John Fisher

Who was John Fisher?

John Fisher was a Delaware politician and United States district court judge.

Born near Lewes, Delaware, the son of Jabez Fisher and Elizabeth Purnell, Fisher read law in 1791, and entered private practice, which he remained in until 1812. During that time, he also served as a clerk to the Delaware General Assembly, and was twice Delaware Secretary of State. Fisher was nominated by President James Madison on April 22, 1812, to the seat on the United States District Court for the District of Delaware vacated by Gunning Bedford, Jr.. The following day, Fisher was confirmed by the United States Senate and received his commission. He served on the court until his death, near Smyrna, Delaware, one day before the eleventh anniversary of his confirmation. He is buried in the cemetery of Christ Church in Dover, Delaware.