We thus complete our outline sketch of the professional, judicial, and political career of one of our most prominent and respected citizens. He came to the Bar of Cleveland before Cleveland was a city, and entered upon practice with that force and earnestness which were the ruling elements of his nature. He had able competitors, but he was a strong man amongst them. His promptness in the courts was proverbial. He was always ready, and if he granted indulgences he never asked for any. He was less given to books than his partner, Mr. Kelly, who was the student and chancery member of the firm, but in the ordinary departments of the common law and in criminal practice, he was always at home. He prepared his causes with the most thorough premeditation of the line of his own evidence, and of all the opposing evidence that could possibly be anticipated. Hence he moved with rapidity and precision, and was never taken by surprise. His arguments were not elaborate, or studied in point of finish, but they were strong, downright practical, and to the point. In this sense he was a fine and effective speaker to courts and juries. These same characteristics he exhibited upon the Bench. Hardy and vigorous in his perceptions and understanding--thoroughly versed and ready in the law of pleadings and evidence--bringing to bear on the civil code, the logical training of the common law system--his ten years of service as a judge were honorable to himself and valuable to the public. In all the phases of his career and life he has been thoroughly upright. Retired upon an ample fortune, amassed by forecast and business energy--fond of his home, and devoted with entire liberality to the education of his children--independent of office and in all other ways--strong and robust as ever in person and in mind--he is still a power in any direction wherever he chooses so to be. His broad, projecting brow, his direct and forcible speech and bearing, symbolize his character. They assure you of vital energy, strong, practical comprehension, directness and will. He may have more of the "_fortiter in re_" than of the "_suaviter in modo_" but all who know him have faith in his truth, implicit reliance upon the hearty fidelity of his friendships, and assurance, that he is always loyal to his convictions, both in public and in private life. James M. Hoyt. Several years since, the writer of this was in conversation with a poor man who had a hard struggle with misfortune and sickness in his attempt to rear a large family, and secure them a humble homestead. In the course of conversation the name of James M. Hoyt was mentioned, and the poor man was inquired of who that gentleman was. "Lawyer Hoyt?" he replied, "why he's the _honest lawyer_, God bless him!" He who could acquire this title among the poor must be no ordinary man. [Illustration: James M. Hoyt]