born June 24, 1811, Washington, Ga., U.S.
died March 12, 1889, Baltimore, Md.
U.S. jurist.
After being admitted to the bar at age 18, he moved to Alabama, where he gained a large private practice and served in the state legislature. Appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1853, he became known as a strict constructionist; his tenure was notable for his concurrence in the Dred Scott decision . Although he opposed secession as imprudent, he resigned from the Supreme Court in 1861 and cast his lot with the South in the American Civil War, serving as assistant secretary of war for the Confederacy. After the South's surrender he was imprisoned for four months on false charges. Upon his release he moved to New Orleans, where he established a law practice.