Bios & Family Stories > Misc. Bios > De Graff, Lawrence

Served on the Iowa Supreme Court from January 1, 1921 until December 31, 1932. For one year he was Chief Justice.

Born at Apple River, Illinois, June 24, 1871. He was graduated from Dixon College in 1892; from the Illinois College of Law in 1896; and from the University of Chicago in 1898. He first began the practice of law in Chicago, but in 1898 moved to Des Moines where he became an instructor in the Highland Park College of Law. In 1903 he was appointed Assistant Attorney General, where he continued to serve until 1907. From January 1, 1907 until 1910 he served as County Attorney. In the latter year he was appointed Judge of the District Court, where he continued until his election to the Supreme Court. He was the author of several textbooks on government, economics, and the law.

Judge De Graff died at Des Moines June 7, 1934.

Source of biographical sketch (verbatim transcription) and portrait: Annals of Iowa”, 3rd series, Volume XXVI, Issue 3, January, 1945, page 215.
Rranscriber’s note: Lawrence De Graff is buried in Masonic Cemetery, Polk County, Iowa.