James Minor Quarles

1823–1901 (age 78)

Biography

James Minor Quarles brought thoughtful leadership to the bench and to the halls of Congress, where he worked to harmonize the law with the needs of a changing nation. His legal mind and genuine concern for fairness guided many difficult decisions and earned him respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Quarles understood that justice was not merely an idea but a practice, and he spent his life ensuring that institutions served the people with integrity. His legacy lives on in the example he set for thoughtful, compassionate public service.