Willis Van Devanter

1859–1941 (age 82)

Supreme Court Justice

Biography

Willis Van Devanter, born in 1859, shaped American jurisprudence over decades of service on the Supreme Court, where he was known for his thoroughness and deep respect for precedent. He brought a contemplative, disciplined approach to every opinion, seeking clarity and restraint in the interpretation of the Constitution.

After retiring from the bench, he remained a quiet yet influential presence in the legal community, and his memory endures at Rock Creek Cemetery as that of a jurist who prized continuity and thoughtful legal stewardship.

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Also buried at Rock Creek Cemetery

Arthur A. Birney
1852–1916 (age 64)
Rock Creek Cemetery
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
William Eleroy Curtis
1850–1911 (age 61)
Rock Creek Cemetery
Journalist, diplomat, and advocate of Pan-Americanism.
Hubert Dilger
1836–1911 (age 75)
Rock Creek Cemetery
American Civil War artillerist, captain in the Union Army, and Medal of Honor recipient.
Catherine Cate Coblentz
1897–1951 (age 54)
Rock Creek Cemetery
Writer and wife of physicist William Coblentz.
Patricia Roberts Harris
1924–1985 (age 61)
Rock Creek Cemetery
Ambassador and first African-American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet.
Glenn Brown
1854–1932 (age 78)
Rock Creek Cemetery
Architect and historian known for his contributions to American architecture.

Other notable supreme court justices

Henry Billings Brown
1836–1913 (age 77)
Elmwood Cemetery
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1890 to 1906.
George Shiras Jr.
1832–1924 (age 92)
Allegheny Cemetery
United States Supreme Court Associate Justice.