John R. Hargrove Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John R. Hargrove Sr.
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland | |
| In office February 21, 1994 – April 1, 1997 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland | |
| In office February 10, 1984 – February 21, 1994 |
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| Appointed by | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Shirley Brannock Jones |
| Succeeded by | Catherine C. Blake |
| Associate Judge of the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City | |
| In office 1974–1984 |
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| Appointed by | Marvin Mandel |
| Judge of the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City | |
| In office 1968–1974 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John R. Hargrove
October 25, 1923 Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Died | April 1, 1997 (aged 73) Ashburton, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Education | Howard University (B.A.) University of Maryland School of Law (LL.B.) |
John R. Hargrove Sr. (born October 25, 1923 – died April 1, 1997) was an important American judge. He made history as the first African American to become an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. Later, President Ronald Reagan chose him to be a United States district judge. This means he served in a high-level court that handles federal laws.
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Early Life and Schooling
John R. Hargrove Sr. was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, when he was very young. He went to Saint Catherine's Academy and graduated from Douglass High School in 1941.
After high school, John Hargrove attended Morgan State College. His studies were paused when he joined the military. He served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 to 1946. He reached the rank of sergeant during his service in World War II.
After the war, he continued his education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1947. Hargrove then graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law with a law degree in 1950. He was allowed to practice law that same year.
Early Legal Career
In 1957, John Hargrove became the first African American to be appointed Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. He worked in this role for five years. An Assistant United States Attorney helps the government with legal cases.
In 1967, Hargrove was chosen as a delegate for the Maryland Constitutional Convention. This convention was held in Annapolis. Delegates help write or change a state's constitution, which is like its rulebook.
State Court Judge
In 1962, John Hargrove was appointed as a Judge of the old People's Court. He served there for a short time. The next year, he started a law firm with Joseph C. Howard Sr. called Howard and Hargrove. He practiced law there until 1968.
In 1968, he was appointed Judge of the old Municipal Court of Baltimore City. This court handled local cases. In 1971, the Municipal Court became the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City. John Hargrove was named the first Administrative Judge for this new court.
In 1974, he became an Associate Judge of the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City. This court is now called the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. He served in this position until 1984.
Federal Court Judge
President Ronald Reagan nominated John Hargrove on January 30, 1984. He was chosen for a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment on February 9, 1984. This means the Senate approved him for the job. He officially became a judge on February 10, 1984.
On February 21, 1994, he took on a "senior status" role. This means he continued to work as a judge but with a reduced caseload. His service as a judge ended on April 1, 1997, when he passed away.
Legacy and Recognition
One of the newest courthouses in Baltimore City District Courthouses is named after him. It is called the John R. Hargrove Sr. Building. This building is located at 700 E. Patapsco Avenue in southern Baltimore City.
Construction for this new courthouse began in 2001. It was named in honor of Judge John R. Hargrove Sr., who died on April 1, 1997. His son, John Raymond Hargrove Jr., also became a judge. He was appointed to the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City in 1998.
See also
