Edward J. Pringle

Edward J. Pringle, a prominent member of the San Francisco bar, and an old and honored citizen, was born in the city of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1826.  His parents were of Scotch descent, and came to South Carolina during the seventeenth century.  His grandfather studied law at the "Temple" in London, England, and in 1808 was offered by Mr. Jefferson the position of Attorney General of the United States.

     The subject of this sketch received his preparatory education in his native State, after which he entered Harvard College, and graduated in 1845.  Among his classmates were Justice Horace Gray, of the Supreme Court, Hon. John B. Felton and Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts.  After graduating, Mr. Pringle studied law in his native city, and after his admission to the bar went abroad and spent some time in Europe.  After his return he and John B. Felton, his former classmate, determined to come to the Pacific coast. Mr. Pringle came by way of the Isthmus of Nicaragua, arriving December 31, 1853.  Mr. Pringle did not follow the throng to the mines, nor did he devote any time to speculation, but began with the new year the practice of law.  Two months later, on the first of March, the law firm of Pringle & Felton was organized, and later the firm became Whitcomb, Pringle & Felton, and subsequently Pringle & Hayne.  This firm continued until Mr. Hayne was elected to the Superior Bench; and since that time Mr. Pringle has been alone in practice.  He is one of the oldest members of the bar, and has had a large and successful experience in land litigation, has conducted many important Spanish grant cases, and has an enviable reputation in the profession.  While taking an interest in and supporting good government, he has never sought for himself political preferment, devoting his time and energies to his profession.

     Mr. Pringle was married to Miss Johnson, a daughter of Hon. Sydney L.  Johnson, a prominent member of the bar and a noted linguist.  In his youth he was an instructor in the navy, and was assigned to the Mediterranean Squadron.  Mr. and Mrs. Pringle have seven children, five sons and two daughters.

 

Transcribed 9-7-04  Marilyn R. Pankey