James Gilfillan

Background

Gilfillian was born on March 9, 1829 in Bannockburn, Scotland.

Education

He studied law in Chenango County, New York and Ballston Spa, New York and was admitted to the bar in 1850.

Career

He served as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court from 1869 to 1870 and again from 1875 to 1894. After continuing to study law in Buffalo, New York for a few years, he decided to relocate to Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1857. Gilfillian served with the 7th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was later named the colonel of the 11th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

After the war ended, he returned to Saint Paul to pursue a career in law.

When Chief Justice Thomas Wilson resigned from the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1869, Gilfillian was named his interim replacement him by Governor William Rainey Marshall. When Chief Justice Samuel J. R. McMillan resigned in 1875, Gilfillian was again named as an interim replacement by Governor Cushman Kellogg Davis.

He served on the Minnesota Supreme Court until his death in 1894.

Achievements

• This time he stood for re-election and won.