The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1914-08-12
OLDEST ATTORNEY
OF wayne COUNTY
DIES IN CAMBRIDGE
Daniel w. Mason Served as
First Prosecutor i'm Grim
inal Court Established by
Governor in 1866.

The death of Daniel w. Mason. 81,
oldest member of the Wayne county
bar and the last of fourteen children
who represent one of Wayne county's
earliest pioneer families, was a shock
to attorneys and older residents when
the announcement was sent out from
the home at Cambridge City today.
Within the past ten days, Mr. Ma
son has been seen on the streets of
Cambridge City. Several days ago he
suffered relapse from an attack of
paralysis of seven weeks ago. He died
at Sis o'clock this morning.
Mason's death closes the life of
lawyer who was regarded as being the
most ardent advocate of true justice
in the bar of this county. Although he
was not credited with being a brilliant
orator, it was said of him His powers
with the court or juries are greater
from the fact that his aim is ever to
secure justice and not to enshroud the
cause in sentimental garb or illusion
that will thwart the principles of right
and equity involved"
Practices Fifty Years.
Mr.. Mason was admitted to the
before the admittance of Judge Fox
and Judge Comstock. He was in active
practice for a half century, having
closed his office only four or five years
ago.
Judge Fox, one of his oldest friends,
announced today that he has called
a meeting of members of the bar to
convene at 9 o'clock tomorrow and
adopt resolutions in keeping with the
death of the oldest member of the or
ganization. The Wayne circuit. court
will adjourn Friday when the funeral
will be held.
Since his retirement from active
practice Mr.. Mason has made his home
with his daughter, Mrs. Flora Hoover,
and son-in-law, John Hoover, at Cam
bridge City. Mrs. Hoover and Mrs.
Dora Alice Bowker of Dublin, former
1y of Sarcoxie, Mo-, are the surviving
children. Mrs. Mason also survives her
husband.
Mr.. Mason was born in Jefferson
township, February 10, 1888. His faith
er was John NJ Mason, who settled
there from Berk county, Pennsylvania
In 1916. Daniel Mason was one of the
younger of family of fourteen chill
dren.
Takes Up Law.
Although his opportunities for edu-
cation were few, he studied at his
home and later at the school which
was established near Hagerstown. In
stead of becoming a farmer as his
brothers did, Mr.. Mason took up the
study of law in the office Of Jeffer-
son township lawyer. He was admitted
to the bar in 1860 at Centerville
Although he was already enjoying
a good practice at agerstown, in De-
cember 1862, he enlisted in the 121st
Regiment, Ninth Indiana cavalry as a
private. After years service he was
promoted to second lieutenant In De-
cember 1864 he became first lieutenant
of Co. H Ninth Indiana Cavalry to
which he was transferred. In July 1865
he was promoted to captain of the
company.
Mr.. Mason then took up the practice
of law in Cambridge City and became
the first prosecuting attorney Of the
first criminal court of the county. He
was appointed to the position by Gov
ernor Baker in 1866 and held the office
through election until 1872. AS a pri
vate lawyer, he was later connected
with some of the biggest interests OF
the cOuntry>
cemetery at Dublin where many of the
oldest residents have been buried. Flu
neral services will be held from his
home at Cambridge City at 2:3O O'Clock
Friday afternoon. Other survivors than
his wife and daughters are Mandus
Mason and c. P. Mason. both nephews