1805 Creation of Territorial Court: Court of Three Appointed by President for Terms “during good behavior.”
Augustus Woodward 1st Territorial Justice
Start Date: 10-02-1805
End Date: 02-01-1824
Service Length: 18 Years, 4 Months, 0 Days
1st Appointment On:
March 2, 1805 By: Pres. Thomas Jefferson (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: Original Justice
Previous Position: First Attorney to establish a practice in D.C.
Reason Leaving: Resigned when MI legislative Counsel was created (term ended). Was appointed US Judge for Florida Territory ended).
Party Nomination: Democratic/Republican
Frederick Bates 2nd Territorial Justice
Start Date: 10-03-1805
End Date: 11-03-1806
Service Length: 1 Years, 1 Months, 1 Days
1st Appointment On:
March 3, 1805 By: Pres. Thomas Jefferson (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: Original Justice
Previous Position: Detroit Postmaster, MI Territory Land Commissioner.
Reason Leaving: Resigned when MI legislative Counsel was created.
Party Nomination: Democratic/Republican
John Griffin 3rd Territorial Justice
Start Date: 12-23-1805
End Date: 02-01-1824
Service Length: 18 Years, 1 Months, 10 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 23, 1805 By: Pres. Thomas Jefferson (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: Original Justice
Previous Position: Judge of Indiana Territory.
Reason Leaving: Resigned when MI legislative Counsel was created (term ended). Was appointed US Judge for Florida Territory.
Party Nomination: Democratic/Republican
James Witherell 4th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 04-23-1808
End Date: 01-15-1828
Service Length: 19 Years, 8 Months, 23 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 23, 1808 By: Pres. Thomas Jefferson (Dem-Rep).
2nd Appointment On:
January 24, 1824 By: Pres. James Monroe (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: Frederick Bates
Previous Position: Vermont Judge, Member Vermont Governor’s Council, Vermont Legislature, US Congressman.
Reason Leaving: Appointed Secretary of MI Territory.
Party Nomination: Democratic/Republican
1823 Congressional Act: Court of Three Appointed by President for Four-Year Terms.
Solomon Sibley 5th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 02-02-1824
End Date: 07-17-1836
Service Length: 12 Years, 5 Months, 16 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 24, 1824 By: Pres. James Monroe (Dem-Rep)
2nd Appointment On:
January 15, 1828 By: Pres. John Quincy Adams (Dem-Rep)
3rd Appointment On:
January 15, 1832 By: Pres. Andrew Jackson (Dem)
4th Appointment On:
January 15, 1836 By: Pres. Andrew Jackson (Dem)
Replaced: John Griffin
Previous Position: Mayor of Detroit, Bank of MI Director, MI Territory US Congress Rep., US District Attorney for MI.
Reason Leaving: Not reappointed upon statehood.
Party Nomination: Democratic/Republican
John Hunt 6th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 02-20-1824
End Date: 06-15-1827
Service Length: 3 Years, 3 Months, 25 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 21, 1824 By: Pres. James Monroe (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: Augustus Woodward
Previous Position: Detroit Board of Trustees.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Democratic/Republican
Henry Chipman 7th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 07-18-1827
End Date: 04-25-1832
Service Length: 4 Years, 9 Months, 8 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 18, 1827 By: Pres. John Quincy Adams (Dem-Rep)
2nd Appointment On:
January 15, 1828 By: Pres. John Quincy Adams (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: John Hunt
Previous Position: Wayne County Court, Wayne County Criminal Court.
Reason Leaving: Pres. Jackson did not reappoint him when his term ended.
Party Nomination: Whig
William Woodbridge 8th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 01-15-1828
End Date: 04-25-1832
Service Length: 4 Years, 3 Months, 11 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 15, 1828 By: Pres. John Quincy Adams (Dem-Rep)
Replaced: James Witherell
Previous Position: Ohio Legislature, Pros. Attorney, Secretary of MI territory, MI Territory U.S. Congress Rep.
Reason Leaving: Pres. Jackson did not reappoint him when his term ended.
Party Nomination: Whig
George Morrell 9th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 04-26-1832
End Date: 07-17-1843
Service Length: 11 Years, 2 Months, 22 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 26, 1832 By: Pres. Andrew Jackson (Dem)
2nd Appointment On:
July 18, 1836 By: Gov. Stevens T. Mason (Dem) to the 1st Circuit
Replaced: Henry Chipman
Previous Position: Otsego County Court of Common Pleas Clerk and Judge, Master in Chancery, Solicitor and Counselor in Chancery, Member of Otsego Assembly.
Reason Leaving: Gov. Barry did not nominate him to another term in 1843 based on a legislative investigation.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Ross Wilkins 10th Territorial Justice
Start Date: 04-26-1832
End Date: 07-17-1836
Service Length: 4 Years, 2 Months, 22 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 26, 1832 By: Pres. Andrew Jackson (Dem)
2nd Appointment On:
April 26, 1836 By: Pres. Andrew Jackson (Dem)
Replaced: William Woodbridge
Previous Position: Pittsburgh Prosecuting Attorney.
Reason Leaving: Appointed MI US District Judge When MI Became a State in 1836.
Party Nomination: Democrat
1835 State Constitution: Court of Three Appointed by Governor with Consent of the Senate for Seven-Year Terms; Judges to Preside over one of the three Judicial Circuits.
William Fletcher 1st Justice
Start Date: 07-18-1836
End Date: 04-01-1842
Service Length: 5 Years, 8 Months, 15 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 18, 1836 By: Gov. Stevens T. Mason (Dem) to the 2nd Circuit
Replaced: Ross Wilkins
Previous Position: Wayne County Court, Attorney General of MI Territory, Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
George Morrell 2nd Justice
Start Date: 04-26-1832
End Date: 07-17-1843
Service Length: 11 Years, 2 Months, 22 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 26, 1832 By: Pres. Andrew Jackson (Dem)
2nd Appointment On:
July 18, 1836 By: Gov. Stevens T. Mason (Dem) to the 1st Circuit
Replaced: Henry Chipman
Previous Position: Otsego County Court of Common Pleas Clerk and Judge, Master in Chancery, Solicitor and Counselor in Chancery, Member of Otsego Assembly.
Reason Leaving: Gov. Barry did not nominate him to another term in 1843 based on a legislative investigation.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Epaphroditus Ransom 3rd Justice
Start Date: 07-18-1836
End Date: 01-01-1848
Service Length: 11 Years, 5 Months, 15 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 18, 1836 By: Gov. Stevens T. Mason (Dem) to the 3rd Circuit
2nd Appointment On:
July 18, 1843 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 3rd Circuit
Replaced: Solomon Sibley
Previous Position: State Legislature, 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Became Governor of Michigan.
Party Nomination: Democrat
1838 Revised Statutes: Court of Four Appointed by Governor with Consent of the Senate for Seven-Year Terms; Judges to Preside over one of the four Judicial Circuits.
Charles Whipple 4th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1839
End Date: 10-29-1855
Service Length: 16 Years, 9 Months, 29 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 1, 1839 By: Gov. Stevens T. Mason (Dem) to the 4th Circuit
2nd Appointment On:
January 1, 1846 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 4th Circuit
1st Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 2nd Circuit
Replaced: Appt. as added 4th Justice.
Previous Position: Master in Chancery, State Legislative Rep., Judge 3rd Circuit, Judge 4th Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office
Party Nomination: Democrat
Alpheus Felch 5th Justice
Start Date: 04-02-1842
End Date: 12-31-1845
Service Length: 3 Years, 8 Months, 30 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 2, 1842 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 2nd Circuit
2nd Appointment On:
July 18, 1843 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 2nd Circuit
Replaced: William Fletcher
Previous Position: Monroe Village Attorney, State Legislature, State Bank Commission, Auditor General.
Reason Leaving: Pres. Jackson did not reappoint him when his term ended.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Daniel Goodwin 6th Justice
Start Date: 07-18-1843
End Date: 02-10-1847
Service Length: 3 Years, 6 Months, 24 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 18, 1843 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 1st Circuit
Replaced: George Morrell
Previous Position: US District Attorney for MI, Judge of First Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Resigned/ Became UP Circuit Judge in 1852.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Warner Wing 7th Justice
Start Date: 11-28-1845
End Date: 09-01-1856
Service Length: 10 Years, 9 Months, 4 Days
1st Appointment On:
November 28, 1845 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 2nd Circuit
1st Election on
November 5, 1850 For term beginning Jan 7, 1851 ending Dec 31, 1851; Defeated: Samuel H. Kimball (Whig), Henry Chipman (Whig), Charles Draper (Whig)
FOOTNOTE Green, Wing, and Pratt all inherited terms ending in 1850 leaving seats open between the end of these terms (1850) and the Commencement of the provisions in the 1850 Constitution (1852). A special election was held on Nov 5, 1850 to fill these positions. Green, Wing, and Pratt were all elected.
2nd Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 1st Circuit; Defeated: Alexander R. Tiffany (Whig)
Replaced: Alpheus Felch
Previous Position: Monroe County Rep., 2nd District MI Senator, 1st and 2nd Circuit Court Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned/ Became general counsel of the Lake Shore Railroad.
