Summary
Justin DuPratt White (1869–1939) was an American attorney best known for co-founding the White & Case law firm. In 1939 he was chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees.
Justin DuPratt White[1] | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 25, 1869 |
| Died | July 14, 1939 (aged 69)[2] |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, New York |
| Education | LL.B./B.A., Cornell University, 1890 LL.D Colgate University, 1936 |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Organization | White & Case LLP |
| Known for | Founder of White & Case law firm and chairman of the board of Cornell University |
| Spouse | Anita Bradley Lombard |
| Children | Mrs. Harold L. Taylor |
| Honours | Chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees, 1939 |
Early life and education edit
White was born in Middletown, New York in 1869. He was the third of four children born to Charles White, a merchant, and Elizabeth White.[3]
White graduated from Nyack High School in 1885 among the first class of students to be awarded state diplomas.[3] He earned a scholarship to Cornell University, where he was editor of the Cornell Daily Sun and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.[3] He graduated from Cornell Law School with an LL.B. in 1890, and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1892.[3]
White & Case LLP edit
On May 1, 1901, White and George B. Case founded the law firm White & Case, which served prominent corporate clients such as Bankers Trust Company, as well as Cornell University.[4]
Honors and awards edit
In 1919, White received a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French Foreign Legion. Colgate University awarded White an LLD degree in 1936. He was named as a commissioner of the Palisades Interstate Park in 1900.[5] He served as president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission from 1925 until 1939.[6]
Involvement with Cornell University edit
On May 5, 1928, the Cornell University Board of Trustees elected White as a trustee to fill a vacancy, and he continued to serve until his death.[4] While on the board, White served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Law School Committee, and Medical School Committee. He was elected chairman of the board of trustees in 1939, but because of his untimely death, had the shortest tenure as chairman in the university's history.
In his will, which was 30 pages long, White stipulated that any funds from his multi-million dollar beyond the first eight beneficiaries go to Cornell University.[7]
Legacy edit
White & Case endowed the J. DuPratt White Professorship of Law at Cornell in his honor.
References edit
- ^ "Justin DuPratt White obituary* (With commentary from Cornell associates)". The Ithaca Journal. 14 July 1939. p. 3.
- ^ "Justin DuPratt White (1869-1939) - Find a Grave". Find a Grave.
- ^ a b c d Hays, Mike (2021-04-22). "Nyack People & Places: The Barons of Broadway –– Miramare". Nyack News & Views. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
- ^ a b [1] Cornell Alumni News, May 28, 1928 p. 386
- ^ "Justin DuPratt White obituary* (with commentary from Cornell associates)". The Ithaca Journal. 1939-07-14. p. 3. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
- ^ "Justin DuPratt White - resignation from Interstate Park Commission*". The Post-Star. 1939-04-13. p. 1. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
- ^ "Justin DuPratt White - will*". Democrat and Chronicle. 1939-08-02. p. 6. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
External links edit
- Guide to the J. DuPratt White Papers