Minos Talbot Gordy, Jr., 1864-1926, Vermilion Parish Obits, Louisiana Submitted by Kathy LaCombe-Tell Source: Meridional Submitted August 2004 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Meridional 8-14-1926 Gordy, Minos Talbot, Jr., born 9-29-1864, died 8-8-1926 Judge Minos T. Gordy Judge Minos T. Gordy died at his home in Abbeville on Sunday, August 8, at 10:15 p.m. aged 60 years, 10 months and 9 days. The funeral took place Monday at 6 p.m., from the residence to the Graceland Cemetery. Services were held at the residence, with Masonic services at the grave. He is survived by his widow and the following sons: John Collins, born Sept. 8, 1897; Walter Hayes, born May 18, 1899; and Minos T. Jr., born Feb. 28, 1900; also the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Chas. A. O'Neill and Mrs. R. E. O'Neill, of Franklin; Mrs. Frank Conway and Michael Gordy, of New Orleans, Mrs. Emma Crawford, of Lake Charles, La.; and W. B. Gordy, of Abbeville. Mr. Gordy was throughout his mature manhood a prominent figure in both local and state affairs. Born in St. Mary parish on Sept. 29, 1865 [sic, 1864], son of Minos T. and Betty Ann (Johnson) Gordy he received his earlier education in the public schools of Franklin, later attending the Rugby Academy at the same place. In 1880 he entered the Louisiana State University from which he graduated with the degree of B. S. in the class of 1883. After his graduation he spent some time clerking in stores in Franklin and Abbeville, and it was while employed in the latter place that he became interested in the study of law and began reading under the direction of the law firm of White & O'Bryan, of Abbeville. In 1888 he entered the law school of Tulane University, from which he graduated with his legal degree in the class of 1889, and shortly thereafter began practicing in Abbeville. In 1890 he was appointed district attorney by Gov. Nicholls, to succeed R. C. Smedes, who died in office. In 1892 he was elected to the office to succeed himself, and in 1896 was re-elected, serving until 1900. In 1898 he was also elected and served as a member of the Constitutional Convention of that year. In 1900 he was elected district judge for a term of four years, and by virtue of his office as district judge he also served on the bench as a judge of the Court of Appeals. He was also appointed by Gov. Sanders as a member of the Criminal Code Commission charged with the work of codifying the criminal laws of the State of Louisiana. Since 1904 Judge Gordy had practically retired from political activities and confined himself to the private practice of law. On April 28, 1896, Judge Gordy was married to Miss Laura Gage Haynes, of Wilkinson County, Miss., to which happy union the following children were born: John Collins, Walter Haynes and Minos T., Jr. Judge Gordy was a man of unusual strength of character, and this quality combined with exceptional abilities and keen sense of justice did much to check the condition of semi-anarchy that prevailed in this parish in the early 90's. He will be remembered here as a staunch and upright citizen—standing "four-square" to the world—a terror to evil doers. The part he played in local and state affairs is well known to all, and needs no comment here—his life and actions were above reproach—and even his enemies—if he had any—will probably admit that at this hands they received fair treatment, and—justice. A good man has left us for the "undiscovered country"—and while we hesitate to murmur against the decrees of him who doeth all things well we cannot help but feel that the place made vacant can never be filled—we will never see his like again. "Unbounded courage and compassion join'd, Tempering each other in the victor's mind, Alternately proclaim him good and great, And make the hero and the man complete." Resolutions of Condolence. Whereas, Our heavenly Father has seen fit to call him our Brother Minos T. Gordy, Sr., and as his place in our Chapter and in our hearts and lives must forever be vacant, and Whereas, We mourn the departure of our beloved brother from the circle of our Chapter, yet knowing that he has gone to a higher brotherhood, to merge in nobler duties and in heavenly work, to find rest from earthly labor and freedom from earthly cares, therefore Be it Resolved, That Lizzie Chapter Number 11, Order of the Eastern Star, does sincerely and deeply sympathize with his immediate family and relatives in their bereavement, and Be It Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon our minutes and published in the local papers, and that a copy be mailed to the family. Signed: P. E. Wilson Birdie Kitchell Stella M. Williams Committee. Resolutions On the Death of Judge Minos T. Gordy. To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Abbeville Lodge No. 192, A. F. & A. M., of the Grand Jurisdiction of Louisiana. We your committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Brother Judge Minos T. Gordy, beg leave to report the following: Whereas, it has pleased the Grand Master of the universe to call from our midst, recently, our beloved brother Judge Minos T. Gordy; and Whereas, Judge Gordy was long a faithful and upright member of Abbeville Lodge No. 192 A. F. & A. M.; and Whereas, Judge Gordy was not only an upright Mason, but was also one of the leading and foremost citizens of the community and state in which he lived; one who always had courage to announce publicly and fight for his convictions; one who hated and denounced wrong and injustice; one who always stood for the enforcement of law, for orderly conduct and for clean morals and living in the community and State in which he lived; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that in the death of Judge Minos T. Gordy this Lodge has suffered irreparable loss; that Louisiana has been deprived of a faithful guardian of Her Peace and Dignity; that this Community has lost one of its foremost citizens and that his family has been bereft of a kind and tender loving husband, father and friend. Be it further resolved, that this Lodge and the members thereof tender to the bereaved family of Brother Minos T. Gordy their sincere sympathies in this the hour of profound sorrow; and that copies of these resolutions be given to the press for publication and that a copy of the same be given to the family of the deceased. J. R. Kitchell, S. P. Watts, V. L. Caldwell, Committee. *********** Meridional 9-25-1926: Court met this day with Hon. W. W. Bailey, Judge presiding. Resolutions Adopted By The Abbeville Bar September 2nd., 1926, upon being informed of the death of Judge Minos T. Gordy. WHEREAS, it has pleased an all Wise Providence to take from our midst JUDGE MINOS T. GORDY, a member of the Abbeville Bar. AND WHEREAS, Judge Gordy was for years in the public service of the State of Louisiana, first as District Attorney, then as a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1898, and as Judge of the Seventh Judicial District Court of Louisiana; AND WHEREAS, in each of said capacities he served the State of Louisiana with unquestioned courage, zeal and ability; AND WHEREAS, in the practice of his profession at the bar with equal zeal and ability he protected the rights of his clients before the Courts, always practicing his profession in an elevated and honorable manner and always strictly observing the highest ethics of the profession; AND WHEREAS, Judge Gordy as a man and as a citizen stood at all times for the general welfare and for moral cleanness in the community in which he lived and for the due enforcement of law, actively always opposing wrong and injustice with all the forces at his command. THEREFORE be it resolved by the Abbeville Bar that in the death of JUDGE MINOS T. GORDY this Bar has suffered irreparable loss and this community and the State of Louisiana one of its most distinguished and useful citizens. Be It Further Resolved that each member of this Bar and the Judge of this Court extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Judge Gordy and that these resolutions be spread on the Minutes of this Court, that a copy of same be given to the press for publication, and a copy be sent to the family of the deceased. (Signed) J. R. Kitchell Wm. P. Edwards Jno. Nugier Committee on Resolutions