Herman J. Severson

Herman John Severson (November 19, 1869 – September 2, 1950) was an American attorney, judge, and Progressive Republican politician. He was a Wisconsin circuit court judge for the last 12 years of his life after serving 20 years in the Wisconsin State Senate.

The Honorable Herman J. Severson
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Circuit
In office January 1, 1939 – September 2, 1950
Preceded by	Byron B. Park
Succeeded by	Herbert A. Bunde
Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 23rd district
In office January 6, 1919 – January 1, 1939
Preceded by	Andrew R. Potts
Succeeded by	Fred R. Fisher
District Attorney of Waupaca County, Wisconsin
In office January 4, 1909 – January 6, 1919
Preceded by	William N. Martin
Succeeded by	Otto L. Olen
Personal details
Born	(1869-11-19)November 19, 1869 Christiana, Dane County, Wisconsin
Died	September 2, 1950(1950-09-02) (aged 80) Iola, Wisconsin
Resting place	Our Savior Lutheran Cemetery, Iola, Wisconsin
Political party	Wisconsin Progressive Republican (before 1936)
Spouse	Anne Severson (died 1960)
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin Law School
Profession	lawyer, politician, judge

Biography

Born in the Town of Christiana, Dane County, Wisconsin, Severson grew up on his father's farm and then went to Stoughton Normal Institute, Red Wing College, Drake University and then received his law degree from University of Wisconsin Law School. He also taught school and was principal of a school in London, Wisconsin. Severson practiced law in Iola, Wisconsin, and was district attorney of Waupaca County, Wisconsin from 1908 to 1916 and was a Republican.^[1] Severson was president of the Iola State Bank and the Herald Publishing Company. Then from 1918 to 1938, Severson served in the Wisconsin State Senate and was involved with the Wisconsin Progressive Party.^[2][3] In 1938, Severson was elected a Wisconsin Circuit Court judge^[2] and served until 1950, when he died in office. Severson died in Iola, Wisconsin.^[4][5]