The first judge, elected under this law in the 1st judicial circuit, was HON. DAVID MEADE WOODSON, who was elected in Sept., 1848, and commissioned on the 4th of Dec., of the same year. He performed the duties of this responsible office so unpartially, and to the satisfaction of the people, that he was twice re-elected to the position, holding the same for 18 successive years, and declined the tendered nomination for a fourth term in 1867.

Hon. David Meade Woodson, late judge of the 1st judicial circuit in the state of Illinois, was born in Jessamine county, Ky., May 18, 1806. He was a son of Samuel H. Woodson, an eminent lawyer of that state. David received his education at the classical schools near Lexington, and at Transylvania University, and at the age of 17 began the study of law under one of the professors of that institution. He finished the term in his father's office, but in 1827 his father died, and the care of a large and complicated estate, and that of a mother and 7 minor children, devolved upon him and his brother, so he was compelled to give up his profession for the time being. In 1832 he was elected to the legislature over a large democratic majority, and there case one of the votes which sent Henry Clay to the U. S. senate. He was the youngest member in the legislature. Oct. 6, 1832, he was married to Lucy McDowell, daughter of Maj. John McDowell, of Fayette county, Ky. In the fall of 1833 h3 came to Illinois and selected Carrollton as his future home. Here he practiced law in partnership with Charles D. Hodges, for 14 years, and in 1848 was elected to a judgeship. In 1835 he returned to Kentucky and spent another session in Transylvania University, where he graduated with honor. In Aug., 1836, his wife died in Kentucky. She left one child - now the Hon. John M. Woodson, of St. Louis. On Nov. 1, 1838, he was again married to Julia Kennett, daughter of Dixon H. Kennett. They had one daughter - now the wife of H. C. Withers, late partner of her father. In the legislature of 1838-39, he was elected to the office of state's attorney, to fill a vacancy. He continued in this office until 1840, when he was elected by the people of Greene county to the legislature, over a democratic majority of from 400 top 500 - a flattering success. In 1843 he was nominated to a seat in congress, but was unsuccessful on account of the popularity of his opponent, Stephen A. Douglas. In 1847 he was elected to the convention called to amend the constitution, and did all in his power to oppose the result of the convention, which was degrading of the primary law of our state. He then devoted himself to his profession until 1848, when he was elected circuit judge, and filled the position with ability and impartially until 1867, when he again engaged in practicing law. He was again elected to the legislature on the democratic ticket, in 1868, thus showing the popularity and estimation in which he was held, both personally and politically. Judge Woodson died in 1877.