Frank Murphy, American jurist and politician, 56th United States Attorney General (d. 1949)
William Francis Murphy (April 13, 1890 – July 19, 1949) was an American Democratic politician and jurist from Michigan. He was named to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1940 after a political career that included serving as United States Attorney General, Governor of Michigan and Mayor of Detroit. He also served as the last Governor General of the Philippine Islands and the first High Commissioner of the Philippines.
Born in "The Thumb" region of Michigan, Murphy graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1914. After serving in the United States Army during World War I, he served as a federal attorney and trial judge. He served as Mayor of Detroit from 1930 to 1933 before accepting appointment as Governor-General of the Philippine Islands. He defeated incumbent Republican Governor Frank Fitzgerald in Michigan's 1936 gubernatorial election and served a single term as Governor of Michigan. Murphy lost re-election to Fitzgerald in 1938 and accepted appointment as the United States Attorney General the following year.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Murphy to the Supreme Court to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Pierce Butler. Murphy served on the Court from 1940 until his death in 1949, and was succeeded by Tom C. Clark. Murphy wrote the Court's majority opinion in SEC v. W. J. Howey Co., and wrote a dissenting opinion in Korematsu v. United States.
1890Apr, 13
Frank Murphy
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Events on 1890
- 1Jun
Herman Hollerith
The United States Census Bureau begins using Herman Hollerith's tabulating machine to count census returns. - 2Jul
Sherman Antitrust Act
The U.S. Congress passes the Sherman Antitrust Act. - 12Sep
Rhodesia
Salisbury, Rhodesia, is founded. - 24Sep
1890 Manifesto
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy. - 25Sep
Sequoia National Park
The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.