Robert G. Siebecker

Robert George Siebecker (October 17, 1854 – February 12, 1922) was an American attorney and the 11th Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He served on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the last 19 years of his life (1903–1922). Before being appointed to the Supreme Court, he served 13 years as a Wisconsin circuit court judge in central Wisconsin (Dane, Sauk, Columbia, and Marquette counties) and was a law partner of Robert M. "Fighting Bob" La Follette.

The Honorable Robert G. Siebecker
11th Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
In office July 13, 1920 – February 12, 1922
Preceded by	John B. Winslow
Succeeded by	Aad John Vinje
Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
In office April 9, 1903 – February 12, 1922
Appointed by	Robert M. La Follette
Preceded by	Charles V. Bardeen
Succeeded by	Charles H. Crownhart
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 9th Circuit
In office January 1890 – April 9, 1903
Appointed by	William D. Hoard
Preceded by	Alva Stewart
Succeeded by	E. Ray Stevens
Personal details
Born	Robert George Siebecker October 17, 1854 Sumpter, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	February 12, 1922 (aged 67) Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Forest Hill Cemetery Madison, Wisconsin
Spouse(s)	Josephine La Follette ​ ​ (m. 1879⁠–⁠1922)​
Children	Karl Robert Lee 1 other son (died young)
Father	William Siebecker
Relatives	Robert M. La Follette (brother-in-law) Robert M. La Follette Jr. (nephew) Philip La Follette (nephew)
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin
Profession	lawyer, judge

Early life and education

Siebecker was born in the town of Sumpter, in Sauk County, Wisconsin, the son of recent German American immigrants. He moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend a private academy in 1872. In 1874 he entered the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1878. He then attended the University of Wisconsin Law School and graduated in 1880. While at the University, he met Josephine La Follette, who he would later marry. Josephine was the sister of future Wisconsin Congressman, Governor, and U.S. Senator Robert M. "Fighting Bob" La Follette.

Siebecker was admitted to the bar in 1879 and entered into a law partnership with La Follette.[1] Within a few years, both men would enter public office. La Follette was elected to Congress in 1884, and Siebecker was elected City Attorney for Madison in 1886.[1]

Wisconsin Circuit Court

Siebecker was appointed Judge of the 9th Circuit of Wisconsin Courts by Governor William D. Hoard in January 1890. He would ultimately serve in that seat for 13 years, winning re-election without opposition in 1891 and 1897.[2] At the time, the 9th Circuit was composed of Columbia, Dane, Marquette, and Sauk counties, with court proceedings held in Portage, Madison, Montello, and Baraboo, respectively.

Wisconsin Supreme Court

In April 1903, Judge Siebecker was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for a term beginning January 1904, defeating William Ruger and J.G.M. Wittig.[3] But before his term could start, just a few days after his April 1903 election, Justice Charles V. Bardeen died. Governor La Follette, Siebecker's brother-in-law and former law partner, appointed him to join the court early in the newly created vacancy.[1] He was the 20th justice to serve on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, but the first to have been born in Wisconsin.[4]

With the death of Chief Justice John B. Winslow in 1920, Siebecker became the 11th Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He would remain in that office until his death in 1922.[5][6]

Personal life and family

Siebecker married Josephine La Follette in 1879. They would have four children together, though one child died young.

Siebecker died in his home in Madison, Wisconsin.[7] He was eulogized by fellow Justice E. Ray Stevens, who said of him, "There is romance in the career of this boy from the farm who closed his life as the Chief Justice of this great court."

In addition to his judicial career, Justice Siebecker was a member and curator of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.[7]

References

1. "Robert G. Siebecker (1854-1922)". Wisconsin Court System. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
2. "Biographical sketches". The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1921 (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 239.
3. "Election statistics". The Blue Book of the state of Wisconsin (1905) (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 552.
4. "Portraits of Justice, The Wisconsin Supreme Court's First 150 Years" (PDF). p. 41. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
5. http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=2730&search_term=siebecker
6. http://www.wicourts.gov/about/judges/supreme/retired/siebecker.htm
7. Joseph Schafer, ed. (1923). Proceedings of the Society at its Seventieth Annual Meeting; held October 19, 1922. State Historical Society of Wisconsin. p. 29. Retrieved April 17, 2019.

External links

• Judge Robert George Siebecker at Find a Grave