Marcus Perrin Knowlton

Marcus Perrin Knowlton

Marcus Perrin Knowlton (February 3, 1839 – May 7, 1918) was an American politician and jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court.

He was born in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, to Merrick and Fatima Knowlton. He graduated from Yale University in 1860 and admitted to the bar in 1862 in Hampden County, where he made his residence in Springfield. He was elected to the City Council, and also represented Springfield in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as well as the Massachusetts Senate.

In 1881, he was appointed to the Massachusetts Superior Court. His career there was successful enough to earn him a spot on the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1887. Following the appointment of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. to the United States Supreme Court in 1902, Knowlton took over as Chief Justice, and he held that position until he retired in 1911 due to failing eyesight.

Preceded by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court December 8, 1902–September 7, 1911

Succeeded by Arthur Prentice Rugg

References

• "Memorial for Marcus Perrin Knowlton". Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. March 22, 1919. http://www.massreports.com/memorials/default.aspx?m=231ma615. Retrieved 2011-07-26.