Introduction
James Keith (September 7, 1839 – January 2, 1918) was a Virginia lawyer, soldier, politician and judge, who served as the chief judge of the Supreme Court of Virginia (then called the Supreme Court of Appeals) from 1895 to 1916.
Biography
Born in Fauquier County, Virginia, Keithe received his early education in local schools and studied law under Professor John B. Minor at the University of Virginia. During the American Civil War, he was a member of the famous Black Horse Cavalry and served for the duration.
After the war, he resumed his law studies under John M. Forbes, a prominent lawyer in Warrenton. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1869 and served in the session of 1869—70. In late 1870, he was elected as judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, composed of Alexandria, Fauquier, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Rappahannock counties.
Keith established an outstanding record as a circuit judge until January 1, 1895, when he was elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals. Soon afterwards, he was made president of that court. He continued as a judge and president until he retired on June 10, 1916, dying just little over a year later.