Draft:Isaac R. Nicholson

Isaac R. Nicholson (YEAR – August 28, 1844) was a justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi from the establishment of a new seat on the court in 1828 until the court was abolished in favor of a new structure in 1833.

Born in Pendleton, South Carolina, and resided for a time in Georgia.

"Moved to Miss., 1815, where he practiced law; married America Gilmer, 1820; served in Miss. legislature nine sessions; a judge for 12 years; died near Clinton, Miss., August 28, 1844 in the 55th year of his age."

"Nicholson became judge of the newly-created fifth district in 1829, and hence a member of the supreme bench. His services were efficient."

"Isaac R. Nicholson was a native of Georgia, whence he emigrated to Alabama, and practised law in the northern part of that State, where he achieved success and reputation. He then removed to Mississippi, and in its rich field soon rose to eminence in his profession.

He was a man of limited education, and was possessed of no remarkable natural endowment, unless it was that of an inexhaustible business capacity. For many years he represented the county of Copiah in the Legislature, and in 1827 was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. Here his official devotion and business tact served to promote his popularity and open the way to his judicial elevation.

In 1829 he was appointed to the supreme bench, but was superseded by the intervention of the Constitution of 1832, under which the entire judiciary system of the State was remodeled. He then resumed his practice at the bar of Natchez, where he resided until his death, which occurred at that place."

"Nicholson might not have been a profound lawyer, he was a successful practitioner; if not peritus jure, he was familiar with all the features of practice and the principles of justice, and superseded by a sound judgment and studious accuracy the advantages of greater depth and latitude."

"Nicholson was called upon to decide many of the cases in our early courts, and in which many important questions were involved, some of which were then discussed, perhaps for the first time in this country."

Practiced in Atlanta, represented Copiah County in the legislature, after leaving the court he returned to practice in Natchez until his death.

"Nicholson had filled many important and honorable stations in life. He was a member of the Supreme Bench of that State under the old constitution, frequently served in the State Legislature, and a few years ago was the Judge of the 7th Judicial District".

Died suddenly of congestive fever, at his residence in Hinds County, Mississippi.