Serranus Clinton Hastings

Serranus Clington Hastings (November 22, 1814-February 18, 1893) was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California on December 20, 1849.

Education

In 1830, Hastings completed a six-year course at Gouverneur Academy, located in New York. In 1836, he moved to Lawrenceburg, Indiana where he completed his legal studies under Daniel S. Majors.

Professional Career

In 1835, Hastings became principal of Norwich Academy, Chenango county, New York. A year later he resigned, after introducing the Hamiltonian system of instruction, Angletean system of mathematics, and other branches of education. In 1836, he was an editor for the Indiana Signal, an influential which supported presidential candidate Martin Van Buren.

Military career

During the Missouri War in 1840, Hastings commanded the Muscatine Dragoons and three companies of militia in order to quell an obnoxious sheriff. Upon his return from the bloodless campaign he was appointed the rank of Major.

Judicial career

In 1837, Hastings was commissioned a Justice of the Peace by Governor Dodge, of Wisconsin. During his term, in which his jurisdiction extended ninety miles, he had only one case. Early in 1846, Hastings was unanimously nominated for congress, and elected subsequently by the people. Hastings was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Iowa in 1848. He served his term for one year before moving to California. Shortly after arriving, he was unanimously nominated for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California. He served his term as Chief Justice for two years before receiving the nomination and winning the election for Attorney General. At the end of his two-year term as Attorney General, Hastings retired from politics.