Viewing William W. McNair (1836-1885).

William W. McNair (1836-1885).

William Woodbridge McNair was a trial lawyer, civic promoter and businessman in Minneapolis from the territorial era to his death at age forty-nine on September 15, 1885. He was a member of three well-known firms: Wilson & McNair, the former being Eugene M. Wilson; Lochren & McNair, the former being a future state and federal district court judge; and Lochren, McNair & Gilfillan, the latter being John Bachop Gilfillan, a future U. S. Congressman. At death he was known for his business acumen, success in the courtroom, charitable contributions and wealth.

These were times when the bar was small and relations between the bench and the bar very close. His memorial service in the courthouse by the city bar association lasted hours, featured eulogies by judges and lawyers and was reported verbatim by local newspapers. Lengthy obituaries and detailed accounts of his funeral were also published.

These newspaper articles are posted here as well as three profiles in local history books published after his death.

This article is another in a series of sketches of nineteenth century lawyers and judges in this state.

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