Percy R. Kelly

Percy R. Kelly (July 13, 1870 June 14, 1949) was an American attorney and jurist in the state of Oregon. He was the 26th chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, serving on Oregon’s highest court from 1930 to 1949. Born in Iowa, Kelly was an attorney in Oregon and member of both chambers of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, as well as a trial court judge prior to joining the state supreme court.

Percy R. Kelly
26th Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court
In office
1941–1943
Preceded byJohn L. Rand
Succeeded byJohn O. Bailey
57th Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court
In office
1930–1949
Preceded byThomas A. McBride
Succeeded byE. M. Page
Personal details
BornJuly 13, 1870
Arlington, Iowa
DiedJune 14, 1949(1949-06-14) (aged 78)
SpouseMargaret Dawson Gillette

Early life

Percy Kelly was born on July 13, 1870, in Arlington, Iowa, to C.C. Kelly and the former Mary Whipple.[1] After receiving his primary education in the local school of Iowa, California, and Oregon he attended Albany College in Albany, Oregon, where he graduated in 1887.[1] After graduation he then read law under future Oregon Supreme Court justice Charles E. Wolverton and joined the bar in 1892.[1]

After passing the bar, Kelly began practicing law in Albany.[1] Beginning in 1894 he was a deputy district attorney, serving until 1900.[1] Then in 1898 he was elected as a Republican to the state house representing Linn County, for a special session.[2] Beginning with following legislature he served in the state senate for two sessions.[3] After this he served as Albany’s city attorney in 1909 and then became a state circuit court judge serving from 1911 until 1930.[1]

On September 24, 1930, Kelly was appointed by Oregon Governor A. W. Norblad to replace justice Thomas A. McBride on the Oregon Supreme Court after McBride died in office.[4][5] Percy then won a full six-year term in 1930’s election, and re-election in 1936, 1942, and finally in 1948.[4] While on the court he served as chief justice from 1941 to 1943, and then died in office on June 14, 1949.[4]

Family

Percy Kelly married in 1910 to Margaret Dawson Gillette.[1]

References

  1. Corning, Howard M. Dictionary of Oregon History. Binfords & Mort Publishing, 1956.
  2. Oregon Legislative Assembly (19th) 1898 Special Session. Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2008.
  3. Oregon Legislative Assembly (20th) 1899 Regular Session. Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2008.
  4. Oregon Blue Book: Earliest Authorities in Oregon - Supreme Court Justices of Oregon. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved on January 23, 2008.
  5. Oregon State Archives: Oregon Governor's Records Guides. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved on January 23, 2008.
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