Henry A. Melvin

Henry Alexander Melvin (September 28, 1865 – April 24, 1920) was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California from September 28, 1908, to April 1920.

Biography Melvin was born at Springfield, Illinois, on September 28, 1865, to Samuel and Sarah Melvin, the youngest of four children. In 1874, when he was nine years old, his family moved to St. Helena, California. In 1878, his parents moved to Oakland where his father, a retired medical practitioner, opened a pharmacy. Henry attended the University of California, Berkeley, while assisting his father to earn his school fees, graduating with a B.Phil. in 1889.

Melvin then enrolled in Hastings College of Law, receiving his LL.B. degree in 1892. While a student, he was elected and served as the Justice of the Peace of Brooklyn Township in Alameda County.

In 1893, Melvin became the assistant District Attorney of Alameda County. In 1894, he accepted a five-year term to serve as Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Oakland. He returned to Alameda County to serve as Chief Deputy District Attorney, except for a period of three months when he was acting Deputy Attorney General of California.

In 1901, Melvin accepted the position of Superior Court Judge of Alameda County. In November 1902, he was elected to a full term.

In September 1908, Melvin was nominated by the Republican Party and appointed by Governor James Gillett as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California. In November 1910, Melvin was re-elected at expiration of McFarland's term to a 12-year term. On April 24, 1920, Melvin died while in office.

Clubs Melvin was a member of the Bohemian Club. He was also a member of the Elks, and a bass singer who performed in church and club events.

Personal life On June 14, 1893, he married Sarah Louise Morse of Portland, Oregon. He was survived by a son.