Hon. Thomas L. Sellers (1855-1930)

SELLERS, MYERS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

From Nevada Evening Journal August 29, 1930 (page 1)

Front page headline:
JUDGE "TOM" SELLERS DIED TODAY

HAD LIVED IN STORY AND PRACTICED LAW IN NEVADA

POPULAR DES MOINES MUNICIPAL JUDGE CALLED BY DEATH

Des Moines, Aug. 29--INS--Municipal Judge Thomas L. Sellers, 75, died here today. Judge Sellers, widely known throughout Iowa for his work on the bench of the Des Moines municipal courts, has been expected to die for several days as the result of an illness that began in July

A hemorrhage of the brain was said to be the cause of death. He lapsed into unconsciousness at 4 p. m. yesterday and died twelve hours after, passing away quietly.

He had suffered from a heart ailment and kidney complications since his illness began.

Judge Sellers was the senior member of the judicial bench in the municipal court and was one the most colorful characters in the state.

He was born on a farm near Pana, Ill., seventy-five years ago, and came to Story county, Iowa, with his parents when he was 5 years old. He attended school there for several years and later taught there.

After acting as an instructor in Worthington, Minn., "Tom" returned to Story county and took up the law business, being associated in practice for a time in Nevada, with the late J. F. Martin. In 1885 he came to Des Moines and continued his professional work.

Elected to the municipal bench in 1918 Judge Setters was re-elected for three successive terms. His present term was to have expired in 1932.

Judge Sellers had gained fame through his annual practice at Christmas time of releasing all persons he had sentenced for minor misdemeanors. But all friendships were forgotten by the Judge when he ascended the bench. More than one person has heard him say, "this is Judge Sellers speaking now and not your friend, Tom Sellers."

But off the bench he was just as friendly as he was stern while at his task. His associates among the court and police workers all paid high tribute to him today.

Funeral arrangements are not yet completed. He was a member of the Masonic order and the I. O. O. F. and those two organizations are expected to have charge of the services.

Besides the widow, Mrs. Laura E. Sellers, the Judge is survived by five children, Mrs. Sarah Myers, William, McCord and Eugene Sellers of Des Moines and Charles Sellers of Minneapolis.