Some of the most outstanding lawyers and judges of Harlan county began their career as school teachers.

At one time Giles French conducted a law school at his home across Pine Mountain. Old timers say his slogan was "turn out a good lawyer." Some of his pupils worked on his farm to pay the tuition.

It didn't take too much education to be a teacher or county superintent years ago.

John Nolan was once superintendent of the county schools. His son, Calvin, had a good education "for the times."

There was a fine old teacher by the name of G.W. Blackburn that taught many schools over the county. Every two or three years the instructors had to renew their teaching certificates.

Superintendent Nolan gave Blackburn the test himself, as was the custom. He asked a few questions and then gave him some words to spell. Finally he asked him to spell Joshua.

Spelled By Syllables

Blackburn spelled it by syllables, as all spellers in the early days did: "J-O-A-S-H (Josh) U-A (Josh-u-way).

Nolan was inpressed with his education. He called Calvin from the field where he was ploughing. When Calvin came he said, "Son, write Mr. Blackburn a certificate numbering it "first class" for his education far exceeded my expectation."

One of the first law offices in Harlan was built by Nathan Saylor on Central Street near the site of the Parks-Begley Clinic today. The frame building was once the office of W.F. Hall, one of Harlan's best known lawyers.

His office was later moved to the little frame building built by Mose W. Howard (father of Dr. E.M. Howard) on the cornor of Third and Clover Street.

Hall Elected Judge

Hall was elected to the office of Circuit Judge of Harlan County in the 90's. About 75 years ago when Hall was graduated from school, he wrote a speech which was given at the close of school. "Is Life Worth Living For?" was the title. In part, the speach is as follows:'Dear school mates, the time for our school to close has come, our deats in this school room will soon be vacant. No more shall we hear the gentle voice of our teacher, but may we still remember his kind services with feelings of lasting gratitude....

"And as these friendly associations we have so long enjoyed are soon to be severed may we kindly remember each other and ever keep in view that life is worth living for.

"The way seems clear, and the little boat that glides so gently upon the bosom of the stream of life, seems in after years like some beautiful and Fairy picture...There is the old home so plain, and the green grass growing upon the yard surrounded by beautiful and gentle voice of mother and the smile of father...

Destined To Decay

"But youth is destined to decay like spring flowers; and the foot prints of time will be stamped upon the brow and the flowers are passing away. The poet may sing of the beautiful and happy days of youth but he grows older while he sings.

"We are placed here in a busy world by a kind providence and awarded one life to live. Is this life worth living for? Surely it is. Dear school mates allow me to tell you that we are and what we make of ourselves will depend upon our own efforts and estimate we place upon our real worth.

picture...EARLY LAW OFFICE---One of the earliest law offices in Harlan is the one shown here of Judge W.F. Hall, Third Street. The house served as his law office for many years. The family home is in the background. Most of the early buildings had picket fences to keep out the cattle.

Sunday March 14, 1954

Volume 53 Number 59

Page 1

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