A. W. Sheldon facts for kids

Alvanus Warner "A. W." Sheldon (born around 1842 – died January 31, 1884) was an American judge. He worked as an Associate Justice for the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court. He held this important job from 1883 until he passed away in 1884.

Early Life and Military Service

Sheldon was born in Granville, Ohio, either in 1842 or early 1843. His parents were Paul Warner Sheldon Jr. and Eliza (Howell) Sheldon. He went to public schools in his hometown. Later, he attended Denison University.

When the American Civil War began, Sheldon joined the army. He first served for three months as a private in the 17th Ohio Infantry. After that, he joined the 45th Ohio Infantry. He became a captain on October 13, 1864.

Sheldon was hurt badly in a battle. Because of his injury, he could not fight on the front lines anymore. He spent the rest of the war as a staff officer, helping commanding officers. After the war ended, he was sent to Richmond, Virginia. There, he worked as the Commissary of Subsistence for Virginia. He earned the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel on March 13, 1865. He left the military on March 20, 1866.

Becoming a Lawyer and Judge

After the war, Sheldon moved to New York City. He studied law there to become a lawyer. He said he graduated from "Columbia College Law School." However, records at Columbia University do not show him getting a degree. By 1875, Sheldon had passed his exams to become a lawyer. He then worked at a law firm called Lockwood, Sheldon & Lockwood.

While in New York, Sheldon was a Judge Advocate for the New York State Militia. This meant he was a lawyer who worked with the military. He also helped veteran's groups and worked for the Prison Association of New York.

Around 1880, his old war injuries started bothering him more. He hoped a warmer climate would help him feel better. His friends helped him find a job as an editor for a newspaper in Baltimore. While in Baltimore, he was suggested for a judge position. Important people like Ulysses S. Grant and Roscoe Conkling supported him.

President Chester A. Arthur chose Sheldon to be an Associate Justice. This was for the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court. He was nominated on March 30, 1883. Doctors told Sheldon he needed surgery in New York. But he decided to go to Arizona right away instead.

Judicial Service and Final Days

Sheldon arrived in Arizona and took his oath of office on May 15, 1883. He settled in Tucson, Arizona Territory. He was assigned to work in Graham, Pima, and Pinal counties. In September 1883, Sheldon traveled to San Francisco, California. There, he had three operations on his hip and thigh.

On November 5, 1883, Sheldon led his first district court session in Graham County. Later, on January 7, 1884, he joined Chief Justice C. G. W. French and Justice Daniel H. Pinney. They held a session of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court. Court records show Sheldon made decisions on several cases. One known decision is his agreement with Justice Pinney in a case called Dawson v. Lail.

After this court session, Sheldon went back to San Francisco. He needed more medical help. He sadly passed away there on January 31, 1884, at the Palace Hotel. A group of veterans held a funeral for him.