George E. McCrary: An Eminent Advocate

George E. McCrary: An Eminent Advocate

Who was George E. McCrary?

George E. McCrary was an American politician and jurist who served as the 24th United States Secretary of War from 1877 to 1879. He was a Republican and a close associate of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

McCrary was born in Evansville, Indiana, in 1840. 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 major. After the war, he returned to Iowa and began his political career.

McCrary was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1868 and served two terms. In 1872, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served four terms. In 1877, President Hayes appointed McCrary as Secretary of War. As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. He also helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps.

After leaving the War Department, McCrary returned to Iowa and resumed his law practice. He also served as a judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals from 1884 to 1891.

McCrary died in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1890.

Personal details and bio data of George E. McCrary

Born August 29, 1840, Evansville, Indiana
Died June 23, 1890, St. Paul, Minnesota
Political party Republican
Spouse Sarah Virginia Hobson
Children Three

Legacy

George E. McCrary is best remembered for his service as Secretary of War during the end of Reconstruction. He was a strong supporter of President Hayes's policies and helped to implement them. McCrary also played a key role in the establishment of the United States Army Signal Corps.

George E. McCrary

George E. McCrary was an American politician and jurist who served as the 24th United States Secretary of War from 1877 to 1879. He was a close associate of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

  • Politician
  • Jurist
  • Secretary of War
  • Reconstruction
  • Hayes administration
  • Republican
  • Iowa
  • Civil War

These key aspects highlight McCrary's career in politics and law. He was a prominent Republican politician in Iowa, serving in the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. As Secretary of War under President Hayes, he oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. McCrary was also a judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

1. Politician

George E. McCrary was a politician who served in the Iowa House of Representatives, the United States House of Representatives, and as the 24th United States Secretary of War. He was a member of the Republican Party and a close associate of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

McCrary's political career began in Iowa, where he served in the state legislature from 1868 to 1872. In 1872, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served four terms. As a member of Congress, McCrary was a strong supporter of President Hayes and his policies. He also played a key role in the establishment of the United States Army Signal Corps.

In 1877, President Hayes appointed McCrary as Secretary of War. As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. He also helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps.

McCrary's service as a politician was marked by his strong support for President Hayes and his policies. He was also a strong advocate for the military and played a key role in the establishment of the United States Army Signal Corps.

2. Jurist

George E. McCrary was not only a politician but also a jurist. He served as a judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals from 1884 to 1891.

  • Judicial Philosophy

    McCrary was a conservative jurist who believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution. He was also a strong supporter of states' rights.

  • Major Cases

    One of the most important cases that McCrary decided was United States v. Harris (1883). In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was constitutional. McCrary dissented from this decision, arguing that the law was unconstitutional because it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

  • Legacy

    McCrary's legacy as a jurist is mixed. He was a respected judge who wrote many important opinions. However, he is also remembered for his dissent in United States v. Harris, which many legal scholars believe was wrongly decided.

McCrary's service as a jurist was marked by his conservatism and his strong support for states' rights. He was also a respected judge who wrote many important opinions.

3. Secretary of War

George E. McCrary served as the 24th United States Secretary of War from 1877 to 1879. As Secretary of War, he oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. He also helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps.

  • Reconstruction

    As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction, the period of federal oversight of the South after the Civil War. He was responsible for withdrawing federal troops from the South and overseeing the transition to local control.

  • Hayes administration

    McCrary was a close associate of President Rutherford B. Hayes, and his appointment as Secretary of War was part of Hayes's efforts to bring new blood into his administration. McCrary was a strong supporter of Hayes's policies, including his efforts to end Reconstruction.

  • Military affairs

    As Secretary of War, McCrary was responsible for overseeing the United States Army. He helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps, which played a key role in the development of military communications.

  • Legacy

    McCrary's legacy as Secretary of War is mixed. He is credited with helping to end Reconstruction and overseeing the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. However, he is also criticized for his support of Hayes's policies, which many historians believe were too harsh on the South.

McCrary's service as Secretary of War was a significant chapter in his career. He played a key role in shaping the policies of the Hayes administration and in overseeing the end of Reconstruction.

4. Reconstruction

Reconstruction was the period of American history that followed the Civil War, from 1865 to 1877. During this time, the United States underwent a process of rebuilding and reuniting after the war. George E. McCrary played a significant role in Reconstruction as the 24th United States Secretary of War from 1877 to 1879.

  • Ending Reconstruction

    As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction. He was responsible for withdrawing federal troops from the South and overseeing the transition to local control. This was a controversial policy, as many Republicans believed that the South was not yet ready for self-government. However, McCrary believed that it was time for the South to take responsibility for its own affairs.

  • Hayes administration

    McCrary was a close associate of President Rutherford B. Hayes, and his appointment as Secretary of War was part of Hayes's efforts to bring new blood into his administration. McCrary was a strong supporter of Hayes's policies, including his efforts to end Reconstruction.

  • Military affairs

    As Secretary of War, McCrary was responsible for overseeing the United States Army. He helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps, which played a key role in the development of military communications.

  • Legacy

    McCrary's legacy as Secretary of War is mixed. He is credited with helping to end Reconstruction and overseeing the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. However, he is also criticized for his support of Hayes's policies, which many historians believe were too harsh on the South.

McCrary's role in Reconstruction was significant. He was a key player in the Hayes administration's efforts to end Reconstruction and reunite the country after the Civil War.

5. Hayes administration

The Hayes administration refers to the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States, who served from 1877 to 1881. During his presidency, Hayes focused on resolving issues related to Reconstruction, the period of rebuilding and reuniting the country after the Civil War. George E. McCrary played a significant role in the Hayes administration, serving as Secretary of War from 1877 to 1879.

