Scott M. Ladd (1897 - 1920)

Served on the Iowa Supreme Court from January 1, 1897, until December 31, 1920. For four years of this period he was Chief Justice.

Born at Sharon, Wisconsin, June 19, 1855. He was graduated from Carthage College, Illinois, in 1879, and from the University of Iowa in 1881. He entered upon the practice of law at Sheldon, Iowa, in the same year. In the fall of 1886 he was elected Judge of the District Court in which position he served for ten years and until elected to the Supreme Court. Justice Ladd's service on the court continued for 24 years. After terminating his service on the court he associated himself with his two sons in the practice of law in Des Moines. One son, Mason Ladd, became dean of the Law School at the University of Iowa and the other, Loy Ladd, a Judge of the District Court at Des Moines.

Justice Ladd was interested in the development of the State Historical department and also in making the capitol grounds one of the finest in America.

He died in Des Moines April 14, 1931.