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this behalf it is not necessary for us to speak, for it is known and appreciated by this entire community. He studied law and was admitted to the McLean county bar in 1858, and soon thereafter entered upon the practice of his profession at Metamora, then the seat of government of Wood- ford county. He was not long in winning a place in the front ranks of a bar distinguished for the number of its able men. It was here that he met Judge Eichmond, Judge Barns, Judge Read and ADLAI EWING STEVENSON 59 many others of equal ability. It was here too, that he met Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, the greatest wit and orator of his time, and a friendship was formed between them which ended only in the latter 's death. Mr. Stevenson's scholarly attainments, his thorough knowl- edge of the law and above all his kindness of heart and genial social disposition, brought him both business and friends. He was soon recognized as the most popular young man in that sec- tion of the state and public office came to him apparently with- out effort. He was appointed Master in Chancery and later was elected State 's Attorney of his Judicial District and the able and faithful manner in which he discharged the duties of these im- portant positions was the subject of private and public comment long after he left the county. His increasing knowledge of the law, his growing business, and above all his expanding intellect caused him to seek a wider field for the exercise of his genius and in 1868 he returned to