George Washington McCrary
U.S. Congressman, Presidential Cabinet Secretery, Lawyer, U.S. Circuit Court Judge
Cemetery Marker Number
Date of Birth
Date Of Death
Cemetery Location
27
8/29/1835
6/23/1890
Block 25, Lot 16
George Washington McCrary: A Pillar of Law and Governance
Written by Erika Berrett
Early Life and Education
Born on August 29, 1835, in Evansville, Indiana, George Washington McCrary moved as a child with his family to the Iowa Territory, settling in Van Buren County. He grew up on his father's farm and received a well-rounded education. At nineteen, he began studying law under the guidance of future United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Freeman Miller. By 1856, McCrary was admitted to the bar and embarked on a legal career that would see him rise to significant public and judicial office.
Political Ascent
McCrary's political career began in the Iowa House of Representatives at the young age of 22. He went on to serve in the Iowa Senate where he established himself as an influential legislator. His federal political career commenced in 1868 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 1st congressional district. During his eight years in Congress, he was instrumental in shaping electoral law and interstate commerce regulations, his work earning him national respect.
Contributions in Congress
As chairman of the Committee on Elections and the Committee on Railroads and Canals, McCrary was a staunch advocate for impartial and evidence-based decisions, often setting aside partisan interests. His legal acumen was further demonstrated through his authorship of a significant report on the constitutional powers of Congress to regulate interstate commerce, which remains highly regarded.
Secretary of War
In 1877, McCrary was appointed as the United States Secretary of War by President Rutherford B. Hayes. During his tenure, he navigated the challenges of post-Reconstruction America, overseeing the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and managing federal responses to the 1877 railway strike and disturbances along the Mexican border.
Judicial Career
McCrary's judicial career peaked when he was appointed as a United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit in 1879. His rulings were noted for their clarity and legal soundness. He served with distinction until 1884, when he resigned to address his family's financial needs, later taking a position as general counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad system.
Legacy and Death
McCrary died on June 23, 1890, in St. Joseph, Missouri. His legal writings, especially "American Law of Elections," continue to be a seminal work in the field. He is remembered as a noble statesman and jurist, embodying the highest ideals of American citizenship.
Impact on Community and Beyond
George Washington McCrary's career spanned the realms of law, politics, and public service, leaving an indelible mark on his community in Keokuk and the nation. His contributions to electoral law and interstate commerce have had a lasting impact, shaping American legal and political landscapes.
Sources:
Iowa Official Register
State Historical Society of Iowa resources
United States Congress. "George W. McCrary (id: M000379)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
"McCrary, George Washington - Federal Judicial Center". www.fjc.gov
