Talbot Smith

Who was Talbot Smith?

Talbot Smith was a United States federal judge.

Born in Fayette, Missouri, Smith was a lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1931. He received a B.S. from United States Naval Academy in 1920, and an M.S. from Naval Academy Post-Graduate School in 1928. He was an engineer with the Atlantic Refining Company in 1931, and attended the University of Michigan Law School, receiving his degree in 1934. He was in private practice in Detroit, Michigan from 1934 to 1937. He was a professor of law at the University of Missouri from 1937 to 1941. He was an attorney with U.S. Office of Price Administration from 1941 to 1944. He was in private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1944 to 1945. He was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley from 1945 to 1946. He was in private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1947 to 1955. He was an Associate justice, Supreme Court of Michigan from 1955 to 1961.

Smith was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Smith received a recess appointment from President John F. Kennedy on October 5, 1961, to a new seat created by 75 Stat. 80; nominated on January 15, 1962. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 1962, and received his commission on February 9, 1962. He assumed senior status on October 31, 1971. Smith served in that capacity until December 21, 1978, due to his death.