Thomas A. Wiseman Jr. facts for kids
Thomas Anderton Wiseman Jr. (November 3, 1930 – March 18, 2020) was an important American judge. He served as a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee from 1978 to 1995. He spent many years working in public service, helping the state of Tennessee and the country.
Quick facts for kids
Thomas A. Wiseman Jr.
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee | |
| In office November 3, 1995 – March 18, 2020 |
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| Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee | |
| In office 1984–1991 |
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| Preceded by | Leland Clure Morton |
| Succeeded by | John Trice Nixon |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee | |
| In office August 11, 1978 – November 3, 1995 |
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| Appointed by | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Frank Gray Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Todd J. Campbell |
| 37th Tennessee State Treasurer | |
| In office 1971–1974 |
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| Governor | Winfield Dunn |
| Preceded by | Charlie Worley |
| Succeeded by | Harlan Mathews |
| Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives | |
| In office 1964–1968 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Anderton Wiseman Jr.
November 3, 1930 Tullahoma, Tennessee |
| Died | March 18, 2020 (aged 89) Nashville, Tennessee |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Emily Matlack Wiseman
(m. 1957) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Vanderbilt University (BA) Vanderbilt University Law School (JD) University of Virginia School of Law (LLM) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas A. Wiseman Jr. was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee, on November 3, 1930. He went to Vanderbilt University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. He then studied law at Vanderbilt University Law School, getting his law degree in 1954.
After finishing his education, he joined the United States Army and served from 1954 to 1956.
A Career in Public Service
After his time in the Army, Thomas Wiseman began working as a lawyer. He had his own law practice in Tullahoma from 1956 to 1963. Later, he moved his practice to Winchester, Tennessee, where he worked until 1971.
He also became involved in politics. From 1965 to 1969, he was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state of Tennessee. Then, from 1971 to 1974, he served as the Treasurer for the State of Tennessee. This role meant he was in charge of the state's money.
In 1974, he tried to become the Governor of Tennessee but did not win the election. After that, he went back to being a lawyer, working in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1974 to 1978.
Becoming a Federal Judge
On August 1, 1978, President Jimmy Carter chose Thomas Wiseman to become a federal judge. He was nominated to a seat on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The United States Senate approved his nomination on August 11, 1978, and he officially became a judge that same day.
He served as the main judge, called the Chief Judge, for this court from 1984 to 1991. On November 3, 1995, he took on a special role called senior status. This means a judge can work a reduced schedule but still hear cases.
Later Years and Legacy
Even while serving as a judge, Thomas Wiseman continued his education. He earned another law degree, a Master of Laws, from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1990. He also taught law at Vanderbilt University Law School from 1989 until 2020.
He passed away on March 18, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 89. He is remembered for his long career serving the public as a lawyer, politician, and federal judge.
