William J. Barker

For the Denver mayor, see William J. Barker (Denver mayor).

William Julius Barker (June 25, 1886 – April 13, 1968), frequently known as W. J. Barker, was an American lawyer and United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

William J. Barker
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
In office April 30, 1959 – April 13, 1968
Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
In office 1955–1959
Preceded by	John W. Holland
Succeeded by	George William Whitehurst
Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
In office February 5, 1940 – April 30, 1959
Appointed by	Franklin D. Roosevelt
Preceded by	Alexander Akerman
Succeeded by	William McRae
Personal details
Born	William Julius Barker (1886-06-25)June 25, 1886 Marietta, Georgia
Died	April 13, 1968(1968-04-13) (aged 81)
Education	Fredric G. Levin College of Law (LL.B.)

Education and career

Born on June 25, 1886, in Marietta, Georgia, Barker attended the Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and received his Bachelor of Laws in 1916. Barker was in private practice in Jacksonville, Florida from 1916 to 1925, and was a circuit court judge in Highlands County, Florida from 1925 to 1940.

Federal judicial service

President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated Barker to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on January 11, 1940, to the seat vacated by Judge Alexander Akerman. Confirmed by the Senate on February 1, 1940, he received his commission on February 5, 1940. Barker served as Chief Judge from 1955 to 1959. He assumed senior status on April 30, 1959, and remained on the court until his death on April 13, 1968.

Sources

• William Julius Barker at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.