As a lawyer Judge Akin was thoroughly equipped and alert; as a legislator he was a statesman and not a partisan; as a writer he was clear, beautiful and concise; as an orator direct and forceful; and, as a friend, loyal all the time and everywhere. Having identified himself in early life with the Church, he actively supported it to the end, and the cause of education received at his home and throughout the State his wise and valuable championship.

The qualities which tied men to him personally bound his own family to him in the sweetest bonds, and perhaps he set no greater example than in the establishment and maintenance of a beautiful home, the bedrock of civilization. He was married May 18th, 1882, in Cartersville, Ga., to Miss Frances Johnson, daughter of Col. Abda Johnson of that city. She and their three daughters survive him. On October 18th, 1907, he died at home in Cartersville, just a few hours after the painless and sudden death of his noble mother, and their bodies were laid away in the earth on the same day, each of them receiving the highest honors of burial. Subsequently his wife gave five thousand dollars to the English department of the Emory College library as a memorial of her husband, and the authorities of the college have caused to be placed upon the walls of the library a marble tablet, fittingly inscribed, in commemoration of his distinguished services to Church and State. The last line engraved on this tablet may appropriately close this notice of his life "Transeat in exemplum."

R. J. Bioham.

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&lexanber lawton Miller.

LEXANDER LAWTON MILLER is regarded as one

of the State's foremost lawyers. He began the practice of his profession at Perry. From the very beginning of his career he had the confidence and patronage of his community because of his strong character and his devotion to his profession, coupled with his painstaking investigation and the successful management of the cases committed to him.

Mr. Miller had most helpful environment during his youth. He was born November 6, 1848, near Augusta, into a cultured family. His father, Jonathan M. Miller, was an intelligent and successful planter.

Mr. Miller spent his early life upon his father's farm and did all kinds of farm work. His father's means were ample and he had all the needed advantages for his early training. He attended the country schools of his neighborhood, and in 1869 he was graduated with distinction from South Carolina College. He read law at Perry, Ga., with Col. C. C. Duncan, and was admitted to the bar at the spring term of Houston Superior Court in 1871. He later took a course at law in the summer law school of the University of Virginia.

He entered upon his professional life fairly well prepared mentally. The training received during his college course and his natural fondness for study and investigation soon made him a reputation in his profession. He was chosen to represent Houston county in the Legislature from 1876 to 1882 and, as in his profession, he went at once to prominent leadership in the House. Mr. Miller did not seek so much to inaugurate new policies or to enact new laws, but he made it his special

business to defeat hurtful legislation and to prevent the repeal of that which was good. This incurred much arduous detail service not sought by many legislators, as it compels opposition to many measures that endanger individual popularity. Mr. Miller did not seek such leadership as is found in the chairmanship of committees. Indeed he avoided such position so that he might be left entirely free to advocate or oppose measures as he saw fit. His attention was given in a general way more especially to matters considered by the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He was always, by his own choice, a member of these two committees. His record for untiring devotion to duty and intelligent discrimination, won for him as a legislator thc general recognition of his powers by his colleagues, as he won the appreciation of the people through his advocacy of such measures only as looked to the highest public good.

Mr. Miller has vigorous intellect, clear conception and untiring energy in the prosecution of his purposes. He masters difficulties with unusual ease and presents his views with distinctness, clearness and force. As an advocate he makes no claims to oratory. He speaks very deliberately, using the choicest English without strained effort at rhetorical flourish or useless ornamentation. He deals in argument, handling logically the facts in the matters he presents. His success has been largely built upon his sound common sense. These elements, coupled with his attractive personality, command attention and secure conviction in debate, and oftentimes he gains his end because of his high character and his known loyalty to the truth.

From 1882 to 1887 he was a member of the Capitol Commission, appointed to erect the new capitol. In this relation he rendered valuable assistance in the counsels of the commission.

He was appointed by Governor Gordon, Judge of the County Court of Houston county from 1887 to 1890. Again in 1890 he was appointed by Governor Gordon, Judge of the Superior

Courts of the Macon circuit. He resigned this position in 1893 to enter again upon the practice of his profession. He was the partner of Hon. A. O. Bacon until Mr. Bacon's election to the United States Senate. Judge Miller's administration of the business of the courts was characterized by despatch, firmness and absolute impartiality as between both lawyers and litigants. His sense of justice is acute and strong. His jury charges were masterful presentations of duty and law.

Upon the death of Hon. Washington Dessau, Judge Miller was unanimously elected to the presidency of the Macon Bar Association. He does not devote himself exclusively to his profession, or his personal business, but he takes prominent part in whatever most concerns the community, the State and the nation. He is always prominent in political conventions called to shape the public policy, but he seems to have no desire for personal preferment. Public office comes to him, if at all, through the insistence and urgency of his constituents, and not because of his seeking.

Judge Miller is a strong advocate for the education of the people to the end that they may be better citizens, and the State and the nation strengthened thereby. He has been a member of the board of education for Bibb county since 1890. This board has built up one of the best systems in the State. The methods pursued and the plans developed have been adopted by other localities throughout the South.

Judge Miller has always been a Democrat and a strong factor in the support of the policies of his party.

Judge Miller was made Chairman of the State Democratic Convention that nominated Hon. Hoke Smith for the office of Governor of the State and ex-offieio Chairman of the State Democratic Committee. His splendid executive ability eminently fitted him for these high places. He has just begun (1908) hit term as Mayor of the city of Macon, strongly endorsed by a

most gratifying support. His administration promises well for the betterment of all community interests. Judge Miller has unusual administrative ability as demonstrated during his terms as Judge of the Superior Courts of the Macon circuit, and his remarkable success in this relation made him much in demand by his fellow citizens where executive control is needed.

He married Miss Katherine H. Hurt, October 26, 1876. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living.

He believes the best life must be based upon hard work, good habits and plenty of sleep, and generous consideration for other people. W. J. NORTHEN.