The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1888-11-17
Vol. III. No. SO.

them and under the example and opportunities
thus constantly present, Mr.. Simon returned TO
his first love" and was stimulated in his stu
dies by recognizing among the text books of the
Louisiana lawyer many OF this old acquaintance
from Brussels.
In December. 1921, he was admitted 10 the bar
and soon divided the honors of success and pro-
fit with his friend John Brownson. Esq. then
practitioner in the same section of country and
one of the most eminent advocates in the state
Of Louisiana. II was something at all confron-
ted by rivalry with race Of giants The proud
eat page in the history of Louisiana is that
which tells of her judiciary and her bar. need
not repeat the familiar names. Out Of the midst
of these Edward Simon, one of the few was ele-
waited to a seat on this high tribunal the supreme
court OF the state, over which he with the great
Xavier Martin IN chief Justice, and Billiard
Morphy and Garland ss associate justices presi-
ded from 1870 to March 1876 when under the
constitution of 1S45, by of those political re-
volutions which our institutions make possible
the entire bench WIS changed and superseded.
will not attempt to define the rank that may
properly belong to Justice Simon among the
able and distinguished jurists who made the su-
preme court Of Louisiana famous. Suffice TO
| say he served his term with honor. fidelity and
distinction, Eighteen volumes of reports from
1ith. Louisiana to 18th ltobinson's inclusive at
test the industry and ability of the court Of
which he was member.
His domestic life was rs exemplary as his pub
lie conduct. In 1877 then barely established in
his choosen profession, he took unto himself tho
beloved companion Of his life from respects-
BILE and ancient family Of the state. Seven chill
dren blessed this union, all of whom living to-
day are present in spirit some. it is pleasant TO
say, in body. happy in the honor which through
their fllial aid is about TO be conferred By this
| honorable court on the memory of their distin-
guished ancestor.
His surviving sons are Alfred Simon. youngest
Arthur Simon, lawyer at Opelousas. La., and
Judge Edward Simon Of st. Martinsville. His
daughters, Mrs. Athenais Kerr, widow of Chs.
Kerr: Mrs. Mathilda DeBlanc. widow of DR.. +.
DeBlanc; Mrs Sidonie Mclean, widow OF W. Fl.
Mclean. and Mrs Emma Braughn, esteemed
wife of Judge Geo. II. Bnughn well known to
your honors asa successful practitioner in the
civil and criminal courts of the state.
| MIR. Justice Simon, leaving the bench resumed
| the practice Of law, at the same time devoting
himself extensively to sugar planting success
eled much of what he had built and left him
| like many others on the verge OF old age to con-
| front a new order Of things to which he could
not easily adapt himself. The strain of anxiety
praying upon him impaired his vigor and in
April 1879 the 67th of his life death closed IN
honorable aud meritorious il not brilliant
| reer.
The activity Of the times concentrates the
work Of centuries into years. The present is 30
absorbing, exacting in its rapid movement
that to go along with it much Of the past must
be forgotten. But there is one thing which we
never should, and trust never will forget and
that il the high standing of personal honor cha
racter and dignity which distinguished the men
Of Louisiana of the generation To which Justice
Simon belonged. Whatever else we may do in
that we cannot surpass them. We do well re-
member and emulate them by doing We ele-
vate and honsr ourselves.
| ask your honors therefore respectfully ON be-
half Of the descendants of Justice Edward 81
mon that you permit this honor to his memory
and receive this silent testimonial Of the station
and success attained by him to be placed in the
chamber OF this court, 10 tell its own story OF
the share its original had in the success of which
with his surroundings compeers, he was a wit
LESS and apart.
And may thosetoo who come after us learn
from the example we transmit to them by erec-
ting these trophies to the memory OF the worthy
one who have just gone before us, that to gener-
ous minds, is as grateful to bestow honors IN to
merit them.
Mr.. Buck then formally presented the portrait
and asked that the occurrences be made Of rec
ord on the minutes.
Chief Justice Bermudez said: The court CRATE
fully accepts the gift and cordially concurs in
the eloquent tribute paid to the merits of judge
Edward Simon, who for period proved bright
ornament to the bench to which he belonged and
whose opinions exhort uniformly extensive
, learning and untiring industry.
The portrait Of Judge Simon will remain pla
ced among those which at present sdorn tht
walls of this room and like them will be pre-
ciously preserved for the respect of coming ge
neration.
!, The court returns its thanks to the family @
Judge Simon for the precious gift so kindly ten
darod