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John Samuel Sherburne
John Samuel Sherburne (1757-1830) was a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. He joined the court in 1804 after an appointment from Thomas Jefferson. At the time of his appointment, Sherburne was a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. His service ended with his death on August 2, 1830.[1][2]
Early life and education
- Harvard University
- Read law, 1776
- Dartmouth College, 1776[2]
Professional career
- Private practice, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 1776-1789
- Continental Army Brigade Major of Staff
- U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, 1789-1793
- Member, New Hampshire House of Representatives, 1790-c.1793
- U.S. Representative from New Hampshire, 1793-1797
- Private practice, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 1797-1801
- Member, New Hampshire House of Representatives, 1801
- U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, 1801-1804[2]
Judicial career
District of New Hampshire
Sherburne was a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. He was nominated by Thomas Jefferson on March 22, 1804. He was subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 24, 1804. He received his commission on March 26, 1804. His service ended with his death on August 2, 1830.[1] Sherburne was succeeded in this position by Matthew Harvey.
Conflict of interests
Historians have often alleged a serious conflict of interests with Sherburnes appointment to the bench. According to his biography:
"There is some scandal attached to Judge Sherburne. Apparently he was instrumental in the impeachment of Judge John Pickering and his involvement was considered by many to be a black mark upon his character. Sherburne testified strongly against Pickering, but "when summoned for further cross examination, he absented himself so that he could not be found." Accepting the position of the man he helped to remove from office was thought to have been a move of questionable taste."[1]
See also
External links
- District of New Hampshire
- Judges of the New Hampshire District
- Biography at the Federal Judicial Center.
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: John Pickering |
District of New Hampshire 1804–1830 Seat #1 |
Succeeded by: Matthew Harvey
|
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson |
Barnes • Byrd • Cranch • Duckett • Edwards • Fitzhugh • Hall • Harris • Houston • Johnson Jr • Kilty • Livingston • Potter • Sherburne • Stephens • Tallmadge • Todd | ||
Federal courts:
First Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of New Hampshire • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of New Hampshire
State courts:
New Hampshire Supreme Court • New Hampshire Superior Courts • New Hampshire Circuit Courts • New Hampshire Probate Courts • New Hampshire District Court • New Hampshire Family Division
State resources:
Courts in New Hampshire • New Hampshire judicial elections • Judicial selection in New Hampshire
