JUDGE JAMES H. FEE. – The present judge of the circuit court of the sixth judicial district, although having attained an eminent position is still a young man, having been born in Wisconsin in 1858. His early opportunities were of the best character. At the upper Iowa University of Fayetteville, and at Waterloo, Iowa, he laid the foundations of his education. Coming to California in 1873, he completed his course at San Jose’, and began the study of law, enjoying in his preparatory work the instructions of a priest of that city; and in 1880, at Walla Walla, he concluded his professional studies under T.J. Anders, of the law firm and Anders & Brents. In 1884 he came to Pendleton, and soon took a leading position in his profession. He so gained the confidence of the people, and gathered so much personal influence, that upon his nomination as judge of the sixth district, embracing six counties, – Union, Umatilla, Baker, Grant, Wallowa and Malheur, – although put forward as a Republican in a Democratic region, and running against a gentleman of deserved popularity, he received a majority of two hundred and ninety-eight. His associate is the able Judge L.B. Ison, of Baker City.
In political circles, Judge Fee holds an essential place, having been a delegate to the Republican state convention of 1888. He also was a delegate to the convention of the officers of the Oregon National Guard, and was elected as an officer in the militia. In his own city he shares the public responsibilities, having been chief of the fire department for the term ending in July, 1888. For a time he also was associated with J.D. Eddy on the Tribune, a paper of wide influence.
His wife, the daughter of Mr. Maney, a well-known pioneer of the Walla Walla valley, is a lady of culture, and is well known in social circles.
