History of Oakland County Michigan a narrative account of its historic progress, its people, its principal interests / compiled from the official records of the county, the newspapers and data of personal interviews, under the editorial supervision of Thaddeus D. Seeley.

166

HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY

in 1825 and settled in what was over two years later organized into
the township of Farmington, and in March, 1830, he was admitted to
practice his profession of law in the courts of Oakland county. His
location in Farmington at that time was not remarkably favorable for
a very extensive practice, yet, being a well educated and well read lawyer, he secured his share of business. Mr. Warner, after more than
twenty years' residence in the county, and being over sixty years of
age, died in Farmington on the 5th of March, I846, honored and respected.
"Isaac Stetson, a lawyer who had practiced in Indiana and other
states, was admitted in 1830. Nothing more is known of him here.
"In October, 1832, John Goodrich was admitted, and he died in September, I838.
"In October, 1833, Henry S. Cole was admitted, but nothing further
appears relative to him.
"Randolph Manning was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, May I9,
I804. He studied the profession of law in the city of New York, and
in 1832 he.came to Michigan and commenced the practice of his chosen
profession in Pontiac. He was careful and studious, persistent and
energetic, and his ability at once gave him a standing of the first rank
among the attorneys of Michigan. He was prominent in all the undertakings for the improvement and advancement of his selected residence,
and for over thirty years after coming to Michigan he filled some of
the most important judicial positions. We first ascertain that in 1835,
when the question of the admission of Michigan into the Union was
being agitated, he was elected one of the delegates to the convention
at Ann Arbor to form the constitution and was placed upon the judiciary
committee. Among his associates were such men as Ross Wilkins,
William Woodbridge, Isaac E. Crary and Robert McClelland, historic
characters. Mr. Manning was elected a senator from the county of
Oakland and the territory attached, embracing the upper peninsula,
holding the office for only one session. February, 1838, he was appointed
secretary of state, an office he held for two years. The judiciary system under the constitution of 1835 embraced a court of chancery. Mr.
Manning was appointed chancellor in 1842, an office which he resigned
in I846.
"Walker's Chancery Reports contain Chancellor Manning's opinions
while holding his office, and they are a fitting memorial of his capacity,
industry and conscientiousness; and although nearly sixty years have
elapsed since these opinions were given, they are still cited with great
approbation. As chancellor he was ex-officio a member of the Board
of Regents. Mr. Manning was a reporter of the decisions of the supreme
court, commencing with the January term of 1847, and ending with
October, 1850. He was also a member of the State Board of Education
in I849. When the present supreme court was organized in 1857, Mr.
Manning was elected one of the judges, taking his seat January i, I858,
and when the respective judges drew for their term, Mr. Manning's
was for four years. He was reelected in I86I for a second term of
eight years. For several years before his death he was a sufferer from
heart disease, but his condition was not considered precarious. On the