My Genealogy Hound

CASEY, JOSEPH M., HON. firm of Casey & Hobbs, attorneys; Joseph M. Casey, a native of Adair Co., Ky., was born on the 25th of March, 1827; the youngest of a family of six children. His grandfather was one of the pioneers of Kentucky, and his father, Green Casey, was the first male child born in Adair Co. His mother, Jane, nee Patterson, was a native of Rockbridge Co., Va. Both of his parents were well educated, and zealous members of the Presbyterian Church. When Joseph was 11 years old, his father died, leaving his family in moderate circumstances. He received a good academical education, and at the age of 17 began the study of law in the office of Judge John F. Kinney, who was then a prominent jurist in Lee Co., Iowa, and who afterward became Judge of the Supreme Court of Iowa. After a three-years course of diligent and thorough study, young Casey, in 1847, was admitted to the bar, and settling in Keokuk Co., was at once elected Prosecuting Attorney. He held that office for five years, and in that time established an enviable reputation as a prosecutor and a lawyer. In October, 1859, he was elected County Judge of Keokuk Co., and satisfactorily performed the duties of his office until April, 1861. Desiring, however, to make Fort Madison his permanent home, he removed thither, arriving on the 12th of April of the last-named year, leaving a lucrative practice and many true friends. Although Judge Casey’s attention has been devoted mainly to the practice of his profession, he has yet found time for literary culture. He was for two years editor of the Iowa Democrat, while a resident of Keokuk Co., and for three years editor of the Fort Madison Plaindealer. In political sentiment he has always been an uncompromising Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. Cass. But although he has firmly adhered to and advocated the principles of his party, he has never been so biased by political prejudice as not to willingly allow those who differed from him the peaceful enjoyment of their opinions, recognizing the fact that men may honestly differ in their views. As a consequence, he has many warm personal friends among men with whose political views he has no sympathy. Personally Judge Casey is kind, courteous and affable. He has a decidedly mathematical turn of mind and his arguments, especially those before the Supreme Court, have been styled by superior jurists, as models of logical strength and literary excellence. He has taken a prominent stand in the Masonic fraternity, and been honored with the highest offices of the craft. As a Royal Arch Mason, he is acknowledged to have few superiors. He has taken a deep interest in educational matters, and in all public enterprises tending to the prosperity of his city he has co-operated to the extent of his ability. He has twice filled the office of Mayor. As a lawyer, his aim has been to be true and faithful to his clients. He resolved, when he began his practice, that he would never resort to deception or dishonesty, and has rigidly adhered to his principles, so that courts and jurie never doubt the sincerity of his arguments, and it has become a common saying for safe counsel and honest advice, go to Judge Casey. His life has been spent in the interests of his fellow-men, with a full realization of the truth that while he should seek to develop in himself a true manhood, he should do all in his power to assist others. Such has been his course of life, and his dealings with all with whom he has to do, that he has secured to himself universal confidence and respect. Judge Casey married in 1854 Miss Sarah J. Ward, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Thomas and Nancy Ward. They have had five children, four of whom are now living. Such, in brief, is an outline of the life-history of one whose career has been marked by enterprise, energy, pure motives and honest effort. He has made himself what he is, a worthy type of independent manhood, and may justly be placed upon Iowa’s roll of honor.