Charles L. Benedict

Charles L. Benedict, the last judicial appointee of President Lincoln, and the longest in term of service save one in the United States, was District Judge of the United States for the Eastern Judicial District of New York from the time of its creation in 1865 until his retirement in 1897.

He was a son of George W. Benedict, a professor in the University of Vermont, and on his mother’s side connected with the Deweys of that State. After graduating at the University in 1844 he studied law in the office of his uncle, Erastus C. Benedict, long and most favorably known as a prominent and public-spirited citizen of New York and one of the leaders of its admiralty bar, and eventually joined the well-known firm of Benedict, Burr & Benedict, which is still in existence, with some change of name. His professional experience fitted him admirably for his judicial office, for which his intimate friend, Henry J. Raymond, the editor of the New York Times, and then in great power in public affairs, had recommended him; and he soon came to be regarded as one of the best authorities on Admiralty and Criminal law in the United States, and his collected opinions make a standard book of reference.

He was able, impartial, industrious and set a high standard of dignity and courtesy upon the bench, and received the respect and esteem of all the members of the bar who came before him.

He had a genial, social nature, was held in warm regard by a host of friends, and has added another honored name to the distinguished roll of Federal judges of this State which challenges comparison with that of any other State in the Union.

Henry E. Howland
1901 Century Association Yearbook