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Hon. Moses J. Liddell
Hon. Moses J. Liddell.jpg
Appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of the Montana Territory.
In office
1888–1889
Appointed by Grover Cleveland
Preceded by James H. McLeary
Personal details
Born (1845-01-15)January 15, 1845
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, U.S.
Died October 3, 1891(1891-10-03) (aged 46)
Bozeman, Montana, U.S.
Political party Democrat

Moses J. Liddell (1845 – 1891) was an American lawyer and judge. He was born in Louisiana. President Grover Cleveland appointed him as a Justice. He served on the Territorial Montana Supreme Court from 1888 to 1889.

Moses Liddell's Early Life

Moses J. Liddell was born on January 15, 1845. His parents were St. John Richardson Liddell and Mary Metcalfe Roper Liddell. His father was a wealthy plantation owner. Moses was the third of ten children. He was the first boy in the family.

The Liddell family lived on a large farm called "Llanada." This farm was in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. It was located near Harrisonburg, Louisiana. A well-known disagreement started in the 1850s. It was between the Liddell family and a neighbor named Charles Jones. This event became known as the Jones-Liddell feud.

Military Service During the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Moses J. Liddell joined the Confederate Army. He became a Second Lieutenant. He served in the 1st (Wheat's) Special Battalion, Infantry. This group was also known as the Louisiana Tigers.

Moses Liddell was captured during the war. He was listed as a prisoner of war. He was released on May 12, 1865, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Family Life and Children

Moses Liddell married Isabella Turnbull Semple. Their wedding took place on March 11, 1868. Moses and Isabella had three children together.

The Jones-Liddell Family Dispute

After the Civil War, Moses's father faced challenges. It was hard for him to keep their family farm, "Llanada." New government rules and the end of slavery made things difficult. These problems led to more conflict in the Jones-Liddell feud.

On February 14, 1870, Moses's father, St. John Richardson Liddell, was killed. This happened during the ongoing dispute. A few days later, on February 18, 1870, Moses J. Liddell saw Charles Jones. Jones was believed to be involved in his father's death. Moses was involved in a serious incident with Jones in Harrisonburg. Jones was injured but did not die.

Moving to Richland Parish

Because of the tension from the family dispute, Moses J. Liddell moved. He, his wife, and their children went to Richland Parish, Louisiana. The Liddell family owned a lot of land there. Their land was between Girard and Alto. It was mostly along the Boeuf River.

By 1884, Moses Liddell had opened his own law office. His office was in Rayville, Louisiana.

In 1876, Liddell was chosen to attend a political meeting. He represented Richland Parish at the Democratic State Convention. In 1878, he led the Democratic Executive Committee of Richland. He was also supported to become a State Representative. On November 5, 1878, Liddell won the election. He defeated A.B. Cooper for the State Representative seat.

Becoming a Judge in Montana

In 1880, Moses Liddell stopped working in the legislature. He moved to Monroe, Louisiana. There, he started a law practice with Charles J. Boatner.

In 1887, Liddell traveled to Washington, D.C. He met with President Grover Cleveland. President Cleveland promised to appoint him as a judge. This appointment was for the Supreme Court of the Montana Territory. His law partner, Charles Boatner, later became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1889.

Later Life and Passing

Moses J. Liddell passed away in 1891. He died at his home in Bozeman, Montana. He had been ill for a short time before his death.

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