Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1886-06-30
JUDGE DAVID DAVIS.


O'Clock Saturday morning. When he
breathed his last the members of his family
and few devoted friends were at his bed
| side. At 10 o'clock. Friday night it was
apparent that the distinguished jurist was
at deaths door, and his attending physi-
clans expressed their belief that he would
not live through the night For several
hours preceding his demise he was uncon-
scious, and when aroused and asked a ques-
tion he would answer involuntarily, not
knowing what was asked or what reply he
gave He recognized no one and evidently
felt no pain. At daylight he rapidly grew
worse, and about 6 o'clock the ailments
which had been growing for year had at
last conquered.
About May the dead statesman was at
tackled with carbuncle, which assumed
malignant character. His case progressed
favorably, however, until about two weeks
ago, when he was attacked with severe
form of erysipelas. This, coupled with suf-
fering from diabetes, with which he had
been effected for some time, rendered his
condition one of some gravity, and week
ago consultation of physicians determined
that he could not live.
Letters of coincidence to the family are
being received from all parts of the coun-
have yet been made, but it is thought
that the obsequies will occur next Tues
day.
Judge Davis died worth 81, 900, 900, not
dollar of which was made in speculation.
His wealth was amassed by heavy land p1r-
chases many years ago. His estate will be
divided between his widow and his two
children.
David Davis was born in Maryland in
1915 He inherited a large estate, which
was lost through litigation during his mi
nority. He came west half-century ago,
stopping in Ohio. He attended school
and college, graduating az Kenyon college
at Gambler, Ohio He studied 1aw and
came to Illinois in 1892 He entered tne-
quarter section of land where Bloomington
now stands, and other lands in the same
county or elsewhere until he became inn
mensely wealthy.
Mr.. Davis and Mr. Lincoln became init
mate friends on the judicial circuit of the
old Eighth district Both were Wings
previous to the Missouri compromise
Davis was not strongly anti-slavery. Lin
coin was The debates of Lincoln and
Douglas intensified the hatred of the
former for the institution" and he infused
much Of his own spirit into Davis. Though
ally Democrat, Mr.. Davis was, in late
years, in deep sympathy with the Repub-
hcan party.
Mr.. Davis first appearance in public life
was as member Of the convention to
amend the constitution of Illinois in JS48
Soon after this he became circuit Judge in
the district composed of fourteen counties
in central and eastern Illinois. He was dele
gate-at-large to the convention that nomi-
mated Lincoln, and did much to bring about
that end In 1862 President Lincoln ap-
pointed Davis to a vacancy in the United
States supreme court, made vacant by the
death of Judge Mclean. He served on the
bench for fifteen years, resigning in 1877.
One of the most important decisions of the
court during Judge Davis term was rem
dered by him 1t was the celebrated Milli-
ken case. The decision was received with
great disfayor throughout the north, but
subsequent years have sustained the wis
dom and legality of the Davis rendering.
In 1877 Davis resigned his seat on the su-
preme bench and was chosen senator from
this state. Both during his term on the
bench and in the senate no man stood
higher in Washington than he, as legal
counselor among legislators. He was the
confdanr and adviser of the brightest and
WA00ob AAAoA 0OOUV UA0 SoPACnls h0LAOC4 aus 1Ao
Republicans alike counseled with and con-
ided in him. It is well known that Sem
ator Conkling confided to Davis fully his
intention to resign weeks before he did.
Judge Davis was never an active politi.
clan. He did much in the planning and di-
recting of others He was not partisan in
any sense of the term. A Democrat by
birth and instinct, he was Republican in
principle and voted with toat party for
years. He had a princely home in the out
skirts of Bloomington and kept hospitable
door for all his friends. He was twice mar
ried, both times most happily. OF his pri- |
vate life nothing impure was ever suspected.
OF his public life the record is without
stain or blemish. He died as he lived-hon-
Ored and respected by all who knew him] |