William Burnham Woods

William Burnham Woods

Nonpartisan

Prior offices

U.S. Circuit Courts for the 5th Circuit

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Supreme Court of the United States

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Education

Bachelor's

Yale, 1845

Law

Read law, 1847

Personal

Birthplace

Newark, Ohio

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William Burnham Woods (1824-1887) was an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. He joined the Supreme Court in 1880 after a nomination from President Rutherford B. Hayes. His service ended with his death on May 14, 1887. Prior to joining the court, he served as a judge for the United States Circuit Courts for the Fifth Circuit.

Woods was one of three justices nominated to the Supreme Court, though only two were confirmed. He served during The Waite Court.

Education

Woods received his undergraduate degree from Yale College in 1845. He received his legal education by reading law.

Military service

• U.S. Army Major General, 76th Ohio Infantry, 1862-1866

Professional career

• 1868-1869: Chancellor, Middle Chancery Division of Alabama, Montgomery, Alabama
• 1867-1868: Attorney in private practice and cotton planting, Montgomery, Alabama
• 1866-1867: Attorney in private practice, Mobile, Alabama
• 1857-1861: Member, Ohio General Assembly, 1857-1861 (served as Speaker and as Minority Leader)
• 1856-1857: Mayor of Newark, Newark, Ohio
• 1847-1862: Attorney in private practice, Newark, Ohio

Judicial nominations and appointments

Supreme Court of the United States

Woods was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Rutherford B. Hayes on December 15, 1880 to fill the vacancy left by Justice William Strong. He was confirmed by the Senate on December 21, 1880, and received commission that same day. Woods served until his death on May 14, 1887. He was succeeded to this post by Justice Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar.

Circuit Courts for the Fifth Circuit

Woods was a federal judge on the United States Circuit Courts for the Fifth Circuit. He was nominated by President Ulysses Grant on December 8, 1869, to a new seat established by 16 Stat. 44. Woods was confirmed by the Senate on December 22, 1869, and received commission that same day. He served on this court until December 23, 1880.

See also

• History of the Supreme Court

External links

• The Ohio Judicial Center, "Justice Woods biography"

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by: NA - new seat	Circuit Courts for the Fifth Circuit 1869–1880	Succeeded by: NA
Preceded by: William Strong	Supreme Court 1880–1887 Seat #4	Succeeded by: Lucius Lamar