At that time the Judicial District in which Tarrant county was a part
included the counties of Denton, Parker, Wise and Dallas. Hon. Hardin
Hart was District Judge. He was an appointee of Edward J. Davis and was
not very popular with the bar or the people. He was about as rough a
specimen of the genus homo as ever graced the bench. His habits were
said not to be very exemplary and this contributed to his unpopularity.
He was accustomed to use the vernacular of the bar-room and the poker
game. At one time J. C. Terrell proposed to amend his pleadings and the
Judge responded, "Now, Joe, you know you can't raise at this stage of
the game. Gause stands pat on his general denial and you will have to
call or lay down your hand."
He did not hold in very high regard the rules of the Higher Courts or
their decisions. On one occasion when James H. Field was arguing a case,
the Judge interrupted him and proceeded to render an adverse decision.
Field, opening a law book said, "If your Honor please, the Supreme Court
says"; Field was not permitted to tell the bench what the Supreme Court
said. Interrupting him, the Judge announced, "Well, let the Supreme
Court say it agin, if it wants to." It was stated that his rulings were
usually correct, notwithstanding his manner of delivering them.
At the March term, 1873, of the District Court, C. C. Cummings, B. B.
Paddock and Mr. Albritton were admitted to the bar. The latter was
easily the brightest and best of these, but he could not stand the
pressure of the hard times that soon set in and left the city, going to
San Diego. Cummings and Paddock are the only surviving members of the
bar at that time. Major J. J. Jarvis is a close second, he having come
to this city in April and formed a partnership with John Peter Smith.