Melville Fuller

Date of Birth: February 11, 1833

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 4, 1910

Biography

Melville Weston Fuller was an American jurist who served as the eighth Chief Justice of the United States from 1888 to 1910. Born in Augusta, Maine, Fuller was a distinguished lawyer and politician before ascending to the nation’s highest judicial office. He was known for his work in commercial law and his involvement in Democratic politics. Fuller played a significant role in the Supreme Court during a transformative period in American history, which saw rapid industrialization and social change. Fuller attended Bowdoin College and later Harvard Law School, though he did not graduate from the latter. He began his law practice in Augusta before relocating to Chicago, where he built a successful career. Fuller was appointed Chief Justice by President Grover Cleveland and was known for his conservative judicial philosophy. His tenure was marked by notable cases such as Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws.

5 Interesting Facts about Melville Fuller

1. Melville Fuller was a strong advocate of states’ rights and often ruled in favor of limiting federal power.

2. Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Fuller served as a delegate at the Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1861.

3. Fuller was a devout Episcopalian and was deeply involved in church activities throughout his life.

4. He was known for his genteel manners and was considered a quintessential “Southern gentleman,” despite being from Maine.

5. Fuller was an ardent supporter of the gold standard and opposed the free silver movement that was popular in the late 19th century.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Melville Fuller

1. “The equal protection of the laws is a pledge of the protection of equal laws.”

2. “Justice should be impartial, no matter the wealth or status of those before the court.”

3. “The Constitution does not confer upon Congress the power to regulate commerce among the States in order to obliterate state lines.”

4. “The judiciary must not be swayed by the transient emotions of the populace but must stand as a bulwark of reason and law.”

5. “Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no reliable record of Melville Fuller’s net worth; historical figures like him rarely had their net worth documented in ways comparable to modern standards.

Children

Melville Fuller had eight children with his first wife, Calista Reynolds. They were Mary, Julia, Evelyn, Margaret, Melville, Henry, Paul, and Frances.