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Major, James Earl

Born January 5, 1887, in Donnellson, IL
Died January 4, 1972

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
Received a recess appointment from Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 12, 1933, to a seat vacated by Louis FitzHenry; nominated to the same position by Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 8, 1934. Confirmed by the Senate on January 23, 1934, and received commission on January 26, 1934. Service terminated on April 6, 1937, due to appointment to another judicial position.

Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Nominated by Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 9, 1937, to a seat vacated by Louis FitzHenry. Confirmed by the Senate on March 17, 1937, and received commission on March 23, 1937. Served as chief judge, 1948-1954. Assumed senior status on March 23, 1956. Service terminated on January 4, 1972, due to death.

Education:
Illinois College of Law (now DePaul University College of Law)
Read law, 1910

Professional Career:

Private practice, Hillsboro, Illinois, 1910-1912
State's attorney, Montgomery County, Illinois, 1912-1920
U.S. representative from Illinois, 1923-1925, 1927-1933
Member, Judicial Conference of the United States, 1949-1954