Mordecai, Samuel F. (Samuel Fox), 1852-1927

Samuel Fox Mordecai (1852-1927) served as Dean of Trinity College Law School from around 1905 to 1927.

From the description of Samuel F. Mordecai papers, 1869-1985. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 159934772

Samuel Fox Mordecai was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1852, the son of Ellen M. and Samuel Fox Mordecai. He was educated in private schools in Virginia and North Carolina, graduating from the Oxford (NC) Classical and Mathematical School. Between 1870-1875, Mordecai attended the University of Virginia. Primarily a self-educated man, there is no indication that he received a degree from the University of Virginia.

The North Carolina Supreme Court admitted Mordecai to the bar in 1875, beginning a 50 year career of legal work and scholarship. Mordecai practiced in Raleigh with his partner Richard H. Battle. From 1900 to 1904 he also lectured three times a week at Wake Forest College. Mordecai's success in these positions coupled with his early publications led to his reputation throughout the state as an excellent lawyer and accomplished scholar.

Following the creation of a law school at Trinity College, Mordecai was named senior professor and chosen to serve as the school's first dean when it opened in 1904. He served in this capacity until his death in 1927. During these years Mordecai was known throughout the campus and the legal community as an able administrator, dedicated teacher, and prolific scholar. He published pamphlets and lectures that were requested from lawyers and legal scholars across the state.

In 1875 Mordecai married Elizabeth D. (Bettie) Grimes. They had nine children: Alfred, Bryan Grimes, Edward Walker, Elizabeth Davis, Ellen, George Washington, Henry Lane, Margaret Lane, and William Grimes. Samuel Fox Mordecai died in Durham on December 29, 1927.

From the guide to the Samuel Fox Mordecai papers, 1869-1985, (University Archives, Duke University)