Shiras, Oliver Perry Hon. 1833 - 1916

SHIRAS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 11/16/2025 at 13:31:06

Source: Decorah Republican Jan. 13, 1916 P1 C5

DEATH OF JUDGE SHIRAS.
The Noted Iowa Jurist Passes to Final Rest in Florida.
The Hon Oliver Perry Shiras, 82 years old, died Friday morning, January 7th, at Seabreeze, Florida.
The late Judge Shiras was Dubuque’s most distinguished citizen. He was formerly United States judge for the northern district of Iowa and served as a judge of the circuit court of appears{sic}. He retired from the bench in 1903. He practiced law in Dubuque as early as 1856 and served throughout the civil war as a Union soldier.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., October 22, 1833, and there received his early education in the public schools. He further pursued his studies in the original Ohio university, from which institution he received the degree of bachelor of arts in 1853 and the degree of Master of Arts. He then entered the law school of Yale university and was duly graduated therefrom with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and later received also the degree of Doctor of Laws. He then came west to Dubuque, was admitted to the practice of law before the Iowa state bar and immediately started in the practice of his profession.
During President Arthur’s administration, on August 3, 1882, he was appointed United Staes judge for the Northern District of Iowa and held that position of honor until 1903, when he retired.
While a judge on the bench of the northern district of Iowa he also held circuit court in various states of the Eighth National Judicial Circuit, and for five years was likewise a member of the Circuit Court of Appeals. The Eighth Judicial Circuit is one of the largest of the circuits and is composed of the following states: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. From time to time, Judge Shiras held court in seven of the thirteen states.
Upon the retirement of Judge Shiras, Henry T. Reed of Cresco was appointed to fill his place.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he is buried in Linwood Cemetery.