Party Nomination: Democrat
George Miles 8th Justice
Start Date: 10-05-1846
End Date: 08-25-1850
Service Length: 3 Years, 10 Months, 21 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 5, 1846 By: Gov. Alpheus Felch (Dem) to the 1st Circuit
Replaced: Daniel Goodwin
Previous Position: Alleghany County, NY District Attorney.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Democrat
1848 New Law Court of Five Appointed by Governor for Seven-Year Terms.
Sanford Green 9th Justice
Start Date: 03-07-1848
End Date: 05-09-1857
Service Length: 9 Years, 2 Months, 3 Days
1st Appointment On:
March 7, 1848 By: Gov. Epaphroditus Ransom (Dem) to the 3rd Circuit
1st Election on
November 5, 1850 For term beginning Jan 7, 1851 ending Dec 31, 1851; Defeated: Samuel H. Kimball (Whig), Henry Chipman (Whig), Charles Draper (Whig)
FOOTNOTE Green, Wing, and Pratt all inherited terms ending in 1850 leaving seats open between the end of these terms (1850) and the Commencement of the provisions in the 1850 Constitution (1852). A special election was held on Nov 5, 1850 to fill these positions. Green, Wing, and Pratt were all elected.
2nd Election on
December 28, 1851 Elected Judge of 7th Circuit; Defeated: Artemus Thayer (Whig)
FOOTNOTE John S. Goodrich was the candidate elected to the 7th Circuit on the April 7th general election, however he died October 15, 1851 before taking office, so a special election for the 7th Circuit was held on Dec 28 which Green won.
Replaced: Epaphroditus Ransom
Previous Position: 6th District Senator, Shiawassee County. Prosecutor
Reason Leaving: Became 6th Circuit Judge.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Edward Mundy 10th Justice
Start Date: 04-04-1848
End Date: 05-13-1851
Service Length: 3 Years, 1 Months, 10 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 4, 1848 By: Gov. Epaphroditus Ransom (Dem) to the 5th Circuit
Replaced: Appointed as added 5th Justice in 1848.
Previous Position: Justice of the Peace, Territorial Court Judge, Lieutenant Governor, Prosecuting Attorney, Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office
Party Nomination: Democrat
1850 Michigan Adopts a New Constitution Allowing for Election of Supreme Court Justices to Six Year Terms. In What Is Called the “Noble Experiment,” Justices Also Serve as Circuit Court Justices.
Abner Pratt 11th Justice
Start Date: 10-15-1850
End Date: 06-02-1857
Service Length: 6 Years, 7 Months, 19 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 15, 1850 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem) to the 1st Circuit
1st Election on
November 5, 1850 For term beginning Jan 7, 1851 ending Dec 31, 1851; Defeated: Samuel H. Kimball (Whig), Henry Chipman (Whig), Charles Draper (Whig)
FOOTNOTE Green, Wing, and Pratt all inherited terms ending in 1850 leaving seats open between the end of these terms (1850) and the Commencement of the provisions in the 1850 Constitution (1852). A special election was held on Nov 5, 1850 to fill these positions. Green, Wing, and Pratt were all elected.
2nd Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 5th Circuit; Defeated: George Woodruff (Whig)
Replaced: George Miles
Previous Position: Rochester, NY District Attorney, 4th District State Senator.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1857 election/ took position as Consul to the Sandwich Islands.
Party Nomination: Democrat
George Martin 12th Justice
Start Date: 06-30-1851
End Date: 12-15-1867
Service Length: 16 Years, 5 Months, 16 Days
1st Appointment On:
June 30, 1851 By: Gov. John S. Barry (Dem)
FOOTNOTE Although Martin was technically elected before this appointment, the term he was elected to was not set to begin until Jan 1, 1852. Mundy died on May 13, 1851, leaving a vacancy that had to be filled, hence Martin’s appointment in 1851.
1st Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 8th Circuit
2nd Election on
April 6, 1857 Elected to term ending Dec 31, 1859 Defeated: Samuel T. Douglass (Dem), David Johnson (Dem), Abner Pratt (Dem)
Replaced: Edward Mundy
Previous Position: Justice of the Peace, Kent County Judge, Kent County Circuit (6th) Judge.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office – Intended to retire at the end of his term.
Party Nomination: Republican
David Johnson 13th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1852
End Date: 08-31-1857
Service Length: 5 Years, 7 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 4th Circuit; Defeated: Olney Hawkins (Whig)
Replaced: Elected as Added 7th Justice in 1853
Previous Position: State School Inspector, Prosecuting Attorney, Circuit Judge of Jackson County, State Legislator, Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned after being defeated in 1857 election.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Joseph Copeland 14th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1852
End Date: 05-09-1857
Service Length: 5 Years, 4 Months, 9 Days
1st Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 6th Circuit; Defeated: Moses Wisner (Whig)
Replaced: Elected as Added 8th Justice in 1853
Previous Position: County Judge, St. Clair Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Resigned Upon Reorganization of the Court.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Samuel Douglass 15th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1852
End Date: 05-18-1857
Service Length: 5 Years, 4 Months, 18 Days
1st Election on
April 7, 1851 Elected Judge of 3rd Circuit; Defeated: Andrew T. McReynolds (Dem)
Replaced: Elected as Added 6th Justice in 1853
Previous Position: Supreme Court Reporter, Wayne Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned after being defeated in 1857 election.
Party Nomination: Independent*
Nathaniel Bacon 16th Justice
Start Date: 10-30-1855
End Date: 12-31-1857
Service Length: 2 Years, 2 Months, 2 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 30, 1855 By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 2nd Circuit
Replaced: Charles Whipple
Previous Position: Prosecuting Attorney, Judge of Probate, 2nd Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Became 1st Circuit Judge.
Party Nomination: Republican
Edward Wilson 17th Justice
Start Date: 11-04-1856
End Date: 12-31-1857
Service Length: 1 Years, 1 Months, 28 Days
1st Appointment On:
November 4, 1856 By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 1st Circuit
Replaced: Warner Wing
Previous Position: Hillsdale County Prosecutor, Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Became 2nd Circuit Judge.
Party Nomination:
Josiah Turner 18th Justice
Start Date: 05-06-1857
End Date: 12-31-1857
Service Length: 7 Months, 26 Days
1st Appointment On:
May 6, 1857 By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 7th Circuit
Replaced: Sanford M. Green
Previous Position: County Clerk, Probate Judge.
Reason Leaving: Became 7th Circuit Judge.
Party Nomination: Republican*
Benjamin Witherell 19th Justice
Start Date: 05-18-1857
End Date: 12-31-1857
Service Length: 7 Months, 14 Days
1st Appointment On:
May 18, 1857 By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 3rd Circuit
Replaced: Samuel Douglass
Previous Position: Probate Judge, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney, District Criminal Court, Wayne County Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Became 3rd Circuit Judge.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Benjamin Graves 20th Justice
Start Date: 06-01-1857
End Date: 12-31-1857
2nd Start Date: 01-01-1868
2nd End Date: 12-31-1883
Service Length: 6 Months, 31 Days
2nd Service Length: 15 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
Total Length of Service: 16 Years, 6 Months, 29 Days
1st Appointment On:
June 2, 1857 By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 5th Circuit
1st Election on
April 1, 1867 Defeated: Sanford M. Green (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 5, 1875 Defeated: Unopposed (Candidate for both parties)
Replaced: Abner Pratt in 1857; took Martin’s seat in 1867 election
Previous Position: Battle Creek Master in Chancery, Civil Magistrate, 5th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Lost seat with reorganization of the Court in 1958; Retired in 1883.
Party Nomination: Republican*
Edwin Lawrence 21st Justice
Start Date: 09-30-1857
End Date: 12-31-1857
Service Length: 3 Months, 2 Days
1st Appointment on By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 4th Circuit
Replaced: David Johnson
Previous Position: Washtenaw County Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Became 4th Circuit Judge.
Party Nomination: Whig
1858 Reorganization of the Michigan Supreme Court Providing for a Bench of One Chief Justice and Three Associate Justices. Elected for Eight-Year Terms.
Randolph Manning 22nd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1858
End Date: 08-31-1864
Service Length: 6 Years, 7 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
April 6, 1857 To term ending Dec 31, 1861; Defeated: Samuel T. Douglass (Dem), David Johnson (Dem), Abner Pratt (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1861 Defeated: Charles I. Walker
Replaced: Original Justice of Reorganized Court
Previous Position: State Senator, MI Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Court of Chancery, Supreme Court Reporter.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican*
Isaac Christiancy 23rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1858
End Date: 02-27-1875
Service Length: 17 Years, 1 Months, 27 Days
1st Election on
April 6, 1857 Elected to term ending Dec 31, 1865; Defeated: Samuel T. Douglass (Dem), David Johnson (Dem), Abner Pratt (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 3, 1865
3rd Election on
April 7, 1873 Defeated: Unopposed (Candidate for both parties)
Replaced: Original Justice of Reorganized Court
Previous Position: Monroe County Prosecutor, State Senator.
Reason Leaving: Became US Senator.
Party Nomination: Republican*
James Campbell 24th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1858
End Date: 03-26-1890
Service Length: 32 Years, 2 Months, 26 Days
1st Election on
April 6, 1857 Elected to term ending Dec 31, 1863; Defeated: Samuel T. Douglass (Dem), David Johnson (Dem), Abner Pratt (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1863 Defeated: David Johnson (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 3, 1871 Defeated: D. Darwin Hughes (Dem)
4th Election on
April 7, 1879 Defeated: Shipman (Dem. and Nat.)
Replaced: Original Justice of Reorganized Court
Previous Position: Member Board of Education, UM Marshall Professor of Law.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican*
Thomas Cooley 25th Justice
Start Date: 09-30-1864
End Date: 10-01-1885
Service Length: 21 Years, 0 Months, 2 Days
1st Election on
November 8, 1864 Defeated: Alpheus Felch (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 5, 1869 Defeated: D. Darwin Hughes (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 2, 1877 Defeated Henry F. Severens
Replaced: Randolph Manning
Previous Position: UM Jay Professor of Law, Supreme Court Reporter.
Reason Leaving: Resigned after being defeated in 1885 election by Allen Morse.
