Oscar E. Heard (June 26, 1856 – July 16, 1940) was an American jurist.
Born in
Freeport, Illinois
Freeport is the county seat and largest city of Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 census, and the mayor of Freeport is Jodi Miller, elected in 2017. Freeport is known for hosting the second Linc ...
, Heard received his bachelor's degree from
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1851, Northwestern is the oldest chartered university in Illinois and is ranked among the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Charte ...
and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1879. He practiced law in Freeport, Illinois and was state's attorney for
Stephenson County, Illinois
Stephenson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 United States Census, it had a population of 47,711. Its county seat is Freeport.
Stephenson County is included in the Freeport, IL Micropolitan Stati ...
. In 1909, Heard served as an Illinois circuit court judge and on the
Illinois Appellate Court
The Illinois Appellate Court is the court of first appeal for civil and criminal cases rising in the Illinois Circuit Courts. Three Illinois Appellate Court judges hear each case and the concurrence of two is necessary to render a decision. The ...
. He was a
Republican
Republican can refer to:
Political ideology
* An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law.
** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...
. From 1924 until 1933, Heard served on the
Illinois Supreme Court and served as acting chief justice in 1927–1928 and 1932–1933. Heard then practiced law with his son in Freeport. Heard died at his home in Freeport, Illinois.
['Former Judge Dies-Oscar E. Heard, Freeport Justice, Dies Last Night,' Freeport Journal Standard, July 17, 1940, pg. 1, 5]
Notes
1856 births
1940 deaths
People from Freeport, Illinois
Northwestern University alumni
Illinois lawyers
Illinois Republicans
Illinois state court judges
Chief Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court
Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court
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