Skip to main content
Iowa Judicial Branch
Main Content

Theodore G. Garfield (1941-1969)

Chief Justice

Theodore G. Garfield

Served on the Iowa Supreme Court from January 1, 1941, following his election until his retirement November 11, 1969. He served as Chief Justice first on a rotation basis of six month terms for two years, and then on a continuing basis from 1961 to 1969.

Born at Humboldt, Iowa, November 12, 1894. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1915 and his law degree from the College of Law of the same institution in 1917, Thereafter, he entered the private practice of law at Ames where he remained continuously except for a tour of duty as a lieutenant in the field artillery during World War I.

On January 1, 1927, he became a Judge of the then Eleventh Judicial District by election, where he continued to serve until his elevation to the Supreme Court.

Justice Garfield served longer than any Justice in the history of the Iowa Supreme Court.

After mandatory retirement from the court, he returned to the practice of law at Ames.

© 2024 Iowa Judicial Branch. All Rights Reserved.