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American judge From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Henry Alexander Melvin (September 28, 1865 – April 24, 1920) was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California from September 28, 1908 to December 1920.
Henry Alexander Melvin | |
---|---|
Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court | |
In office September 28, 1908 – December 1920 | |
Appointed by | Direct election |
Preceded by | Thomas B. McFarland |
Succeeded by | William A. Sloane |
Personal details | |
Born | Springfield, Illinois, U.S. | September 28, 1865
Died | April 24, 1920 54) Sacramento, California, U.S. | (aged
Spouse |
Sarah Louise Morse (m. 1893) |
Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley (B.Phil.) University of California, Hastings College of the Law (LL.B.) |
Melvin was born at Springfield, Illinois, on September 28, 1865, to Samuel and Sarah Melvin, the youngest of four children.[1] In 1874, when he was nine years old, his family moved to St. Helena, California.[2] In 1878, his parents moved to Oakland where his father, a retired medical practitioner, opened a pharmacy. Henry attended the University of California, Berkeley, while assisting his father to earn his school fees, graduating with a B.Phil. in 1889.[2] In April 1890, he was elected census marshal by the Oakland Board of Education.[3]
Melvin then enrolled in Hastings College of Law, receiving his LL.B. degree in 1892.[4][5] While a student, he was elected and served as the Justice of the Peace of Brooklyn Township in Alameda County.[6][7][8]
In 1893, Melvin became the assistant District Attorney of Alameda County. In 1894, he accepted a five-year term to serve as Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Oakland.[9][10] He returned to Alameda County to serve as Chief Deputy District Attorney, except for a period of three months when he was acting Deputy Attorney General of California.[11]
In 1901, Melvin accepted the position of Superior Court Judge of Alameda County. In November 1902, he was elected to a full term.[12][8] In 1904, the Legislature approved creation of the Courts of Appeal and Melvin was considered for one of the seats in the Second District but not chosen by Governor George Pardee.[13]
In September 1908, Melvin was nominated by the Republican Party and appointed by Governor James Gillett as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California.[14][15][5] He succeeded Thomas B. McFarland, who had died in office.[16] In November 1910, Melvin was re-elected at expiration of McFarland's term to a 12-year term.[17] On April 24, 1920, Melvin died while in office.[18][19][5] In May 1920, his seat on the court was filled by appointment of William A. Sloane by Governor William Stephens for the term ending January 1923.[20]
Melvin was a member of the Bohemian Club.[21] He was also a member of the Elks, and a bass singer who performed in church and club events.[22][23][24]
On June 14, 1893, he married Sarah Louise Morse of Portland, Oregon. He was survived by a son.[5]
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