Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-03-13
TRIBUTE TO JUDGE MASSE,


! JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF TBE
; STATE OF NEVADA, IN AND
FOR THE COUNTY OF ELKo.
IN MEMORIAM.
The Rench and Bar of Elko
County, assembled in open court
this 7th day of March, A. ID. 1914,
for the purpose of expressing our
deep regret and sorrow at the sud-
den and unantlcipated passing of
the late Hon. w. A. Massey, and in
memory Of his kindly life and
splendid service to the State at
large and to Elko County in partic-
ular, have caused the following
proceedings to be had and spread
upon the minutes OF this court:
Hon. ". A. Massey was born in
Perry County, Ohio, on the 7h day
of October, 1856. His education
was acquired in the public schools of
Illinois and at Asbu.y University,
Greencastle. Indiana. He was ad-
mitted to the bar of Indiana Oc-
tober 20, 1877, and practiced law
in that state until 1885 al which
time he removed to San Diego,
California. Lurrd bv the mining
excitement he came to Tuscaror
in the year 1886, and engaged in
the mining industry. His mining
ventures were unsuccessful. but the
splendid courage and tenacious
purpose which characterized the
entire life of Judge Massey were
here first made manifest to the
people OF this county; fol when his
modest fortune was gone, he took
up pick and shovel and essoyed, by
physical effort, alone and unaiicd,
to wrest from natures stronghold
n competency. Though this failed,
Judge Massey's magnificent npti-
mism never deserted him, and his
cheerful greeting and heartfelt
| hand clasp, even in adversely, were
, ever rresPnt--a benedictiOn to all
who came in contact with him.
His intense interest in public affairs
and mis- comprehensive grasp and
knowledge Uf governmental matters
carly attracted thI attention of the
people of Elko County, and in 1892
they honored themselves by send.
ing Judge Massey to the legislature
of this State. The legislature of
1898 WAS body of particularly
str Ng men, but Judge Massey by
virtue of his universal advocacy
OF the right, his iireproachable
character and splendid fighting
qualities, soon gained for himself a
prominence that remained with him
to the end of his days. Upon the
Legislation Of the State Of Nevada,
Judge Massey has placed his i'm
press, the impress Of profound and
conscientious craftsmanship. Again
in 1894 the people Of Elko county
benefited themselves and honurpd
Judge Massey by elccling him dis
trict attorney, which position he
illed with singular distinction. In
1896 he was elected to that most
important position within the gift
Of the people of this State. the Su-
prcmc Bench. To that Bench Judge
} Massey brought those qualifications
; which peculiarly fitted him for that
exalted position. In Judge Massey,
as jurist, were united indcfatig-
able, industry, universal courtesy
toward other members of the bench
and the bar, patience in listening
to the argument Of counsel, broad
legal learning, a receptive and
analytlcal mind, q rctentive men,
ory, furccful and convincing die
tion, and above all such proli of
character that even those who last
their causes in his court were never
heard to question Judge Masscy's
honor.
The death Of the late lamentcd
u. S. Senator George s. Nixon
brought additional laurels to the
, brow Of Judge Massey, and marked
most graceful act on the part OF
his successful opponent for the
nomination for Governor of the
State ut the hands Of the Rcpuhli-
: can party. Governor Oddie's ap-
pointment of senator Massey to the
United States Senate was not only
: tho act Of generous opponent hut