John David Clifford Jr.

For other people named John Clifford, see John Clifford (disambiguation).

John David Clifford Jr. (May 15, 1887 – November 18, 1956) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maine.

John David Clifford Jr.
Clifford's court portrait
Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maine
In office March 24, 1947 – November 18, 1956
Appointed by	Harry S. Truman
Preceded by	John A. Peters
Succeeded by	Edward Thaxter Gignoux
Personal details
Born	(1887-05-15)May 15, 1887 Lewiston, Maine
Died	November 18, 1956(1956-11-18) (aged 69)
Political party	Democratic
Education	Bowdoin College (A.B.) Georgetown Law (LL.B.)

Education and career

Born in Lewiston, Maine, Clifford received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Bowdoin College in 1910 and a Bachelor of Laws from Georgetown Law in 1913. Clifford practiced law in Lewiston from 1914 until 1947. He had been active in the Democratic Party prior to his federal appointments and was a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1915 to 1916. He was the United States Attorney for the District of Maine from 1933 to 1947.

Federal judicial service

On January 10, 1947, Clifford was nominated by President Harry S. Truman to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Maine vacated by Judge John A. Peters. Clifford was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 14, 1947, and received his commission on March 24, 1947. He held that office until his death on November 18, 1956.

Family

On July 14, 1915, he married Lucile E. Smith of Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Rep. John M. C. Smith. Clifford's nephew, Robert W. Clifford, son-in-law, Thomas E. Delahanty, and grandson, Thomas E. Delahanty II, have been judges in Maine. His grandson, Thomas E. Delahanty II, has held the United States Attorney position twice.

Sources

• John David Clifford Jr. at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.