Stanley Matthews

Biography

Born in Cincinnati in 1824, Stanley Matthews pursued a legal education that led him to the bench and eventually to the highest court in the land. His early career in Ohio included roles as a prosecutor and state judge, where he nurtured a reputation for careful reasoning and fairness.

Appointed to the Supreme Court by President Garfield, Matthews became known for his independent decisions and his thoughtful engagement with questions of equal protection, voting rights, and the scope of federal power. He remained a steady, reflective presence on the bench until his sudden passing in 1889.