George W. McCrary

George_Washington_McCrary

George W. McCrary - Brady-Handy.jpg

George Washington McCrary (August 29, 1835 – June 23, 1890) was an American politician and judge who served as the United States Secretary of War under President Rutherford B. Hayes from 1877 to 1879. He was also a member of the United States House of Representatives and a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Early life and education

George W. McCrary was born on August 29, 1835, in Evansville, Indiana. He moved with his family to Iowa in 1837. McCrary studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1856, beginning his practice in Keokuk, Iowa.

Political career

McCrary was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives, representing Iowa's 1st congressional district from March 4, 1869, to March 3, 1877. During his tenure, he served as the chairman of the Committee on Elections and was instrumental in drafting the Electoral Count Act of 1877, which resolved the disputed United States presidential election of 1876.

Secretary of War

In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed McCrary as the United States Secretary of War. During his term, McCrary focused on modernizing the United States Army and improving its efficiency. He served in this capacity until December 9, 1879, when he resigned to accept a judicial appointment.

Judicial career

Following his resignation as Secretary of War, McCrary was appointed by President Hayes as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He served on the bench from December 19, 1879, until his resignation on March 4, 1884. McCrary's judicial career was marked by his commitment to fair and impartial justice.

Later life and death

After resigning from the bench, McCrary returned to private practice in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on June 23, 1890, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, at the age of 54.

Legacy

George W. McCrary is remembered for his contributions to American politics and law, particularly his role in resolving the disputed 1876 presidential election and his efforts to modernize the U.S. Army.

Related pages

• United States Secretary of War
• Rutherford B. Hayes
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• Iowa's 1st congressional district
• Electoral Count Act