Associate Justice Henry E. Ackerson Jr.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 15, 1880 in Holmdel Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, Henry Elijah Ackerson Jr. was raised on a dairy farm before moving to Keyport in the early 1890s. He attended Raritan High School in Keyport. Ackerson earned his law degree from New York Law School (1902–1904) and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1904.

Legal & Political Career

Ackerson began his public life serving as a New Jersey State Senator from 1915 to 1919, representing Monmouth County. During this period, he introduced legislation that enabled municipalities such as Matawan to develop artificial lakes for local recreation.

He was appointed to the New Jersey Circuit Court in 1924 and served until the state’s judicial reorganization in 1947. Additionally, he served on the New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals prior to the creation of the modern Supreme Court. He earned a reputation as a thoughtful and respected jurist.

Appointment to the Supreme Court

In 1948, under New Jersey’s reorganized court system, Ackerson became one of the inaugural Associate Justices of the New Jersey Supreme Court, serving until 1952. He was appointed by Governor Alfred E. Driscoll, and was succeeded by William J. Brennan Jr. upon resignation.

Public Service & Legacy

After leaving the bench, Ackerson continued public service through community leadership—serving as a trustee of Rutgers University and contributing to institutional development, including the establishment of Ackerson Hall at Rutgers Law School—named in his honor.

Passing

After retiring in the 1950s, Justice Ackerson served as a trustee of Rutgers University, where he chaired the law school committee and advocated for the construction of a modern law building—now known as Ackerson Hall. He was also a longstanding member of the board of governors at Monmouth Medical Center and an honorary vice president at the time of his passing.