William H. Beatty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Beatty
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 15th Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court | |
| In office January 1889 – August 4, 1914 |
|
| Appointed by | Elected |
| Preceded by | Niles Searls |
| Succeeded by | Matt I. Sullivan |
| Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court | |
| In office 1879–1880 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Porter Hawley |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Porter Hawley |
| Associate Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court | |
| In office January 1875 – 1879 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 18, 1838 Monclova, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | August 4, 1914 (aged 76) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth May Love
(m. 1874) |
| Parents |
|
| Alma mater | University of Virginia (no degree) |
William Henry Beatty (born February 18, 1838 – died August 4, 1914) was a very important judge in American history. He served as the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court for many years, from 1889 to 1914. Before that, he was also the Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court from 1879 to 1880.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Henry Beatty was born on February 18, 1838. His birthplace was a small village called Monclova in Lucas County, Ohio, near Toledo. His parents were H. O. Beatty and Margaret Boone Runyan.
When William was about two years old, his family moved back to Kentucky. This was where his parents were originally from. He went to public schools there.
Moving to California
In 1853, when William was 15 years old, his family moved again. They settled in Sacramento, California. His father, H. O. Beatty, became a successful lawyer in California.
Two years later, at age 17, William traveled east for his education. He studied at the University of Virginia for two years. Even though he didn't get a degree, his time there helped him prepare for a career in law.
Becoming a Judge
After his studies, William Beatty returned to Sacramento. He learned law by studying in his father's office. This was a common way to become a lawyer back then. In 1861, he passed his exams and became a lawyer in California.
Starting in Nevada
In 1863, William Beatty moved to Nevada. He quickly began his public service there.
- He was elected as the City Attorney for Austin, Nevada.
- From 1864 to 1874, he served as a District Judge. He worked in three different judicial districts during this time.
Interestingly, his father, Henry Oscar Beatty, also moved to Nevada. In 1864, his father was elected as a Justice on the Nevada Supreme Court.
Serving on the Nevada Supreme Court
In November 1874, William Beatty was elected to the Nevada Supreme Court. He officially started his role in January 1875. He served on this court for six years. For the last two of those years, he held the highest position: Chief Justice.
After his term ended in January 1881, Beatty moved back to Sacramento. He started working as a private lawyer again.
Becoming Chief Justice of California
In 1888, William Beatty was chosen by two political parties. Both the Republican and Union Labor parties wanted him to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California. He won the election. He took over the remaining time of the previous Chief Justice's term.
The next year, in 1890, the Republican Party nominated him again. He won the election in November for a new 12-year term. This term started on January 8, 1891.
In November 1902, Beatty was re-elected as Chief Justice. He won another 12-year term. This meant he would serve until 1915.
William Beatty was the Chief Justice for more than 25 years. He was still serving when he passed away on August 4, 1914. After his death, Matt I. Sullivan took over his important role.
Helping the Courts
In 1904, Beatty supported a change to the California Constitution. This change would create new courts called Courts of Appeals. The idea was to help the Supreme Court. It would reduce the number of cases the Supreme Court had to handle. This made the legal system work more smoothly.
Awards and Recognition
On May 14, 1913, William Beatty received a special honor. The University of California gave him an honorary degree. It was called a LL.D., which stands for Doctor of Laws. This was a recognition of his long and important career in law.
Family Life
On June 17, 1874, William Beatty married Elizabeth May Love. Her friends and family called her "Bessie." She was born in 1845 and was from Salisbury, North Carolina. They got married in Hamilton, White Pine County, Nevada.
William and Bessie had two children together:
- H. Oscar Beatty (born around 1876 – died April 14, 1935)
- Alice Margaret Beatty (Wright) (born 1880)
