John W. Kephart

John W. Kephart
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
In office
1936–1940
Preceded by Robert S. Frazer
Succeeded by William I. Schaffer
Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
In office
1919–1936
Personal details
Born (1872-11-12)November 12, 1872
Wilmore, Pennsylvania
Died August 6, 1944(1944-08-06) (aged 71)
Warwick, Pennsylvania
Alma mater Dickinson School of Law (LL.B.)

John W. Kephart (November 12, 1872 – August 6, 1944) was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from 1919 to 1936 and Chief Justice from 1936 to 1940.

Biography

John W. Kephart was born on November 12, 1872 in Wilmore, Pennsylvania, to Samuel H. and Henrietta Kephart. His father, a veteran of the American Civil War, died when John was two years old and he was enrolled in the Soldiers Orphan School in McAllisterville, Pennsylvania, graduating two years early as valedictorian of his class. He then attended Allegheny College after working as a telegraphist, but was forced to withdraw due to insufficient funds. After returning to work with the Pennsylvania Railroad to save money for his education, he enrolled at Dickinson School of Law and graduated in 1894.[1][2][3] He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, joining in 1891.[4]

In 1913, after practicing law for several years and becoming Cambria County Solicitor, Kephart was elected to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania without the support of any major party in a race that attracted national attention. He was subsequently elected to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1918, serving as an Associate Justice from 1919 until 1936, when he became Chief Justice. He served as Chief Justice until his retirement from the court in January 1940. Kephart died on August 6, 1944, in Warwick, Pennsylvania.[2][3][5]

References

  1. ↑ Hitchler, W.H. "An Orphan Became Pennsylvania's Chief Justice". Dickinson Law Review. 49 (60). Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Chief Justice Kephart Will Retire Jan. 1". The Indiana Gazette. 23 December 1939. Retrieved 31 May 2016. (Subscription required (help)).
  3. 1 2 Associated Press (7 August 1944). "Retired Chief Justice Kephart Succumbs". The York Gazette and Daily. Retrieved 31 May 2016. (Subscription required (help)).
  4. ↑ The Phi Gamma Delta, Volume 19. Phi Gamma Delta. 1897. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "Kephart, John W.". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
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