JUDGE BENJAMIN F. CURLER, Jr.

(1898-1906, 1931-1942)

Judge Benjamin F. Curler Jr., son of Judge B. F. Curler Sr., was born in LaPlata, Churchill County, Nevada, on February 18th, 1866. He was educated in the public schools of Belmont, Nye County, Nevada, Hastings Law School in San Francisco, and the University of Southern California. He was an outstanding athlete, setting many records in baseball, boxing, high jump, etc.

Before coming to the bench, Judge Curler served as District Attorney of Esmeralda County, taught school for a few years, was a law partner of his father’s firm, and later, a partner with Sardis Summerfield. In 1892, Judge Curler became the District Attorney of Washoe County. He was appointed to fill the position left vacant by the death of Judge Azro Cheney in the 2nd District of Nevada, and was elected twice to the position.

Leaving the bench, Judge Curler was elected to serve on the Board of Regents for the University of Nevada in 1916 and 1920. After several years, he again became district judge, his terms of office being 1931-1942. Judge Curler was an aviation enthusiast and piloted his own plane. For 60 years he was prominent in state legal circles. Judge Curler died January 29, 1953.