Burnita Shelton was born near Hazlehurst, Mississippi on December 28, 1894. Her father was a planter and chancery court judge. After attending local schools, she went to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, as her father wanted her to be able to support herself by teaching music
Bachelor of Laws, George Washington University (formerly National University), 1919. Master of Laws, George Washington University (formerly National University), 1920. Doctor of Laws, George Washington University (formerly National University), 1950.
Doctor of Laws, American University, 1966.
From Copiah County, Mississippi, she was the first woman appointed to serve on a United States. district court. She had a brother. Her brother was sent to law school. During World War I, she moved to Washington, District of Columbia, took the civil service exam, and gained a position at the Veterans Administration.
In 1917 she enrolled in the night school of the National University Law School (today the George Washington University Law School).
She earned her degree and passed the District of Columbia bar in 1920. Burnita Matthews met with resistance.
She was rejected by male professional lawyers" associations, and the District of Columbia Bar Association returned her application and check for dues. Matthews and other women formed their own professional associations, including the Woman"s Bar Association of the District of Columbia and the National Association of Women Lawyers.
After the Virginia told her they would never hire a woman lawyer for their legal department, she founded the law firm of Matthews, Berrien, and Greathouse with two other women attorneys, who were also National Woman"s Party members.
Matthews worked closely with the suffragist National Woman"s Party, eventually serving as the organization"s counsel She represented the party in its effort to prevent condemnation of its Washington headquarters by the federal government. The land was condemned in order for the United States. Supreme Court to be constructed on the site.
Matthews successfully obtained the largest condemnation settlement awarded by the United States. government at the time, $299,200.
President Harry South. Truman named Matthews to the United States. District Court for the District of Columbia in 1949. She was confirmed by the United States Senate the following year.
Matthews heard several newsworthy cases, including the passport denial of actor Paul Robeson and the 1956 bribery trial of Jimmy Hoffa, prominent Teamster official Matthews served as an active-duty judge until 1968, when she took senior status.
She served as a senior district judge until her death on April 25, 1988.
Past member Committee Experts Women's Work International Labor Organization. Formerly member research committee Inter-American Commission Women. Former member National Woman's Party.
Member, past 1st vice president national board Medical College Pennsylvania (formerly Woman's Medical College Pennsylvania). National development committee American University. Member American Bar Association, National Association Women Lawyers (past president).
Married Percy Ashley Matthews, April 28, 1917.
