Edwin R. McNeill

Edwin Ruthven McNeill, Jr. (January 5, 1880 – September 22, 1962) was a justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court from 1931 to 1937, representing District 6. He also served as chief justice from 1934 to 1936.

Early life and education
Edwin R. McNeill, Jr. was born January 5, 1880 to Edwin Ruthven McNeill, Sr. (1842-1907) and his wife, Louisa Irene Younkin, (1847-1925), who had married on May 5, 1868, and settled near Onawa, Monona County, Iowa. Edwin, Sr. and Louisa had eleven children.

Edwin Jr. was employed as a teacher in Monona County's Ashton Township in 1900. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1905, then earned a degree in law from Chicago-Kent College of Law. On September 3, 1913, he married Louise Clark. Edwin and Louise had no children. The couple moved to Pawnee County, Oklahoma in 1916. When the U.S. became involved with World War I, Edwin was named chairman of the Pawnee County Draft Board. His wife was appointed chairmwoman of the Military Relief Committee.

Career in law
Edwin ran for, and was elected to, two terms as judge for the Pawnee and Tulsa County District, serving from 1923 to 1931. During his tenure, he helped establish the Pawnee County Law Library and set up a policy allowing visitors and out-of-town lawyers to use it without charge. In 1923 he was assigned to Redfearn v. American Central Insurance Company, an action in Tulsa riot race. In 1931, he was appointed as Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, serving through 1937. From 1934 to 1936, he served as chief justice.

Death
McNeill died in Pawnee, Oklahoma from an apparent heart attack at the age of 82.