The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1908-06-18

He was dignifed, courteous, faithful.
! just and impartial. He had broad
knowledge of human nature. was ever
alert and quick to perceive and it was
seldom if ever that the untruthful wit
ness would succeed in deceiving him.
His early training in the law, his prac-
tice at the bar, coupled with his ex-
perience on the bench, had stored his
mind with the principles of jurisprud-
ence and he had acquired the ability
| to apply them correctly to legal con
troversies. His knowledge of the law
was profound and he was justly con-
sidered one of our ablest judges. In
his decisions he was fearless to a mark
ed degree, absolutely fair to every liti-
CANT, and endowed with a keen legal
mind, he would grasp and comprehend
the most seemingly difficult legal prob
lens, with amazing perception. He
was most genial and lovable man, with
keen sense of wit and humor and a
rarely fascinating personality which
made him hosts of friends and friends
and friendships were very dear to him.
The chief ambition which seemed to
dominate and guide his judicial life
was to be right, rather than to be pop
ular, to do justice to all, to perform the
duties Of his high office to the best of
his ability, letting his judicial reputa-
ton rest upon the character of his work.
Animated by this ambition, neither the
cherished ties of friendship nor the ella
NOR of sentiment could influence in the
slightest degree his keen appreciation
of right and justice. .
He was frequently called to other
courts of the state and during his ser
vice of nearly eleven years, on the
bench, presided at the trial of many
important matters, civil and criminal
bitterly contested by eminent counsel
which have become leading cases in
Wisconsin.
Comparatively few of his decisions
were appealed, but of those which were
the great majority were affirmed by the
Supreme Court, confirming the conten-
ton invariably made by the members
OF this bar, that no trial Judge in this
state had more favorable record than
Judge Fish His was a most remark
able one, Speaking eloquently of the
great care and accuracy with which his
work was done.
Called to the bench at the age of
thlrty-two, he had the distinguished
honor OF being one of the youngest
Jurlsts chosen to preside at the Circuit
Courts of our state. After nearly elev-
en- years service, at the age of forty
three he retired to engage in the active
practice Of his profession for which
he was peculiarly fitted and thoroughly
equipped, being then at the full maturi-
ty OF his powers and in the prime of
life, ripe in experience, strong and
vigorous in intellect, rich in learning
and legal ability, fairly strong in
physique, leaving an honored position
where he had few equals and no superb |
or to him in the state of Wisconsin.
His ambition was for larger terri
tory and broader base of operation
with the expectation of building up an
extensive law practice and he chose |
the city Of Milwaukee as his field of |
labor.
Man proposes, but God in his in
Unite Wisdom disposes." In few
short years after leaving our circuit
his health failed, and on the 10th dav |
OF January last he was summoned be- |
fore the Supreme Judge, from whose
court there is no appeal.
Judge Fish has gone. He has fought
the good fight. He has finished his
course. The places which knew him
mere will know him no more. but his
record still lives and will remain and
with his many good qualities are fresh
IN our memory and better than words
OF praise, exemplify the man who so
long and so worthily served the state
and his fellow men.
The members of the Kenosha County
Bar III common with the members of
the bar in this circuit esteemed him
when living, we deplore and mourn his
death, and pray that this brief memorial
may be spread upon the records of this
court.
Dated Kenosha, Wisconsin June 9Th
1908 ~ 0'l'
James Cavanagh,
Peter Fisher,