Archelaus Marius Woodson

Archelaus Marius Woodson (January 30, 1854 – November 15, 1925) was a justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri from 1907 to 1925.

Early life and education Born in Knox County, Kentucky to Benjamin Woodson, brother of Silas Woodson, the family moved to Missouri in October 1854, settling on a farm near Lexington, in Lafayette County, Missouri. The following year, the family moved to Buchanan County, settling near Sparta.

He gained admission to the bar in Platte City in April, 1876, a year before his graduation from law school. He developed a practice in St. Louis, but in 1883 moved back to Platte City for a year, and then to St. Joseph, Missouri. As a district court judge, he "made a reputation for fairness", and "displayed profound legal lore". He was also noted to have written opinions ousting Standard Oil for antitrust violations, and preventing Democratic state officials from redistricting the state into senatorial districts. He twice served as Chief Justice, due to the court rotating the office among the justices. He remained on the court until his death.

Personal life On April 13, 1886, Woodson was married Elizabeth Oliver at Platte City, with whom he had three children.

Woodson died of cardiac asthma in a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 71.