The morning call., 1893-05-27
WAS A PIONEER.
r. S. Mesick, the Attorney,
at Rest.
Death Ends a Career Full of Honor
Some of His Notable
Work.

Richard S. MeslcE, the well-known at
torney, died at the Palace Hotel last night
al 80 o'clock Of chronic bronchitis. after
an illness that has confined him to lis
room for the past six months.
Judge MesicK was born in New York
State sixty-nine years ago, and came to
California in 1849. He is we'll known to
the residents of the Pacific Coast and his
death will be deeply regretted.
At the age 0f 25 Judge Mesick graduated
al Yale College. He then entered the law
office of David Dudley Field of New York
as a student. During his employment
with Mr. Field he was called upon to draw
a contract for party of young men, WHO
were coming to California.
Becoming imbued with the enthusiasm
of his clients he joined them. They pur-
chased a ship, and after making safe
voyage around the Horn landed in san
Francisco. From here they went to Sacra-
meniO. where OK teams were purchased
and a trip made to the mines.
The mines did not yield the expected
fortune and Judge Mesick returned TO
Sacramen to, where be was admitted to
practice and opened law Office.
Later he located at Auburn for a few
months and then returned to Marysville.
AT the latter place he remained one year.
and by bis close attention 10 business lie
realized a ne, profit of $50, 600. With this
money he returned East and spent several
years in travel.
He returned to MarysviIe and became
partner with Stephen j. Field. Finally lie
went to Nevada, and was In Virginia City
during 1859 aud 1860. While in Nevada he
was elected one Of the Supreme Justices,
but failed to receive the Office because the
constitution was not adopted.
During his residence in Nevada he served
term as district Judge, aud in the
bonanza times he was attorney for Flood,
Mackay and other bonanza kings. He was
employed in all the leading mining cases
In those days, and it is said he never lost
case,
He returned TO San Francisco In 1880 and
since his residence here has enjoyed u Iuc-
rative practice, being engaged as counsel
in some of the most cele brated cases. He
was employed in the Tombstone (Ariz.)
mining cases, among them the Gird suit,
that occupied three months for trial.
He was employed in the Sharon case at
time when everything looked hopeless for
Sharon. but, owing To his superior knowl-
edge of law and persistent efforts, he
scored a victory. He also defended David
Nage, who shot Judge Terry, and secured
his release
lie represented California capitalists
who invested 100000 III the MuIattos
mines III meAicU, WHICH Edu Debu hdltsu.
Through his efforts the money was saved
and returned to the purchasers.
The last case Of Importance with which
he was connected was the litigation over
the Calico mines in Southern California,
and during the past month he has pre-
pared the decree in that case.
DJring the past week the Judge pre-
pared briefs In several cases, ana his mind
remained vigorous and clear up to the time
of his death. Twenty minutes before he
expired he gave directions to his servant
concerning matters that needed attention.
His clearness OF mind was remarkable.
The deceased leaves brother residing
at Santa Barbara and niece, the daughter
of deceased brother, at Portland. Mrs.
w. A. Bissell of this city Is his niece. He
was unmarried.
lie was member of the California
Pioneer Society, and it Is expected that the
funeral will take place under the auspices
of that organization.