The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1886-02-18

We find in the Mesa County Democrat, of Col
orado, the subjoined article in commentator OF
Judge NJ B. Gerry, a native Of Hamilton county
Florida, and son of the Rev. John L. Gerry
one of the pioneer missionaries Of the NJ. f.
Church. and resident tor most OF his life in
Hamilton county of this State, and well known
all over Florida by the old citizens as an
able and efficient minister, and much beloved
and honored by all classes.
Judge G. is the last of five of " Parson Gerry's"
sons, the others having directly or indirectly lost
their lives in the Confederate service. One of
his sisters is now a resident OF Tallahassee Mrs
Dr. Wauchopel, another of Lake City and an
other of Dade City.
The many friends of the family will be pleased
to read of the high compliment paid to Judge
Gerry by the citizens of his present home in the
State of Colorado, where he has resided for the
last ten years or more.
Judge G.. was First Lieutenant in the Third
Regiment OF Florida Volunteers which he COM
manded at the battle OF Perryville. being the
only officer present fit for duty in that hard
fought battle
Since the expiration of the last term of the dis
trct court in III county, we have heard with but
one exception, nothing but words of praise and
commentator of the judicial acts OF Hon. NJ.
b. Gerry, from the citizens of the county. He
is every inch judge, and justice in his person,
sits enthroned in this judicial district His ev-
ery act upon the bench is crowned with strict
justice to all. With him there exists no dis
tinction between wealth and poverty, between
friends and enemies. Such distinctions have no
existence in his mind. and he strictly follows
the injunction given by him to the grand jury
to thew to the line let the chips fall where
they may" in his search tor justice and the
right. Upon the bench he is grave and digni
fed. Among the people he is an agreeable
gentleman, and, unlike many of the high officers
of the courts OF law, can be pleasant cOmpan
ion without losing one particle of the respect
which his dignity and ability on the bench in
spires In delivering decision, no citizen can but
feel as he follows the course Of reasoning upon
which said decision is founded, that justice alone
was the inspiration, and splendid legal ability
and determined search for the truth brought
forth the conclusion and forms the foundation
upon which all his decisions rest. This feeling
is experienced even by those TO whom a decs-
ion may be adverse. His ability is unquestion-
ed. We have heard learned attorneys of this
district assert that Judge Gerry possessed the
finest judicial mind in the state, and the people,
who may not be able to follow him through all the
intricate channels of law, from which his decis-
ions are often brought FORTH catch here and there
citrate to the dark depths, in which justice has
been hidden, and bring il forth To the light Of
day. Judge Gerry is fearless man, possessing
a courage which in early history inspired up
right judges to defy kings and rulers in their ad
v0cacy OF right and justice. With him, all men
stand ON an equality before the law. 1t is q
shame that this trait OF character. should in this
age of enlightenment merit any special
commentator, but the corruption now
existing on the bench. and that has
been exhibited for many years in
the partality shown in favor of the
rich and against the poor; for the man brought
before the bar of justice charged with the theft
of thousands, against the poor wretch that has
taken a dollar for The rich man charged with
MURDER and against the poor man charged with
petty larceny; make the actions of judge in
maintaining the equality of all persons before
the law those to be commended by all lovers of
right and Justice. The 7ih Judicial District
have many reasons To feel II pride in their Judge
HIS retirement from the bench would be a loss
TO tue district almost irreparable. There are but
few men in the state, or even outside of the
State, that could take his place in the hearts Of
the Law ali ling people of this district. Few
men could gain merit the esteem and respect
with which he is held. This was felt few
weeks ago when il WAS rumored that he would
soon resign his position 10 accept more lucra-
tive one. and feeling OF satisfaction was felt
when IL was learned that said rumOr had no
foundation, and that the judge would continue
with ms until the expiration Of his term. Let
the people express themselves rs they now feel
and he will be called upon To administer Justice
in this district until old aye or death calls him
from his labors.