Images(2)

Gavel

Object number2016.119.1

Date1973-1990

MediumWood

Credit LineGift of Gwendolyn G. Simmons

DescriptionDark brown stained wood gavel. Cylindrical mallet head. Long cylindrical handle flares out at end.Dimensions2.5 x 1.75 x 8.25 in. (6.4 x 4.4 x 21 cm)
Historical NotesThis gavel belonged to Judge Paul A. Simmons, who was the first African American federal judge in Western Pennsylvania. The gavel was made from wood that came from a barn that had been in the Simmons family since the 19th century and was built by Paul A. Simmons' great-great-grandfather, Joseph Smith. Paul A. Simmons was born in Monongahela, PA, and attended the city's schools. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (1946) and Harvard Law School (1949) he taught Law at South Carolina State College from 1949 to 1952 and at North Carolina Central College of Law from 1952 to 1956. He was then in private practice in Monongahela. In 1965, he was the first African American to run for statewide judicial office. He was appointed a judge on the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania from 1973 to 1978. This robe was worn during this time. In 1978, Simmons was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a seat vacated by Ralph F. Scalera in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 6, 1978, and received his commission on April 7, 1978. He stepped down from the bench in 1990 and passed away at the age of 93 on October 9, 2014.

Previous owner Judge Paul A. Simmons (1921 - 2014)

Related person Joseph Smith

Related institution Washington County Court of Common Pleas

Related person James Earl Carter Jr. (born 1924)

Related institution University of Pittsburgh

Related institution Harvard University

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