Walter Pettus Gewin

Who was Walter Pettus Gewin?

Walter Pettus Gewin was a United States federal judge.

Born in Nanafalia, Alabama, Gewin received an A.B. from Birmingham-Southern College in 1930, a B.L.S. from Emory University in 1932, and an LL.B. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1935. He was in private practice in Birmingham, Alabama from 1935 to 1936, in Greensboro, Alabama from 1936 to 1951, and in Tuscaloosa, Alabama from 1951 to 1961. He was also a prosecuting attorney of Hale County, Alabama from 1942 to 1951.

On October 5, 1961, Gewin received a recess appointment from President John F. Kennedy to a new seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit created by 75 Stat. 80. Gewin was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 1962, and received his commission on February 9, 1962. He assumed senior status on November 1, 1976, serving in that capacity until his death, in Tuscaloosa.