The Life And Legacy Of George E. McCrary, The Respected Politician And Attorney

Who was George E. McCrary?

George E. McCrary (August 29, 1840 June 23, 1890) was an American politician, lawyer, soldier, and judge. A Republican, he represented Iowa in the United States House of Representatives from 1869 to 1877 and in the United States Senate from 1877 to 1881. He also served as the 21st United States Secretary of War under President Rutherford B. Hayes from 1877 to 1879.

McCrary was born in Evansville, Indiana, and moved to Iowa with his family in 1846. He studied law at the University of Iowa and was admitted to the bar in 1860. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of captain. After the war, he returned to Iowa and began his political career.

McCrary was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and served in a number of important positions. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868 and 1876. He was also a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from 1866 to 1868.

In 1868, McCrary was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the House for eight years, representing Iowa's 1st congressional district. During his time in the House, he served on the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on the Judiciary.

George E. McCrary

George E. McCrary was an American politician, lawyer, soldier, and judge who served in the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and as the United States Secretary of War. He was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and played a significant role in American politics during the late 19th century.

• Politician: McCrary served in the United States House of Representatives from 1869 to 1877 and in the United States Senate from 1877 to 1881.
• Lawyer: McCrary was a successful lawyer before entering politics. He practiced law in Iowa and served as a judge on the Iowa Supreme Court.
• Soldier: McCrary served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of captain.
• Judge: McCrary served as a judge on the Iowa Supreme Court from 1864 to 1867.
• Secretary of War: McCrary served as the 21st United States Secretary of War under President Rutherford B. Hayes from 1877 to 1879.
• Republican: McCrary was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868 and 1876.
• Iowan: McCrary was born in Indiana but moved to Iowa with his family in 1846. He considered Iowa his home state and represented it in Congress.

These key aspects of George E. McCrary's life and career highlight his significant contributions to American politics and law. He was a successful politician, a respected lawyer, a brave soldier, a fair judge, and a dedicated public servant. McCrary's legacy continues to inspire Iowans and Americans today.

Birth	August 29, 1840
Death	June 23, 1890
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Georgiana M. McCrary
Children	4

Politician

George E. McCrary's political career was a significant part of his life and had a lasting impact on American history. His service in the House and Senate allowed him to play a key role in shaping national policy and representing the interests of his constituents in Iowa. McCrary was a respected and influential figure in both chambers of Congress, and his work helped to shape the course of American history.

One of McCrary's most notable accomplishments as a politician was his work on the Electoral Commission that decided the outcome of the disputed 1876 presidential election. McCrary was one of the 15 members of the commission, and his vote helped to award the election to Rutherford B. Hayes. This decision was controversial at the time, but it helped to resolve a major political crisis and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.McCrary also played a key role in the passage of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the government to purchase a certain amount of silver each month and coin it into silver dollars. This act was a major victory for silver miners and helped to stabilize the economy. McCrary was also a strong advocate for the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which helped to connect the East and West Coasts of the United States.McCrary's political career was marked by his intelligence, integrity, and dedication to public service. He was a respected figure in both parties, and his work helped to shape the course of American history.

Lawyer

George E. McCrary's legal career was a major stepping stone in his journey to becoming a prominent politician and statesman. His experience as a lawyer and judge gave him the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the political arena.

• Legal Expertise
  

  McCrary's legal expertise was a valuable asset to him in his political career. He was able to use his knowledge of the law to craft legislation and to argue for his positions in Congress and the Senate.

• Judicial Temperament
  

  McCrary's experience as a judge gave him a judicial temperament that served him well in politics. He was able to remain calm and impartial even in the most heated debates.

• Constituent Service
  

  McCrary's legal career also helped him to develop a strong sense of constituent service. He was always willing to help his constituents with their legal problems, and he worked hard to represent their interests in the legislature.

McCrary's legal career was a major factor in his success as a politician. His experience as a lawyer and judge gave him the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the political arena. He was a respected figure in both parties, and his work helped to shape the course of American history.

Soldier

George E. McCrary's military service was an important part of his life and had a significant impact on his political career. His experience as a soldier gave him the courage, leadership skills, and discipline necessary to succeed in the political arena.

McCrary enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 and served for four years. He fought in some of the most important battles of the Civil War, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Vicksburg. He was wounded twice during the war, but he continued to serve until the end.

McCrary's military service taught him the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance. These qualities served him well in his political career. He was a strong advocate for veterans' rights and for the preservation of the Union.

McCrary's military service was also a major factor in his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1868. His constituents were impressed by his bravery and his commitment to public service.

McCrary's military service is an important part of his legacy. It helped to shape his character and his political career. He was a brave and dedicated soldier who served his country with honor.

Judge

George E. McCrary's service as a judge on the Iowa Supreme Court was a significant event in his life and career. It gave him valuable experience in the law and helped to shape his political views. McCrary was a fair and impartial judge, and his decisions were respected by both sides of the political aisle.

McCrary's experience as a judge also helped him to develop a strong sense of justice. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the individual, and he always fought for what he believed was right.

McCrary's service on the Iowa Supreme Court was an important stepping stone in his political career. It gave him the experience and the credibility necessary to succeed in politics. He was a respected figure in both parties, and his work helped to shape the course of American history.

The connection between McCrary's service as a judge and his political career is clear. His experience on the bench gave him the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in politics. He was a fair and impartial judge, and his decisions were respected by both sides of the political aisle. McCrary's service on the Iowa Supreme Court was an important stepping stone in his political career, and it helped to shape the course of American history.

