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‘’’Horace Harmon Lurton’’’ (February 24, 1844- July 12, 1914) was an [[Associate Justice]] of the [[United States Supreme Court]] from 1910 to 1914. He is notable as one of the oldest appointments to the Court, as a [[strict constructionist]], and as an unusual pick due to his party and Confederate service. In addition to his service on the Supreme Court, he also served as a Judge of the [[Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals]], Dean of [[Vanderbilt Law]], [[Chief Justice of Tennessee]], and Justice of the [[Tennessee Supreme Court]].
==Early Life==
The late Justice was born on February 24, 1844 in [[Newport, Kentucky]]. At an early age, Larmon moved with his parents to [[Clarksville, Tennessee]], a town that he always considered as home. He enrolled in [[Douglas University]] in [[Chicago]], however the [[American Civil War]] broke out before he could complete his studies.
==Service in the Civil War==
When the [[American Civil War]] began, Lurton enlisted in the [[Confederate States of America|Confederate Army]]. He is reported to have reenlisted twice; <ref>Hall, Kermit. “The Oxford Guide to the Supreme Court of the United States, Second Edition”. New York:Oxford University Press, 2005. ISBN:978-0-19-534094-5. Pg 597</ref> after being [[Medical Discharge|medically discharged]], and after escaping from a [[Prisoner of war]] camp. While serving under [[General]] [[John Hunt Morgan]], Lurton was captured during a raid in [[Ohio]]. While information regarding his second incarceration is unavailable, it is believed that he was paroled by [[President]] [[Abraham Lincoln]].
==Law Career==
When the war came to an end, Lurton enrolled in [[Cumberland University]]’s [[law school|School of Law]], where he graduated from in 1867. The late Justice was admitted to the [[Tennessee]] [[Bar]] and practiced law until receiving election as a Chancellor in 1875. When his term ended in 1878, Lurton returned to legal practice.
In 1886, he was elected to the [[Tennessee Supreme Court]], the start of a lengthy judicial career. He was elevated to [[Chief Justice of Tennessee|Chief Justice]] in January of 1893. He held that office for several months until he was appointed to the [[Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals]] by President [[Grover Cleveland]]. While on the Sixth Circuit, Lurton met and developed a friendship with then Chief Judge and future President [[William Taft]].
==Supreme Court Service==
Lurton’s friendship with Taft led to his appointment to the Supreme Court, replacing the Honorable [[Rufus Peckham]] who had passed away in October of 1909. Lurton was sworn in on January 3, 1910 and served on the Court until his death in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]] on July 12, 1914. After his memorial service, he was interred in Greenwood Cemetery in his hometown of [[Clarksville Tennessee]]. He was replaced by [[James McReynolds]] on September 5, 1914.
==Early Life==
The late Justice was born on February 24, 1844 in [[Newport, Kentucky]]. At an early age, Larmon moved with his parents to [[Clarksville, Tennessee]], a town that he always considered as home. He enrolled in [[Douglas University]] in [[Chicago]], however the [[American Civil War]] broke out before he could complete his studies.
==Service in the Civil War==
When the [[American Civil War]] began, Lurton enlisted in the [[Confederate States of America|Confederate Army]]. He is reported to have reenlisted twice; <ref>Hall, Kermit. “The Oxford Guide to the Supreme Court of the United States, Second Edition”. New York:Oxford University Press, 2005. ISBN:978-0-19-534094-5. Pg 597</ref> after being [[Medical Discharge|medically discharged]], and after escaping from a [[Prisoner of war]] camp. While serving under [[General]] [[John Hunt Morgan]], Lurton was captured during a raid in [[Ohio]]. While information regarding his second incarceration is unavailable, it is believed that he was paroled by [[President]] [[Abraham Lincoln]].
==Law Career==
When the war came to an end, Lurton enrolled in [[Cumberland University]]’s [[law school|School of Law]], where he graduated from in 1867. The late Justice was admitted to the [[Tennessee]] [[Bar]] and practiced law until receiving election as a Chancellor in 1875. When his term ended in 1878, Lurton returned to legal practice.
In 1886, he was elected to the [[Tennessee Supreme Court]], the start of a lengthy judicial career. He was elevated to [[Chief Justice of Tennessee|Chief Justice]] in January of 1893. He held that office for several months until he was appointed to the [[Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals]] by President [[Grover Cleveland]]. While on the Sixth Circuit, Lurton met and developed a friendship with then Chief Judge and future President [[William Taft]].
==Supreme Court Service==
Lurton’s friendship with Taft led to his appointment to the Supreme Court, replacing the Honorable [[Rufus Peckham]] who had passed away in October of 1909. Lurton was sworn in on January 3, 1910 and served on the Court until his death in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]] on July 12, 1914. After his memorial service, he was interred in Greenwood Cemetery in his hometown of [[Clarksville Tennessee]]. He was replaced by [[James McReynolds]] on September 5, 1914.