John Debos Sharp Dryden (March 27, 1814 – December 10, 1886) was an American lawyer and judge from Missouri.
[1] In 1838, Dryden was admitted to the bar and established his practice in Palmyra, Marion County, Missouri.
[2] However, in 1865, Dryden refused to vacate his office under the "Ousting Ordinance" passed during the constitutional convention that year.
[2] Governor Thomas C. Fletcher demanded his resignation, and when Dryden refused, he was forcibly removed and charged with "disturbing the peace by interference with the Supreme Court.
"[2] After his term ended, he continued his practice in St. Louis until health issues led to his retirement.