Justice Walter B. Scates

  • Born:
    January 18, 1808 in South Boston, Virginia
  • Illinois Supreme Court Justice:
    1841-1847, 1853-1857
  • Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice:
    1855-1857
  • Succeeded:
    Lyman Trumbull
  • Succeeded by:
    Sidney Breese, William A. Denning
  • Represented:
    3rd Circuit (1841-1847), 1st Division (1853-1857)
  • Political Party
    Democrat
  • Other Political Offices:

    Circuit Court Judge (1836-1841), Illinois Attorney General (1836-1836)

  • Died:
    October 26, 1886 in Evanston, IL
  • Buried:
    Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, IL
  • Notes:
    Portrait courtesy of the Illinois Supreme Court

Images

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Cases

McDonald v. Fithian and Juneau

The Vermillion Circuit Court's decision, upheld on appeal, dissolved an injunction and dismissed the complainant's bill. Fithian's purchase of land from Juneau in 1835 for $500, later resold at $3000 per acre, sparked the dispute. Allegations of fraud arose, but evidence failed to substantiate claims. The court found no wrongdoing by Fithian, affirming the decree with costs. Justices Treat, Shields, and Thomas dissented. Re-hearing petition by appellant J. J. Brown was denied.



Adams et al. v. King et al

Adams's declaration asserted that the King and others jointly and severally promised to pay Adams and others a specified sum after six months, as administrators of Abner Chase, deceased. King's demurrer was overruled, leading to judgment for the Adams. King and others appealed, citing errors in the demurrer. The Supreme Court upheld the judgment, stating that the promise to the plaintiffs, described as administrators of Abner Chase, was valid.

County

Brown County