Sonoma County Biography
Judge Jackson Temple
The name of Temple needs no introduction to the people of Sonoma county, for the strong and admirable characteristics of Judge Temple are rooted in the pioneer upbuilding of the state, and in the legal profession, of which he was a brilliant member, his accomplishments are a part of the history of the commonwealth. The surroundings of his boyhood had much to do with formulating those high principles of honor and uprightness which actuated his ever undertaking, no less than did the fine traits of character bequeathed to him by a long line of New England ancestors. He was born in Franklin county, Mass., August 11, 1827, and passed away in San Francisco December 24, 1901. While he was quite a small boy the home of the family was removed from Franklin county to Berkshire county, Mass., and it was in the latter locality that he first attended school, there laying the splendid foundation upon which was later built the fine superstructure of his legal and all-around general knowledge. After graduating from the grammar school he completed his general t raining in Williams College, which institution he entered at the age of seventeen years. In the meantime he had decided upon the legal profession as his future course in life and immediately after his graduation from college he went to Newark, N. J., and began the study of law in the office of Judge Whitehead. Subsequently, in order to provide the means with which to further prosecute his legal studies, he taught a Latin and grammar class in a young man’s boarding school in Monmouth, after which he took up his studies in the law school of Yale College.
A turning point in the life of the young law student came in the spring of 1853, when he determined to seek his fortune in California. He arrived in San Francisco on April 15, 1853, having made the journey by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and after remaining in the metropolis for a few months, in October came to Vallejo township, Sonoma county, where a brother owned and managed a ranch. After remaining on the ranch for about a year he removed to Petaluma and opened his first office for the practice of his profession. This was a memorable time in the history of Sonoma county, the year 1855 being especially memorable for the heated contest that was waged as to the location of the county-seat. Up to this time Sonoma had the honor of administering the affairs of the county, but by a majority of the voters it was decided to remove the seat of government to Santa Rosa. The change was made that year and Santa Rosa has since continued to be the county-seat. It was about this time that Mr. Temple removed to this town and formed a partnership with Judge William Ross, an association that lasted two years, when, in 1857, he became associated with ex-County Judge Charles P. Wilkins. This partnership continued until 1860, after which, until 1867, Mr. Temple was associated in practice with Judge A. Thomas. In the year last mentioned Mr. Temple removed to San Francisco and became associated with H. H. Haight, but the co-partnership was shortly afterward dissolved owing to Mr. Haight’s election to the governorship of the state. After the latter assumed the duties of the gubernatorial chair he was able to be of assistance to his recent friend and partner, through a vacancy in the supreme court being able to appoint him judge of this august body. Judge Temple fulfilled the duties of the high position to which he had been assigned with marked ability, gaining a reputation as a jurist which had not been equaled by any of his predecessors, nor has it been surpassed by any of his worthy successors.
Upon the expiration of his term of office Judge Temple resumed the practice of law with his former partner, Governor Haight, an association which continued until 1875, when the ill-health of Mrs. Temple made a change of climate necessary. It was this circumstance that brought Judge Temple to Santa Rosa, and here he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life.
By act of the legislature, in March, 1876, the Twenty-second judicial district was created, made up from the wealthy and populous counties of Sonoma, Mendocino and Marin. The then governor, William Irvin, honored Judge Temple with the position of judge in the new district, a recognition of his ability again placing him in a position which he was eminently qualified to fill. No better proof of his ability could be given than in saying that at the expiration of his first term he was unanimously elected his own successor at the regular judicial election, this election being for a term of six years. He had served two years when the new constitution was adopted. Under its provision the courts were reorganized, the county and district courts were abolished and superior courts created. This change meant even greater honors for Judge Temple, being nominated for superior judge by the Democratic party and receiving the largest number of votes of any candidate on the county ticket.
Thus far reference has been made to Judge Temple’s legal ability and legal associations only. However, his reading and study extended into all branches of learning, being thoroughly informed on matters in standard and current literature. If he had a hobby outside of his profession it might be said to be the study of political economy, a science in which h e was exceedingly well versed. Judge Temple was a man of varied talents, finely equipped for the practice of his profession. Well-grounded in the fundamental principles of the law, his extended experience enabled him to gain a mastery over the intricacies of its practice which gave him a position among the most successful contemporaries in the state. Logical in argument, keen in debate, eloquent in his addresses before the jury, and, withal, a man of unimpeachable integrity, he gained a distinction which few attain. Broad-minded, liberal and possessing great utility, he made an indelible impress upon the progress of events in California.
Judge Temple was married June 3, 1868, to Christie H. Hood, who was born in New Zealand and was a niece of William Hood, a pioneer owner of the Rancho Los Guilicos, which occupied the whole of Los Guilicos valley. Mrs. Temple died July 1, 1903, leaving the following children: Thurlow; Dr. Jackson Temple, city health officer of Santa Rosa; Mrs. P. D. Clary and Miss Rosamond Temple, of Santa Rosa; Mrs. Fred Keeling, of Vancouver, B. C.; and Mrs. A. W. McLeod, of New Westminster, B. C.
History
of Sonoma County, California
History by Tom Gregory : Historic Record Company, 1891
Los Angeles, Ca. 1911
Transcribed by Roberta Hester Leatherwood
May 7, 2011 Pages 684-686
Sonoma County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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