Before Ohio became the 17th state admitted to the Union, a small group of Revolutionary War veterans established the first permanent settlement in the newly formed Northwest Territory. In 1788, they founded Marietta at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. Among them was Col. Return Jonathan Meigs, whose son, Return Jonathan Meigs Jr., soon joined him and began a law career in one of the nation’s newest communities.

Within a year, Meigs Jr. was appointed chief clerk of the county common pleas court and clerk of the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace. In 1798, President John Adams named him a judge of the Northwest Territory’s General Court, a position he held until statehood.

When Ohio adopted its constitution in 1803, Meigs was selected by the General Assembly on April 2 as the first chief judge of the new Supreme Court of Ohio. Though he served only one year, colleagues praised his opinions as “characterized by good practical sense.” He resigned to command troops in the Louisiana Territory, where he later also served as a judge.

In 1807, Meigs declined a judicial post in the Michigan Territory and returned to Ohio to run for governor. Although he won, his opponent, Thomas Massie, challenged his eligibility, arguing Meigs had not resided in Ohio for the required four years. The General Assembly agreed, but soon appointed Meigs to another seat on the Supreme Court.

Still aiming for the governorship, Meigs ran again in 1810, emphasizing the judiciary as a coequal branch of government—a stance opposed by his rival, Thomas Worthington. Meigs won the election and was re-elected in 1812.

After serving as U.S. Postmaster General from 1814 to 1823, Meigs later settled again in Marietta with his wife, Sophia. He died in 1825 and was buried in Marietta’s Mound Cemetery. The nearby Ohio county named in his honor stands as part of his legacy.

Return Jonathan Meigs Jr.’s service as Ohio’s first chief judge helped establish the enduring principle of an independent, coequal judiciary in Ohio’s state government.

America is preparing for its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, the Supreme Court of Ohio is celebrating the semiquincentennial with a year-long celebration called “The Story of America" highlighting significant historical events. Beyond digital content, the celebration includes events and displays at the Court. The initiative aims to spark curiosity, enhance civic literacy, and honor key moments in American and Ohio history.