Federal Judicial Center Operational Status:
Due to a lapse in appropriations, the Federal Judicial Center (Center) has ceased all non-excepted activities until funding is restored.
The Center will post any changes in operational status on this web page. Please check back for updates.
You are here
Merrick, William Matthews
Born September 1, 1818, near Faulkner, MD
Died February 4, 1889, in Washington, DC
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Nominated by Franklin Pierce on December 14, 1855, to a seat vacated by James Dunlop. Confirmed by the Senate on December 14, 1855, and received commission on December 14, 1855. Service terminated on March 3, 1863, due to abolition of the court.
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the District of Columbia (now U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)
Received a recess appointment from Grover Cleveland on May 1, 1885, to a seat vacated by Andrew Wylie; nominated to the same position by Grover Cleveland on December 14, 1885. Confirmed by the Senate on March 30, 1886, and received commission on March 30, 1886. Service terminated on February 4, 1889, due to death.
Education:
University of Virginia
Georgetown College (now Georgetown University), 1831
Read law, 1839
Professional Career:
Died February 4, 1889, in Washington, DC
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Nominated by Franklin Pierce on December 14, 1855, to a seat vacated by James Dunlop. Confirmed by the Senate on December 14, 1855, and received commission on December 14, 1855. Service terminated on March 3, 1863, due to abolition of the court.
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the District of Columbia (now U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)
Received a recess appointment from Grover Cleveland on May 1, 1885, to a seat vacated by Andrew Wylie; nominated to the same position by Grover Cleveland on December 14, 1885. Confirmed by the Senate on March 30, 1886, and received commission on March 30, 1886. Service terminated on February 4, 1889, due to death.
Education:
University of Virginia
Georgetown College (now Georgetown University), 1831
Read law, 1839
Professional Career:
Private practice, Baltimore, Maryland, 1839-1844
Private practice, Frederick, Maryland, 1844-1854
Deputy attorney general, Frederick County, Maryland, 1845-1850
Private practice, Washington, D.C., 1854-1855
Private practice, Howard County, Maryland, 1863-1870, 1873-1886
Senior professor of law, Columbian College, Washington, D.C., 1866-1867
State representative, Maryland, 1870
U.S. representative from Maryland, 1871-1873