Samuel T. Richardson

Samuel Thurston Richardson (July 8, 1857 – September 6, 1921) was an American attorney and educator in the state of Oregon. A native of the state, he was the third dean of the Willamette University College of Law, his alma mater. He also founded the Oregon Law School (not the University of Oregon School of Law) that existed from 1902 until 1922.

Early life Samuel Richardson was born on July 8, 1857, to Lewis Clarke and Eliza Ann (née Whitely) Richardson. Born on a farm near the community of Scio in the Willamette Valley, he was educated at the local public schools of Scio. and also had worked as a special investigator for the legislature. Richardson was given a lifetime certificate to allow him to teach in the state in 1898 by the Oregon State Board of Education. Serving as dean of the new law school, he also was the editor of the school's journal, the Oregon Law School Journal that began in 1902 as well. While still operating the law school he also was in private legal practice, including with the Portland firm of Richardson, Dimick & Morehead starting in 1906. This commission made several recommendations to the State Assembly, including expanding the Oregon Supreme Court from five to seven justices. He continued practicing law with clients such as the Wentworth Lumber Company into the 1920s. Samuel Thurston Richardson died on September 6, 1921, of a stroke at the age of 64 in Portland, and was buried in Salem. After his death, the Oregon Law School closed.