Judge Also Town Bartender, Court Recesses for Drinks

California, 1879

Tending Two Bars

At Moore's Flat, Nevada Co., Cal., on the 18th instant, Justice J. M. Ballard was presiding in his court room, trying a prisoner. His Honor combines the business of Justice and mixing drinks.

During the trial a man entered the court room and, walking up to "the bench," implored the Justice to come out and give him a drink, as he was sorely suffering with the belly-ache. The case was urgent and the court kept the only saloon in the place.

At length his Honor yielded to the eloquent pleading of the spasmodic appellant, and left the bar of justice to preside at the bar of alcohol. The prisoner, lawyers, and jury all left the court room to see relief administered to the colicky sufferer. His pains were speedily relieved, and after a social glass all round, the court resumed its sitting.

—Weekly Reno Gazette, Reno, NV, Aug. 28, 1879, p. 4.