OBITUARIES

MICHAEL HART CARDOZO

Michael Hart Cardozo, a member of this association of thirty years' standing, was born in the city of New York on January 12, 1851, and died at his residence in that city on July 19, 1906.

He was the son of Abraham H. Cardozo, a well-known New York merchant, and of Sarah Peixotto, both of whom were of Spanish descent, and of families long resident in the city.

Having received his preparatory education in the public schools, he entered the College of the City of New York, from which he was graduated in the class of 1870. He then attended the University Law School, being at the same time entered as a student in the office of Morris & Billings. In June, 1872, he was graduated from the Law School and admitted to the Bar, becoming immediately the managing clerk in the office with which he had been connected.

His industry and ability marked him for rapid promotion. Six months thereafter he was admitted as a junior partner in the firm, which then took the style of Morris, Billings & Cardozo, under which it continued until 1878. Mr. Morris then retiring, the firm became Billings & Cardozo and so continued until the death of Mr. Billings in 1894. Mr. Cardozo then formed a partnership with Edgar J. Nathan, under the name of Cardozo & Nathan, which continued until dissolved by his death.

Mr. Cardozo's practice was varied and extensive. To the Bar in general he was best known as an authority

on the law of fire insurance, a branch in which he achieved marked success and distinction, appearing either as attorney or counsel in some of the most important cases that have been before the Courts in recent years. His activities were not, however, confined to any specialty. He was continuously engaged in general commercial practice, appearing in bank, railroad and general corporation litigation, and taking part in a number of will cases. In addition, he for many years represented important private interests in matters not coming before the Courts.

As regards his clients Mr. Cardozo was characterized by scrupulous conscientiousness, untiring industry and the utmost loyalty and devotion to their interests. In all that concerned his relations to the Bar his standards. were of the highest. His bearing in Court was marked by more than ordinary dignity. His methods were candid and straightforward, winning for him the esteem and confidence of the Bench, and the respect of his associates. The controversies inevitable to the life of an active practitioner were in his case singularly devoid of bitterness or occasion for recrimination.

Mr. Cardozo's time and influence were freely given to all movements for the advancement of the interests of our profession. He became a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York in 1873, and served for some time as a member of the Executive Committee of that body. He was a member of its Library Committee. at the time of his death. From 1883 to 1888 he served as one of the examiners of candidates for admission to the Bar, by appointment of the General Term of the First Department, the late Noah Davis being then Presiding Justice. For some years prior to his death he acted as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the New York

Law Institute, and one of the Committee of Counsel to the Lawyers' Title Insurance and Trust Company.

In July, 1906, Mr. Cardozo received the nomination for Justice of the Supreme Court in the First Department at the hands of the Judiciary Nominators, an independent organization of the Bar of New York city. He was deeply sensible of the compliment of thus being selected by the free choice of those best qualified to judge of his professional standing and his qualifications for judicial office. It is gratifying to feel that the end of his long and useful life was marked by an honor so acceptable to him.

Mr. Cardozo married in 1878 Miss Rosalie Hart, who died in January, 1881. He left two sons, Ernest A. Cardozo and Michael H. Cardozo, Jr., both of whom are members of the New York Bar.

ROBERT E. DRAKE

Robert E. Drake was born at Truxton, N. Y., December 25, 1861, and died April 21, 1906, at Lyons, N. Y.

course.

His father's name was William Drake, who was a farmer by occupation. Robert was reared upon the farm. He was educated at the Normal School at Cortland, N. Y., from which he graduated. He also graduated from St. Mary's College at Emmetsburg, Mo., after a four years' He thereafter spent some time in teaching at Port Leyden, N. Y., and then began the study of law in the office of Goodelle & Nottingham in the city of Syracuse, N. Y. He was admitted to the Bar on the 15th day of January, 1886. Mr. Drake practiced his profession in the city of Syracuse from the time he was admitted to the Bar until his death. He acquired an honorable position at the Bar. He was the attorney for various cor

porations from time to time, and was an authority upon. Corporation Law and all matters incidentally connected with the acquisition and promotion of corporate interests. At the time of his death he was attorney for the Niagara, Lockport and Ontario Power Company. He served his clients with great ability and integrity. He was thoroughly trusted by those who employed him. He was a tireless worker, and his briefs show his great faithfulness and industry.

He died from an accident on the 21st of April, 1906. In the early evening he was waiting at Lyons for the incoming train to take him home. He stepped across the railroad tracks in the rear of a westbound train, directly in front of the locomotive of the eastbound train; he was struck by the locomotive and instantly killed. The Onondaga County Bar Association held a meeting, which was largely attended by prominent members of the Bar, who spoke of the high character and honorable qualities and professional career of their deceased member.

Mr. Drake, at the time of his death, was a member of Syracuse Lodge No. 31, B. P. O. Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He became a member of the New York State Bar Association in 1904.

Mr. Drake had won success through his strong sterling qualities, and gave promise of great future prominence as a lawyer and citizen.

He left him surviving a wife, one brother and one sister.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER DUER

William Alexander Duer, a member of the Association since 1903, died at Roslyn, Long Island, October 27, 1905.