William Rufus Day was born on April 17, 1849 in Ravenna, Ohio to Luther Day, a former judge on the Ohio Supreme Court. Day graduated from the University of Michigan in 1870, where he excelled in his studies and showed a keen interest in the law.
After completing his education, Day began his legal career in Ohio and quickly gained a reputation for his strong work ethic and dedication to justice. He served as the Assistant Secretary of State under President William McKinley and later went on to become the Secretary of State under President William Howard Taft.
Day's most notable achievement came in 1903 when he was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Theodore Roosevelt. He served as an associate justice on the Court for nearly two decades, from 1903 to 1922. During his time on the bench, Day was known for his fair and impartial decisions, often siding with antitrust majorities in important cases.
William Rufus Day left a lasting impact on the American legal system and his legacy continues to be felt to this day. His dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness made him a respected figure in the legal community and his contributions to the Supreme Court will not be forgotten.
After retiring from the Supreme Court in 1922, Day spent his final years in quiet reflection, enjoying his time with family and friends. He passed away on July 9, 1923, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication to justice that continues to inspire generations of legal professionals.