Party Nomination: Whig
Benjamin Graves 20th Justice
Start Date: 06-01-1857
End Date: 12-31-1857
2nd Start Date: 01-01-1868
2nd End Date: 12-31-1883
Service Length: 6 Months, 31 Days
2nd Service Length: 15 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
Total Length of Service: 16 Years, 6 Months, 29 Days
1st Appointment On:
June 2, 1857 By: Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham (Rep) to the 5th Circuit
1st Election on
April 1, 1867 Defeated: Sanford M. Green (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 5, 1875 Defeated: Unopposed (Candidate for both parties)
Replaced: Abner Pratt in 1857; took Martin’s seat in 1867 election
Previous Position: Battle Creek Master in Chancery, Civil Magistrate, 5th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Lost seat with reorganization of the Court in 1858; Retired in 1883.
Party Nomination: Republican *
Isaac Marston 26th Justice
Start Date: 04-09-1875
End Date: 02-28-1883
Service Length: 7 Years, 10 Months, 20 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 9, 1875 By: Gov. John J. Bagley (Rep)
1st Election on
April 5, 1875 Defeated: Lyman D. Norris (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1881 Defeated: Augustus C. Baldwin (Democrat), Charles G. Hyde (Prohibition), John B. Shipman (Greenback)
Replaced: Isaac P. Christiancy
Previous Position: Bay County State Legislative Rep., Bay County Prosecutor, MI Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Thomas Sherwood 27th Justice
Start Date: 04-18-1883
End Date: 12-31-1889
Service Length: 6 Years, 8 Months, 14 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 18, 1883 By: Gov. Josiah W. Begole (Dem)
1st Election on
November 7, 1882 Defeated: Thomas J. O’Brien (Rep), Daniel P. Sagendorph (Prohibition)
Replaced: Isaac P. Christiancy
Previous Position: Bay County State Legislative Rep., Bay County Prosecutor, MI Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat then National
John Champlin 28th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1884
End Date: 12-31-1891
Service Length: 7 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
January 1, 1883 Defeated: Austin Blair (Rep)
2nd Election Defeated by Robert Montgomery
Replaced: Benjamin Graves
Previous Position: Judge of Recorder’s Court, Kent County Prosecuting Attorney, Grand Rapids Mayor.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in election.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Allen Morse 29th Justice
Start Date: 10-01-1885
End Date: 10-04-1892
Service Length: 7 Years, 0 Months, 4 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 1, 1885 By: Gov. Russell A. Alger (Rep)
1st Election on
January 1, 1885 Defeated: Thomas M. Cooley (Rep)
Replaced: Thomas M. Cooley
Previous Position: Ionia County Prosecutor, MI State Senator, Mayor of Ionia.
Reason Leaving: Appointed US Counsel in Glasgow, Scotland 1893.
Party Nomination: Democrat*
1887 Legislative Act: Court of Five Justices Elected for Ten-Year Term
Charles Long 30th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1888
End Date: 06-27-1902
Service Length: 14 Years, 5 Months, 27 Days
1st Election on
April 4, 1887 Defeated: Charles H. Camp
2nd Election on
April 5, 1897 Defeated: George L. Yaple, Dan P. Foote, Noah W. Cheever, Lester H. Chappel, John O. Zabel
Replaced: Elected as added fifth Justice in 1887
Previous Position: Genesee County Clerk, Prosecuting Attorney, MI Census Supervisor.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Claudius Grant 31st Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1890
End Date: 12-30-1909
Service Length: 19 Years, 11 Months, 30 Days
1st Election on
April 1, 1889 Defeated: Thomas R. Sherwood, James R. Laing, L. McHugh
2nd Election on
April 3, 1899 Defeated: Thomas E. Barkworth (Dem), Frank Baldwin Clark (Prohibition), John H. Harris (People’s Party), George A. Eastman (Socialist Labor)
Replaced: Thomas R. Sherwood
Previous Position: Postmaster, State Legislator, UM Regent, Houghton Prosecutor, 25th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Republican
Edward Cahill 32nd Justice
Start Date: 04-05-1890
End Date: 12-31-1890
Service Length: 8 Months, 27 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 5, 1890 By: Gov. Cyrus Luce (Rep)
Replaced: James V. Campbell
Previous Position: Ionia County Circuit Court Commissioner, Ingham County Prosecutor, Advisory Board on the Matter of Pardons.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1890 election by John McGrath.
Party Nomination: Republican
John McGrath 33rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1891
End Date: 12-31-1895
Service Length: 4 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 4, 1890 Defeated: Edward Cahill (Rep), Noah W. Cheever (Prohibitionist), O’Brien J. Atkinson (Industrial)
Replaced: Elected to finish Campbell’s Term
Previous Position: Labor Commissioner for Labor Bureau, City Counselor for Detroit.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1895 election by Joseph B. Moore.
Party Nomination: Democrat*
Robert Montgomery 34th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1892
End Date: 04-04-1906
Service Length: 14 Years, 3 Months, 4 Days
1st Election on
April 6, 1891 Defeated: John W. Champlin (Dem), A. Dodge (Prohibition), O’Brien J. Atkinson (Populist)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1901 Defeated Allen C. Adsit (Dem), Walter S. Westerman (Prohibition), George A. Eastman, James E. McBride, Shepard B. Cowles (Socialist Labor)
Replaced: John W. Champlin
Previous Position: Pentwater Prosecutor, U.S. District Attorney, 17th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
George Durand 35th Justice
Start Date: 10-05-1892
End Date: 12-31-1892
Service Length: 2 Months, 27 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 5, 1892 By: Edwin B. Winans (Dem)
Replaced: Allen B. Morse
Previous Position: Mayor of Flint, State Legislative Rep.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1892 Election by Frank A. Hooker.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Frank Hooker 36th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1893
End Date: 07-10-1911
Service Length: 18 years, 7 Months, 10 Days
1st Election on
November 18, 1892 Defeated: Wm. M. Newton (Dem), Noah W. Cheever (Prohibition)
2nd Election on
April 4, 1893 Defeated: George H. Durand (Dem), Myron W. Walker (Prohibition), Edward S. Grece (People’s)
3rd Election on
April 6, 1903 James H. Pound (Dem)
Replaced: George H. Durand
Previous Position: Private practice, Prosecuting Attorney (Eaton County), 5th Circuit Court Judge
Reason Leaving: Died in Auburn, New York
Party Nomination: Republican
Joseph Moore 37th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1896
End Date: 12-30-1921
Service Length: 25 Years, 11 Months, 30 Days
1st Election on
April 1, 1895 Defeated: John McGrath (Dem), Robbins B. Taylor (People’s Party), Myron H. Walker (Prohibition)
2nd Election on
April 3, 1905 Defeated: Vernon H. Smith (Dem) Walter S. Westerman (Prohibition) John H. Johnson, Anthony Louwet (Socialist Labor)
3rd Election on
April 7, 1913 Defeated: August C. Cook (National Progressive), Williard J. Turner (National Progressive), Rollin H. Person (Dem), Alfred J. Murphy (Dem), Loran B. Teal (Socialist), Fred H. Hogle (Socialist), Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition)
4th Election on
April 4, 1921 Defeated: Martin J. Cavanaugh, James H. Baker, Edward J. Jefferies, Edward J. Anderson, Harvey B. Hatch, Thomas A. Mead
Replaced: John W. McGrath
Previous Position: County Prosecutor, Mayor of Lapeer, 6th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
William Carpenter 38th Justice
Start Date: 07-01-1902
End Date: 09-14-1904
Service Length: 2 Years, 2 Months, 14 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 1, 1902 By: Gov. Aaron T. Bliss (Rep)
1st Election on
November 4, 1902 Defeated: Benjamin J. Brown (Dem), Noah W. Cheever (Prohibition)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1907 Defeated: George P. Stone, John R. Carr, Winent H.D. Fox, Walter S. Westerman, James H. McFarlan, Henry Greendyk, George Hasseler, W. Edward Clemont
Replaced: Charles D. Long
Previous Position: Private Practice, 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
1903 Act 250: Court of Eight Justices Elected for Eight-Year Term.
Charles Blair 39th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1905
End Date: 08-30-1912
Service Length: 7 Years, 7 Months, 30 Days
1st Election on
November 8, 1904 Elected to 5-year term; Defeated: Allen C. Adsit (Dem), John C. Hunt (Socialist)
2nd Election on
April 5, 1909 Defeated: Cyrenius P. Black (Dem), Martin J. Cavanaugh (Dem), Winent H. D. Fox (Prohibition), Ezra P. Beechler (Prohibition), Francis A. Kulp (Socialist), James H. McFarlan (Socialist), Henry Ulbricht (Socialist Labor), Archie McInnes (Socialist Labor)
Replaced: Elected as added seventh Justice in 1905
Previous Position: Jackson County Pros., MI Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Aaron McAlvay 40th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1905
End Date: 07-09-1915
Service Length: 10 Years, 6 Months, 9 Days
1st Election on
November 8, 1904 Elected to 3-year term; Defeated: Thomas A.E. Weadock (Dem), Fred W. Townsend
2nd Election on
April 1, 1907 Defeated: George P. Stone, John R. Carr, Winent H.D. Fox, Walter S. Westerman, James H. McFarlan, Henry Greendyk, George Hasseler, W. Edward Clemont
Replaced: Elected as added eighth Justice in 1905
Previous Position: Private Practice (McAlvay and Grant), 19th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Russell Ostrander 41st Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1905
End Date: 09-11-1919
Service Length: 14 Years, 8 Months, 11 Days
1st Election on
November 8, 1904 Elected to 7-year term; Defeated: Clinton Roberts (Dem), Ralph G. Kirsch
2nd Election on
April 3, 1911 Defeated: John E. Kinnane (Dem), Herbert A. Sanford (Dem), James H. McFarlan (Socialist), Frank M. Fogg, Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), Seth B. Terry, Henry Ulbricht (Socialist Labor)
3rd Election on
April 7, 1919 Defeated: Robert E. Bunker, Patrick H. O’Brien, Edward O. Foss, Albert Renner, Harvey B. Hatch, Winent H.D. Fox
Replaced: Elected as added sixth Justice in 1905
Previous Position: Circuit Court Commissioner, Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney of Lansing, Mayor of Lansing, MI State Bar Pres.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Flavius Brooke 42nd Justice
Start Date: 11-07-1908
End Date: 01-21-1921
Service Length: 12 Years, 2 Months, 15 Days
1st Appointment On:
November 7, 1908 By: Gov. Fred M. Warner (Rep)
1st Election on
November 3, 1908 Defeated: Mark Norris (Dem), Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), William B. Thompson (Socialist)
2nd Election on
April 5, 1915 Defeated: Thomas J. Cavanaugh (Dem), Charles M. Wilson (Dem), Alvin E. Ewing (Progressive), William T. Bope (Progressive), James H. McFarlan (Socialist), John M. Alexander (Socialist), Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition), Thomas A. Mead (Prohibition)
Replaced: William L. Carpenter
Previous Position: Wayne Circuit Court Judge.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
John Stone 43rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1910
End Date: 03-22-1924
Service Length: 14 Years, 2 Months, 22 Days
1st Election on
April 5, 1909 Defeated: Cyrenius P. Black (Dem), Martin J. Cavanaugh (Dem), Winent H. D. Fox (Prohibition), Ezra P. Beechler (Prohibition), Francis A. Kulp (Socialist), James H. McFarlan (Socialist), Henry Ulbricht (Socialist Labor), Archie McInnes (Socialist Labor)
1st Election on
April 2, 1917 Defeated: Charles M. Wilson, John W. Shine, Maurice Sugar, John Kiiskila, Harvey B. Hatch, Thomas A. Mead
Replaced: Claudius B. Grant
Previous Position: 25th Judicial Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
John Bird 44th Justice
Start Date: 06-10-1910
End Date: 02-10-1928
Service Length: 17 Years, 8 Months, 1 Days
1st Appointment On:
June 6, 1910 By: Gov. Fred M. Warner (Rep)
1st Election on
August 10, 1910 Defeated: Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), Deufay B. Hovey, Sr. (Socialist)
2nd Election on
April 3, 1911 Defeated: John E. Kinnane (Dem), Herbert A. Sanford (Dem), James H. McFarlan (Socialist), Frank M. Fogg, Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), Seth B. Terry, Henry Ulbricht (Socialist Labor)
3rd Election on
April 7, 1919 Defeated: Robert E. Bunker, Patrick H. O’Brien, Edward O. Foss, Albert Renner, Harvey B. Hatch, Winent H.D. Fox
4th Election on
April 4, 1927 Defeated: John W. Anderson (Dem), Emmet L. Beach (Dem), Cyril Lambkin (Workers’ Party), John Kiiskila (Workers Party)
Replaced: Robert M. Montgomery
Previous Position: MI Attorney General, Prosecutor for Lenawee County.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Joseph Steere 45th Justice
Start Date: 08-30-1911
End Date: 09-29-1927
Service Length: 16 Years, 1 Months, 0 Days
1st Appointment On:
August 30, 1911 By: Gov. Chase Osborn (Rep)
1st Election on
November 5, 1912 Defeated: Rollin H. Person (Dem), Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), Garry Dohm (Socialist
2nd Election on
April 7, 1913 Defeated: August C. Cook (National Progressive), Williard J. Turner (National Progressive), Rollin H. Person (Dem), Alfred J. Murphy (Dem), Loran B. Teal (Socialist), Fred H. Hogle (Socialist), Winent H.D. Fox (Prohibition), Election/Appt. Details Cont: Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition)
3rd Election on
April 4, 1921 Defeated: Martin J. Cavanaugh, James H. Baker, Edward J. Jefferies, Edward J. Anderson, Harvey B. Hatch, Thomas A. Mead
Replaced: Frank A. Hooker
Previous Position: 11th District Circuit Judge, Sault Ste. Marie Prosecuting Attorney.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Franz Kuhn 46th Justice
Start Date: 09-06-1912
End Date: 12-30-1919
Service Length: 7 Years, 3 Months, 25 Days
1st Appointment On:
September 6, 1912 By: Gov. Chase Osborn (Rep)
1st Election on
November 5, 1912 Defeated George L. Yaple (Dem), Garry Dohm (Socialist, Edwin H. Lyon (National Progressive)
2nd Election on
April 2, 1917 Defeated Charles M. Wilson, John W. Shine, Maurice Sugar, John Kiiskila, Harvey B. Hatch, Thomas A. Mead
Replaced: Charles A Blair
Previous Position: Macomb County Prosecutor, Macomb Probate Judge, MI Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Rollin Person 47th Justice
Start Date: 07-16-1915
End Date: 12-31-1916
Service Length: 1 Years, 5 Months, 16 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 16, 1915 By: Gov. Woodbridge Ferris ( Dem)
Replaced: Aaron McAlvay
Previous Position: Judge 13th Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1916 election by Grant Fellows.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Grant Fellows 48th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1917
End Date: 07-16-1929
Service Length: 12 Years, 6 Months, 16 Days
1st Election on
November 7, 1916 Defeated: Rollin H. Person (Dem), Fred Block (Socialist), Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition), Frederick N. Hitchcock (Socialist-Labor)
2nd Election on
April 2, 1923 Defeated: George E. Burke (Dem), Howard W. Cavanagh (Dem), Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition)
Replaced: Elected to finish McAlvay’s term after his death.
Previous Position: Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Nelson Sharpe 49th Justice
Start Date: 09-25-1919
End Date: 10-20-1935
Service Length: 16 Years, 0 Months, 26 Days
1st Appointment On:
September 25, 1919 By: Gov. Albert E. Sleeper (Rep)
1st Election on
November 2, 1920 Defeated: James H. Baker (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 4, 1927 Defeated: John W. Anderson (Dem), Emmet L. Beach (Dem), Cyril Lambkin (Workers’ Party), John Kiiskila (Workers’ Party)
3rd Election on
April 1, 1935 Defeated: Francis T. McDonald (Dem), William A. Neithercut (Dem), William Kemnitz (Socialist), S.W. Schkloven (Socialist), Walter M. Nelson (Farmer – Labor), Gottlob C. Leibrand (Farmer – Labor)
Replaced: Russell Ostrander
Previous Position: 34th Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
George Clark 50th Justice
Start Date: 12-30-1919
End Date: 08-31-1933
Service Length: 13 Years, 8 Months, 2 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 30, 1919 By: Gov. Albert E. Sleeper (Rep)
1st Election on
November 2, 1920 Defeated: Robert E. Bunker (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1925 Defeated: Evans Holbrook (Dem), Patrick H. O’Brien (Dem), John Kiiskila (Workers’ Party), Cyril Lambkin (Workers’ Party)
Replaced: Franz C. Kuhn
Previous Position: Private Practice.
Reason Leaving: Resigned after being Defeated in 1933 Election by Edward M. Sharpe.
Party Nomination: Republican
Howard Wiest 51st Justice
Start Date: 01-25-1921
End Date: 09-16-1945
Service Length: 24 Years, 7 Months, 23 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 25, 1921 By: Gov. Alex J. Groesbeck (Rep)
1st Election on
April 4, 1921 Defeated: Thomas Smurthwaite
2nd Election on
April 2, 1923 Defeated: George E. Burke (Dem), Howard W. Cavanagh (Dem), Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition)
3rd Election on
April 6, 1931 Defeated: Fremont Evans (Dem), David E. McLaughlin (Dem)
4th Election on
April 3, 1939 Defeated: Thomas J. Murphy (Dem), Clarence D. Dwyer (Dem), Emanuel Seidler (Socialist)
Replaced: Flavius L. Brooke
Previous Position: Wayne County Court Commissioner, Judge 30th Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
John McDonald 52nd Justice
Start Date: 03-29-1922
End Date: 12-31-1933
Service Length: 11 Years, 9 Months, 3 Days
1st Appointment On:
March 29, 1922 By: Gov. Alex J. Groesbeck (Rep)
1st Election on
November 7, 1922 Defeated: Michael J. Doyle (Dem), Joseph B. Warenette (Socialist), Harvey B. Hatch (Prohibition)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1925 Defeated: Patrick H. O’Brien (Dem), Evans Holbrook (Dem), John Kiiskila (Workers’ Party), Cyril Lambkin (Workers’ Party)
Replaced: John W. Stone
Previous Position: Circuit Judge of Kent County, Kent County Prosecutor.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1933 Election by George E. Bushnell.
