The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-16
GrenvIlle r. jerks.

|
OF Saratoga by the startling announcement on Sun
| day morning that Grenville T. JenKs, one OF the
| most widely known and distinguished lawyers OF
the bar OF New York city and Brooklyn had died In
| his bed OF apoplexy during Saturday night. No
man In the profession, unless we except the late
James T. Brady ito whom in many points Of his pro.
fessional character he was like, could be gen
orally ana sincerely lamented About three weeks
ago, during the hot days OF July, he had an attack
of cholera morbus, which left him weak and with a
little appetite. The unusual heat had overcome
him, and on Thursday night last having eat little
except fruit during the day, he had an attack OF
cholera, to relieve which he took dose OF not over
twelve TO fifteen drops Of laudanum His sons
aged thirteen and seventeen years. were with him
at his bedside In the morning friday when
he complained that his head was badly
affected by tho audanum. He had no
appetite to eat. and. although begged to
remain and take other medicine, he arose and
went 10 take the fresh outdoor air. He met q pro-
fessonal friend who was going TO Saratoga. was
persuaded to accompany him. and lett In the two
O'Clock tran The eject OF the Journey and the close
muggy air OF Friday and Saturday no doubt super
induced upon his full habit the disease which carried
him away. sf. vn
The bar has lost one Of its ablest ana most brilliant
members. and q useful and interesting family OF
u
noolehearted protector. Indeed, he was even al
most unwisely generous In bestowing upon them,
not only comfort but every luxury that his large and
lucrative profession gave MIN the means Of Civ.
ing In abundance. His large heart was
always open to the wants and sunerings
OF others. Not only was he noted for MS nberality
IN professional services, but his liberal hand and
heart were always open 10 give all he had II
necessary to relieve either his brothers ut the bar
or those whom he knew among all the humber
classes To client, whether rich or poor, he was
always true, and often nobly generous He de-
tended in capital trial, the poor fellow in Brook
lyn VINO killed man in drunken spree simply be.
cause this fellow had six helpless Children and
suffering wife. He received nothing. After the iel-
low was convicted Mr. jerks expended out OF his
own pocket over $500 in procuring o communication
OF the sentence to life Imprisonment, which arrived
even after the preparations for execution were be-
gun This s only one case among hundreds OF SIM
liar Kindness:
Mir. jerks was born in Boston ana was about
forty years OF age His father, Rev. Francis jerks,
who died in his infancy, classmare IN Harvard
College OF Bancroft the historian, and OF Caleb
scholars in New England. He was for many years
The editor OF the christian Examiner In the days
OF Claiming. edited the Glossary edition OF Shak-
WIN extended preface and the writings OF Joanna
Bailie. He was cat down in the midst OF a most
brilliant promise. He married In early life the sister
OF Wendell Phillips He died leaving three chill
dren-Grenville Tudor, the subject OF this notice;
Francis now lawyer In Brooklyn, and one daugh-
one OF the ablest of divines The subject OF this
obituary, although young entered an advanced
law with Lott Murphy and Vanderbilt. His
ilrst firm was Pomeroy jerks, and for
during Which time he DISTINGUISHED nimselr as The
counsel OF the Brooklyn City Railroad, and by the
cearness and ability of his arguments upon the re-
lannon's or the legislative power TO long established
municipal rights. lie afterwards entered into part
nership with Judge Emmot and Joshua NJ Van
late partnership he was for short time with Judge
Pratt, OF The supreme Court. Hts late firm was
partner; For many years past Mr.. jerks has been
retained almost entirely an advocate in the trial
OF causes in the higher courts and Ia arguments be-
fore the Court or Appeals. With such men
as Judge Lott ana other strong men OF
the bench he was always favorite. He
Inherited his fathers rare memory and love Of
classical learning but was too early thrown into
the practical, forensic labor OF the bar, to distin
guisl himself IN literature. HIS strong memory
trial reports and decisions OF the courts when, in
stead OF piling up tome upon tome before him. he
from reading before The day OF argument on
trial. or his ready wit and keen repartee and his
The blow is sudden ana terrible to his interesting
family and WIDE circle OF relatives and
ienas scattered as as, they are among tie
his partner Mr.. Ward, and other friends are now in
Switzerland. The house he left on Friday is now
one OF gloom and SORROW The funeral OF Mr.. jerks
VIII take place from the church OF the Pilgrim,
corner of Remscn and Henry streets. Brooklyn at
two O'Clock tomorrow "wednesday afternoon.
Action Of the New York and Brooklyn Courts.
In the United States Commissioners Court. i'll this
City, Commissioner Shields presiding, yesterday Gen.
Henry f. Dawes, at the request Of Mr.. VIM. Ii.
Thompson, ex-United States Marshal moved an ad.
journment OF the court OF respect to the memory
OF the late Grenville T. jerks. He followed tthe
ton with brief but fitting euogy OF the deceased.
Assistant District Attorney Purdy seconded the mo-
ton in speech characterized by deep emotion and
was succeeded by Mr. Willis. The Commissioner
said he fully conceded with the eloquent tribute
pronounced upon the deceased as brilliant advo-
cate at the bar, ms shining ornament OF society
and as one whose death would be long and deeply
lamented and he therefore granted the motion and
adjourned over all other proceedings until to-Inor-
row.
The Supreme, city ana County courts of Brook
iyn adjourned yesterday out OF respect to the
memory of the late Grenvte T. jerks, the well
known lawyer OF Brooklyn, who died at Saratoga
on Sunday. meeting Of members Of the bar was
also held ut which brief speeches, expressive Of
sorrow at the loss Of the distinguished lawyer,
made by Judge Nelson, Judge Troy, eX-Judge
Birdseye. General CroOke Mr. Winchester Brltton
ana others. committee was appointed to prepare
resolutions expressive OF the feelings Of the bar TO
be presented at general meeting which will be
held in the Supreme Court tomorrow morning at
ten O'Clock.