William Josiah Tilson

William Josiah Tilson (August 13, 1871 – May 26, 1949) was briefly a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia and was a Judge of the United States Customs Court.

Education and career

Born on August 13, 1871, in Clear Branch, Tennessee, Tilson received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1894 from Yale University, a Bachelor of Laws in 1896 from Yale Law School and a Master of Laws in 1897 from the same institution. He was in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia from 1898 to 1926.

Federal judicial service

Tilson received a recess appointment from President Calvin Coolidge on July 6, 1926, to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, to a new seat authorized by 44 Stat. 670. He was nominated to the same position by President Coolidge on December 7, 1926. His service terminated on March 4, 1927, after nomination was not confirmed by the United States Senate, his nomination having been withdrawn on February 8, 1927. He had been previously nominated to the same position on June 9, 1926, but that nomination was withdrawn on June 19, 1926. He was succeeded by Judge Morgan Ford.