Party Nomination: Republican
Ernest Snow 53rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1926
End Date: 10-20-1927
Service Length: 1 Years, 9 Months, 20 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 1, 1926 By: Gov. Alex J. Groesbeck (Rep)
1st Appointment On:
November 2, 1926 Defeated: George J. Burke (Dem)
Replaced: Joseph B. Moore
Previous Position: 10th Circuit (Saginaw) Court.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Richard Flannigan 54th Justice
Start Date: 09-27-1927
End Date: 02-17-1928
Service Length: 4 Months, 21 Days
1st Appointment On:
September 29, 1927 By: Gov. Fred Green (Rep)
Replaced: Joseph Steere
Previous Position: 25th Circuit Court Marquette.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Walter North 55th Justice
Start Date: 10-24-1927
End Date: 07-23-1952
Service Length: 24 Years, 9 Months, 0 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 24, 1927 By: Gov. Fred Green (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 1927 Defeated: Prentiss M. Brown
2nd Election on
April 1, 1929 Defeated: John W. Anderson (Dem), George W. Weadock (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 5, 1937 Defeated: Louis H. Fead (Rep), Walter I. McKenzie (Dem), Sol W. Schkloven (Socialist), Emanuel Seidler (Socialist), J. Wendell Bird (Commonwealth)
4th Election on
April 2, 1945 Defeated: W. Leo Cahalan (Dem), Herman Dehnke (Rep)
Replaced: Ernest A. Snow
Previous Position: Private Practice, Judge of 37th Judicial Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
William Potter 56th Justice
Start Date: 02-14-1928
End Date: 07-21-1940
Service Length: 12 Years, 5 Months, 8 Days
1st Appointment On:
February 14, 1928 By: Gov. Fred Green (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 1928 Defeated: George E. Bushnell (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1935 Defeated: Francis T. McDonald (Dem), William A. Neithercut (Dem), William Kemnitz (Socialist), S.W. Schkloven (Socialist), Walter M. Nelson (Farmer – Labor), Gottlob C. Leibrand (Farmer – Labor)
Replaced: John E. Bird
Previous Position: MI Attorney General, Barry County Prosecutor, MI State Senator.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Louis Fead 57th Justice
Start Date: 02-21-1928
End Date: 12-31-1937
Service Length: 9 Years, 10 Months, 11 Days
1st Appointment On:
February 21, 1928 By: Gov. Fred Green (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 1928 Defeated: Thomas A.E. Weadock (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1929 Defeated: John W. Anderson (Dem), George W. Weadock (Dem)
Replaced: Richard Flannigan
Previous Position: Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1937 election by Thomas F. McAllister.
Party Nomination: Republican
Henry Butzel 58th Justice
Start Date: 07-25-1929
End Date: 12-31-1955
Service Length: 26 Years, 5 Months, 7 Days
1st Appointment On:
July 25, 1929 By: Gov. Fred Green (Rep)
1st Election on
November 4, 1930 Defeated: Carl R. Henry (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1931 Defeated: Fremont Evans (Dem), David E. McLaughlin (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 3, 1939 Defeated: Thomas J. Murphy (Dem), Clarence D. Dwyer (Dem), Emanuel Seidler (Socialist)
4th Election on
April 7, 1947 Defeated: Edward T. Kane (Dem), Patrick S. Nertney (Dem)
Replaced: Grant Fellows
Previous Position: President of Detroit Bar.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Republican
Thomas Weadock 59th Justice
Start Date: 08-10-1933
End Date: 12-31-1933
Service Length: 4 Months, 22 Days
1st Appointment On:
August 10, 1933 By: Gov. William Comstock (Dem)
Replaced: George M. Clark
Previous Position: Private Practice, Bay City Prosecuting Attorney, Bay City Mayor, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator.
Reason Leaving: George M. Clark’s term ended Dec 31, 1933.
Party Nomination: Democrat
George Bushnell 60th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1934
End Date: 01-10-1955
Service Length: 21 Years, 0 Months, 10 Days
1st Election on
April 3, 1933 Defeated: George M. Clark (Rep), John S. McDonald (Rep), Harry Riseman (Socialist), John M. Alexander (Socialist), John W. Meyers (Prohibition), Harley D. Cortwright (Prohibition)
2nd Election on
April 7, 1941 Defeated: John M. Dunham (Rep), George A. Cram (Rep)
3rd Election on
April 4, 1949 Defeated: Arthur E. Moore (Rep), Charles W. Rigney (Rep), Morton A. Eden (Progressive)
Replaced: John S. McDonald
Previous Position: Army, Private Practice.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Edward Sharpe 61st Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1934
End Date: 12-31-1957
Service Length: 23 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
April 3, 1933 Defeated: George M. Clark (Rep), John S. McDonald (Rep), Harry Riseman (Socialist), John M. Alexander (Socialist), John W. Meyers (Prohibition), Harley D. Cortwright (Prohibition)
2nd Election on
April 7, 1941 Defeated: John M. Dunham (Rep), George A. Cram (Rep)
3rd Election on
April 4, 1949 Defeated: Arthur E. Moore (Rep), Charles W. Rigney (Rep), Morton A. Eden (Progressive)
Replaced: George M. Clark
Previous Position: Bay County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Democrat
Harry Toy 62nd Justice
Start Date: 10-24-1935
End Date: 12-31-1936
Service Length: 1 Years, 2 Months, 8 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 24, 1935 By: Gov. Frank Fitzgerald (Rep)
Replaced: Nelson Sharpe
Previous Position: US Army, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Wayne County, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney, Attorney General of Michigan.
Reason Leaving: Defeated by Bert Chandler in 1936 election.
Party Nomination: Republican
Bert Chandler 63rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1937
End Date: 12-31-1943
Service Length: 6 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
October 3, 1936 Defeated: Harry S. Toy (Rep), George E. Gullen (Farmer – Labor)
Replaced: Elected to finish Edward M. Sharpe’s term
Previous Position: Judge of 39th Judicial Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Defeated by Neil E. Reid in 1943 election.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Thomas McAllister 64th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1938
End Date: 06-21-1941
Service Length: 3 Years, 5 Months, 21 Days
1st Election on
April 5, 1937 Defeated: Louis H. Fead (Rep), Walter I. McKenzie (Dem), Sol W. Schkloven (Socialist), Emanuel Seidler (Socialist), J. Wendell Bird (Commonwealth)
Replaced: Louis H. Fead
Previous Position: French Army, Private practice.
Reason Leaving: Appointed to Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Emerson Boyles 65th Justice
Start Date: 08-08-1940
End Date: 12-30-1956
Service Length: 16 Years, 4 Months, 23 Days
1st Appointment On:
August 8, 1940 By: Gov. Luren D. Dickinson (Rep)
1st Election on
November 5, 1940 Defeated: Philip Elliot (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 5, 1943 Defeated: Bert D. Chandler (Dem), Frank L. McAvinchey (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 2, 1951 Defeated: James H. Lee (Dem), Theodore P. Ryan (Dem), C. LeBron Simmons (Progressive), Morton A. Eden (Progressive)
Replaced: William W. Potter
Previous Position: Charlotte Prosecuting Attorney, Eaton County Probate Judge, Deputy Attorney General, board of MI Public Utilities Commission, Legal Advisor to Fitzgerald and Dickinson.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Raymond Starr 66th Justice
Start Date: 06-02-1941
End Date: 08-15-1946
Service Length: 5 Years, 2 Months, 14 Days
1st Appointment On:
June 2, 1941 By: Gov. Murray D. Von Wagoner (Dem)
1st Election on
November 3, 1942 Defeated: Earl C. Pugsley (Rep)
2nd Election on
April 2, 1945 Defeated: W. Leo Cahalan (Dem), Herman Dehnke (Rep)
Replaced: Thomas McAllister
Previous Position: Attorney General of Michigan.
Reason Leaving: Appointed US District Judge – Western Michigan.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Neil Reid 67th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1944
End Date: 05-04-1956
Service Length: 12 Years, 4 Months, 4 Days
1st Election on
April 5, 1943 Defeated: Bert D. Chandler (Dem), Frank L. McAvinchey (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 2, 1951 Defeated: James H. Lee (Dem), Theodore P. Ryan (Dem), C. LeBron Simmons (Progressive), Morton A. Eden (Progressive)
Replaced: Bert D. Chandler
Previous Position: Probate Court Judge.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Republican
Leland Carr 68th Justice
Start Date: 09-24-1945
End Date: 12-31-1963
Service Length: 18 Years, 3 Months, 7 Days
1st Appointment On:
September 24, 1945 By: Gov. Harry F. Kelly (Rep)
1st Election on
November 5, 1946 Defeated: Victor E. Bucknell (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 7, 1947 Defeated: Edward T. Kane (Dem), Patrick S. Nertney (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 4, 1955 Defeated: D. Hale Brake (Rep), Stephen J. Roth (Dem)
Replaced: Howard Weist
Previous Position: Ionia County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Assistant Attorney General, Ingham County Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Republican
John Dethmers 69th Justice
Start Date: 08-15-1946
End Date: 12-31-1970
Service Length: 24 Years, 4 Months, 17 Days
1st Appointment On:
August 15, 1946 By: Gov. Harry F. Kelly (Rep)
1st Election on
April 7, 1947 Defeated: Maurice E. Tripp (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1953 Defeated: Clark J. Adams (Dem), Talbot Smith (Dem)
3rd Election on
April 3, 1961 Defeated: James H. McLaughlin (Dem), Ernest C. Boehm (Dem)
FOOTNOTE With this election, Dethmers was elected to an 8 year term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1969. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1970.
Replaced: Raymond W. Starr
Previous Position: Zeeland City Attorney, Ottawa County Prosecutor, Legal Advisor to the Governor, Chief Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1970 Election by G. Mennen Williams.
