Jacob J. Kaplan Papers

Collection

Identifier: P-864

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

The papers of Judge Jacob J. Kaplan reflect various Jewish organizational and institutional activities in which JJK participated. However, the collection does not preserve the total volume of papers and work produced by JJK, but primarily deals with Judge Kaplan's appointment to the Boston Finance Commission. The collection contains photographs, a patent, eulogy, a copy of the Massachusetts Law Quarterly, and newspaper articles.

Dates

1927-1960

Creator

Kaplan, Jacob (Person)

Language of Materials

The collection is in English.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Biographical Note

Judge Jacob J. Kaplan, born March 12 1889 was a prominent and well-respected Judge in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in New York, his family moved to Boston and settled in the West End. With the support of his parents, Kaplan excelled academically and at fifteen entered Harvard University. While at Harvard, Kaplan continued to prove his academic prowess. He was elected into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, graduated in three years, and attended Harvard Law School as one of the youngest members and graduates.

After graduating from law school, Kaplan spent seven years under the tutelage of Louis Brandeis, and gained skills that led to employment at the distinguished law firm of Nutter, McClennen and Fish. This notable position led to an appointment as the President of the Boston Bar Association and as a committee member on the Federal Judiciary of the American Bar Association. As a senior partner at Nutter, McClennen and Fish, Kaplan earned great respect from his colleagues and soon began his career as a judge with a seat as Justice of the Dorchester Municipal Court.

Among his many interests was the financial welfare of the city of Boston. This is reflected in his choice to serve on the boards of the Boston Finance Commission, the Federated Department Stores, Filenes's, and the Provident Institution of Savings. Judge Kaplan also had a deep respect for the educational institutions of Boston and was a trustee of Wellesley College, Hebrew Teachers College of Boston, Boston Society of Natural History, and the Museum of Science. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of Boston University.

Judge Kaplan's wide range of interests in the welfare of the Jewish people led to his service as a board member, director, and trustee of a variety of committees such as Beth Israel Hospital, World Peace Foundation and International Friendship League, War Emergency Council, Jewish Welfare Board, and Administrative Committee of United Palestine Appeal. He was the founder of the Boston Chapter of the American Jewish Committee.

Judge Jacob J. Kaplan died in 1960.

References

Material in the collection.

Chronology

1889
: JJK born in New York, on March 12
1907
: B.A. Harvard University
1910
: L.L.B. Harvard Law School
1960
: JJK died

Extent

1 linear feet (1 document box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Judge Jacob J. Kaplan, born March 12 1889, was a prominent and well-respected judge in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Kaplan spent seven years under the tutelage of Louis Brandeis, and gained skills that led to employment at the distinguished law firm of Nutter, McClennen and Fish. As a senior partner at Nutter, McClennen and Fish, Kaplan earned great respect from his colleagues and soon began his career as a judge with a seat as the Justice of the Dorchester Municipal Court. Among his many interests was the financial welfare of the city of Boston. This is reflected in the choice to serve on the board of the Boston Finance Commission. This collection contains a eulogy, photographs, a patent, and scrapbooks of articles regarding his work while a member of the Boston Finance Commission.