John Bradley was born in Nunda in Livingston County, NY. He moved with his parents to Wisconsin in 1856 and they settled in Racine. He graduated from Racine College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1871 and a Masters in 1874. He then graduated from University of Wisconsin with a Bachelors of Law in 1875 and set up a law office in Racine, where he soon built a large practice.

Winslow held local political offices in Racine as a Democrat, including that of city attorney. In April, 1883, he was elected circuit judge of the first judicial district, was re-elected in 1889 and served on the circuit bench from 1884 until 1891. In May, 1891, Winslow was appointed to the state supreme court to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Justice David Taylor. He was elected to Taylor's unexpired term in April, 1892, and in 1895 was elected for a full term.  Thereafter he in 1907 became chief justice ex officio by reason of seniority and was regularly re-elected to the high court bench until his death.

Winslow is one of the outstanding jurists to serve on Wisconsin's high court bench and is credited with helping to lay the foundations for progressive legislation in the state and nation. Underlying his legal philosophy was a strong plea for flexibility in the law, and the need for written constitutions capable of meeting changing political, economic and social conditions. Winslow was the author of "The Story of a Great Court" in 1912 and a legal treatise, 'Winslow's Forms of Pleading and Practice' in both 1906 and 1915, as well as numerous articles for journals and periodicals. He was an office of numerous professional organizations, and for several years was a trustee of Racine College. 

Learn More

John Bradley Winslow

See more images, essays, newspapers and records about John Bradley Winslow.

Dictionary of Wisconsin History

Explore more than 1,600 people, places and events in Wisconsin history.