James O'Neill (jurist)

For other uses, see James O'Neill.

James O'Neill (September 3, 1847 – June 9, 1929) was an American lawyer, jurist, and Republican politician. He served 24 years as a Wisconsin circuit court judge in western Wisconsin. Earlier, he had served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Clark County.

James O'Neill
Portrait from History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 17th circuit
In office January 3, 1898 – January 2, 1922
Preceded by	William Francis Bailey
Succeeded by	Emery Crosby
District Attorney of Clark County, Wisconsin
In office September 1, 1888 – January 1, 1891
Appointed by	Jeremiah McLain Rusk
Preceded by	J. C. Campbell
Succeeded by	L. M. Sturdevant
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Clark district
In office January 5, 1885 – January 3, 1887
Preceded by	Robert MacBride
Succeeded by	Richard Dewhurst
Personal details
Born	(1847-09-03)September 3, 1847 Lisbon, New York, U.S.
Died	June 9, 1929(1929-06-09) (aged 81) Clark County, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Neillsville City Cemetery, Neillsville, Wisconsin
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Marian Emma Robinson (died 1942)
Children	1
Relatives	James O'Neill (uncle)
Education	Lawrence University Cornell University
Profession	Lawyer

Biography

Born in Lisbon, New York, O'Neill went to Lawrence University and later Cornell University where he graduated from in 1871. He taught school and studied law at Albany Law School, graduated in 1873, and was admitted to the New York Bar. In 1873, he moved to Neillsville, Wisconsin at the invitation of his uncle James O'Neill and practiced law. In 1885, he served in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Republican. O'Neill was appointed District Attorney of Clark County, Wisconsin. He practiced law with Spencer M. Marsh until he was elected Wisconsin Circuit Court judge in 1897 serving until 1922. He died in Neillsville, Wisconsin.

He died on June 9, 1929.