Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-09
JOHN T. VINS0N DEAD
FORMER ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF
SIXTH MARYLAND DISTRICT.
Native Of Rockville and Prominent in
Legal and Political Circles
Born in 1925.

After an illness OF several months John
I. Vnson. formerly associate judge of the
sixth judicial district Of Maryland. and one
Of the county's foremost citizens. passed
away at his home in Rockville about 1G
O'Clock Saturday evening. Although was
generally known that his Illness must nee
essarily prove fatal. the announcement OF
his death was a great shock to the people
of the 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
kidneys developed. but his condition did not
become serious until about three months
ago. when an affection Of the stomach
manifested itself. the complication pros
trating him. He grew steadily worse and
about week ago the attending physicians
announced that his case was hopeless. The
funeral will take place at I 80 o'clock to-
morrow afternoon, the interment to be at
Oak Hill cemetery
Judge Vinson was a native Of Montgom-
cry county. having been born at Rockville
January 6. 1925 He was a son of Col
Thomas F. w. Vinson, one Of the county,
most prominent citizens, who held impor-
tant political positions. He was educated
principally at the Rockville Academy, and
upon finishing his studies at that institu-
ton he entered the Office of the late Rich
ard John Bowie, formerly chief judge of
the Maryland court of appeals where ne
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 continu-
Ing until Judge Bowies elevation to the
bench.
Accepts Treasury Appointment.
While still young man Judge Vinson ac-
cepted an appointment as clerk in the
Treasury Department at Washington, from
which, after several promotions. he passed
to the authorship of the District of Column
bia, which position he held for many years.
In 1882. while serving as auditor of the Dis
trict he received the republican nomination
for associate judge of the sixth judicial cir
cult, and was elected in November OF that
year. defeating the late George Peter of
Rockville. Having reached the age Of sew
enty, Judge Vinson retired from the bench
in January, 1895. the legislature Of the pre-
ceding year having declined to extend his
term. Since that time he has lived quietly
looking after his estate.
Mrs Vinson, who was Miss Frances r.
Prout. daughter of William Prout of Wash
ington, died about seventeen years ago. The
following children survive: Thomas, Rich
ard Bowie and Robert William Vinson 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 to
his family. he led a quiet, unostentatious
life, but always took an earnest and inteli-
gent interest in his neighbors and commu-
nifty and fulfilled his duty to both. His
charities were large. though the public
knew little about them. and he was patient
81 ,,vNt To 6vyio yt,o On
piled to him for counsel. The early portion
Of his life was full of struggle and anxious
care. and much of 1t was passed amid the
temptations Of political strife: but his long
life was clean, and those who knew hin,
best will remember him as a kindly Chris
tan gentleman.