The Washington herald., 1907-10-24
NOTED JURIOT DEAD
ChiefJuStice James McSherry
Suddenly Expires.
OF DISTINGUISHED ANCESTRY
ForefatherS Were Conspicuous In
Law Literature and Statesmanshlp.
Recognized as "a Leader Among
Legal Fraternity-EnteTed Upon
Bench Career In Prime of Life.

Frederick. Oct 23.-Chief Judge James
McSherry, Of the Maryland Court of APP
peals. died suddenly at 1910 o'clock this
morning at his home in this city, while
sitting in his chair. Death was due to
an attack of angina pectoris.
Just before his demise Judge McSherry
had walked across his room. after par
taking OF his breakfast. on returning
TO his chair he read his morning mail,
and then picked up a morning paper,
which he was perusing when he sud
denly threw up both arms, which gently
fen TO hi, sides and he breathed his last.
Judge McSherry's condition, while for
months past considered critical. had for
some days been regarded as favorable,
and last night ne rested well, awaking
this morning apparently much refreshed.
Yesterday. however. he was much de-
pressed.
Death shocks Community.
The death Of Judge McSherry came as
a great shock to the community, as il
viii doubtless come 20 the people OF the
whole State Coming during the holding
of the annual Frederick County Fair,
hundreds Of people from all parts Of the
State and county were here, and ii was
the one topic Of conversation among the
thousands assembled on the grounds.
The fire bells of the town We're tOlled,
and hundreds of persons left messages at
the house for the grief-stricken members
OF the family
Judge McSherry's illness had been Of
nine months standing. He was first
taken sick on January =. 1897, at night,
after having spent an hour or two, as
was his custom, at the Citizens Ma
tional Bank, with Joseph ID. Baker In
social conversation. After retiring he
was taken i'll, since which time his con-
dition has gradually grown worse.
short Biographical Sketch.
Chief Judge James McSherry. of the
Maryland Court of Appeals, who died at
his home here to-day was born in this
town on December 80. 1872, and was de-
seconded from an ancestry distinguished
in craftsmanship, law. and literature, He
was the eldest OF five children born 10
James and Eliza Spurrier McSherry, and
spent his entire life in his native city,
except when in Annapolis. His parents
were also natives of Frederick County.
Judge McSherry received his early edu-
cation in Frederick at St Johns Literary
Institute, and in September, 1851, began
reading law in the Office OF his father, and
on February 9, 1854, was admitted TO the
Frederick County bar. He at once en-
tered upon the practice OF his profession
which he steadily and successfully pur-
sued until elevated % the bench
Judge McSherry was all his life an ac-
tive and ardent Democrat, and took a
deep interest in local as well as State
politics, but he never held a public Office
until appointed chief judge of the Sixth
judicial circuit 10 succeed Chief Judge
John Ritchie whose death occurred just
prior 10 the election ot 1857. On NOvem-
Der I OF that year Gov. Lloyd appointed
him 20 the vacancy, and on November s
following he was elected for a full term
OF fifteen years.
Recognized as Leader.
Entering upon his career on the bench
In the prime Of life, he was soon rec0g-
nized as a leader among his associates.
In 1856. when Chief Judge John N. Robin
son died. Gov. I.0wndes appointed him
chief judge of the Court of Appeals Of
Maryland. which Office he for the past
eleven years filled with distinction and
honor to his State and himself, In No
vember, 1903, Judge McSherry was re
elected as chief judge, and his term
would have expired in 1918 had he lived.
Domestic and SOcinI side.
In 1866 Judge McSherry married Miss
Clara Louise McAleer, daughter of the
late Hugh McAleer. a prominent resident
of Frederick City. His widow, four daugh-
ters, and two sons survive him.
Personally and socially, Judge McSherry
was a most agreeable and entertaining
as well as a popular man. He was al
ways in demand as a guest. and there
was not "a man in the State who had
a greater fund Of anecdotes. He liked
the companionship of young people. and
entered with zest into any gathering
where genuine goOd-felOwship and com
radeship was the keynote.
During Judge McSherTy's whole life he
took a deep and active interest in every
thing that concerned Frederick City and
county.
Gov. WHFfieId Hears News.
Gov. Warfeld. who came to Frederick
to-day to attend the fair. was informed
Of the death of Judge McSherry as he
stepped from the train. The news was a
great shock TO the governor. and he was
visibly affected He and the judge had
been intimate friends for years.
As soon as told Of Judge McSherry's
death, Gov. Warfeld announced that he
would not go TO the fair, but would re-
turn TO Baltimore on the first train,
which left here at 1:3O o'clock this after
noon. The governor and Joseph D. Baker,
the governors host while in the city.
went Immediately to the McSherry resi-
dence to extend their sympathy TO the
family. With reference TO Judge Nc
Sherry's death, the governor said:
Judge McSherry and I have been warm
personal friends for fOrty-twO years I
not only admired him for his great legal
-attainments, but also for his personal
and social qualities He was big-hearted.
generous, and manly, and a loyal friend.
He made "a great reputation rs chief
judge OF the Court of Appeals and was
conceded to have been one of the ablest
and greatest Judges that has ever pre-
sided over that court. His death is a great
loss to the State and the people OF this
judicial circuit"