C. C. Langdell, Iconoclast
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The University heaped its honors upon him. His A.B. had long ago been given him, as of the class of 1851. He was simultaneously distinguished with the LL.D. of both Harvard and Beloit. He was created emeritus professor upon his retirement in 1900. Three years later the Langdell Professorship of Law was endowed—the only chair named for a member of the University while still living. The vast and stately building, begun before his death for the School and its priceless library, was gratefully called Langdell Hall.
And quietly as he had lived he passed away, July 6, 1906, his great work done, and Harvard lost one of the most potent and daring innovators of its history.[1]
- ↑ The official data for this sketch can easily be found in the printed reports and catalogues. See also Ames’s article in The Centennial History of the Harvard Law School. The intimate and personal materials I obtained immediately after Professor Langdell’s death from John Noble (A.B 1850), his fellow student at Exeter, S. A. Green (A B. 1861), his classmate at Harvard, J. B. Warner (A B. 1870), one of his first pupils, J. J. Myers (A.B 1869), another pupil and one of the private tutors referred to in the text, J. C. Gray (A.B. 1859), one of his earliest and longest coadjutors at the School, J. H. Choate (A.B. 1852), his contemporary at the New York bar, and others similarly well qualified. I have also made use of manuscript notes on Langdell’s first years at the School, prepared by Professor Emory Washburn and now in my possession. Asa near neighbor and friend of the family, and as one who was fortunate enough to have the unforgettable privilege of sitting under Langdell’s instruction, I the more gladly pay this tribute to the memory of & great man.
