Justice Arthur Sidney Tompkins was born on August 26, 1865 in Schoharie County, NY. He was educated at public schools and was admitted to the bar in 1886. From 1899 until 1903, he served as a member of Congress. His name was suggested for Governor four times, but he declined each time.
Tompkins joined the bench in 1906, when he was appointed as a Justice of Supreme Court, and he was re-elected in 1920. Ten years later, he was designated to the Appellate Division, Second Department. He retired in 1935 after almost 30 years on the bench, and afterward worked in private practice and served as an official referee of the Supreme Court for the Ninth Judicial District.
Justice Tompkins had a life-long love of horse riding, and won a trotting race at the age of 68. He was a prominent figure in the Masons, and was elected Grand Master in 1922.
He was married and had two children. He died on January 20, 1938 at the age of 72.
Sources
“Justice Tompkins Dies in Nyack at 72.” New York Times 21 Jan. 1938: 19. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Web. 3 Aug. 2012.