JUDGE JAMES A. CREIGHTON. One of the conspicuous figures in the legal ranks in Springfield is the gentleman above named. Although his residence does not extend over so long a period as that of some lawyers of note, it has been sufficient to show to the people the keenness of his mind, the depth of his legal knowledge and zeal. In June, 1885, he was elected Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Illinois and has held the office continuously since that time. On the bench he is calm, dispassionate, careful in consideration of all that bears upon his decisions, and gives no uncertain tone to his conclusions.

The natal day of Judge Creighton was March 7, 1846, and his birthplace White County. He was a lad seven years old when his parents removed to Wayne County and there he lived on a farm until grown to manhood. He attended the common schools, then the graded school in Fairfield one year, and still later pursued his studies in the Southern Illinois College, Salem, from which institution he was graduated in 1868 at the age of twenty-two years, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Adopting teaching as a temporary occupation while pursuing the study of the law, Mr. Creighton was Principal of the public school at Grayville one year and of that at Fairfield an equal length of time.

During this period, Mr. Creighton was reading law and in June, 1870, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court. He opened an office in Fairfield and traveled a portion of the adjoining circuits. May 1, 1877, he removed to Springfield, forming a partnership with the Hon. Alfred Orendorff, of this city. This connection continued until our subject was elected to the honorable position he now occupies. Mr. Creighton has given close attention to his professional duties, and recently to those of official life, continuing the habit of study formed in youth and necessary to the proper remembrance of the precedents established under the great principles of law and equity.

The estimable lady who had charge of the household affairs in the dwelling of Judge Creighton bore the maiden name of Mary C. Newman and became his wife in Fairfield, January 1, 1871. She is a daughter of John T. and Elizabeth Orrilla (Thrall) Newman, from whom she received loving and wise care. To Mr. and Mrs. Creighton four children have come - Ada, Edna, Eva and John Thrall. None who know the parents will doubt that the children are receiving every possible advantage of education and culture, and being prepared to take their places as honored and useful members of the community.

The father of Judge Creighton was born in White County in 1821 and christened John M. Mary A. Crews, who became his wife, was born in Wayne County in 1827, and our subject is therefore among the oldest if not the oldest citizen of the State, whose parents were both born herein. The parental family includes Jacob R., an attorney in Fairfield; Joseph C., State's Attorney of Christian County; Charles E., a Methodist minister; Milton, a lawyer; John and Thomas, farmers in Wayne County; and Martha J., wife of Dr. Borah, a physician and planter of Baldwin, La. Jacob is a prominent politician and during the last campaign was candidate on the Democratic ticket for Attorney General of the State.

Judge Creighton is descended from Southern families and in the paternal line traces his ancestry back to Scotland, although his progenitors lived for two generations in Ireland prior to coming to this country. Grandfather Joseph Creighton was born in South Carolina and came to this State in 1816, locating in White County. He was the son of John Creighton, who came from Ireland with his wife, bringing some means and becoming a planter in Dover District, sixty miles from Charleston. Grandfather James Crews was a native of Virginia and came to this State 1817, locating in what is now Wayne County. Both grandfathers of our subject were farmers and preachers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. John Creighton reared eight sons, six of whom with the most of their descendants remained in the Southern States, while others being scattered in the North and West.

While living in Fairfield, Wayne County, Judge Creighton was City Attorney and member of the City Board of Trustees and County Board of Supervisors. In this county, prior to his election as Judge he served one term as member of the Board of Supervisors and was Chairman of the Finance Committee. In politics Judge Creighton adheres to the principles of Democracy and has served the party interests as Chairman of the County Central Committee for two years in succession. He has not cared to devote much time to politics but is always on hand to cast his vote for the candidates in whose hands he believes the welfare of the land will be safe. Judge Creighton belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, and to St. Paul's Lodge, No. 500, F. & A.M., in this city. His church membership is in the Methodist Episcopal denomination and his standing in the society is assured.