Waldo Coburn
(1824 - 1885)
Page 829, #2080
Judge WALDO COLBURN, son of Thatcher Colburn and Mehitable Cleveland, graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., 1842, in English Dep. and Teachers’ Seminary, and 1845 Classical Department. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1850. Was a civil engineer to 1847.
Entered law office of Ira Cleveland, Dedham, May 13, 1847, studied diligently, admitted to the bar May 3, 1850, and commenced law practice in Dedham, where he always resided. He soon took a leading position at the bar, and continued to practice until May 27, 1875. He was appointed May 27, 1875, by Gov. William Gaston, one of the justices of the Superior Court, a position virtually thrust upon him, as he knew nothing of the intention of the Governor to appoint him until confirmed by the Council. Of his appointment a writer says
:” The comprehensive knowledge of affairs, the wisdom, tact, and ability, the legal cuIture and judicial grasp of mind displayed by Judge Colburn clothe his appointment to the bench of the Superior Court with special fitness and propriety, and make it one of culture and judicial grasp of mind displayed by Judge Colburn clothe his appointment to the bench of the Superior Court with special fitne the salutary acts of Gov. Gaston’s administration.”
November 10, 1882, he was commissioned by Gov. Long as a justice of the Supreme Court, which he occupied the remainder of his life. A leader of the Suffolk bar said : “Judge Colburn is one of the ablest, most successful, and popular judges in the commonwealth.”
Although never an active politician he has always labored to advance the interests of Dedham and filled many positions of trust and responsibility in the town. Was chairman of Board of Selectmen, assessors and overseers of poor of Dedham, 1855 to 1864. Was member Legislature, 1853-4, Chairman of Com. on religious societies, and of Com. on railroads.
He opposed loaning the state’s credit to the Hoosac Tunnel scheme. Was State Senator from 2d Norfolk District, 1870, was on Judiciary Committee, had charge of drafting the corporation act, was several years candidate of Democrats for attorney general.
Was Pres. of Dedham Institution for Savings, a director in Dedham National Bank. He was a kind and beneficent neighbor and friend, a learned and upright judge, and one of Massachusetts’ most honored citizens.
Judge Colburn, our valued correspondent, took great interest in this work, and we are delighted that his family have contributed his portrait. His widow resides at Dedham.