Party Nomination: Republican
Clark Adams 70th Justice
Start Date: 08-14-1952
End Date: 12-31-1953
Service Length: 1 Years, 4 Months, 18 Days
1st Appointment On:
August 14, 1952 By: Gov. G. Mennen Williams (Dem)
1st Election on
November 4, 1952 Defeated: Charles H. King (Rep), Morton A. Eden (Progressive)
Replaced: Walter H. North
Previous Position: MI House of Reps, Gov. Williams’ Legal Advisor.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1953 Election by Harry F. Kelly.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Harry Kelly 71st Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1954
End Date: 12-31-1970
Service Length: 16 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
April 6, 1953 Defeated: Clark J. Adams (Dem), Talbot Smith (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 3, 1961 Defeated: James H. McLaughlin (Dem), Ernest C. Boehm (Dem)
FOOTNOTE With this election, Kelly was elected to an 8 year term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1969. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1970
Replaced: Clark J. Adams
Previous Position: US Army, LaSalle County Illinois State Attorney, Head of Detroit area Liquor Commission, MI Secretary of State, MI Governor.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Republican
Talbot Smith 72nd Justice
Start Date: 01-11-1955
End Date: 10-06-1961
Service Length: 6 Years, 8 Months, 27 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 11, 1955 By: Gov. G. Mennen Williams (Dem)
1st Election on
November 6, 1956 Defeated: Michael D. O’Hara
2nd Election on
April 1, 1957 Defeated: Michael D. O’Hara (Rep), Robert E. Childs (Rep)
Replaced: George E. Bushnell
Previous Position: Navy, Office of Price Administration.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Eugene Black 73rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1956
End Date: 12-31-1972
Service Length: 16 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
April 4, 1955 Defeated: D. Hale Blake (Rep), Stephen J. Roth (Dem)
2nd Election on
April 1, 1963 Defeated: Richard G. Smith (Rep), Donald E. Holbrook (Rep)
FOOTNOTE With this election, Black was elected to an 8 year term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1971. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1972
Replaced: Henry Butzel
Previous Position: MI Attorney General, Judge 31st Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Democrat
George Edwards Jr. 74th Justice
Start Date: 05-15-1956
End Date: 01-02-1962
Service Length: 5 Years, 7 Months, 19 Days
1st Appointment On:
May 15, 1956 By: Gov. G. Mennen Williams (Dem)
1st Election on
November 6, 1956 Defeated: John Simpson (Rep)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1959 Defeated: Maurice F. Cole, Kenneth W. Cole, William H. Baldwin
Replaced: Neil E. Reid
Previous Position: Director-Secretary of Detroit Housing Commission, US Infantry, President of Detroit Common Council, Judge Wayne Probate Court-Juvenile Division, Wayne Circuit Court Judge.
Reason Leaving: Resigned/ Became Police Commissioner of Detroit.
Party Nomination: Democrat
John Voelker 75th Justice
Start Date: 12-31-1956
End Date: 01-04-1960
Service Length: 3 Years, 0 Months, 5 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 31, 1956 By: Gov. G. Mennen Williams (Dem)
1st Election on
April 1, 1957 Defeated: Joseph A Moynihan, Jr. (Rep)
2nd Election on
April 6, 1959 Defeated: Maurice F. Cole, Kenneth W. Cole, William H. Baldwin
Replaced: Emerson R. Boyles
Previous Position: Marquette County Prosecutor.
Reason Leaving: Resigned to pursue writing career.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Thomas M. Kavanagh 76th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1958
End Date: 04-19-1975
Service Length: 17 Years, 3 Months, 19 Days
1st Election on
April 1, 1957 Defeated: Michael D. O’Hara (Rep), Robert E. Childs (Rep)
FOOTNOTE With this election, T.M. Kavanaugh was elected to an 8 year term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1965. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1966.
2nd Election on
November 8, 1966 Defeated: Otis M. Smith (Dem), Meyer Warshawsky (Rep)
3rd Election on
November 5, 1974 Defeated: Blair Moody, Jr. (Dem) and Allan C. Miller (Rep)
Replaced: Edward M. Sharpe
Previous Position: Carson City City Attorney and City Clerk, Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Theodore Souris 77th Justice
Start Date: 01-05-1960
End Date: 07-01-1968
Service Length: 8 Years, 5 Months, 28 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 5, 1960 By: Gov. G. Mennen Williams (Dem)
1st Election on
November 8, 1960 Defeated: James R. Breakey, Jr. (Rep)
FOOTNOTE With this election, Souris inherited Voelker’s term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1967. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending in 1968.
Replaced: John D. Voelker
Previous Position: Wayne Circuit Court, General Counsel to Director of Price Stabilization.
Reason Leaving: Resigned
*Footnote* was not replaced creating a 7-member court as provided by the Constitution of 1963.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Otis Smith 78th Justice
Start Date: 10-10-1961
End Date: 12-31-1966
Service Length: 5 Years, 2 Months, 22 Days
1st Appointment On:
October 10, 1961 By: Gov. John B. Swainson (Dem)
1st Election on
November 6, 1962 Defeated: Louis D. McGregor (Rep)
FOOTNOTE With this election, Otis M. Smith inherited Talbot Smith’s term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1965. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1966.
Replaced: Talbot Smith
Previous Position: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Chairman of MI Public Service Commission, Michigan Auditor General.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1966 election by Thomas Brennan.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Paul Adams 79th Justice
Start Date: 02-02-1962
End Date: 12-31-1962
2nd Start Date: 01-01-1964
2nd End Date: 12-31-1972
Service Length: 10 Months, 30 Days
2nd Service Length: 8 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
Total Length of Service: 9 Years, 10 Months, 29 Days
1st Appointment On:
February 2, 1962 By Gov. John B. Swainson (Dem)
1st Election on
April 1, 1963 Defeated: Richard G. Smith (Rep), Donald E. Holbrook (Rep)
FOOTNOTE With this election, Adams was elected to an 8 year term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1971.However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1972.
Replaced: George Edwards in 1962 and Leland Carr in 1964
Previous Position: Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Director of Civilian Defense, UM Board of Regents, Michigan Attorney General.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1962 election by Michael D. O’Hara/ Retired in 1972.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Michael O’Hara 80th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1963
End Date: 12-31-1968
Service Length: 5 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 6, 1962 Defeated: Paul L. Adams (Dem)
FOOTNOTE With this election, O’Hara inherited Edwards’ term, which was set to expire on Dec 31, 1967. However, due to Art VI, Sec. 2 of the Constitution of 1963 requiring elections to be held in the fall of even numbered years instead of the spring of odd numbered years, this term was extended a year ending on Dec 31, 1968.
Replaced: Elected to finish George Edwards’ term
Previous Position: Marines, Administrative Law Judge in the Unemployment Compensation Division.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1968 election by Thomas G. Kavanagh.
Party Nomination: Republican
1963 Constitution: Court of Seven, Eight-Year Terms, Justices Elected (no more party conventions).
Thomas Brennan 81st Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1967
End Date: 12-31-1973
Service Length: 6 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 8, 1966 Defeated: Otis M. Smith (Dem), Meyer Warshawsky (Rep)
Replaced: Otis M. Smith
Previous Position: Common Pleas Bench, Wayne County Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Resigned/Formed Thomas Cooley Law School.
Party Nomination: Republican
Thomas G. Kavanagh 82nd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1969
End Date: 12-31-1984
Service Length: 15 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 5, 1968 Defeated: Michael D. O’Hara (Rep)
2nd Election on
November 2, 1976 Defeated: Roman S. Gribbs (Dem), Joseph P. Swallow (Rep), James E. Wells (Ind), Wilson S. Hurd (Lib)
Replaced: Michael D. O’Hara
Previous Position: Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1984 election by Dorothy Comstock Riley.
Party Nomination: Democrat
John Swainson 83rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1971
End Date: 11-07-1975
Service Length: 4 Years, 10 Months, 7 Days
1st Election on
November 3, 1970 Defeated: Edward S. Piggins (Rep), John R. Dethmers (Rep)
Replaced: Harry F. Kelly
Previous Position: State Senate, Lieutenant Governor, Circuit Court, Governor.
Reason Leaving: Accused of accepting a bribe, resigned from Court, and law license was suspended.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Mennen Williams 84th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1971
End Date: 12-31-1986
Service Length: 15 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 3, 1970 Defeated: Edward S. Piggins (Rep), John R. Dethmers (Rep)
2nd Election on
November 7, 1978 Defeated: Alice L. Gilbert (Rep), Gary R. McDonald (Dem)
Replaced: John R. Dethmers
Previous Position: US Navy, Deputy Director of Office of Price Administration, Liquor Control Commission, Governor, Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador to Philippines.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Democrat
Mary Coleman 85th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1973
End Date: 12-24-1982
Service Length: 9 Years, 11 Months, 24 Days
1st Election on
November 7, 1972 Defeated: James S. Thorburn (Rep), Zolton A. Ferency (Human Rights), Vincent J. Brennan (Ind.), Robert L. Evans (Dem), Horace W. Gilmore (Dem), William J. Beer (Ind), William A. Ortman (Conservative)
2nd Election on
November 4, 1980 Defeated: Joseph B. Sullivan (Dem), Elizabeth Birch (Dem), Michael Hagerty (Rep)
Replaced: Paul L. Adams
Previous Position: Probate and Juvenile Court.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Charles Levin 86th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1973
End Date: 12-31-1996
Service Length: 23 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 7, 1972 Defeated: James S. Thorburn (Rep), Zolton A. Ferency (Human Rights), Vincent J. Brennan (Ind.), Robert L. Evans (Dem), Horace W. Gilmore (Dem), William J. Beer (Ind), William A. Ortman (Conservative)
2nd Election on
November 4, 1980 Defeated: Joseph B. Sullivan (Dem), Elizabeth Birch (Dem) Michael Hagerty (Rep)
3rd Election on
November 8, 1988 Defeated: Jerry J. Kaufman (TIC), Marvin V. Stempien (Dem), Richard C. Johnston (Rep), Donald F. Warmbier (Lib)
Replaced: Eugene F. Black
Previous Position: Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Independent
John Fitzgerald 87th Justice
Start Date: 01-07-1974
End Date: 12-31-1982
Service Length: 8 Years, 11 Months, 25 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 7, 1974 By: Gov. William G. Milliken (Rep)
1st Election on
November 5, 1974 Defeated: Blair Moody, Jr. (Dem), Allan C. Miller (Rep)
Replaced: Thomas E. Brennan
Previous Position: US Army Infantry, State Senate Legal Counsel, State Senate, Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Republican
Lawrence Lindemer 88th Justice
Start Date: 06-02-1975
End Date: 12-31-1976
Service Length: 1 Years, 6 Months, 30 Days
1st Appointment On:
June 2, 1975 By: Gov. William G. Milliken (Rep)
Replaced: Thomas M. Kavanagh
Previous Position: Ingham County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Michigan House of Reps, Hoover Commission, Republican State Central Committee Chairman.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 1976 election by Blair Moody, Jr.
