Herman John Severson (November 19, 1869 – September 2, 1950) was an American attorney, judge, and Progressive Republican politician. He was a Wisconsin circuit court judge for the last 12 years of his life after serving 20 years in the Wisconsin State Senate.

The Honorable
Herman J. Severson
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Circuit
In office
January 1, 1939 – September 2, 1950
Preceded byByron B. Park
Succeeded byHerbert A. Bunde
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 23rd district
In office
January 6, 1919 – January 1, 1939
Preceded byAndrew R. Potts
Succeeded byFred R. Fisher
District Attorney of Waupaca County, Wisconsin
In office
January 4, 1909 – January 6, 1919
Preceded byWilliam N. Martin
Succeeded byOtto L. Olen
Personal details
Born(1869-11-19)November 19, 1869
Christiana, Dane County, Wisconsin
DiedSeptember 2, 1950(1950-09-02) (aged 80)
Iola, Wisconsin
Resting placeOur Savior Lutheran Cemetery, Iola, Wisconsin
Political partyWisconsin Progressive
Republican (before 1936)
SpouseAnne Severson (died 1960)
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin Law School
Professionlawyer, politician, judge

Biography

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Born in the Town of Christiana, Dane County, Wisconsin, Severson grew up on his father's farm and then went to Stoughton Normal Institute, Red Wing College, Drake University and then received his law degree from University of Wisconsin Law School. He also taught school and was principal of a school in London, Wisconsin. Severson practiced law in Iola, Wisconsin, and was district attorney of Waupaca County, Wisconsin from 1908 to 1916 and was a Republican.[1] Severson was president of the Iola State Bank and the Herald Publishing Company. Then from 1918 to 1938, Severson served in the Wisconsin State Senate and was involved with the Wisconsin Progressive Party.[2][3] In 1938, Severson was elected a Wisconsin Circuit Court judge[2] and served until 1950, when he died in office. Severson died in Iola, Wisconsin.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ Herringshaw's American Blue-Book of Biography, American Publishers Association; 1913, Biographical Sketch of Herman John Severson, p. 541
  2. ^ a b "Severson, New Circuit Judge, Is Veteran in Public Service". Stevens Point Daily Journal. April 6, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved January 18, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ Wisconsin Blue Book, 1937, Biographical Sketch of Herman J. Severson, p. 32.
  4. ^ "Judge H. J. Severson, Former Prominent Legislator, Is Dead". La Crosse Tribune. September 2, 1950. p. 8. Retrieved January 17, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.  
  5. ^ Herman J. Severson, Madison Capital Times, September 5, 1950.
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