The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1917-05-19

lapse4d into an unconscious state and
it was realized that his recovery was
impossible. Last evening he -egained
consciousness but there was no i'm
provement in his condition and he fail
ed rapidly after midnight Despite
his advanced years Judge Constock
had been enjoying robust health.
Judge Comstock is survived by his
wife. his son, Paul, and two daughters.
the Misses Elizabeth and Clara.
One Of Distinguished Sons.
Judge d w. Comstock was one Of
Indiana's most distinguished sons and
he rendered both his state and nation
loyal. honorable and highly efficient
service on the field of battle. at the
bar of justice. in the state legislature
and In the halls of congress.
AS q soldier in the federal army he
served courageously from 1862 to 1865.
enlisdng as private soldier and be-
ing discharged commissioned offic-
er. AS judge Of the Wayne circuit
court and as one OF the justices on
the state appellate bench. Judge Com
stock established an enviable reputa-
ton as jurist.
AS senator representing Wayne
county in the state legislature. Judge
Comstock was one OF the ablest men
ever elected to that office by the vot-
ers Of Wayne county.
Elected by United Party.
Approaching his long and honorable
record as public officer the voters
Of the Sixth Indiana congressional dis
trict elected Judge Comstock to con-
gress last November by a substantial
majority. For six years the Demo
Gratis had controlled the congressional
election in the Sixth district but with
Judge Comstock as the Republican
standard bearer factional feelings
which had disrupted his party in the
past were forgotten and he polled the
almost solid Republican vote. Judge
Comstock was sworn in as a congress
man, March 4. this year.
Judge Comstock possessed a charm
ing personality. He was recognized
as one Of the ablest lawyers in the
state and was public speaker of
great ability.
Following his retirement from the
appellate bench and prior to his cleo
ton to congress he engaged In the law
business here with his son, Major
Paul Comstock. A few days ago this
firm suspended business. for both its
members had been called to their
country's service, Judge Comstock to
congress and Major Comstock, a re-
serve officer, to active service with
the army.
Born In Germantown, o.
Daniel w. Comstock was born at
Germantown, O., December 16, 1910,
and graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan
university, Delaware. O., in 1860. His
father, DR.. James Comstock (whose
father was a soldier Of the American
revolutfon) was born In Connecticut.
and his mother, whose maiden name
was Mary Wade Croke, was born In
Virginia
In September 1861, Judge Comstock
located at Newcastle, Ind, and was ad-
mftted to the bar the same year; was
elected district attorney for Henry
county in 1862, an office which he
resigned to enlist In the Ninth Indiana
cavalry. He was offered a commiss-
Ion as second lieutenant Of troop e,
which he had assisted in recruiting,
but declined and voluntarily filed with
the adjutant-general HIS written re-
quest for the appointment Of his friend,
Caleb H. Cooper, in his stead The
appointment was made accordingly
and Mr.. Comstock was mustered In a.
a private.
Promotions Come Rapidly.
Upon the organization Of the regi-
ment he was appointed sergeant-major.
was promoted to first lieutenant OF
troop F, 1864. and to captain Of troop
c in April. 1865. Subsequently, he was
detailed to act as assistant adjutant-
general of the brigade in which his
regiment was incorporated. He was
honorably discharged September is.
1865
Since 1866. Mr. Comstock made hts
home in Richmond. In that year he
was appointed city attorney Of Rich
mond. holding that office until the
political complexion Of the council
changed. In 1867 he was married to
Josephine A. Rohrer of Germantown.
o. Judge Comstock was elected and
served as prosecuting attorney of the
Wayne circuit court for the terms be-
ginning In 1872 and 1874 and was elect
ed to the state senate from Wayne
county in 1873. AS state senator he
was a members Of the judiciary COM
mittee In 1879. and in 1881 was chair
man of the joint committee on the re-
vision of the laws. He was not a can
didate for reelection
Elected Circuit Court Judge.
In 1884 he was elected Judge of the
Wayne circuit court and was reelected
in 1890, being nominated by the Re
publican party each time without oppo-
sition. In October, 1895. he resigned
the office Of circuit Judge, having been
nominated as a candidate by the Re-
publican party for judge of the appel
late court for the fourth district. He
was elected to that office the same
year and was four times successfully
elected to that bench, serving as a
member of that court until January 1,
1911.
CTrr1ACn nnY1 1IVDnC