  • Ending Reconstruction

    One of the main goals of the Hayes administration was to end Reconstruction. McCrary, as Secretary of War, played a key role in this process. He was responsible for withdrawing federal troops from the South and overseeing the transition to local control. This was a controversial policy, as many Republicans believed that the South was not yet ready for self-government. However, McCrary believed that it was time for the South to take responsibility for its own affairs.

  • Civil service reform

    Another important goal of the Hayes administration was to reform the civil service. McCrary supported Hayes' efforts to create a more merit-based system for hiring and promoting government employees. He believed that this would help to reduce corruption and improve the efficiency of the government.

  • Economic recovery

    The Hayes administration also focused on promoting economic recovery after the Panic of 1873. McCrary, as Secretary of War, played a role in this effort by overseeing the construction of new infrastructure projects, such as railroads and bridges. These projects helped to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

  • Foreign policy

    In terms of foreign policy, the Hayes administration focused on improving relations with other countries. McCrary, as Secretary of War, played a role in this effort by helping to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes. He also helped to resolve a border dispute with Mexico.

McCrary's role in the Hayes administration was significant. He was a key player in the administration's efforts to end Reconstruction, reform the civil service, promote economic recovery, and improve foreign relations. His work helped to shape the course of American history during this important period.

6. Republican

George E. McCrary was a prominent member of the Republican Party. The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum.

  • Conservative values

    The Republican Party is generally associated with conservative values, such as limited government, individual liberty, and free markets. McCrary shared these values, and he believed that they were essential for the success of the United States.

  • Fiscal responsibility

    The Republican Party is also known for its focus on fiscal responsibility. McCrary believed that the government should live within its means and avoid excessive spending. He supported policies that reduced government spending and taxes.

  • Strong national defense

    The Republican Party is committed to maintaining a strong national defense. McCrary believed that the United States should have a strong military to protect its interests at home and abroad. He supported policies that increased military spending and strengthened the armed forces.

  • Support for business

    The Republican Party is generally supportive of business and economic growth. McCrary believed that the government should create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive. He supported policies that reduced regulations and taxes on businesses.

McCrary's Republican values shaped his political career. He was a strong supporter of President Rutherford B. Hayes and his policies. He also played a key role in the Republican Party's efforts to end Reconstruction and reunite the country after the Civil War.

7. Iowa

Iowa played a significant role in the life and career of George E. McCrary. He was born in Evansville, Iowa, in 1840, and he grew up in the state. He attended the University of Iowa, where he studied law. After graduating, he returned to Iowa and began his political career.

McCrary was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1868 and served two terms. In 1872, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served four terms. As a member of Congress, McCrary was a strong supporter of President Rutherford B. Hayes and his policies. He also played a key role in the establishment of the United States Army Signal Corps.

In 1877, President Hayes appointed McCrary as Secretary of War. As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. He also helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps.

McCrary's connection to Iowa was important to him. He was proud of his Iowa roots, and he often spoke about the importance of the state in his life.

8. Civil War

The Civil War was a defining moment in American history, and it had a profound impact on the life of George E. McCrary. McCrary was born in Indiana in 1840, and he grew up in a deeply divided country. The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 forced McCrary to choose sides, and he ultimately decided to fight for the Union. He enlisted in the Union Army and served with distinction, rising to the rank of major.

McCrary's experiences in the Civil War shaped his political views. He became a strong supporter of the Republican Party, which was committed to preserving the Union and abolishing slavery. After the war, McCrary returned to Iowa and began his political career. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives and the United States House of Representatives. In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed McCrary as Secretary of War.

As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. He also helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps. McCrary's service in the Civil War gave him a deep understanding of the importance of a strong national defense. He was a strong supporter of the military, and he believed that the United States should have a strong military to protect its interests at home and abroad.

The Civil War was a turning point in American history, and it had a significant impact on the life of George E. McCrary. His experiences in the war shaped his political views and his commitment to public service. McCrary's legacy as a soldier, politician, and jurist is a reminder of the importance of the Civil War in American history.

FAQs about George E. McCrary

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about George E. McCrary, an American politician, jurist, and Secretary of War during the Hayes administration.

Question 1: Who was George E. McCrary?

George E. McCrary was a Republican politician and jurist who served as the 24th United States Secretary of War from 1877 to 1879 under President Rutherford B. Hayes. He was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and played a significant role in the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.

Question 2: What were McCrary's major accomplishments as Secretary of War?

As Secretary of War, McCrary oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. He also helped to establish the United States Army Signal Corps, which played a key role in the development of military communications.

Question 3: What were McCrary's political views?

McCrary was a conservative Republican who believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution and strong national defense. He was a supporter of President Hayes's policies, including his efforts to end Reconstruction.

Question 4: What was McCrary's legacy?

McCrary's legacy is mixed. He is credited with helping to end Reconstruction and overseeing the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. However, he is also criticized for his support of Hayes's policies, which many historians believe were too harsh on the South.

Question 5: What are some interesting facts about McCrary?

McCrary was a skilled orator and debater. He was also a close friend and confidant of President Hayes. McCrary died in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1890, at the age of 49.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of George E. McCrary's life, career, and legacy. He was a significant figure in American history, and his contributions to the country are still remembered today.

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Conclusion

George E. McCrary was a prominent American politician, jurist, and Secretary of War during the Hayes administration. He was a key figure in the Republican Party and played a significant role in the end of Reconstruction and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.

McCrary's legacy is mixed. He is credited with helping to end Reconstruction and overseeing the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. However, he is also criticized for his support of Hayes's policies, which many historians believe were too harsh on the South.

Despite the controversy surrounding his legacy, there is no doubt that McCrary was a significant figure in American history. His contributions to the country are still remembered today, and he remains an important figure in the study of Reconstruction and the Hayes administration.

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