Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

James Alfred Pearce (1840-1920)
MSA SC 3520-13621

Biography:

Born April 2, 1840 in Chestertown, Maryland.  Son of James Alfred Pearce (1805-1862) and Martha J. (Laird) Pearce.  Attended Washington College, Chestertown; Princeton University, B.A., 1860, M.A., 1863; St. John's College, Annapolis, LL.D., 1904.  Admitted to the Maryland bar, 1864.  Married Eunice Rasin on November 1, 1866.  Honorary doctor of laws, Princeton University, 1915.  Died of pneumonia December 9, 1920 in Chestertown.

Taught at Washington College, Chestertown.  Practiced law in Chestertown, 1864-1897.  Secretary, board of trustees of Washington College, 1864-1897; president of the board, 1903-.  State's Attorney for Kent County, 1867-1875.  Member of the Board of School Commissioners for Chestertown and for Kent County, ten years.  Judge, Maryland Court of Appeals, 1897-1912.  Chancellor, Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Easton, c. 1883-1920.  Chair, Public Service Commission, 1908-1912.  In 1910 the Maryland legislature passed a resolution allowing him to remain on the bench despite him having reached the legal retirement age.  Member, Goodnow Economy and Efficiency Commission, 1915.

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