John Anthon

John Anthon (born in Detroit, 14 May 1784; died in New York City, 5 March 1863) was a United States jurist.

Biography

His father, George Christian Anthon, was a German physician who served in the British Army during the American Revolution until the surrender of Detroit in 1788. He attained the rank of surgeon general, resigned, married the daughter of a French officer, and settled in New York City.

The son, John Anthon, received a classical education,[1] and then attended Columbia College from which he graduated in 1801 at the head of his class. He then studied law, and, upon attaining his majority, was admitted to the bar in 1805. He started a practice in New York City around 1807, initially in the mayor's (or municipal) court. In 1810, he married Judith Hone.[1]

During the War of 1812, he was in command of a company of militia, and served in the defence of New York City. He was also frequently employed during this period as judge advocate. The establishment of the Supreme Court of the City of New York is largely due to his efforts, he having successfully urged its necessity upon the state legislature. He was one of the founders of the New York Law Institute, becoming its president in 1852[1] and continuing until his death.

Publications

Family

His brother Charles Anthon was a noted educator and classical scholar. Another brother, Henry Anthon (1795-1861), was a noted clergyman. John's son Charles Edward Anthon (1822-1883) made a name for himself as a numismatist. Another of his sons, William Henry Anthon (1827-1875), was a noted lawyer.

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 H. W. Howard Knott (1927). "Anthon, John". Dictionary of American Biography. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.

References

External links