Born on August 17, 1858, in New York City, New York,[1] Fischer attended the public schools and Cooper Institute (now Cooper Union) in New York City and moved to Brooklyn, New York in September 1887.[2] He was employed as a clerk in a law office, where he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1879.[2] He entered private practice in New York City from 1880 to 1895.[1] He was a member of the executive committee of the Republican state committee from 1888 to 1890.[2]
Fischer received a recess appointment from President William McKinley on May 2, 1899, to a seat on the Board of General Appraisers vacated by member Ferdinand N. Shurtleff.[1] He was nominated to the same position by President McKinley on December 15, 1899.[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 17, 1900, and received his commission on January 22, 1900.[1] He served as President from 1902 to 1905.[1] Fischer was reassigned by operation of law to the United States Customs Court on May 28, 1926, to a new Associate Justice seat (Judge from June 17, 1930) authorized by 44 Stat. 669.[1] He served as Chief Justice (Presiding Judge from June 17, 1930) from 1927 to 1932.[1] His service terminated on March 31, 1932, due to his retirement.[1] He was succeeded by Judge Frederick W. Dallinger.[1]
Other service and death
Fischer was a delegate to the International Customs Congress held in New York City in 1903.[2] He died on March 16, 1940, in New York City.[1] He was interred in Maimonides Cemetery in Brooklyn.[2]
