Warner Cope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Warner Cope
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|---|---|
| 6th Chief Justice of California | |
| In office May 20, 1863 – January 2, 1864 |
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| Preceded by | Stephen J. Field |
| Succeeded by | Silas W. Sanderson |
| Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court | |
| In office September 20, 1859 – May 20, 1863 |
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| Appointed by | Governor John B. Weller |
| Preceded by | David S. Terry |
| Succeeded by | Edwin B. Crocker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 31, 1824 Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | January 17, 1903 (aged 78) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Martha Ann Neal
(m. 1845) |
Warner Walton Cope (born January 31, 1824 – died January 17, 1903) was an important judge in California. People also knew him as W. W. Cope. He served as the sixth Chief Justice of California, which is the highest judge in the state.
Contents
Early Life and Career
From Kentucky to California
Warner Walton Cope was born in Kentucky in 1824. When he was 26 years old, in 1850, he moved to California. At first, he tried his luck with mining, hoping to find gold. However, he didn't have much success in that field.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
In 1853, Cope decided to go back to his original profession: being a lawyer. He started practicing law in El Dorado County. The next year, he moved his law practice to Jackson in Amador County.
In October 1858, the people of Amador County elected him. He became a member of the California State Assembly. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state of California.
Serving as a Judge
Joining the Supreme Court
In 1859, Warner Cope was chosen to be a candidate for the Supreme Court of California. This court is the highest court in the state. He was elected in September 1859.
Before his official term began, the Governor of California, John B. Weller, appointed him to fill a sudden opening on the court. This happened on September 20, 1859.
Becoming Chief Justice
On March 11, 1863, Warner Cope became the Chief Justice of California. This happened after the previous Chief Justice, Stephen J. Field, was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Abraham Lincoln.
Cope served as Chief Justice for a short time. He left the court at the end of 1863. This was because a new rule in the state's constitution required new elections for judges.
Later Judicial Roles
After leaving the Supreme Court, Cope continued to work in the legal field. In 1877, he served as a judge on the Fourth District Court. In 1883, he became the California Reporter of Decisions. This role involves organizing and publishing the decisions made by the state's highest courts.
In March 1885, he was appointed as a commissioner of the Supreme Court for four years.
Life After the Court
After his time as a judge and commissioner, Warner Cope returned to working as a private lawyer. He did this until about 1893. Then, he retired and moved to Contra Costa County. There, he spent his time growing nuts and fruit.
Warner Walton Cope passed away in San Francisco on January 17, 1903.
Family Life
On April 19, 1845, Warner Cope married Martha Ann Neal in Shelby County, Kentucky. He moved to California in 1850, and his wife joined him there in 1856. They had six children together: three sons and three daughters.
One of their sons, Walter B. Cope, also became a very successful lawyer and judge. He was a judge in Santa Barbara County. Like his father, Walter also served as the president of the San Francisco Bar Association, a group for lawyers in San Francisco.
