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Charles J. Cash
Born About 1870 |
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In a history of the legal profession in Jones county mention should be made of Charles J. Cash, now a partner in the law firm of Herrick, Cash & Rhinehart, with offices in Anamosa and Monticello. His record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for he is a native son of the city in which he makes his home and where he has so directed his efforts as to gain recognition as the reward of marked ability and one whose devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial.
His father, John Cash, was a native of Ireland and coming to the United States in 1859 settled in New York city, where he engaged in teaming for a time. He remained in the eastern metropolis until 1867 with the exception of three years, which he spent as a soldier in the Civil war. He enlisted in March, 1862, as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth New York Volunteer Infantry and afterward served with the One Hundred and Fifth New York Infantry until mustered out after the close of hostilities in August, 1865. He participated in the battles of Gettysburg and other important engagements and after being wounded was sent to the Nashville Military Hospital. In 1867 he removed to Anamosa, where he worked by the day until he could gain a start. He then turned his attention to farming in Fairview and later became the owner of a tract of land. His political allegiance was given to the democracy, while his religious faith was that of the Catholic church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine O'Brien, was born in Ireland and came with her parents to the United States in 1859, the family home being established in New York city, where she was married. She, too, was a member of the Catholic church and died in that faith in 1883. In their family were six children: William, who was born in 1861 and followed the stone cutter's trade until his death in 1902; Edward, who was born in 1867 and is a locomotive engineer of Louisiana with headquarters in New Orleans; Mary, who was born in 1868 and is living in Dubuque; Charles J.; John, who was born in 1872, in Anamosa, and now resides in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Stephen, whose birth occurred in Anamosa in 1875.
Charles J. Cash acquired his literary education in the public schools of this city, which he attended during the winter months from 1876 until 1889. He worked on a farm during the summer seasons and pursued his studies evenings without assistance. Although tired from the day's work he would study evenings while in bed until he would fall asleep. Being of unusual physical strength he was interested and also active in outdoor sports. After leaving school he took an extended trip in the west, but returned to Anamosa and began the study of law, having concluded from observations that special training for some trade or profession was essential, and, possessing, moreover, a long cherished desire to enter the legal profession, he entered the office of F. 0. Ellison, who directed his reading for two years. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1894, and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession.
He remained alone until 1900, when he formed a partnership with B. E. Rhinehart under the firm style of Cash & Rhinehart, the connection remaining unchanged until 1908, when M. W. Herrick, of Monticello, became a member of the firm, which is now known as Herrick, Cash & Rhinehart. They have offices in Anamosa and Monticello and their clientage is extensive and of a representative character. Through his own efforts and determination Mr. Cash has acquired a splendid reputation as a lawyer and reached a high place as a member of the legal bar. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather than by flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.
On the 21st of June, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cash and Miss Margaret Kennedy, for ten years a teacher in the public schools of Sioux City, Iowa, and unto them was born a son, Paul, whose birth occurred January 26, 1900. The wife and mother passed away on the 23d of April, of the same year, at Sioux City. In December, 1903, Mr. Cash was again married, his second union being with Josephine Shaffer, of Cascade, Iowa, who was also a school teacher and a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Shaffer. Her grandfather, Nicholas Shaffer. Sr., came to America in 1830. He had served several years on the staff of the great Napoleon, and after the disastrous march of Moscow he was captured and for some time acted as a teacher of the French language to the Russian nobility. Mr. and Mrs. Cash now have one son, Charles J., who was born June 1, 1905. Their parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Cash belongs also to the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers and the Knights of Columbus, while in more specifically professional lines he is connected with the Jones County Bar Association. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, and he is recognized as one of the local leaders of the party. He was chairman of the democratic county central committee and for many years was one of its members, while since attaining his majority he has taken a very active part in whatever has pertained to the welfare and the interest of the party. For four years he served as justice of the peace and was also alderman from the second ward. In 1902 he was elected prosecuting attorney, was defeated in 1904 and was reelected in 1906 and 1908, so that he is now the incumbent in the position. Chosen three times for this office, his reelection is incontrovertible proof of the ability which he has displayed in discharging his duties. He has been unusually successful as a prosecutor and is the only incumbent in that office who has been returned by increased majorities at each succeeding election. As a candidate for office he has commanded the votes of those who know him best, having in every instance received his party vote and nearly a majority of the republican vote in his home town.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 166. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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