Winthrop W Ketcham

Winthrop Ketcham was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. on June 29, 1820, the son of Lewis M. Ketcham and wife.  He pursued classical studies; furthered his education and worked as an instructor in Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa., 1844-1847 and in Girard College, Philadelphia, in 1848 and 1849; studied law under state Senator Lazarus Shoemaker; was admitted to the bar January 8, 1850, and pursued private practice.  Served as prothonotary of Luzerne County 1855-1857; member of the State House of Representatives in 1858; served in the state Senate, 1859-1861, where he was a major combatant against Pennsylvania’s “Stay Bill;” delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1860 and 1864; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1864 to Congress; Lincoln appointee as solicitor of the United States Court of Claims, 1864-1866; elected as a Republican to Congress and served 1875-1876, then resigned.  He was a judge of the United States Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and so served until his death in Pittsburgh, Pa., December 6, 1879; interred in Hollenback Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.  He married Sarah Urquhart.