Sydney Sanner

Sydney C. Sanner (October 16, 1872 – September 3, 1961) was an American lawyer who served as a justice of the Montana Supreme Court from 1913 to 1918.[1]

Early life, education, and career

Born in Maryland, Sanner moved to Helena, Montana when he was fifteen and began reading law during high school. He continued his studies with Judge Henry C. Smith after graduation, gaining admission to the Montana Bar in 1894.[2]

He practiced two years in Helena then moved to Big Timber, Montana.[2] In May 1899 he began practicing in Miles City, Montana.[3] Initially Sanner partnered with George R. Milburn but in a short time began a solo practice.[2]

Judicial and military service

Sanner ran unsuccessfully for county attorney in both Sweet Grass and Custer counties.[2] In 1908, he was elected district judge to the 7th Judicial District, and in 1912, he was elected as an associate justice of the Montana Supreme Court, succeeding his mentor Henry C. Smith in that seat and taking office the following year.[2] He served for one term and resigned in October 1918 after losing in a preliminary election.

Sanner then enlisted in the U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General's Corps and earned the title of lieutenant colonel.[1] After he was honorably discharged from service, he practiced law in Butte, Montana. He later moved to California.

Personal life and death

Sanner married Kirtlye Hill in 1901, with whom he had one daughter.[1]

He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Elks.[2]

Sanner died in Pacific Palisades, California. At the time, he was reported to have been the oldest practicing attorney in the California Bar Association.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Biographies and Histories of Montana's Justices, Judges, and Courts, 1865-2020" (PDF). State Law Library of Montana. 2020. p. 85. This work in is in the public domain, reproduction and non-commercial distribution of this work are permitted with attribution.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Fitzgerald Sanders, Helen (1913). "A History of Montana Volume III". The Lewis Publishing Company. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  3. ^ "James W. Nugent : Report No. 2524" (PDF). 71st Congress House of Representatives. February 6, 1931. p. 5. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
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