Frank T. Gallagher, Associate Justice 1946-1963

Frank T. Gallagher and his older brother Henry, who was chief justice, are the only two siblings to have served on the Minnesota Supreme Court

Frank Thomas Gallagher was born in Waseca County on July 13, 1887.  He grew up in a large family and was active in sports. Gallagher graduated from Waseca High School in 1907.  He attended the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated in 1913. Gallagher embarked on a a career in sales, selling electric generators to farmers. Later on, he sold life insurance.  He married Belle Clara Sparks and they had two daughters and three sons.  

In 1929, Gallagher opened a law practice in Albert Lea.  A few years later, he joined his brother's law firm, Gallagher, Madden & Gallagher, in Waseca.  He remained in practice with this firm for 25 years. During this time, he served on the Waseca School Board, Waseca Chamber of Commerce, Waseca Lions Club, and the Knights of Columbus Lodge.

In 1946, Frank Gallagher ran for a seat on the Minnesota Supreme Court in a contested election against governor-appointed justice, William C. Christianson. Gallagher won and was reelected in 1952 and 1958. In 1963, he retired but continued to hear cases in retirement status until 1970.  Frank T. Gallagher died on May 21, 1977. 

You may read more about the life and work of Justice Frank Gallagher in his memorial, and in the Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society's book:  Testimony: Remembering Minnesota’s Supreme Court Justices, which is the source of this brief biography.