Otis, Merrill E. Born July 7, 1884, in Nodaway County, MO Died December 23, 1944 Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri Received a recess appointment from Calvin Coolidge on March 23, 1925, to a seat vacated by Arba S. Van Valkenburgh; nominated to the same position by Calvin Coolidge on December 8, 1925. Confirmed by the Senate on December 14, 1925, and received commission on December 14, 1925. Service terminated on December 23, 1944, due to death. Education: University of Missouri, A.B., 1906 University of Missouri, A.M., 1910 University of Missouri School of Law, LL.B., 1910 Professional Career: Private practice, St. Joseph, Missouri, 1911-1921 Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri, 1914 First assistant city counselor, St. Joseph, Missouri, 1915-1916 First assistant prosecutor, St. Joseph, Missouri, 1917-1918 First assistant attorney general, State of Missouri, 1921-1923 Chairman, Missouri Public Service Commission, 1923-1924 Assistant to the solicitor general, U.S. Department of Justice, 1924-1925 Research Collections