As a lawyer, he was quick in perception, sound in judgment, fluent and ornate in speech, and of rare coolness and self-command.
Of the lawyers who have passed away within the last decade, none stood higher in general estimation than Amherst Wight, Jr., of Port Chester. The son of Amherst Wight, who for sixty years was a member of the New York City bar, and in his prime a very prominent lawyer, he may be said to have in-
THE BENCH AND BAR.
herited his fondness for the legal profession and his ability in its practice. The father, Amherst Wight, Sr., was a graduate of Amherst College, and belonged to an old Massachusetts family. He married Johanna Bonnett, who belonged to an old and distinguished New York City family. The son, Amherst Wight, Jr., was born in New York City, August 15, 1828. He attended a jirivate school to his thirteenth year and then went into his father's law-office. The father was an eminent scholar, learned not only in law, but in general studies as well, and he gave his personal attention to his son's education. Under the tuition of the father, the son in time became a ripe scholar and acquired a liberal education.
In 1855 the son was admitted to the bar in New York City. In April, 185(5, he married Adele Griswold, a daughter of Daniel S. Griswold, of that city. The father and son entered into a law partnership under the name of Amherst Wight & Sou, and practiced in New York City. The firm did a large business, especially in real estate law.