Ralph O. Olson (March 26, 1902 – January 15, 1955) was a justice of the Washington Supreme Court from 1951 until his death in 1955.[1][2]

Ralph O. Olson
Justice of the Washington Supreme Court
In office
1951 (1951)–1955 (1955)
Personal details
Born(1902-03-26)March 26, 1902
Alden, Minnesota
DiedJanuary 15, 1955(1955-01-15) (aged 52)
Olympia, Washington
NationalityAmerican
Alma materCarleton College
University of Minnesota Law School
Occupation
  • Judge

Early life and education

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Olson was born in Alden, Minnesota, and earned his bachelor's degree at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.[2][3] He obtained his law degree at the University of Minnesota, where he played football.[1]

Career

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After earning his law degree, Olson moved to the state of Washington and was admitted to the bar in 1924. He practiced as an attorney in Bellingham, Washington, until becoming a police judge in 1926. In 1936, he became a judge for the Washington State Superior Court. In 1951, he was appointed as a Washington Supreme Court justice after the retirement of Walter B. Beals and was formally elected as a justice in 1952.[2]

Personal life

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He died from a cerebral hemorrhage at St. Peter Hospital on January 15, 1955, at the age of 52.[1] Olson had a wife and several children.[1][2] Following Olson's death, he was succeeded on the court by Richard B. Ott, who took Olson's son, Don Olson, as his law clerk.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Court Justice Stricken In Olympia Home". The Olympian. Olympia, Washington. January 16, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Judge Olson Dies" (PDF). Washington State Bar News. 9 (1): 1. 1955.
  3. ^ Johnson, L.E. (2015). Betas of Achievement II. Beta Theta Pi Foundation. p. 266. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  4. ^ "Ritzville's Judge R. B. Ott Takes Supreme Court Post", The Spokesman-Review (January 25, 1955), p. 26.


Political offices
Preceded by Justice of the Washington Supreme Court
1951–1955
Succeeded by