Draft:Robert Gideon

Robert ('Bob') Lee Gideon (October 1,1894—October 2, 1968) was an American lawyer and served as judge for the 31st Circuit Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri. He is best known for presiding over the final public execution in the United States, that of Roscoe Jackson.

Early Life
Robert Lee Gideon was born in Taney County, Missouri on October 1, 1894 to John and Lucy Gideon, the fifth of seven children.

In 1919, Gideon was appointed county organizer of Taney County for the American Legion. He was tasked with appointing chairmen for the towns of the county.

Education
Gideon was in the United States Army and spent part of his senior year of high school in fix as a sergeant. Upon the close of the war, Gideon returned to finish his high school studies and in 1919 was the sole graduate of Forsyth High School.

After graduating Forsyth High School Gideon attended the Chattanooga College of Law school in 1919 and graduated and passed the state bar examination in 1920.

Early Career
Gideon first appeared on the 1920 Republican ballot for Taney County prosecuting attorney and running unopposed, emerged victorious.

Gideon and Gideon Law Firm in Forsyth, Missouri.

Two terms as prosecuting attorney of Taney County.

Special Prosecutor in Kyger Case
In September of 1922, Gideon was made the special prosecutor to assist in the trial of Kyger in Christian County who was charged with murdering the deputy sheriff. Kyger was convicted for the murder and sentenced to ten years in prison.

Career as Judge
In 1928, Gideon announced his candidacy for circuit judge of his district, as a Republican.