GRIDLEY, Philo, jurist, born in Paris, Oneida County, New York, 16 September, 1796; died in Utica, New York, 17 August, 1864. He was graduated at Hamilton College, Clinton, with its first class, in 1816. He then studied law at Onondaga and Waterville, and was admitted to the bar in 1820, beginning his practice in Waterville. A few years later he removed to Hamilton, Madison County, where he attained eminence at the bar. He served as district attorney for Madison County, and was appointed judge of the 5th judicial circuit. He removed to Utica in 1839, and on the adoption of a new constitution in 1846 was elected one of the judges of the state Supreme Court, which office he resigned after six years' service. In 1840 a Canadian named MeLeod was arrested for participating in the burning of the American steamboat "Caroline," which carried supplies to 500 insurgents on Navy island, Niagara river. The British government demanded his release on the ground that the deed was done by order of his commanding officer, and threatened war unless its demand should be complied with. There was so much excitement on the border that McLeod was transferred to Judge Gridley's court for trial. The prisoner was finally acquitted, as an alibi was proved.