Judson Harmon

Judson Harmon
41st United States Attorney General
In office June 11, 1895 – March 4, 1897
President	Grover Cleveland
Preceded by	Richard Olney
Succeeded by	Joseph McKenna
45th Governor of Ohio
In office January 11, 1909 – January 13, 1913
Preceded by	Andrew L. Harris
Succeeded by	James M. Cox
Personal details
Born	February 3, 1846(1846-02-03) Newtown, Ohio
Died	February 22, 1927(1927-02-22) (aged 81)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Olive Harmon
Alma mater	Denison University University of Cincinnati
Profession	Lawyer
Signature

Judson Harmon (February 3, 1846 – February 22, 1927) was a Democratic politician from Ohio. He served as United States Attorney General under President Grover Cleveland and later served as the 45th Governor of Ohio.

Harmon was born in Newtown, Ohio. He graduated from Denison University in 1866. He graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1869. Harmon was elected judge of the Common Pleas Court in 1876, but left months later to run unsuccessfully for the State Senate. He was elected judge of the Superior Court of Cincinnati in 1878 and served until he resigned in 1887 to resume the practice of law.

He was appointed Attorney General by President Cleveland on June 8, 1895 upon the elevation of Richard Olney to become United States Secretary of State, serving out the remainder of Cleveland's term. As Attorney General, he issued the most explicit statement of what became known as the American doctrine of absolute sovereignty, that "the rules, principles and precedents of international law impose no liability or obligation upon the United States," in a case involving a claim by Mexico for damages from diverting the waters of the Rio Grande.

Harmon was elected Governor of Ohio in 1908. He was re-elected in 1910, defeating future President of the United States Warren G. Harding. Harmon left office January 1913, upon completion of this second term.

Harmon County, Oklahoma, is named for him.

Legal offices
Preceded by Richard Olney	United States Attorney General Served under: Grover Cleveland 1895–1897	Succeeded by Joseph McKenna
Political offices
Preceded by Andrew L. Harris	Governor of Ohio 1909–1913	Succeeded by James M. Cox