bram Adams Hammond, who succeeded to the governorship on the death of A. P. Willard, by virtue of his office of lieutenant governor, was a native of Vermont, born in the town of Brattleboro, March 21, 1814. He came to Indiana when six years of age, and was raised near Brookville, where he began the study of law in the office of John Ryman, a lawyer of note in that town. He was admitted to the bar in 1835, moved to Columbus, Bartholomew County, in 1840, where he was afterward chosen prosecuting attorney, an office that he filled with more than ordinary ability. In 1864, he became a resident of Indianapolis, and the following year removed to Cincinnati. Ohio. He returned to Indianapolis in 1849, and in 1850 was chosen first judge of the common pleas court of Marion County. In 1852, he immigrated to California, and for some time practiced his profession in San Francisco. He soon returned to his adopted state, locating in Terre Haute, where he resided until his election as lieutenant governor in 1852. He made a most excellent presiding officer of the senate, his rulings being so fair and his decisions so just that even his political opponents bestowed encomiums upon him. On the death of Governor Willard, in 1860, Mr. Hammond became governor, and as such served with dignity until the inauguration of Governor Lane, In January 1861. Governor A. A. Hammond was not a showy man, but he was an able one. He possessed an analytic and logical mind, and was remarkably clear in stating his positions when drawing conclusions. When in his prime he was a fine specimen of physical manhood. He was of medium height, compactly built, and of dark complexion. His head was large and well shaped, while the expression of his countenance was mild and gentle. Frank in manners, honorable in his dealings, and dignified in his deportment, he commanded the esteem of all with whom he came in contact.