Andrew Phelps McCormick facts for kids

Andrew Phelps McCormick (December 18, 1832 – November 2, 1916) was an important judge in the United States. He served as a federal judge in different courts. These included the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Before that, he was a judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Early Life and Career

Andrew McCormick was born in Brazoria County. At that time, this area was part of Mexico. He was born on December 18, 1832.

Education and Early Law Work

Andrew was a good student. He earned a special degree called an "Artium Baccalaureus" from Centre College in 1854. After college, he studied law on his own. This was a common way to become a lawyer back then. He finished his law studies in 1855.

Working as a Lawyer and Judge

From 1855 to 1861, McCormick worked as a private lawyer. He practiced law in Brazoria, Texas. In 1856, he became a district judge in Texas.

Service During the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Andrew McCormick joined the Confederate States Army. He served from 1861 to 1865.

After the War

After the war, he continued his work as a judge. From 1865 to 1866, he was a judge for the Brazoria County Court. He also served as a probate judge. From 1871 to 1876, he was a judge for the Texas District Court. This court covered Brazoria and Galveston Counties.

Political Role

McCormick also served in the Texas Senate. He was a senator from 1876 to 1879. In 1879, he became the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. This job involved representing the U.S. government in legal cases.

Becoming a Federal Judge

Andrew McCormick had a long career as a federal judge. He held several important positions.

District Court Judge

President Rutherford B. Hayes chose McCormick for a new judge position. This was for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The Senate approved him on April 10, 1879. He started his work as a district judge on the same day. He served in this role until March 22, 1892.

Circuit Court Judge

President Benjamin Harrison then nominated McCormick for a higher court. This was a joint position for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the United States Circuit Courts for the Fifth Circuit. The Senate confirmed him on March 17, 1892. He received his new job on the same day.

In 1911, the Circuit Courts were closed down. After that, he served only on the Court of Appeals. Andrew McCormick continued his work as a judge until he passed away. He died on November 2, 1916, in Waco, Texas.