[2] Rowell was admitted to the bar in 1858, and began to practice in Randolph as the partner of Judge John B.

[1] After his partnership with John B. Hutchinson was dissolved in 1866, Rowell practiced alone in Randolph until 1870, when he moved to Chicago to practice as the partner of John Hutchinson, who was notable for his service as U.S. Consul in Nice, France and Secretary of the Dakota Territory.

[2] In September 1871, Rowell decided to return to Randolph and continue practicing law.

[2] Governor Roswell Farnham then appointed Rowell to succeed Royce as an associate justice.

[1] Rowell served until 1902, when he was named to succeed Russell S. Taft as chief justice.