corbett. It was known the night before that the end was at hand. He expired about 10 o'clock Tuesday p. m. The most tender and constant attention as given him from the time he was stricken with paralysis – just two weeks before – but all was in vain.
The members of his family were constantly by his side. While death was not unexpected the community was shocked that it came so quick. In obedience to the holiest impulse of human nature we reverently pause to contemplate the profoundest mystery of human destiny – the mystery of death.
Judge Corbett, whose death we deplore today, was a man whom Plutarch might have described or VanDyke delineated: massive, rugged and robust; in motion show in speech sonorous and deliberate; grave in aspect; serious in demeanor; of antique and heroic mould; the incarnation of force, energy and power. Not perplexed by moral abstractions nor mental subtleties, he possessed that assemblage of qualities which makes success in practical affairs inevitable. He was thorough lawyer, seizing the leading points quickly and with a strong grasp. His oral arguments were clear, pointed and forcible. He was wonderfully wrapped up in his profession. He loved the law, and in the delirium of his last sickness his mind dwelt upon cases and his briefs.
One characteristic of his life the younger members of the Clarion Bar will long remember with tender emotions. This was his constant willingness to assist them in their cases and law points without recompense or regard. He delighted to spend hours and even days in going over the law and discussing it with those who dropped in for that putpose [sic]. If one had judge Corbett’s opinion in his favor he felt well armed. Space will not permit at this time to make an extensive reference to this well known and prominent citizen, but in another issue we hope to give further detail.
Judge Corbett as born on what is now the Cooper farm, immediately east of Clarion borough, February 12,1826. His education was what the public schools of his day and the Clarion Academy afforded. When about eighteen years of age he commenced reading law with D. W. Foster, in Clarion. He was admitted to the Bar early in 1847; and at the time of his death, he was the oldest attorney in actual practice at this bar. The first year after his admission to the bar he was elected district attorney for Clarion county.
He has always resided at Clarion. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania which framed the present constitution of the state. He represented this Senatorial district in the State senate in 1876-78. When Judge B. Knox died, Judge Corbett was appointed by Governor Pattison to fill the vacancy until the next ensuing election in November, 1885. Judge Corbett was the only child of Isaac Corbett and the father on Don C. Corbett, Esq. present district attorney. A meeting of the Clarion Bar has been called to take appropriate action in the matter of Judge Corbett’s death and funeral. The funeral takes place at 10 o'clock on Friday.
~ Clarion Jacksonian, 07-Feb-1895
The announcement of the death of Hon. W. L. Corbett, at his residence on Main street, this place, shortly after 10 o’ clock last Tuesday night, will be read with sorrow by thousands of people of Clarion county, as well as throughout the state. During the later part of the January term of Court, Judge Corbett suffered a slight stroke of paralysis from which he never recovered. Although everything that medical science could suggest was done for his relief, and he rallied temporarily at times, he sank rapidly and peacefully away as above stated. Judge Corbett was one of the ablest jurists in Western Pennsylvania, and man honored alike for his learning and unswerving integrity. He ably represented this district in the State Senate, 1877 and 1878 and on the death of the late Judge Knox was appointed President Judge of this district, a position which he filled during his term of office with much acceptance, judge Corbett was about 69 years of age, and leaves a widow and one son, District Attorney, Don C, Corbett, who was associated with his father in the practice of law at the time of the latter’s death. The bereaved family have the condolence of the entire community in their bereavement. The funeral has been arranged to take place from the family residence, Main street, at 10 o’clock, Friday, Feb’y. 8th.
~ Clarion Democrat, 07-Feb-1895
You can visit the memorial page for William Lucas Corbett.
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