William E. Gleason

William E. Gleason (also spelled Gleeson; November 30, 1837 – June 13, 1893) was a justice of the Dakota Territorial Supreme Court from 1865 to 1866, appointed by Abraham Lincoln on February 16, 1865 to succeed Joseph Lanier Williams. Gleason resigned June 30, 1866, and was replaced by John W. Boyle.

Early life, education, and career Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Gleason was orphaned at the age of 12. He was under thirty years of age at the time of his appointment. During his service in this office, Gleason "did not unite with the government and some of the other federal officials in territorial political matters, but became the chief counselor and advisor of General Todd and his friends". He was reported to have been "the youngest person ever appointed by the government to a judicial position". He was confirmed on June 18, 1866, and departed for the office by steamer from New York City on July 28, 1866.

Robinson further noted that "s a lawyer he was rather unscrupulous in his methods, and after his return [from Europe] he engaged in practice in Baltimore, where he made money, but was finally convicted of perjury and disbarred".

Gleason died in 1893, some years after his return to Baltimore from his consular duties.