The Advocate clipping

Settle, Josiah Thomas, 1850-1915; African American lawyers; Memphis (Tenn.)

Josiah T. Settle is a lawyer at Memphis. Anybody who knows anything of the history of the Negro knows of Mr. Settle. After graduating from Howard he settled in Mississippi and became a leader at the bar and of political thought. He was a member of the legislature which elected Bruce a United States Senator. Gradually Mr. Settle gave up interests in the affairs of the State, finally moving to Memphis, just over the line. He has been the leader of the Tenth district since he located in Memphis. As a criminal lawyer Mr. Settle is justly famed. He, too, is a most eloquent man, perhaps as eloquent as men get to be. He is universally respected in the courts and throughout his section. His offices are on Main street, directly opposite the court house. His large practice is not confined to his people. He is retained by some of the leading white citizens. He is a learned as well as an eloquent lawyer, and men tell you with pride how he has gained victory on top of victory, and held his high place through all the years. Admiral Dewey, whom Mr. Settle once introduced to a Memphis audience, said the Memphian was the most eloquent speaker he had ever heard.