John Bradley Winslow, chief justice of the State Supreme Court of Wisconsin, was born October 4, 1851 in Nunda, Livingston County, New York. He moved with his family to Racine, Wisconsin in the mid-1850's, where he attended local schools. Winslow graduated from Racine College in 1871 and from the law school of the University of Wisconsin in 1875. He then returned to Racine to practice law. Winslow also participated in local government, holding various public offices including the post of city attorney for five years.
In April 1883 Winslow was named judge of the first judicial circuit court, serving in that position until 1891. That year Winslow was appointed to the state supreme court. Although a Democrat in a largely Republican state, Winslow was reelected to that same position in 1892 and subsequent elections. By virtue of seniority he became chief justice in December 1907. Winslow continued to serve on the court until his death on July 13, 1920.
Because of his progressive legislative ideas John Bradley Winslow is recognized as one of the most outstanding and influential members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. His legal philosophy espoused a flexible reading of the Constitution capable of meeting changing political, economic, and social conditions. It is credited with helping to lay the legal foundation for the reforms of the Progressive Era in Wisconsin. He is also noted as one of the first in Wisconsin to advocate U.S. involvement in World War I, and he was an active promoter and defender of patriotism in Wisconsin. Winslow also served as president of the Wisconsin Bar Association and of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, as well as an officer of numerous local organizations. His publications include The Story of a Great Court (1912) and Winslow's Forms of Pleading and Practice (1906, 1915).
Winslow married Agnes Clancy of Racine in 1881, leaving her and six children as survivors upon his death in 1920.
