Viewing Herbert M. Bierce (1879-1962).

Herbert M. Bierce (1879-1962).

Herbert M. Bierce began practicing law in Winona in 1906, at age twenty-six. He specialized in commercial law, and in 1918 was appointed Referee in Bankruptcy by the U. S. District Court. He helped found the National Association of Bankruptcy Referees in 1926, served as President in 1952, and edited its Journal for 23 years. He retired in 1953. He died on November 18, 1962, at age eighty-three. The following year, the county bar association presented a memorial to him in district court. Judge Leo P. Murphy recalled that "his image to me is that of a Judge," adding,

"He was an outstanding referee in bankruptcy; Congress sought and followed his advice on legislation to improve procedures in and administration of the bankruptcy courts.

"In the depression years, which some of us well remember, his time was almost entirely taken in his bankruptcy court here in Winona where he was the Referee for the entire First Congressional District and where with the patience and kindness of an upright Judge he heard the stories of the poor, the unfortunate, and with graciousness gave necessary assistance to many attorneys in the proper presentation of their causes."

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