John D. S. Dryden

John Debos Sharp Dryden (March 27, 1814 – December 10, 1886) was an American lawyer and judge from Missouri.

Biography

Born in Washington County, Virginia, Dryden moved to Warren County, Missouri with his family and received a basic education while working on their farm.[1] He studied law under Judge Mathias McGirk.[1]

In 1838, Dryden was admitted to the bar and established his practice in Palmyra, Marion County, Missouri.[2] He formed a partnership with Thomas L. Anderson from 1845 to 1848.[2]

In 1862, W. P. Hall appointed Dryden to the Supreme Court of Missouri.[1] He was elected to the bench in November 1863.[2] However, in 1865, Dryden refused to vacate his office under the "Ousting Ordinance" passed during the constitutional convention that year.[2] Governor Thomas C. Fletcher demanded his resignation, and when Dryden refused, he was forcibly removed and charged with "disturbing the peace by interference with the Supreme Court."[2] After his term ended, he continued his practice in St. Louis until health issues led to his retirement.[1]

Dryden died on December 10, 1886.[1]

References
  1. W. C. Foreman, "Tribute of the Marion County Bar to Judge John D. S. Dryden", The Palmyra Spectator (December 24, 1886), p. 2.
  2. "John Debos Sharp Dryden".
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