Judge Durand Died Monday

The Flint Jurist Who Was Close to the People

His Death was Sudden

Had it Not Been for His Illness Last Fall He Would Undoubtedly Have Been Governor

Flint, Mich., June 9, - Judge George H. Durand died at his farm, just north of the city limits, about 10 o'clock Monday morning, apoplexy being the immediate cause of death. None of the members of his family were with him at the time, his death being practically instantaneous.

This news came with a startling suddenness upon the people of Flint, for ever since his serious illness of last fall, which compelled his retirement from the head of the Democratic state ticket, was there a less reason to expect a summons from the Reaper.

George Harmon Durand was born Feb. 1, 1838, on a farm near Cobleskill, Schoharie county, New York, and was educated in the seminary at Lima, in the same state. He came to Michigan in 1856, and after a short time spent in Detroit began teaching school at Oxford, Oakland county. His residence in Flint dates from 1857, when he commenced the study of his profession the law, under the direction of Colonel William M. Fenton. He was admitted to the bar in 1858 by Judge Josiah Turner, and at once began active practice.

During his first year in the practice of his profession he was chosen city attorney of Flint. For ten years he was a member of the school board, and he also served many terms in the city council. He was twice elected mayor of Flint. In 1874, by a personal campaign, he was elected to congress.

During his term in Washington he served on the committee on commerce much of the time acting as its chairman, a compliment for a first termer. In the fall of 1893 he was elected elector-at-large for president and vice-president for the eastern district of Michigan.

Judge Durand was appointed to the supreme bench of the state by Governor Williams, to succeed Justice Morse, who resigned when nominated to succeed the latter.

Nominated as the standard bearer of the Democracy last fall, his election seemed in a fair way of realization when he was first stricken with apoplexy. Illness compelled his retirement, and the chance which was apparently offered was lost.

Deceased was married in August 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Benson at Mindon, N. Y., who, with two children, Charles A. and Elizabeth A., survive him. The funeral of Judge Durand will be held Thursday under the auspices of the grand lodge F. and A. M.