Milton D. Purdy

Milton Dwight Purdy (November 3, 1866 – February 11, 1937) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and later was a Judge of the United States Court for China.

Education and career

Born on November 3, 1866, in Mogadore, Ohio, Purdy moved with his parents to Illinois in 1870. Purdy received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1891 from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Laws in 1892 from the University of Minnesota Law School. He won the Northern Securities Co. v. United States case for the U.S.

Federal judicial service

Purdy received a recess appointment from President Theodore Roosevelt on July 6, 1908, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota vacated by Judge William Lochren. He again served with the United States Department of Justice from 1922 to 1924, as a special assistant to the Attorney General of the United States. He was Judge of the United States Court for China from 1924 to 1934.

Political activity

Between 1912 and 1916, Purdy was active in the Progressive political movement and was a national committee member of the Progressive Party.

Final years and death

After completing his 10 year term as Judge of the United States Court for China. Purdy remained in Shanghai, China, working for a finance company until 1936, when he retired. Purdy died on February 11, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii.