The Climax-Madisonian. (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1914-1917, 1915-11-03
JUDGE J. M. BENTON
Finishes His Labors Here After
Fourteen Years On The
Bench.

TUESDAY afternoon OF laSJ week, d uQge
J. M. Benton finished his labors after a
brilliant career of nearly fourteen years
on the Circuit Court bench, and received
glowing tribute from the members of
the local bar and friends for his long
and faithful service.
Upon the death of Circuit Judge T. J
Scott, in April, 1902, Judge Benton, then
a lawyer of recognized ability practicing
at Winchester, received the judicial err
mine, which was most worthily bestow-
ed Upon receiving the appointment he
took charge of his new duties in a man.
ner that caused his friends to feel Justly
proud of him, and during his long career
he has made faithful, capable and eff
ficient judge. And on his retirement
from the bench he is recognized as one
of the ablest Circuit Judges in the Com
monwealth.
After calling court to order for the
purpose of receiving the report of the
grand jury on Tuesday afternoon, Judge
Benton was asked to vacate the bench
Hon. W. s. Moberley, a member of the
local bar, then took the chair. Resolu-
tions were then read by Mr. a. r. Bur-
nam, Jr., which were unanimously
adopted and made part of the record.
Speeches were made by Hon. w. B.
Smith, Judge II. G. Rice, Mr. S. D. Par
IRISH and Judge John G. Chenault in Gu
logistic terms of Judge Benton's splen-
did record and unusual talents as a
juriSt, each and all expressing their
hearty good wishes for long life of USE
fulness and happiness. AT the conclu-
sim of the speeches, Judge John G.
Chenault, in a most beautiful and ap-
propriate address, presented Judge Ben
tol with handsome gold-headed cane
as gift from the local bar, which was
a small token of the high regard the
donors entertained for the retiring jur-
ist. Judge Benton was visibly affected,
and in a brief, appropriate address, most
graciously thanked the members of the
bar for their kindly expressions and the
gift rendered.
We understand that Judge Benton
will resume the practice of law imme-
diately upon his retirement from the
bench, and that he has some flattering
offers from leading corporations to enter
their employ.
The resolutions are as follows:
Whereas, the Honorable James M
Benton, for fourteen years the presiding
Judge of the Madison Circuit Court, has
IL . H., -,
court before the expiration of his term
of office, and the Richmond Bar desires
that this occasion be marked by a writ
ten attestation of its high regard and
good wishes for him both as a Judge and
as man. Now, therefore. be it
Resolved, by the Richmond Bar, that
we express our high regard and great
confidence in Judge Benton as Judge,
and bear witness to the fact that during
his long service as judge of this court,
he has administered the important du-
ties thereof with great ability and i'm
Partially; that the people of Madison
county as we'll as the Bar are indebted
to him for the zeal, industry, efficiency
and fairness with which he has prompt
ly disposed of all cauSes, both civil and
criminal, that have come before him.
and in addition thereto, has treated law
yers. litigants and witnesses with the
utmost courtesy, consideration and kind
ness; and has always shown the degree O
leniency and mercy that should be shown
the unfortunate.
AS judge, Judge Benton will Justly
take his place as one of the ablest and
most coEscienclous that has sat upon the
bench of Madison county, although this
office has been filled by long line of
distinguished jurists.
As a man, Judge Benton has always
been guided by the best ideals of chris
tian citizenship, participating actively
in all public affairs, and fearlessly and
openly advocating and doing everything
in his power to advance what he be-
lieved best for the county and state.
The Richmond Bar extends TO Judge
Benton its sincere wish that in every
affair of life he may meet with great
success and happiness.
Be it further resolved, that the reso-
lutions be spread upon the order book of
the Madison Circuit Court and that
certified copy thereof be presented 10
Judge Benton,as evidence of Dur feeling
toward him.
W. B. Smith
a. Il. l'urnam, Jr. Committee
) A ID Jones