Background
Gourley, Wallace S. was born on August 4, 1904 in Wellsville, Ohio, United States. Son of Harry A. and Mary Margaret (Barclay) Gourley.
Gourley, Wallace S. was born on August 4, 1904 in Wellsville, Ohio, United States. Son of Harry A. and Mary Margaret (Barclay) Gourley.
Bachelor of Laws, Ohio State University, 1929, Doctor of Laws.
Born in Wellsville, Ohio, Gourley received an Bachelor of Laws from Ohio State University College of Law in 1929. He was in private practice in Washington, Pennsylvania from 1929 to 1936. He was an Investigator, Retail Cr Company, Washington, Pennsylvania from 1929 to 1936.
He was a First assistant district attorney of Washington County, Pennsylvania from 1936 to 1944.
On November 2, 1945, Gourley was nominated by President Harry South. Truman to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, vacated by Frederic P. Schoonmaker. Gourley was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 20, 1945, and received his commission on November 29, 1945.
He served as chief judge from 1951 to 1969, assuming senior status on August 4, 1969. Gourley served in that capacity until his death.
Member National advisory Committee on Intercircuit Assignments, National Committee on Trial Practice and Technique. Member American, Pennsylvania, Washington County, Allegheny County bar associations, American Judicature Society, Delta Theta Phi, Alpha Sigma Phi.
Married Mildred R. Plunkett, March 30, 1934.