Justice George Gray Mcwhorter

Justice George Gray Mcwhorter

Former Justice George Gray McWhorter was the 22nd Justice on the Supreme Court and served from 1885-1887. He was a native of Alabama and an alumnus of the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia.

George McWhorter moved to Milton, Florida, in 1857, and settled there permanently in 1859. He was admitted to the bar that year as well, and developed a prosperous law practice that was interrupted by the Civil War.

After the war, McWhorter developed professional and personal friendships with many of the leading Democratic Party members of the time. Though not in control politically, the Democrats moved to the front of state politics in the years after the end of Reconstruction. 

In 1877, McWhorter was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, and then elected Speaker of the House. His involvement in politics continued as he campaigned for Edward Perry for Governor in 1884.  After Perry was elected, he appointed McWhorter as a Supreme Court Justice in 1885. 

McWhorter served only two years, then accepted an appointment to head the newly established Railroad Commission. 

By 1891, McWhorter developed a severe case of rheumatism, which led him to retire back to his country home in Santa Rosa County. He died there later that year.

Quick facts about Justice McWhorter:

• Served as Justice from 1885-1887
• Born: February 27, 1833 – Autauga County, Alabama
• Died: May 21, 1891 – Santa Rosa County, Florida