Muzzy, Franklin, Esq.

Franklin Muzzy
Dec. 23, 1815-March 14, 1879

Niles Democrat, Saturday, March 15, 1879, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Franklin Muzzy, Esq., one of our oldest and most prominent lawyers had a stroke of paralysis on Thursday afternoon last, and from the effects of which he died today (Friday) noon.  We will publish a more extended notice next week.
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, March 19, 1879, page 4, col 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Our citizens were shocked, on Thursday last, at the sudden news that Franklin Muzzy was stricken down with apoplexy, or palsy, and was conveyed to his house, on Bond Street.  Soon after reaching there he became insensible. Drs. Bonine and Simpson were called and at once pronounced his case hopeless.  He remained in an unconscious state until 12 o'clock on the 14th, when he expired, just 18 hours after the attack.
    Mr. Muzzy was a native of Maine, a son of Joseph and Sally Muzzy, of Searsmont, Waldo County, born Dec. 22, 1815, and was 63 years of age.  He prepared for college in Readfield, Maine, a Methodist institution, and completed his education in Middleton College, Ct., in 1842. He then studied law with Judge Johnson, of Belfast.  While Hanibal Hamlin was in Congress, in 1843 and '44, he was in his office. He came to Niles in July, 1846. He was a descendant from revolution stock, is ancestors taking part in the first battles, one of whom fell at Lexington.
    In Berrien county he soon became  prominent actor in all the busy scenes of life, and it was not long before he stood at the head of the bar. In intellectual endowments he had no superior in the State. When aroused he was an unconquerable as a lion.  Few were the men at the bar that did not fear to come in contact with him.  Judges have counselled with him and the bar, everywhere, have looked up to him for advice. As Senator in the State Legislature, his was the leading mind.    Four times he was elected Mayor of the City of Niles, and his master mind carried every one with him on the Board. At a time when it was believed the South Bend railroad track was to be laid through the city (without settling with the people) on Sunday, he ordered all the ties drawn off and effected a quick settlement.  There was a power in him that made everything bend to his will.  His enemies would curse him with one breath and court his favor with the next.
    As an old Whig, we feared him; he was powerful in argument and convincing.  He was the greatest reasoner and the most earnest and determined man in whatever he undertook.
    The poor of this city will now find they have lost a noble hearted friend. Baskets of provisions found at their doors, they not knowing he donor, will not be found there now. His generous heart, his gigantic mind, is forever stilled.  Let us emulated his good deeds and cherish his memory while we live.
was held at the Methodist Church on Monday, at 2 o'clock p.m., the Rev. A.J. Eldred, his old friend, of Three Rivers, presiding, assisted by Revs. Mr. Bailey, of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Peck. During the services the business of the city was suspended.  The Common Council and police officers of the city, headed by Mayor Platt, attended the funeral in a body. R.W. Landon, Wm. Graves, Dr. E.J. Bonine, H.M. Dean, ex-Mayors, and Mr. L. Harter, acted as pall-bearers.  The church was densely packed with people, large numbers being unable to gain admission. To exemplify his generosity, the Rev. Mr. Eldred, in the course of his discourse referred to a circumstance that took place thirty years ago, when he had just started in the ministry. Having a wife and children on his hands and never having had the benefit of a Collegiate education, Mr. Muzzy offered to pay all his expenses through College and his family expenses at home if he would enter College and go through the course.  His remains are at present deposited in the vault awaiting the arrival of his brother from Maine.
Niles Republican, Thursday, March 20, 1879, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Last Thursday night, Hon. F. Muzzy was stricken with paralysis. He was taken to his home, where he remained in an unconscious state until about noon the next day, when death ensued.
    Mr. Muzzy was a native of Maine. He was born at Searsment, in that State, Dec. 23, 1815. He prepared himself for college in a school at Readfield, Maine, and finished his education in Middleton college in 1842.  He afterwards studied law in the office of Senator Hannibal Hamlin. He came to Niles in July, 1846, where he had since remained.
    Being a lawyer of fine abilities, he soon took a place high in the rank of the attorneys in this part of the State, which he held during his life. In 1858 he was elected Senator in the State Legislature.
    He held the office of Mayor of this city for four terms. In all his official relations he was zealous in doing what he believed to be right, and the earnestness with which he managed any undertaking left no doubt of the sincerity of his convictions. He was a man of warm nature, generous impulses and of great liberality.  Especially was he open to the calls of the needy for assistance, and he will be long remembered by many whom he had befriended in their time of need.
    The funeral took place on Monday from the M.E. church, Rev. A.J. Eldred officiating. The attendance was very large, many being unable to gain admission to the church. The members of the City Council and the Police force attended in a body, and attorney of the city together with many members of the Bar from other places, marched in the procession. The pallbearers were ex-Mayors R.W. Landon, H.M. Dean, E.J. Bonine, S.G. Krick and Wm. Braves, and Mr. Luban Harter.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, March 22, 1879, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    The death of Franklin Muzzy, Esq., which occurred in our city on Friday of last week, has cast a profound gloom of sadness over our entire city.  Mr. Muzzy, like other men had his faults and short-comings, but the liberal and generous impulses of his nature were so prominent and manifest that in comparison to those noble qualities, his faults and errors of life sink into insignificance and appear as nothing. Never has death removed from our midst anyone who will be so universally missed as that of Mr. Muzzy, and as a proof of this we have to refer to the thousands of people who crowded the church and its surroundings to take a last sad look at his placid countenance and to drop a tear to the memory of their departed friend and counselor. The funeral discourse was delivered by his early and much esteemed friend, Rev. A.J. Eldred, of Three Rivers. His remarks were feeling and appropriate, and touched the sympathetic chord in many a breast.  Mr. Muzzy was in the 63d year of his age. A sister, from Chicago, was the only relative present to mingle her tears with those of his friends at the funeral. His remains were placed in the vault to await the arrival of his brother from Maine.