Governor Clarence Edwards Case

Clarence E. Case was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on September 24, 1877. His education was attained at Rutgers University, where he graduated in 1900, and at New York Law School, where he earned an LL.B. degree in 1902. Case first entered politics as clerk of the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee, a position he held from 1908 to 1910. He also served as a member of the New Jersey State Senate from 1918 to 1929. On January 13, 1920 Governor William N. Runyon’s term expired, resulting in the Legislature naming Case to succeed Runyon as governor. He served in this capacity until January 20, 1920, after which he returned to his duties in the state senate. Case later secured an appointment to serve on the bench of the New Jersey Supreme Court, a position he held from 1929 to 1952. He also served as Supreme Court chief justice from 1945 to 1948; and in 1952 he presided over the New Jersey Law Enforcement Council. Governor Clarence E. Case passed away on September 3, 1961 in Somerville, New Jersey.