Marcus W. Acheson

Marcus W. Acheson
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
In office
June 16, 1891 – June 21, 1906
Appointed byoperation of law
Preceded bySeat established by 26 Stat. 826
Succeeded byJoseph Buffington
Judge of the United States Circuit Courts for the Third Circuit
In office
February 3, 1891 – June 21, 1906
Appointed byBenjamin Harrison
Preceded byWilliam McKennan
Succeeded byJoseph Buffington
Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
In office
January 14, 1880 – February 9, 1891
Appointed byRutherford B. Hayes
Preceded byWinthrop Welles Ketcham
Succeeded byJames Hay Reed
Personal details
BornMarcus Wilson Acheson
(1828-06-07)June 7, 1828
Washington, Pennsylvania
DiedJune 21, 1906(1906-06-21) (aged 78)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Resting placeAllegheny Cemetery
SpouseSophie Reiter
Parents
  • David Acheson (father)
  • Mary Wilson (mother)
EducationWashington & Jefferson College (BA & LLD)
Occupationjurist
Signature

Marcus Wilson Acheson (June 7, 1828 – June 21, 1906), frequently known as M. W. Acheson, was a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and of the United States Circuit Courts for the Third Circuit and previously was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Early life, education and career

Acheson was born on June 7, 1828, in Washington, Pennsylvania, son of David and Mary (Wilson) Acheson. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1845 from Washington College (now Washington & Jefferson College) and read law in 1852. He was in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1852 to 1880. He received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1881.

Federal judicial service

Acheson was nominated by President Rutherford B. Hayes on January 6, 1880, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania vacated by Judge Winthrop Welles Ketcham. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 14, 1880, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on February 9, 1891, due to his elevation to the Third Circuit.

Acheson was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison on January 23, 1891, to a seat on the United States Circuit Courts for the Third Circuit vacated by Judge William McKennan. He was confirmed by the Senate on February 3, 1891, and received his commission the same day. Acheson was assigned by operation of law to additional and concurrent service on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on June 16, 1891, to a new seat authorized by 26 Stat. 826 (Evarts Act). His service terminated on June 21, 1906, due to his death.

Personal life and death

Acheson was married to Sophie Reiter on June 9, 1859.

He died of cerebral hemorrhage in Pittsburgh at the age of 78, and was buried at Allegheny Cemetery.

References

  1. ↑ Newspaper mentions of Judge M. W. Acheson
  2. 1 2 3 4 Wikisource This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Johnson, Rossiter, ed. (1906). "Acheson, Marcus Wilson". The Biographical Dictionary of America. Vol. 1. Boston: American Biographical Society. p. 33.
  3. 1 2 3 Marcus Wilson Acheson at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.
  4. ↑ "Commencement". Waynesburg Republican. Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. June 28, 1881. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ "Honorable Marcus W Acheson". Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1972 at Ancestry.com. Retrieved June 5, 2026. Closed access icon (subscription required)
  6. ↑ "Marcus Wilson Acheson". United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Retrieved July 5, 2026.

Sources