Background
Richardson, Seth Whitley was born on February 4, 1880 in Otterville, Iowa, United States. Son of Review Ira H. and Electa (Whitley) Richardson.
Richardson, Seth Whitley was born on February 4, 1880 in Otterville, Iowa, United States. Son of Review Ira H. and Electa (Whitley) Richardson.
Descendant Amos Richardson, Boston, 1639. Student Hamline U., 1899, 1900. Bachelor of Laws, University of Wisconsin, 1903.
Admitted to Wisconsin and North Dakota bars, 1903, and began practice at Kenmare. Member Barnett & Richardson, Fargo, North Dakota, 1905-1925, Richardson, Green & Wattam, 1925-1928, later Richardson, Thorp & Wattam. Member of law firm of Davies, Richberg, Beebe, Busick and Richardson, Washington, District of Columbia, since July 1, 1933.
Was assistant state’s attorney, Cass County, North Dakota, 1904-1908. Special assistant attorney general North Dakota, 1919-1920. United States district attorney, by appointment of President Harding, 1923, President Coolidge, 1924.
Appointed assistant attorney general of the United States by President Hoover, May 1, 1929, and assigned by Attorney General Mitchell to head of public lands and Indian affairs division Appeared for State versus Standard Oil Corporation, 1919, versus lignite coal operators, 1920. Also before Supreme Court of the United States, in grain grading litigation since 1922. Conducted for Department of Justice, an investigation of Salt Creek Oil frauds, 1929, also investigation of Department of Interior in readministration of the United States oil shale lands, 1930.
Representative United States in an investigation, under Senate resolution, of law enforcement conditions in T.H., 1932. Council for American Medical Association and Pullman, Inc., and other corporations, in pending government antitrust suits. Counsel for various airlines before Civil Aeronautics Board.
Attorney, becoming chief counsel, for Congressional Committee investigating Pearl Harbor bombing, 1946. Nominated February 1933, by President Hoover, as judge Circuit Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit, but Senate did not act on nomination. Appointed by President Truman chairman Loyalty Review Board, 1947, chairman Subversive Activities Control Board, 1950.
Served as private, later captain infantry, Camp Pike, Arkansas, 1918. Member American Legion. Clubs: Metropolitan, Burning Tree, Chevy Chase, Yeaman’s Hall (Washington, District of Columbia).
Married Nina C. Baker, August 30, 1919.