Henry Franklin Severens

Henry Franklin Severens was an American jurist who served as a United States federal judge for over two decades. Appointed by Benjamin Harrison and later elevated by William McKinley, his judicial career spanned service on both a United States district court and a United States court of appeals. Severens is noted for his long tenure on the bench in the Midwestern United States and his contributions to federal jurisprudence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early life and education

Henry Franklin Severens was born in Hartford, New York, and later moved with his family to Michigan. He pursued his higher education at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1857. Following his graduation, Severens relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he read law under the tutelage of established attorneys to prepare for the bar examination. He was subsequently admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and commenced his legal practice in Kalamazoo.

Legal career

Upon entering the legal profession, Severens established a successful private practice in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. His legal acumen and standing in the community led to his election as a city attorney for Kalamazoo. A member of the Republican Party, Severens was also elected as a state senator, serving in the Michigan Legislature. His political and legal career was briefly interrupted by service as a First lieutenant in the Union Army during the American Civil War, where he was part of the 8th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Federal judicial service

On February 23, 1891, Severens was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan vacated by Judge Solomon L. Withey. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 3, 1891, and received his commission the same day. A decade later, on December 2, 1901, President William McKinley elevated Severens to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (then known as the United States Circuit Courts for the Eighth Circuit). He served in this appellate capacity until his retirement on June 1, 1911.

Personal life and death

Severens was married to Mary E. Severens, and the couple resided in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following his retirement from the federal bench, he remained active in the civic life of his community. Henry Franklin Severens died on July 8, 1923, in Kalamazoo and was interred at Mountain Home Cemetery in that city.

Legacy and honors

Judge Severens's legacy is marked by his steady service on the federal bench during a period of significant growth and legal development in the American Midwest. His judicial opinions contributed to the body of federal law within the Eighth Circuit. In recognition of his service, the Federal building and United States courthouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was renamed the Henry F. Severens Federal Building and United States Courthouse in his honor.

Category:1835 births Category:1923 deaths Category:American federal judges Category:Hamilton College alumni Category:Michigan Republicans Category:People from Kalamazoo, Michigan