Thompson, Seth

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

1823-1843

Thompson was born on January 17, 1768 in New York.  He graduated from Princeton University in 1788.   In 1793 he joined a law firm in Poughkeepsie.  In 1800 he was elected to the New York State Legislature.  In 1802 he was appointed to the New York Supreme Court.  He served as associate justice until 1914, when he was named Chief Justice.  In 1818 Thompson resigned to become Secretary of the Navy.  In 1823 President Monroe nominated him to the Supreme Court.  Thompson who was considering a run for the Presidency, accepted the nomination and served on the court for 20 years. He died on December 18, 1843