Justice Adelbert P. Rich was born in Cato, New York on May 16,1860. His father and grandfather were both attorneys. Educated at the Union School and Cato Academy, he studied law in his father’s office and was admitted to the bar in 1882. He then established a law practice in Cato. Rich was elected as a special county judge, then served as District Attorney for Cayuga County for six years. He returned to practicing law and was president of the Cato Wagon Manufacturing Company.
In 1930, Rich became a Justice of the Supreme Court for the Seventh Judicial District. He was designated to the Appellate Division, Second Department in 1917 by Governor Whitman. After 30 years on the bench, he retired in 1930, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. He then joined the law firm of Curtin & Glynn and served as an official referee of the Supreme Court.
He married Ida W. Chase in 1881 and had five children. He died on September 24, 1933 at the age of 73.
Sources
“Adelbert P. Rich, 73, Noted Jurist, Dead.” New York Times (1923-Current file): 15. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Sep 25 1933. Web. 15 June 2012.
“Ex-Justice Rich Joins Law Firm.” New York Times (1923-Current file): 6. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Jan 02 1931. Web. 15 June 2012.
“Justice A.P. Rich, 70, to Quit the Bench.” New York Times (1923-Current file): 18. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Dec 28 1930. Web. 15 June 2012.