Charles Perry Gregory arrived in Stillwater, Minnesota in 1874 and began practicing law. Two years later he was elected the first judge of the municipal court of the city, and known thereafter as "Judge C. P. Gregory." He served one term on the bench, several years as city attorney and in the early 1880s two terms in the state house of representatives. He died on March 19, 1893, at age forty-five. Several weeks later, in memorial services in district court for the county bar association, he was recalled:
"On the bench he displayed a rare perception of legal principles, and a profound knowledge of law, and with a preeminently judicial mind he administered justice honestly and absolutely, without fear or favor. As a legislator he was prominent and one of the leading members of the body to which he belonged, and on all important matters coming before that body his counsel was sought and his opinions valued and respected.
"As a lawyer he possessed a rare faculty of applying legal principles to the case in hand, a great ability in presenting both law and facts to court or jury. He arrived at conclusions only after patient and thorough investigation. In his convictions he was earnest and honest. He was fearless in the expression of his opinions and when in error he was readily convinced and frankly, often voluntarily, acknowledged it. In his practice his word was always respected and when once given was never broken.
"As a citizen he was an honest man and a most excellent neighbor, and in his death the community has lost an able counselor, a brilliant advocate and one who at all times had the best interests of the community in which he lived, at heart, and who was always ready and willing to defend and sustain the rights of all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he lived."
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