The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1907-07-19

| learning, without as well as within the
| law. He is a great student, and in
ancient as well as modern history has
few equals. As Judge his decisions
have been almost universally upheld by
the higher courts. Large hearted and
generous though he is, he never allows
his personal feelings to interpose be-
tween the sterner demands of Justice,
and his long years of service on the
bench have endeared him to members of
the bar and citizens generally. His pop
ularity is best told in the statement
that although democrat in politics, he
! presided on the bench of the district
court, in a district overwhelmingly re-
publican, for eighteen years, and during
that time he never had competitor for
the nomination or election. The Judge
| is a companiOnable gentleman, honored
by al who know him and loved by those
who best know his great heartedness
and warm impulses.
1t is well said that Judge Severance
was "a man of wide learning" aside
from his profound knowledge of the law
His mind is well stored with general in
formation. He was of literary taste and
inclination, and was a most clear and
accomplished writer. Some of his liter
airy efforts eXtant are models of compo-
sitiOn in style, expression and force. As
a speaker he was able, earnest, polished,
often eloquent and always entertaining
and effective. He was democrat in
politics, commonly in sympathy with
the declared principles of his party, and
1xy toI nj
state tickets, but of late years he had
voted Independent of party ties.
Man of Brilliant Attachments.
Judge Severance was a member of the
Loyal Legion. He was not member of
any secret organization, but carried
some life insurance. He was former
president of the Board of Trade, and his
portrait hangs in the gallery of the presi-
dents in the present Commercial club
rooms. He was public spirited, and in
terested in the growth of the city in
which he lived, and the county and
state, Furthermore, he was thorough
patriot, and his country, with its growth
and prosperity, was his pride. He was
deeply interested in national politics and
policies, and in world politics. A student
of classic literature, he was familiar with
every period of history. He was thor
oughly founded in the law, and as a
presiding Judge was fair and impartial,
yet allowed justice to be tempered with
mercy when such a course was possible.
As a practicing attorney, he had many
difficult cases and was noted over the
state as a criminal lawyer. His decis
ions stood the test of the supreme court.
1t was on the rostrum that Judge
Severance shone with resolendent lustre,
for he was born orator, who swayed
multitudes as easily as he did courts
and iuries. He was often called upon to
address public meetings.
Judge Severance was friend of
young lawyers, and those who sought
his advice found him out not only will
ling but glad to advise them in regard
to their cases. Several Mankato lawyers
owe him a debt of gratitude because of
this pleasing trait of his character.
Judge Severance took an interest in
the educational institutions of the coun-
try and state. But it was in his own
nome that he took the greatest pleasure.
His home circle was a happy one, and
mere his aDSellce Will De IllOSU kecHlN
felt He was an indulgent parent and
loving husband, and left the best heri
tage of all, an unsullied reputation. He
possessed a sterling character, that
knew not the meaning of greed or aver
ice, or anything else mean or sordid
The deceased is survived by his wife,
one son, Frank Quincy Severance of
Sioux City, Iowa, and one daughter,
Mrs. w. C. Henlein. They have the
sympathy of all in their bereavement.
Several brothers and sisters reside in
Massachusetts and elsewhere.
During his illness, Judge Severance
talked freely of the future, and made
all arrangements for his funeral, antici
pating his death, whenever it should oc-
cur. In fact, during the last weeks of
his life he longed for release from suf
fering. His wishes will be followed to
the letter. The funeral services will be-
held from the residence Saturday after
noon at two o'clock, and will be con-
Quoted by Rev. E. A. Fillmore. The in
terment will be made at Glenwood GEM
etery. 1t was the request of Judge Sew
erance that there be no flowers, aside
from those provided by the family.
HIS RUGGED HONESTY.