The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-08-21
DAVID S. TERRY.
A Prominent Figure in the States Political
History-Bis Sensational Career.

Prominent Figure in the States Political
History-Bis Sensational Career.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14.-David S. Terry
was at one time chief iustice of the supreme
court OF California, and has always been a prom
inent figure in the political history of the state
The killing of Broderick caused, at the time,
deep personal resentment against Terry by
portion of the people of the state, which
threatened to terminate his career in Cal
ifornia, but he always had a number of adher-
ents, and remained in the state though he has
only once or twice been before the people for
position.
lie was married to Sarah Althea Hill. who
claimed to be the wife of ex-senator Sharon.
while prosecuting her claim against the Sharon
estate. This brought him into a resentful at
titude toward Justice Field. who, last year,
rendered decision in the u. s. circuit court
In this city, denying her claim to be the wife of
Sharon. Mrs. Terry created scene in court
during the reading of the decision charging
Justice Field with being corrupt, and as she
refused to remain quiet, Justice Field directed
that she be removed from couit. When a
deputy attempted to carry out the order of the
court, she became involved in a personal quar-
rel with that official. and Judge Terry inter-
fered, drawing a dagger from his vest He
was disarmed and both Terry and his wife were
adjudged in contempt and committed to Jail.
In the meantime. Justice Field went to Wash
ington 10 resume his duties on the bench. and
returned TO this city six weeks ago. Newspa-
per articles were printed intimating that il
would be dangerous for Justice Field and
Judge Terry to meet personally, as II was
thought the latter might insult the former
while the fact was also recognized that Justice
Field would be quick TO resent an attack from
Judge Terry, knowing il could only result
fatally to one or the other, in view Of the lat
ler's record.
David $. Terry was born in Todd county.
Kentucky, In 1923. He served in the Texan
army under Sam Houston. He came to Cali.
fornia in lS49 and settled in Calaveras county.
In 1856 he was elected justice of the supreme
court Of California on the native American
ticket and upon the death Of Chief Justice
Murray, in 1857, Judge Terry became chief JUS
tice. be was opposed to the vigilance commit
tee OF 1886 and stabbed one of the members Of
the committee who had attempted to arrest
Maloney, friend of Terry. Terry was held by
the vlgilantes, but was afterward released. He
killed Senator Broderick in 1859 as a result OF
political differences, Terry belonging to what
was known as the "chivalry" wing Of the dem
ocratic party. In 1880 Terry was defeated as a
Hancock elector, although bis associates were
elected. Sept 8, 1855, be was sent to Jail for
six months for contempt Of court by Justice
Field.
Sarah Althea Hill Mrs. Terry is distant
relative of Senator Sharon and was for q time
governess in his family. She first came into
public notice through an attempt to shoot the
senator in the Palace hotel. After this she az
first Claimed to have been seduced by Sharon,
and then asserted that they had been cIandes-
timely married for several years. She brought