Matthew Hall McAllister

Who was Matthew Hall McAllister?

Matthew Hall McAllister was an American attorney, politician, and judge in Georgia and California.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, McAllister attended Princeton University, and then read law in 1820 to enter the State Bar of Georgia. He maintained a private practice in Savannah from 1820 to 1849, but also held official positions during that time. From 1827 to 1834, he was the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. From 1834 to 1837, he served in the Georgia state senate, then served as Mayor of Savannah until 1839, and a Savannah city alderman until 1841.

In 1845, McAllister was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia, but was unsuccessful. He moved to California by 1850, setting up a private practice in San Francisco from that year until 1853, when he returned to Georgia to run for the United States Senate. Again failing to win elected office, he returned to California.

On March 2, 1855, President Franklin Pierce nominated McAllister to a new seat created by 10 Stat. 631, as Judge of the United States Circuit Court for the Districts of California. The following day McAllister was confirmed by the United States Senate and received his commission. He resigned from the position on January 12, 1863. The office was abolished by 12 Stat. 794 on March 3, 1863, before a new judge was appointed to fill the position. The powers of the circuit court were then assigned to the United States district court judges then serving in California, making McAllister the only judge ever to occupy the office as a designated circuit court judge.