The San Francisco call., 1908-09-17
COURTS ADJOURN
TO HONOR JURIST
Great Legal Learning of Dead
Judge Left Impress on Laws
of the State
Arrangements for Funeral of
Noted California Justice to
Be Made Today

Definite arrangements for the funeral
OF Judge Thomas Bard Mcfarland, as
sociate justice of the supreme court of
California who died at his home in this
city early yesterday morning. had not
Deen completed late last night. 1t is
expected the matter will be settled this
morning, when colleagues of the de-
ceased jurist viii arrive in the city.
For time it was settled that the
funeral would take place from the un-
dertaking parlors of n. Gray & Co. at
the corner of Geary and Devisadero
streets, but late last evening this plan
was changed pending the arrival of the
supreme court justices. The pail bear
ers viii also be selected this morning.
In this city and throughout the state
tributes We're paid TO the memory of
the dead jurist who had graced the
bench for almost half century and at
all times commanded the respect of the
members of the bar and his associates,
not only because of his sterling hon
esty but also because of his deep
learning.
When the departments of the supe-
rior court adjourned yesterday they
did so out OF respect TO the memory of
Judge Mcfarland. In closing court
Judge Carroll Cook said:
TRIBUTE FROM JUDGE COOK
1t is but ft and proper that this
court should adjourn out of respect TO
the memory of the late Justice McFar-
land / feel that 1t is the duty of
every member of the bench and bar TO
pay respect to the memory of a man
who devoted the best years of his life
10 the administration of the law in
such a manner that he was recognized
s an eminent authority. For this rea-
son the minutes Will show that this
court stands adjourned out of respect
TO his memory"
Judge Graham paid a high tribute
TO the deceased jurist before he ad-
journed his court.
At meeting of the judges of the
superior court yesterday afternoon it
was decided TO adjourn all depart
ments at noon tomorrow.
During all of yesterday the flag on
the Grant building, where the supreme
court holds its sessions, was at half
mast and will remain so until after the
funeral
The passing of the aged justice was
one OF the chief topics of conversation
yesterday. and many were the tributes
paid 10 his sterling worth. His cease
less energy and the impress which he
left on the laws of the state were fire.
quenly referred TO. Reference TO the
records shows that Justice Mcfarland
participated in more and wrote as
many, if not more. opinions than any
other member Of the supreme court.
INTERESTED IN WORK
Even in late years, since he became
feeble, Justice Mcfarland always took
the greatest interest in the work of
the court and participated in its de-
lberations. After he became afflicted
with the disease which caused his
death the old jurist insisted on occu-
pying his seat in court. Finally his
almost total blindness forced his re-
tirment, but even then he continued his
labors on his sick bed.
The home life of Justice Mcfarland
was beautiful 4 devoted and loving
husband and father. never to the end
did he allow his Affections to mar the
happiness Of hi4 fireside. He bore all
OF his suffering with the utmost for
titude.
Thomas Bard Mcfarland was born in
Mercersburg, Pa. April is, 1928, and
graduated from Marshall college. He
was admitted to the bar in IS49 and
came to California the following year.
He was elected judge of Nevada and
Placer counties in 1852 and served un-
til he was appointed register of the
United States land office in 1874 He
retired from the land Office in 1878 and
was elected Judge of the superior court
in 1882. In 1886 he was elevated to the
supreme court and served until his
death.
In 1851 the deceased was married to
Miss Susan Briggs of Nevada City, and
Of this union one child was born, Miss
jeanette Mcfarland, who, with her
mother, was present at the bedside
when the end came