John W. Kephart

His father, a veteran of the American Civil War, died when John was two years old and he was enrolled in the Soldiers Orphan School in McAllisterville, Pennsylvania, graduating two years early as valedictorian of his class.

He then attended Allegheny College after working as a telegraphist, but was forced to withdraw due to insufficient funds.

After returning to work with the Pennsylvania Railroad to save money for his education, he enrolled at Dickinson School of Law and graduated in 1894.

[3] In 1913, after practicing law for several years and becoming Cambria County Solicitor, Kephart was elected to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania without the support of any major party in a race that attracted national attention.

He served as chief justice until his retirement from the court in January 1940.