The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-11-22
JUSTICE sIERKIMON is DEAD.
A Man Who Has Played an Important Part
in North Carolina History.

in North carolina H1St0rV.
Raleigh N. c., November 14.-(SpeciaL)-
Chief Justice Augustus Summarized Merrl.
mon died at 2:3O o'clock this morning OF
diabetes. His age was hfty-two years ana
he was a native of Buncombe county. lie
had served in the legislature, as solicitor,
judge, United States senator as associate
justice and chief justice and two yearS
ago was elected to the latter position by
one of the greatest majoritles on record
in North Carolina. He was nominated IN
1868 for governor but declined and that
year also declined the nomination for assoc
cate. justice. He was the democratic noml NJ,
nee for governor in 1872, but was defeated
by Tod II. Caldwell, republican.
He was a lawyer of very high ability and
during the exciting administration OF Gov
ernor Holden was one Of the first to apply
for habeas corpus writs in the cases of per-
sons arrested by Kinks militia.
Judge Merrimon had been in failing
health for several months: His popularity
was great. His funeral will be held tomor-
row. All public buildings are closed. The
body Will lie i'll state in the supreme court
rooms. Judge Merrimon, while on his death
bed, became a member of the Methodist
church.
The council of state met today, Governor
Holt presiding, and adopted the following:
Resolved, That in the death of Chief
Justice MerrimOn the state has lost an emf
nent citizen, statesman and jurist and that
the sympathi,S of the governor and council
be extended to the family of the deceased"
Making Justice in Nort h Carolina.
Raleigh, n. c., November 16-(Special. y
Governor Holt today appointed James z. Shep-
herd, chief justice to succeed Justice NIer-
rimon, who was buried Yesterday. Judge
Shepherd is the youngest of the Justices being
only fortythree. He began life as Il tela-
graph operator and earned sufficient money to
prepare himself as an attorney. He was IN able
lawyer. He was elected associate Justice in
1888 and his work on the bench has been
marked by thoroughness. His promotion was
expected and gives general satisfaction.
Death OF Sta'e Treaaurer Baine.
Raleigh, n. c., November 16.-(Special. AT
$50 O'Clock this afternoon State Treasurer
Donald W. Baine died at his home here after
several months illness of heart disease.
For weeks his mind has been clear only at
rare Intervals, but yesterday it became
tirely clear and he appeared to rally. Two
hours before DEATH spasms began, and he suf-
fered great agony.
He was born here in April 1871 and had peen
in continuous public service longer than any
man in the state In 1851 he entered the Office
OF the state comptroller, and remained until
1865, when he became chief clerk of the
state treasury, serving continuously until 1884
when he elected staie treasurer. He
succeeded his father in 1867 as grand secrc-
tarY of the grand lodge Of Masons, and had
that position unit his death. For years he had
been secretary Of the Methodist state confer
ence and was one of the leading southern
Methodists. He was for several terms grand
commander Of the knights Tempar of the
state. lie was also an Odd Fellow.