Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-08-07
At Sleep with his Fathers.

One by one the pioneers of the Maumee
valley bid rs farewell and retire to the Land
of Shadows. In the death of Judge James G.
Haly we have lost the pulsation of one heart
which connected us with the earliest settlers
of Henry county. His death deserves more
than passing notice.
James G. Haly was born in Holmes
county, Ohio, on the 9th of December, 1916.
He was born of parents in quite modest cir
cumstances, his father being farmer in that
county. James received common school
education, but on account Of the need of his
service on the farm his education was quite
limited. When about twenty years of age he
came to Napoleon, following to that place
Alexander Craig, to whom he was well known
and with whom he afterward, for time,
lived. While in Napoleon he attended school
and received fair elementary education,
after which he read law under the instruction
of Curtis Bates, esq.,, of Defiance. After a
course of study Mr.. Haly was admitted to
practice IN July, 1840, and soon afterward
came permanently to Napoleon and engaged
in practice. At the second regular county
election he was chosen to fill the Office of pros
ecpting attorney, and served four years by
election and one year by appointment. He
then assumed the practice, but was soon
elected to the position of ju stice of the peace,
serving in that capacity six years. In 1s45
he was elected county auditor and held that
Office four years.
Still later Mr.. Haly was elected to the Low
or House Of the State Legislature, represent
ing the counties of Henry and Putnam at the
session of that body commencing in January,
1862. This was the first session under the
new constitution. During the years 1853-4-5
he held the position of collector of tolls at
the junction of the Wabash and Miami canals,
in Pauldlng county, and during his incum-
bence of this trust MIR. Haly received, by way
of collections, and paid over to the State
treasurer, the gross sum of quarter of mill
lion dollars.
After his duties at the junction had ceased
Mr.. Haly returned to Napoleon and his pro-
fession, and formed law partnership with
Edward Sheffield, which relation was main
tanned until the fall of 1861 when our subject
enlisted in Company D, Sixty eighth o. V.
Inf, which company he was chiefly instru-
mental in raising and to the command of
which he was entitled, but, giving the COM
mand to others, he accepted the Office of reg
mental quartermaster and at once proceeded
to Columbus, wherehe obtained the complete
equipments of the regiment for field duty.
Mr.. Hays service with the regiment contin-
ued for something over year, when failing
health compelled his resignation and return
home. He then resumed the practice Of law
alone for time, but later, in partnership
with John M. Haag and William Sheffield,
under the name and style of Sheffield, Haly
and Haag. Mr.. Haly continued in the sue
cessful practice of thelaw until the year 1869,
at which time he was elected to the Office of
probate Judge of the county. In this capacity
he served for term of twelve years, and in
1881 was succeeded by David Meekison.
From that time and up to the time of his
death he had been retired from the active ar
duous duties of the profession and devoted
his attention to his farming interests.
The many official and other positions Of
prominence and trust held by Judge Haly is
evidence Of the confidence of his fellow citi-
zens. he was man of excellent character.
OF strong and vigorous mind, keen, logical
lawyer, faithful and trusty officer, Jealous
mason, and kind and indulgent husband
and father. His death will be deeply regret
ed by all who knew him and will be severe
affection on his immediate family to whom
the sympathy of the entire community Is
earnestly extended. ES
Screen grow the turf above thee,
Friend Of my better days;
None know thee but to love thee,
None named thee but to praise" H.
Hibbard's Rheumatic and Liver Pills,