Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1903-02-13
Death of Judge John T. vinson.

Poooeu away az uis nOme IN ttOCKVlllo ABOUT
~ O'Clock last Saturday night Although
1t was generally known that his illness must
necessarily prove fatal, the announcement Of
mis- death was great shock to the people
OF this community, by all of whom he was
held in the highest esteem.
Judge Wilson's health began TO fail about
two years ago, when an affection of the kid.
neys developed, but his condition did not
become serious until about three months
ago, when an affection OF the stomach mani.
tested itself, the complication prostrating
him. He grew steadily worse and about
a week previous to his death the attending
physicians announced that his case was
hopeless.
The funeral took place at Christ's Epis-
copal Church, this town, ON Tuesday at /
T. M, in the presence OIL h large attendance,
In which were prominent many of the friends
and admirers Oh the judge from the District
OF Columbia, Frederick county and from all
parts OF his native county. The floral of.
terings were large, superbly handsome and
OF decided taste. AS the remains of the
judge were borne from the church, there were
some who realized and were deeply moved
at the reflection, that he Was the last OF tn
male members lett, who had from the blush
OF childhood to the close of his life been a
constant attendant, but at last, like the ripen.
ed leaf which glowed in the soft sunlight of
winters sun, the stem fell from It's branches.
His remains were inferred in Oak Hill Gene
terry, Georgetown, ID. q.
Judge Vinson was native OF this county,
born al Rockville on January 9, 1926. He
was son OF Col. Thomas +. W. Vinson,
one Of the county's most prominent citizens.
He was educated principally at the Rock
vile Academy and upon finishing his studies
at that institution he entered the office of the
late Richard Johns Bowie, formerly Chief
Judge OF the Maryland Court of Appeals,
where he studied law for three years. Soon
after reaching his majority he was admitted
TO the bar, and later became the law partner
of Judge Bowie, the association continuing
until Judge Bowie's elevation TO the bench.
While still young man Judge Vinson
accepted an appointment as clerk in the
Treasury Department at Washington, from
which, after several promotions, he passed
to the Authorship ol the District oil Colum.
bia, which position he held for many years.
In 1882, while serving as Auditor of the Dis
trict, he received the Republican nomina-
ton for Associate Judge ol The 81 xth judicial
circuit, and was elected in November OF that
year. Having reached the age of seventy,
Judge VInson retired from the bench 10
January, 1895. Since that time he has lived
quietly at his home here, devoting his time
to looking alter his estate.
Mrs. VInson, who was Miss Frances Il.
Prout, daughter OF William Prout OF Wash
ington, died about fifteen years ago. The
following children survive: Thomas, Rich.
ard Bowie and Robert William Vlnson and
Mrs. G. Minor Anderson, Mrs. Edward G.
Peter and Miss Mamie s. Vinson, all of
Rockville. Mr.. Napoleon B. Vinson, an
elder brother OF the deceased, also survives
HIM.
Judge Vinson was careful and pains
taking man in the management of his own
affairs, and in the discharge of his public
duties he was faithful and conscientious.
Shrinking from notorietY and devoted 10
his family, he led quiet, transformations
lie, but always took an earnest and intelli.
gent interest in his neighbors and commu-
nifty and fulfilled his duty 10 both. His
charities were large, though the public knew
little about them, and he was patient to hear
and prompt to advise those who applied to
him Tor counsel. The early portion of his
life was full of struggle and anxious care,
and much of it was passed amid the tempta.
tons OF political STRIFE; but his long life was
clean, and those who knew him best will
remember him as kindly Christian gen.
tleman.
ACTION OF THE BAR.
The Rockville Bar Association and other
members of the Rockville bar met in the
Courthouse here on Monday last TO take &C.
ton in regard to the death of ex Judge John
T. Vinson. II. W. Talbot, president Of
the bar association, occupied the chair. A
committee, consisting Of Philip d. Laird,
Chas. W. Prettyman and VIM. H. Talbot,
was appointed 10 draft suitable resolutions
and report at the opening session Of the
March term of court. The members Of the
bar also decided to attend the funeral ser.
vices In body.
ACTION OF THE FREDERICK COURT.
In the Circuit Court for Frederick county
on Monday last, eX Judge John A. Lynch
formally announced the death of his former
associate upon the bench, ex-Judge John
T. Vinson, Of Montgomery county, and paid
fitting tribute TO his character, learning and
ability. He said he never knew man more
eager TO do right under all circumstance.
Others who spoke were States Attorney
Glenn II. Worthington, Milton @. Urner,
VIM. p. Maulsby, Edward s. Eichelbergsr
and John 4. Il. Wood.
On behalf Of the Court, Judge MOtter said;
Judge Vinson was man of rare common
sense and most excellent judgment. He
made no pretense 10 being great, erudite
lawyer, but, relying often upon what his
judgment told him was the bedrock princi.
pie Of right and justice when there seemed
70 be doubt in the law, the path he Travelled
was generally the correct one and his con.
illusions were seldom set aside by the appel
late tribunal OF this State. The unfortunate
had his sympathy when they deserved II
and the tenderness of his feelings was often
made manifest whilst he sat upon the bench
He never failed 70 measure up 10 the respon-
slbility Of his position. The temple was
undefled when hs ministered at its affairs
and the vestments were unspotted and clean.
These qualities well qualified him for the
discharge Of judicial functions and reflected