Draft:John H. Stiness

John H. Stiness (1840–1903) was an associate justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from April 13, 1875 to 1900, and chief justice from 1900 to 1903.

Stiness studied at Brown University from 1857 to 1859, and then taught school for two years. At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, and was for some months stationed at Staten Island, recruiting and drilling detachments. On account of sickness he was discharged from the army in 1862, after having seen much active service. He then read law in the office of Thurston & Ripley, gaining admission to the bar in 1865.

"In 1875 the number of Associate Justices was increased from four to five, and Mr. Stiness was elected to fill the place thus created. He rapidly made his way to success in his profession. In 1874—1875 he represented the City of Providence in the General Assembly, and while there was a member of the Judiciary Committee. Like many of his predecessors, Judge Stiness is a diligent student of the history of the State, and is well versed in whatever pertains to the origin and development of Rhode Island institutions."

Stiness was elected to the court on April 13, 1875.

{{quote|lohn Henrv Stiness' son of Philio Bessorn and Marv (Marsh) stiness rvas born in Prov' idenðe, n. i.. ¡iu.. r, is'n". Attendeà the public school!, University Grantrnar School, aod tirowo Univérsiti- i'ó class of rtiór ; received degree r\' M', io r8t6 and LL. D.,-in 1895, r\dmittedto the Éâr. April. ¡3ós. a¡d practice{law in Provideuèe, ¡8ó5-r875. Married trlaria E. Williarns. Îoi. io. rõ68 aod- has two children, Flo¡a B' (wife of Heory C' f ilden) and Henrv W. Stiûess..' Represeutative from Providence in Rhode Isla¡d GeueraÌ As- i"Ãlìvi jrüi¿".rsupiu'"icótii,Àptil,,s7r to Mav, 19æi Chief Justice Rhode^lsland Supreirä-Court, sinc'e ñfay, t9æ. 'Présidêit Rhode lshnd Historical Society; Fellow' li¡ôwn Universiiy:'f¡usteé'Próvidence Public Library; Sec'y Staading Cornnritteedioc"rsl of Rhode lslandi member of Commission on unifornt State Laws. Was 2d Lieut.2d N.Y. Artillery, October, 186r to November, 1362. Republican.
 * E.C. Bowler, An Album of the Attorneys of Rhode Island (1904)}}

Of Providence.