The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1920-03-11

Chester D. Barnes of this city, the firm
name being Cavanagh and Barnes, and
later his youngest son, Richard P.
Cavanagh became the Junior member
of the firm and the firm name was
changed to Cavanagh, Barnes and
Cavanagh and continued as such until
dissolved by the death of Mr.. James
Cavanagh.
Lead His Profession.
"Mr. Cavnagh ever solicitous for the
dignity of his profession; the uplift
of its members and their moral stand
ing in society, worked actively and as
siduously for the organization of a
bar ASSOCIATION for Kenosha county
and was elected it's first president
and continued as such until death
closed his labors.
When his country entered the great
world war, Mr.. Cavanagh was chos-
en- as the leader of the local ex-
emption board for the city Of Ke-
nosha, and gave his time, day after
day and night after night, sacrificed
his business and his means; gave up
home comforts and enjoyments to de-
vote his best energies and time for
the interests of his country absolutely
free, without pay or recompense other
than the consciousness of a duty to
his country and to mankind, we'll done.
"He has done the work of true man;
Crown him, honor him, love him;
Waay1 oUar bivo of
Stoop manifest brows above him,
For the warmest of hearts is frozen,
The freest of hands is still,
And the gap in our picked and chosen
The long years may not FILL"
although born in Kenosha Mr..
Cavanagh was almost unknown and
a comparative stranger to the people of
Kenosha when he decided to perma-
nently locate in his native city. With
few friends to speak favorably for
him, he entered upon his practice at a
time when it was extremely difficult
for the young lawyer unaided, to earn
mere pittance. He looked aloft, the
path up the hill was steep, and rugged
and long; to reach the summit it re-
quired faith, hope and courage, indus
try and perseverance, but he under
took the task, he was not dismayed,
his courage never failed; he struggled
and forged ahead, without looking
back, and persevered and progressed,
after realizing to the fullest extent
the bitter pains of the starvation per-
iod, until he reached the goal and at
tanned success and competency and
was conceded by all to be the leading
member of the Kenosha bar.
Gle was an honest lawyer with abil-
ity of very high order; his mind was
keen, analytic and receptive; he SEEM
ed to grasp the law fitted for the prob
lem he had to solve, and which was
applicable to his case. He had pro-
found respect for the court; never de-
ceived nor attempted to deceive court
or jury; he never deceived his own
clients; no matter how great the ap-
parent reward might be, no client ever
received advice that was not conscien-
tiously and honestly given; he would
not advise lawsuit without merit for
pecuniary gain; the poorest client
without funds but with meritorious
cause would receive from him the
same consideration he gave to his
wealthies client. Truly he was an
ideal lawyer.
profound in the knowledg of the
law in all its branches an6 of eminent
ability and fully equipped for each,
he made speciality of corporation law
and enjoyed the confidence of the di-
rectors of all the large industrial and
other corporations in our city. Dur
ing all of his years of practice his
ambition has been for the elevation of
the members of the bar; he despised
and condemned sharp practices; the
tactics of pettifoggers and all prac-
tees or evasions which would tend to
cast suspicion upon the lawyer.
Death Civic Loss.
ellis death is great civic loss to
the city of Kenosha. He took part in
the affairs of his community, his state
and the nation. Public questions at
tracted him and there was never any
doubt as to where he stood; he made
it plain to the people. AS civic
leader he was interested actively in
every movement for the betterment of
Kenosha and its citizens. Politically
he was Republican, but never hest
tated to openly criticise and denounce
the platform or the candidate of his
party failing to measure up to his.se
of right and justice. This was char
acteristic of James Cavanagh. There
was never any doubt as to his stand
on public questions and on all matters
affecting the community and the peo-
pie of this country; he stood four
square at all times and shot right from
the shoulder. His influence has time
and again brought victory for better
conditions in the city of his birth,
that he loved so well. While others
are entitled to credit, there is no one
entitled to more credit than James
Cavanagh for his services and in
fiuences for right in the great inter
ests and matters affecting the City of
Kenosha and its people.
Courteous as Friend.
"As a friend Mr.. Cavanagh was dear
to many hearts. Always genial. pleas
ant, courteous and companionable: he