Solomon Lewis Withey was born at St. Albans, Vt., April 21, 1820. There he received the education of the common district schools of the time, and spent a brief period at the academy at St. Albans village. In 1836 the family came to Michigan and Lewis spent about a year as clerk in the mercantile business at Chatham, Canada and Ann Arbor, Mich. In the spring of 1837 he visited his father at Grand Rapids; then went to Ohio, and pursued his school studies again at Cuyahoga Falls Institute, returning here in August 1838. During his first winter here he taught a select school on Kent street between Bronson and Bridge streets.

In the fall of 1839 Mr. Withey entered the office of Rathbone & Martin as a law student. That office was in a small building on Lyon street, a little east of where the Eagle building now is, and with an addition of one story the building is still there, and of late years has been used for a paint shop. When the late James M. Nelson was appointed Postmaster, in 1841, young Withey was clerk in the post office. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1843, and the following year formed a co-partnership with John Ball, in law practice, under the firm name of Ball and Withey, which was afterward joined by George Martin, with whom he had pursued his studies and who subsequently became Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court.

Afterward, Mr. Withey was associated at various times with Sargent, E.S. Eggleston, and Judge Gray, in a very successful law practice. In 1848 he was elected Probate Judge for Kent county, which position he filled for four years. In 1860 he was chosen State Senator and served one term. In 1867 he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention, and in 1873 was one of the eighteen Commissioners appointed by the Governor for revising the State Constitution.

In 1863 he was appointed by President Lincoln Judge of the United States Court for the Western District of Michigan, which position he held and filled with honor and distinction to the close of his life. On that bench he made a National as well as State reputation, as an able, dignified and courteous Judge, his decisions being generally so fair as to command the approval of the higher National courts. Several times he was called to preside in other districts and States at Detroit, Cleveland and Memphis.

Judge Withey's grandfather was a Scotchman by birth, and served in our Revolutionary War. His father was Gen. Solomon Withey, well remembered by early settlers of this valley, who died in 1851 at Ada, in this county. Dec. 24, 1846, S.L. Withey married Marion L., daughter of Myron and Emily (Kellogg) Hinsdill, who came hither from Hinesburgh, Vermont, who survives him. He leaves five children, Lewis, H., Edward W., Chester H., Eleanor M., and Charles S. He, with his wife, joined the First Congregational Church of Grand Rapids in 1848, of which they have continued members.

Judge Withey was eminently a model man in his social relations, as a husband and father, and a highly prized citizen. Today the community mourns for him, and flags are at half mast out of respect for the departed. He went to California some four months ago, in the hope of recruiting his health, which had been precarious for some time previous. But instead comes the end provided for all.

His son Chester H., at Park City, Utah, we are informed, has been telegraphed to join the family at San Diego, from whence it is the intention to bring the remains home for burial. They will probably arrive here in about ten days.

GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Monday, 26 April 1886, p.3

There is a general expression of deep sympathy heard from citizens in general over the sad news of the death of Judge Solomon L. Withey. Members of the bar with whom he was intimately associated are profoundly shocked.

Judge R.M. Montgomery was seen by an Eagle reporter just as he was about to adjourn court out of respect to the honored deceased. “We all feel very sad to hear this news. Every member of the bar feels it as a personal affliction.”

Ex Judge J.W. Stone: “I am busy and could not in my haste collect my thoughts to express to you how deeply I deplore the fact of Judge Withey’s death.”

Judge Parrish: “I was trying a case in court and was astounded when Hon. L. D. Norris arose and asked an adjournment out of respect to Judge Withey. I had not heart of it, and I was as much surprised as I now feel grieved. I knew Judge Withey well and was very intimately associated with him for thirteen years. Our relations were very warm and cordial. I believe that every member of the bar will join in an expression of tender sympathy.”

Hon. J.W. Champlin: “A most exalted and righteous judge. A man who was a pure and attractive for his justice in private life as on the bench.”

Hon. E.F. Uhl: “There is but one expression. We all held his exalted worth in great admiration, and regret to hear of the occurrence of his death.”

GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Monday, 26 April 1886, p.3

The funeral ceremonies over the remains of the late Judge Withey began this afternoon shortly after three o’clock at the family residence on College avenue, in the presence of an immense concourse of friends. Rev. A.R. Merriam of the Park Congregational Church, conducted the services; the house and grounds were filled with mourners, and the adjacent streets with carriages. The Judges of the different courts, the city officials and a large number of members of the Grand Rapids and Western Michigan bar were present. Also many members of the Old Residents’ Association.

GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Friday, 7 May 1886, p.3