Secretary of War

George E. McCrary's service as Secretary of War was a significant event in his life and career. It was a position of great responsibility, and McCrary played a key role in shaping American military policy during a critical period in the nation's history.

As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the Army and the Department of War. He was responsible for managing the military budget, appointing generals, and developing military strategy. McCrary also played a key role in the negotiations with Native American tribes and in the Reconstruction of the South.

McCrary's service as Secretary of War was marked by his intelligence, integrity, and dedication to public service. He was a strong advocate for the military, and he worked to improve the lives of soldiers and their families. McCrary was also a strong supporter of civil rights, and he worked to protect the rights of all Americans.

McCrary's service as Secretary of War was an important stepping stone in his political career. It gave him the experience and the credibility necessary to succeed in politics. He was a respected figure in both parties, and his work helped to shape the course of American history.

The connection between McCrary's service as Secretary of War and his overall legacy is clear. His experience in this position gave him the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in politics. He was a fair and impartial leader, and his decisions were respected by both sides of the political aisle. McCrary's service as Secretary of War was an important stepping stone in his political career, and it helped to shape the course of American history.

Republican

George E. McCrary's involvement with the Republican Party was a significant aspect of his life and career. His prominence within the party and his role as a delegate to the Republican National Convention highlight his influence and dedication to Republican ideals.

McCrary's alignment with the Republican Party stemmed from his political beliefs and values. The Republican Party, founded in 1854, advocated for the abolition of slavery, economic modernization, and the preservation of the Union. These principles resonated with McCrary, who believed in the importance of equality, progress, and national unity.

As a prominent Republican, McCrary played a key role in shaping party policy and strategy. He attended the Republican National Conventions in 1868 and 1876 as a delegate, representing the interests of his constituents and contributing to the party's decision-making process.

McCrary's involvement with the Republican Party provided him with a platform to advance his political agenda and serve the public. His prominence within the party allowed him to advocate for his beliefs, influence policy, and contribute to the broader political discourse of his time.

In conclusion, McCrary's affiliation with the Republican Party was an integral part of his political identity and career. His prominence within the party and his role as a delegate to the Republican National Convention demonstrate his dedication to Republican ideals and his commitment to shaping the political landscape of his era.

Iowan

The connection between McCrary's identity as an Iowan and his overall legacy is significant. His decision to move to Iowa and his strong ties to the state shaped his political career and influenced his contributions to American history.

McCrary's upbringing and experiences in Iowa played a crucial role in his political views and values. The state's strong Republican Party and its commitment to abolitionism and economic development resonated with McCrary's own beliefs. His involvement in local politics and his close connections with the people of Iowa gave him a deep understanding of their needs and aspirations.

When McCrary was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1868, he carried the interests of Iowa with him to Washington, D.C. He served on the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on the Judiciary, where he advocated for policies that benefited Iowa and the nation as a whole. McCrary's work on the Electoral Commission that decided the disputed 1876 presidential election is a notable example of his dedication to fair and impartial decision-making.

McCrary's legacy as an Iowan is further cemented by his service as the 21st United States Secretary of War under President Rutherford B. Hayes. In this role, he oversaw the Army and the Department of War, managing the military budget, appointing generals, and developing military strategy. McCrary's commitment to protecting the rights of Native Americans and his efforts to promote civil rights during Reconstruction reflect his deep-seated belief in equality and justice for all.

In conclusion, McCrary's identity as an Iowan was an integral part of his life and career. His deep ties to the state, his understanding of its people, and his commitment to its values shaped his political trajectory and left a lasting impact on American history.

FAQs about George E. McCrary

This section addresses frequently asked questions about George E. McCrary, providing concise and informative answers to clarify common concerns or misconceptions.

Question 1: Who was George E. McCrary?

Answer: George E. McCrary was an American politician, lawyer, soldier, and judge who served in the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and as the United States Secretary of War during the late 19th century.

Question 2: What were McCrary's major accomplishments?

Answer: McCrary played a significant role in the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, served on the Electoral Commission that decided the disputed 1876 presidential election, and oversaw the Army and the Department of War as Secretary of War.

Question 3: What was McCrary's political affiliation?

Answer: McCrary was a prominent figure in the Republican Party, serving as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868 and 1876.

Question 4: Where did McCrary serve as a judge?

Answer: McCrary served as a judge on the Iowa Supreme Court from 1864 to 1867.

Question 5: What was McCrary's role in the Civil War?

Answer: McCrary served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of captain.

Question 6: Where was McCrary born?

Answer: McCrary was born in Evansville, Indiana, but moved to Iowa with his family in 1846 and considered Iowa his home state.

Summary: George E. McCrary was a multifaceted individual who left a notable mark on American history through his service in various capacities. His contributions to politics, law, and the military, particularly during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, continue to be recognized and studied by historians and political scientists.

Transition to the next article section: To further explore the life and legacy of George E. McCrary, let's delve into his early life, education, and the formative experiences that shaped his path to prominence.

Conclusion

George E. McCrary's life and career were marked by his intelligence, integrity, and dedication to public service. He was a successful politician, a respected lawyer, a brave soldier, a fair judge, and a dedicated public servant. McCrary's legacy continues to inspire Iowans and Americans today.

McCrary's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. He is an example of how one person can make a positive impact on the lives of others and on the course of history.