Party Nomination: Republican
James Ryan 89th Justice
Start Date: 12-02-1975
End Date: 01-02-1986
Service Length: 10 Years, 1 Months, 1 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 2, 1975 By: Gov. William G. Milliken (Rep)
1st Election on
November 2, 1976 Defeated: Charles Kaufman (Dem)
2nd Election on
November 7, 1978 Defeated: Alice L. Gilbert (Rep), Gary R. McDonald (Dem)
Replaced: John B. Swainson
Previous Position: JAG Corps Officer, Military Judge, Redford Township Justice of the Peace, Third Judicial Circuit Judge.
Reason Leaving: Appointed To US Court of Appeals 6th Circuit by President Reagan.
Party Nomination: Republican
Blair Moody Jr. 90th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1977
End Date: 11-26-1982
Service Length: 5 Years, 10 Months, 26 Days
1st Election on
November 2, 1976 Defeated: Lawrence B. Lindemer (Rep), Zolton A. Ferency (Human Rights)
2nd Election on
November 2, 1982 Defeated: Ross W. Campbell (Rep), Peter W. Avery (Libertarian)
Replaced: Elected to finish T.M. Kavanagh’s term (1975 – 1983).
Previous Position: US Air Force, Private Practice.
Reason Leaving: Died in Office.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Dorothy Comstock Riley 91st Justice
Start Date: 12-09-1982
End Date: 02-16-1983
2nd Start Date: 01-01-1985
2nd End Date: 09-01-1997
Service Length: 2 Months, 8 Days
2nd Service Length: 12 Years, 8 Months, 1 Days
Total Length of Service: 12 Years, 11 Months, 7 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 9, 1982 By: Gov. William G. Milliken (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 1984 Defeated: Thomas G. Kavanagh (Dem), Robert W. Roddis (Lib)
2nd Election on
November 3, 1992 Defeated: Marilyn Kelly (Dem), Robert W. Roddis (Lib)
Replaced: Blair Moody, Jr. in 1982, elected to replace Thomas G. Kavanagh in 1985
Previous Position: Wayne County Assistant Friend of the Court, Wayne County Circuit Judge, MI Court of Appeals Judge.
Reason Leaving: Ousted from the Court in 1983 and Resigned in 1997.
Party Nomination: Republican
James Brickley 92nd Justice
Start Date: 12-27-1982
End Date: 10-01-1999
Service Length: 16 Years, 9 Months, 6 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 27, 1982 By: Gov. William G. Milliken (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 1984 Defeated: James Hathaway (Dem)
2nd Election on
November 8, 1988 Defeated: Jerry J. Kaufman (TIC), Marvin V. Stempien (Dem), Richard C. Johnston (Rep), Donald F. Warmbier (Lib)
3rd Election on
November 5, 1996 Defeated: Hilda Gage (Rep), William Murphy (Dem), Jessica Cooper, Jerry J. Kaufman, David H. Raaflaub
Replaced: Mary S. Coleman
Previous Position: FBI Special Agent, Wayne County Prosecutor, US Attorney Eastern District of MI, Lieutenant Governor of MI.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Michael Cavanagh 93rd Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1983
End Date: 12-31-14
Service Length:
1st Election on
November 2, 1982 Defeated: Dorothy Comstock Riley (Rep), Ross W. Campbell (Rep), Peter W. Avery (Lib)
2nd Election on
November 6, 1990 Defeated: Clark Durant (Rep), Judy H. Hughs (Rep), Jerry J. Kaufman (TIC), Charles Hahn (Lib)
3rd Election on
November 3, 1998 Defeated: Susan D. Borman (Dem), Jeffery G. Collins, Jerry J. Kaufman, Matthew R. Abel, David H. Raaflaub (Lib)
Replaced: John W. Fitzgerald
Previous Position: Research Attorney MI Court of Appeals, Lansing City Attorney, Judicial District Court, Michigan Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Retired (prohibited from running for reelection due to constitutional age limit).
Party Nomination: Democrat
Patricia Boyle 94th Justice
Start Date: 04-20-1983
End Date: 12-31-1998
Service Length: 15 Years, 8 Months, 12 Days
1st Appointment On:
April 20, 1983 By: Gov. James J. Blanchard (Dem)
1st Election on
November 6, 1984 Defeated: Robert P. Griffin (Rep), David H. Raaflaub (Libertarian)
2nd Election on
November 6, 1990 Defeated: Clark Durant (Rep), Judy H. Hughs (Rep), Jerry J. Kaufman (TIC), Charles Hahn (Lib)
Replaced: Dorothy Comstock Riley in 1983 after ouster to finish Blair Moody’s term
Previous Position: Director of Research Training and Appeals Wayne County Pros. Office, Judge in Detroit Recorders Court, U.S. Dist. Court/Eastern Michigan.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Democrat
Dorothy Comstock Riley 91st Justice
Start Date: 12-09-1982
End Date: 02-16-1983
2nd Start Date: 01-01-1985
2nd End Date: 09-01-1997
Service Length: 2 Months, 8 Days
2nd Service Length: 12 Years, 8 Months, 1 Days
Total Length of Service: 12 Years, 10 Months, 9 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 9, 1982 By: Gov. William G. Milliken (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 1984 Defeated: Thomas G. Kavanagh (Dem), Robert W. Roddis (Lib)
2nd Election on
November 3, 1992 Defeated: Marilyn Kelly (Dem), Robert W. Roddis (Lib)
Replaced: Blair Moody, Jr. in 1982, elected to replace Thomas G. Kavanagh in 1985
Previous Position: Wayne County Assistant Friend of the Court, Wayne County Circuit Judge, MI Court of Appeals Judge.
Reason Leaving: Ousted from the Court in 1983 and Resigned in 1997.
Party Nomination: Republican
Dennis Archer 95th Justice
Start Date: 01-02-1986
End Date: 12-18-1990
Service Length: 4 Years, 11 Months, 17 Days
1st Appointment On:
January 2, 1986 By: Gov. James J. Blanchard (Dem)
1st Election on
November 4, 1986 Defeated: Dean Robb (Dem), Barbara B. MacKenzie (Ind), Zolton A. Ferency (Ind), James J. Kelley (Ind), E. Thomas Fitzgerald (Tisch Independent Citizens), James T. Kallman (Rep), John P. O’Hara, Jr. (Ind), Andrea J. Ferrara (Ind), Jerry J. Kaufman (Ind), John J. McDonough (Ind), Henry Clay (Ind), Stephen P. Korn (Ind), James J. Carras (Ind), Michael Joseph Marutiak (Ind), Michael F. Simon (Ind), Willard L. Mikesell (Ind), Melvin L. Paunovich (Ind), E. Leonard Howarth (Ind), Caleb M. Simon (Ind), James R. Stelt (Ind), Jeffrey C. Collison (Ind), David H. Raaflaub (Ind)
Replaced: James L. Ryan
Previous Position: Private Practice.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Robert Griffin 96th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1987
End Date: 12-31-1994
Service Length: 7 Years, 11 Months, 31 Days
1st Election on
November 4, 1986 Defeated: Dean Robb (Dem), Barbara B. MacKenzie (Ind), Zolton A. Ferency (Ind), James J. Kelley (Ind), E. Thomas Fitzgerald (Tisch Independent Citizens), James T. Kallman (Rep), John P. O’Hara, Jr. (Ind), Andrea J. Ferrara (Ind), Jerry J. Kaufman (Ind), John J. McDonough (Ind), Henry Clay (Ind), Stephen P. Korn (Ind), James J. Carras (Ind), Michael Joseph Marutiak (Ind), Michael F. Simon (Ind), Willard L. Mikesell (Ind), Melvin L. Paunovich (Ind), E. Leonard Howarth (Ind), Caleb M. Simon (Ind), James R. Stelt (Ind), Jeffrey C. Collison (Ind), David H. Raaflaub (Ind)
Replaced: G. Mennen Williams
Previous Position: United States Representative and Senator.
Reason Leaving: Retired (Did not run for reelection).
Party Nomination: Republican
Conrad Mallett Jr. 97th Justice
Start Date: 12-21-1990
End Date: 01-02-1999
Service Length: 8 Years, 0 Months, 13 Days
1st Appointment On:
December 21, 1990 By: Gov. James J. Blanchard (Dem)
1st Election on
November 3, 1992 Defeated: Michael J. Talbot (Rep) and Jerry J. Kaufman (Ind.)
2nd Election on
November 8, 1994 Defeated; Richard Griffin (Rep), Donald E. Shelton (Dem), George F. Killeen
Replaced: Dennis W. Archer
Previous Position: Director of Legislative Affairs for Gov. Blanchard, Exec. Asst. To Det. Mayor Young.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Elizabeth Weaver 98th Justice
Start Date: 01-05-1995
End Date: 08-26-2010
Service Length: 15 Years, 7 Months, 22 Days
1st Election on
November 8, 1994 Defeated: Richard Griffin (Rep), Donald E. Shelton (Dem), George F. Killeen
2nd Election on
November 5, 2002 Defeated: J. Brennan, Michael Donahue (Lib), Maggie Drake, Donnelly Hadden (Rep), Bruce Yuille
Replaced: Robert P. Griffin
Previous Position: Leelanau County Probate Juvenile Judge, Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Republican
Marilyn Kelly 99th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1997
End Date: 12-31-2012
Service Length: 15 years, 12 months, 30 days
1st Election on
November 5, 1996 Defeated: Hilda Gage (Rep), William Murphy (Dem), Jessica Cooper, Jerry J. Kaufman (Libertarian), David H. Raaflaub
2nd Election on
November 2, 2004 Defeated: Leonard Schwartz (Lib), Deborah Thomas, Brian Zahra
Replaced: Charles L. Levin
Previous Position: 2nd District Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Retired (prohibited from running for reelection due to constitutional age limit).
