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FORMER CHIEF JUSI IGE JAMES P. STERRETT DEADAfter an illness extending over several weeks former Thief Justice James P. Sterrett, of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, died at half past 8 o'clock last night at bis home at Thirty eighth and Walnut streets.The venerable jurist was attacked with what at first appeared to he a slight cold, which, however, soon became worse. The family did not have any fears that the ailment would develop Into anything seriousand during his confinement to his bed his physician had hopes he would rally.It was only within the past few days that the family became uneasy as to his condition. When the end came last night all the members of his household were at his bedside. The end was suSdden. but not unexpected, as hopes of his recovery hud been abandoned early yesterday.Justice Hterrett’s Career.James P. Sterrett was the eldest son of Robert and Margiret Patterson Sterrett and was born iu Tuscarora Valley, near Mltilln-tow n, Juulata county, November 7, 1822.His ancestry wag Seoteh-Iriah and his Immediate progenitors emigrated from the province of Ulster, Ireland, early in the eighteenth century and settled In Lancaster, Bucks and Cumberland counties. He received his preliminary education In the schools of the neighborhood of his birth and duringthe working season assisted his father on the farm. He was prepared for college at Tuscarora Academy, subsequently entering Jefferson College, from which he was graduated in 1845. A year later he began the study of law under an experienced preceptor and finished his legal education In the Law Department of the University of Virginia. In 1848 he was licensed to practice in that State. In September of the same yearhe was admitted to the courts of his nativa State on his Virginia license.Early in 1841) he located in Pittsburg and began the practice of his profession in partnership with Thomas H. Baird. On the retirement of Judge Baird, In March, 1850* his college friend, John P. Penney, afterwards a member of the State Senate and Its president in 1804, formed a co-partner, ship with Mr, Stefrett, which continued successfully for nearly twelve years.In 1881 he was appointed on a commissionto revise the revenue laws of Pennsylvania, and while engaged in this work was, on Jit unary 4. 1882, named as President Judge of the Fifth Judicial district, comprising Allegheny county, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge William B, McClure. In October of tbe same year he was elected for the full term of ten years. In 1872 he was re-elected To succeed himself, having been nominated by the Republicans and indorsed by the Democrats. *On February 28, 1877, he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court to fill a va* cancy, and the fed lowing yasr he was nominated and elected to the same high post for the term of twenty-one years. When Chief Justice Paxson resigned from the court on February 21, 1883, Justice Sterrett was commissioned Chief Justice for the remainder of his term, which expired on the ttrst Monday of January, 1900, since which time he made his home in West Philadelphia. where he has since lived retired.In 1847 the degree of master of arts wan conferred upon him by Jefferson College and In 1882 the honorary degree of doctor of laws was bestowed upon him by Lafayette College.Juatice Sterrett was married May 29, 1850, to Miss Jane Isabel Patterson, of M ItS in town, who died In 1800. A son died In 1864. Three daughters survive the distinguished jurist.
Newspaper Details
Philadelphia Times
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Wed, Jan 23, 1901
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Nick N.
NA, 23 Jun 2023
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