Sigmund Zeisler

Background

Zeisler was born on April 11, 1860 in Bielitz, Silesia, Austria (now Bielsko-Biała, Poland), the son of Isaac L. and Anna (Kanner) Zeisler.

Education

Graduating in 1878 from the Imperial College in Bielitz, Zeisler began the study of law and political science at the University of Vienna, receiving the degree of J. D. in 1883. He then emigrated to America and in 1884, after a year's study at Northwestern University, was granted the degree of LL. B. and also was awarded a prize for the best essay on an original thesis, "Rights and Liabilities of the Finder of Chattels Casually Lost on Land".

Career

Very shortly after entering upon the practice of law in Chicago in 1884, Zeisler became associate counsel in a cause célèbre, the Chicago Anarchists Case. His efforts on behalf of the defendants in that case, though unsuccessful in acquitting them of the charge of murder, identified him as a political liberal and as one with the courage to espouse unpopular causes which he thought to be just. During the years that Zeisler was engaged in the general practice of law in Chicago, he was assistant corporation counsel for Chicago (1893-1894), master in chancery for the circuit court of Cook County (1904-1920), lecturer on Roman law at Northwestern University (1884-1886 and 1892-1893) and on constitutional law at John Marshall Law School (1901-1904). A man of wide culture, Zeisler wrote or lectured frequently in the fields of art, music, literature, and science. He paid his way through Northwestern University in part by writing music criticisms for a German newspaper in Chicago. He was an earnest advocate of the abolition of the requirement of unanimity in the verdict of a jury, of a non-partisan system for the selection of judges, and of other reforms in the judicial system. His criticisms in these matters, written in a clear and forceful style, were always scholarly and constructive. Possessed of a deep, resonant voice, and of the ability to speak extemporaneously, in accurate English and with perfect diction, he became an eloquent platform orator and a powerful advocate before courts and juries. In some of his more important cases his argument extended over a number of days. He had marked dramatic ability, which he often used in his speeches with telling effect. Though noticeably proud, at times hot-tempered, occasionally tactless and over-resentful of criticism, he was unusually free from prejudice, and had the courage at all times to express his convictions even at the price of expediency. He was erect in posture and carried himself with rare dignity. He died in Chicago on June 4, 1931.

Achievements

• Sigmund Zeisler has been listed as a reputable lawyer by Marquis Who's Who.

Politics

A Democrat in politics, Zeisler bolted Bryan in 1896 on the money issue, but rejoined him four years later on the anti-imperialist policy, and campaigned throughout the country in support of the Democratic ticket.

Membership

For many years Zeisler was active in the Municipal Voters League and from 1925 until his death was its president. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Civil Service Reform Association and of the advisory committee of the American Judicature Society. Zeisler was also a member of the Chicago Literary Club, The Little Room, Book and Play and the Cliff Dwellers Club.

Connections

Zeisler's first wife, whom he married on October 18, 1885, was Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler, internationally famous concert pianist. They had three sons, all of whom survived their parents. After Mrs. Zeisler's death he married Amelia Spielman, January 23, 1930.

Father:

Isaac L. Zeisler

Mother:

Anna Kanner

Spouse:

Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler

Spouse:

Amelia Spielman

References

• Courts and Lawyers of Illinois