Party Nomination: Democrat
Clifford Taylor 100th Justice
Start Date: 08-21-1997
End Date: 12-31-2008
Service Length: 11 Years, 4 Months, 11 Days
1st Appointment On:
August 21, 1997 By: Gov. John M. Engler (Rep)
1st Election on
November 3, 1998 Defeated: Carole F. Youngblood (Dem)
2nd Election on
November 7, 2000 Defeated: Marietta Robinson, Robert Roddis (Lib)
Replaced: Dorothy Comstock Riley
Previous Position: Ingham County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 2008 election by Diane Hathaway.
Party Nomination: Republican
Maura Corrigan 101st Justice
Start Date: 01-01-1999
End Date: 01-14-2011
Service Length: 12 Years, 0 Months, 14 Days
1st Election on
November 3, 1998 Defeated: Susan D. Borman (Dem), Jeffery G. Collins, Jerry J. Kaufman, Matthew R. Abel, David H. Raaflaub (Libertarian)
2nd Election on
November 7, 2006 Defeated: Mark Shulman (Rep), Jane Beckering (Dem), Kerry Morgan (Lib)
Replaced: Patricia J. Boyle
Previous Position: Court of Appeals, Wayne County Assistant Pros. Attorney, US Attorney’s Office for Eastern MI, Chief Assistant US Attorney.
Reason Leaving: Appointed Director of the Michigan Department of Human Services.
Party Nomination: Republican
Robert Young Jr. 102nd Justice
Start Date: 12-30-1998
End Date: 4-30-2017
Service Length: 18 years, 5 months, 1 day
1st Appointment On:
December 30, 1998 By: Gov. John M. Engler (Rep)
1st Election on
November 7, 2000 Defeated: E. Thomas Fitzgerald (Tisch Independent), Jerry Kaufman (Libertarian)
2nd Election on
November 5, 2002 Defeated: J. Brennan, Michael Donahue (Lib), Maggie Drake, Donnelly Hadden (Rep), Bruce Yuille
3rd Election on
November 2, 2010 Defeated: Denise Langford Morris (Dem), Alton Davis (Dem)
Replaced: Conrad L. Mallett, Jr.
Previous Position: Court of Appeals First District.
Reason Leaving: Retired to return to the private practice of law.
Party Nomination: Republican
Stephen Markman 103rd Justice
Start Date: 10-01-1999
End Date: 12-31-2020
Service Length:
1st Appointment On:
October 1, 1999 By: Gov. John M. Engler (Rep)
1st Election on
November 7, 2000 Defeated: David Raaflaub (Lib), Edward Thomas
2nd Election on
November 2, 2004 Defeated: Leonard Schwartz (Lib), Deborah Thomas, Brian Zahra (Rep)
3rd Election on
November 6, 2012 Defeated: Colleen O’Brien (Rep), Connie Kelley (Dem), Bob Roddis, Doug Dern, Kerry L. Morgan
Replaced: James H. Brickley
Previous Position: US House of Reps Legislative Assistant, US Assistant Attorney General, MI U.S. Attorney Eastern District of MI, MI Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Retired (prohibited from running for reelection due to constitutional age limit).
Party Nomination: Republican
Diane Hathaway 104th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-2009
End Date: 01-21-2013
Service Length: 4 Years 20 Days
1st Election on
November 4, 2008 Defeated: Clifford W. Taylor (Rep), Robert Roddis
Replaced: Clifford W. Taylor
Previous Position: Wayne County Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Resigned.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Alton Davis 105th Justice
Start Date: 08-26-2010
End Date: 12-31-2010
1st Appointment On:
August 26, 2010 By: Gov. Jennifer Granholm (Dem)
Service Length: 4 Months, 6 Days
Replaced: Elizabeth Weaver
Previous Position: Michigan Court of Appeals.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 2010 election by Mary Beth Kelly.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Mary Beth Kelly 106th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-2011
End Date: 09-30-2015
Service Length: 4 years, 9 months, 30 days
Replaced: Alton T. Davis
Previous Position: Chief Judge of the 3rd Judicial Circuit.
Reason Leaving: Retired to return to the private practice of law.
Party Nomination: Republican
Brian Zahra 107th Justice
Start Date: January 14, 2011
End Date:
Service Length:
1st Appointment On:
January 14, 2011 By: Gov. Rick Snyder (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 2012 Defeated: Shelia Johnson (Dem), Mindy Barry
2nd Election on
November 5, 2014 Defeated: Deborah Thomas (Dem), Kerry Morgan (Libertarian), James Redford (Rep), Bill Murphy (Dem), Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)
3rd Election on
November 8, 2022 Defeated: Kyra Harris Bolden (Dem), Paul Hudson, Kerry Morgan
Replaced: Maura Corrigan
Previous Position: Michigan Court of Appeals.
Party Nomination: Republican
Bridget McCormack 108th Justice
Start Date: 01-01-2013
End Date: 12-31-2022
Service Length: 10 years
1st Election on
November 6, 2012 Defeated: Colleen O’Brien (Rep), Connie Kelley (Dem), Bob Roddis, Doug Dern, Kerry L. Morgan
2nd Election on
November 3, 2020 Defeated: Brock Swartzle (R), Mary Kelly (R), Kerry Lee Morgan (Libertarian), Katie Nepton (Libertarian), Susan L. Hubbard (not nominated by a political party)
Replaced: Marilyn Kelly
Previous Position: University of Michigan Law School.
Reason Leaving: Resigned
Party Nomination: Democrat
David Viviano 109th Justice
Start Date: 02-27-2013
End Date: 12-31-2024
Service Length: 11 years, 10 months 4, days
1st Appointment On:
February 27, 2013, by Gov. Rick Snyder (Rep)
1st Election on
November 5, 2014 Defeated: Deborah Thomas (Dem), Kerry Morgan (Libertarian), James Redford (Rep), Bill Murphy (Dem), Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)
2nd Election on
November 8, 2016 Defeated: Frank Szymanski (Dem), Doug Dern (Natural Law Party), Deborah Thomas (Dem), Kerry L. Morgan (Lib)
Replaced: Diane Hathaway
Previous Position: Macomb County Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Return to private practice.
Party Nomination: Republican
Richard H. Bernstein 110th Justice
1st Election on
November 5, 2014 Defeated: Deborah Thomas (Dem), Kerry Morgan (Libertarian), James Redford (Rep), Bill Murphy (Dem), Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)
2nd Election on
November 8, 2022 Defeated: Kyra Harris Bolden (Dem), Paul Hudson, Kerry Morgan
Replaced: Michael F. Cavanagh
Previous Position: Attorney.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Joan Larsen 111th Justice
1st Appointment On:
September 30, 2015 By: Gov. Rick Snyder (Rep)
End Date: November 8, 2017
Service Length: 2 years, 1 month, 9 days
2nd Election on
November 8, 2016 Defeated: Frank Szymanski (Dem), Doug Dern (Natural Law Party), Deborah Thomas (Dem), Kerry L. Morgan (Lib)
Replaced: Mary Beth Kelly
Previous Position: Professor, UM Law School.
Reason Leaving: Appointed to the U.S. Sixth Circuit.
Party Nomination: Republican
Kurtis T. Wilder 112th Justice
1st Appointment On:
May 9, 2017 By: Gov. Rick Snyder (Rep)
End Date: December 31, 2018
Service Length: 1 year, 7 months, 22 days
Replaced: Robert P. Young, Jr.
Previous Position: Court of Appeals, Washtenaw County Circuit Court.
Reason Leaving: Defeated in 2018 election.
Party Nomination: Republican
Elizabeth Clement 113th Justice
Start Date: 11-17-2017
End Date: 04-14-2025
Service Length: 7 years, 4 months, 28 days
1st Appointment On:
November 17, 2017 By: Gov. Rick Snyder (Rep)
1st Election on
November 6, 2018 Defeated: Kurtis T. Wilder (Rep), Samuel Bagenstos (Dem), Kerry Morgan (Libertarian), Doug Dern (Natural Law)
Replaced: Joan L. Larsen
Previous Position: Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Snyder.
Reason Leaving: Retired from the Court.
Party Nomination: Republican
Megan Cavanagh 114th Justice
1st Election on
November 6, 2018 Defeated: Kurtis T. Wilder (R), Samuel Bagenstos (D), Kerry Morgan (Libertarian), Doug Dern (Natural Law)
Replaced: Kurtis T. Wilder
Previous Position: Appellate attorney at Garan Lucow Miller.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Elizabeth Welch 115th Justice
1st Election on
November 3, 2020 Defeated: Brock Swartzle (R), Mary Kelly (R), Kerry Lee Morgan (Libertarian), Katie Nepton (Libertarian), Susan L. Hubbard (not nominated by a political party)
Replaced: Stephen J. Markman
Previous Position: Private practice.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Kyra Harris Bolden 116th Justice
1st Election on
January 1, 2023 By: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (Dem)
Replaced: Bridget McCormack
Previous Position: Michigan House of Representatives.
Party Nomination: Democrat
Kimberly Ann Thomas 117th Justice
1st Election on
November 5, 2024 Defeated: Andrew Fink (R)
Replaced: David Viviano
Previous Position: Professor, UM Law School
Party Nomination: Democrat