Hiram Denio

     Hiram Denio was born May 21, 1799 in Rome, NY to Israel and Esther Robbins Denio. He attended Fairfield Academy in Fairfield, NY. Hiram Denio first studied law under Judge Joshua Hathaway in Rome. He also studied under Henry R. Storrs in Whitesboro, NY. Mr. Denio was admitted to the bar in 1821. He opened a private practice in Rome. In 1825 Hiram Denio was appointed as Oneida County District Attorney he served until 1833. During his time as DA he moved his office from Rome to Utica. During his tenure he was engaged in a practice with E.A Wetmore in Utica.

    Ward Hunt (who later became a justice of the US Supreme Court and is also buried in Forest Hill Cemetery) said of Hiram Denio:

"in every criminal case, he was thoroughly prepared, both on the law and the facts. His indictments were accurately drawn, and always stood the test of criticism. He tried his cases with zeal and vigor. Indeed it was sometimes said he sought convictions with too much earnestness. But he never asked a conviction unless satisfied of a prisoner's guilt. Being so satisfied, he seldom failed to impress his conviction upon the jury. Culprits complained, but the public were content."

    Hiram Denio married Mary Ann H. Pitkin in 1829. They had three children Mary, Elizabeth and a son who died in infancy. 

    In 1834 Hiram Denio was appointed Circuit Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit and Vice Chancellor. Four years into his term he had to resign because of illness. After he resigned Hiram Denio formed a law firm with Ward Hunt. Judge Denio also served as Bank Commissioner from 1838 to 1840.

    Hiram Denio was clerk of the of the State Supreme Court from 1845 to 1847. He published 31 volumes of law reports. In 1852 he worked with William Tracy in editing a two volume edition of the Revised Statues of New York. Hiram Denio argued 14 cases in the Court of Appeals (which was newly created), he win 8 and lost 6. 

    In June 1853 Hiram Denio was appointed by Governor Horatio Seymour (also buried in Forest Hill Cemetery) to a vacancy on the Court of Appeals. He was elected for the remainder of the term in November 1853. In November 1857 Hiram Denio was elected for a full eight year term. He served as Chief Judge in 1856, 1857 and again from Jul 1, 1862 to Dec 31, 1865 (when his tenure ended)

    Hiram Denio was a trustee of Hamilton College. He received his LL.D from Madison College, now Colgate University.

    Judge Hiram Denio passed away on November 5, 1871 at his home in Utica. He and Mary Ann are buried in Plot 9 Lot 8 of Forest Hill Cemetery. 

 


 


 


    

Location: 2201 Oneida St, Utica, NY 13501, USA

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