Lawyer, legislator, judge, chief justice and governor...
it's a distinguished career of service.

Vermont Governor Stephen Royce was born in Tinmouth on this day in 1787. His parents moved to Huntsburgh, now known as Franklin, and then settled in Berkshire. Royce was educated at home, and then sent to school at Tinmouth before attending Middlebury College.

After graduation, he studied law with his uncle. Royce moved about northern Vermont, finally settling in St. Albans.

He served in the Legislature, then was elected a Supreme Court Judge and served for 25 years. Royce served as chief justice for six. He was governor in 1854 and five, but refused re-election, choosing retirement instead.

Photo courtesy Vermont Historical Society.

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