Hampton L. Carson

Hampton Lawrence Carson (February 21, 1852 – July 18, 1929) was an American attorney. An influential Pennsylvania lawyer, he was also a legal scholar and historian. In addition to his private practice, he served as professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania, state Attorney General, president of the American Bar Association, and president of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Carson argued numerous cases before the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and the United States. Noted cases included arguing (unsuccessfully) Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock and offering for probate the William Weightman will.

Carson was also noted for his extensive collection of legal papers, books, documents, and portraits.

Biography Carson was born on February 21, 1852, in Philadelphia to Dr. Joseph Carson and Mary Hollingsworth. His father was a professor in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, whose grandfather had emigrated to Philadelphia in the 1740s. Carson's mother, born Mary Hollingsworth, was a descendant of Henry Hollingsworth, deputy surveyor for William Penn.

Carson was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1871, and its law school in 1874. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania from 1895 to 1903 and then entered private practice. He was a partner in several firms and specialized in estate law.

He is buried in Section J, Lot 217 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.