Charles R. Train facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Russell Train
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 8th district
In office March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1863
Preceded by	Chauncey L. Knapp
Succeeded by	John D. Baldwin
16th Massachusetts Attorney General
In office 1872 – January, 1879
Governor	William B. Washburn Thomas Talbot William Gaston Alexander H. Rice
Preceded by	Charles Allen
Succeeded by	George Marston
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1848–1849
Personal details
Born	October 18, 1817 Framingham, Massachusetts
Died	July 28, 1885 (aged 67) Conway, New Hampshire
Resting place	Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham, Massachusetts
Political party	Republican
Children	Charles Jackson Train
Alma mater	Brown University
Profession	Law

Charles Russell Train (born October 18, 1817 – died July 28, 1885) was an important American lawyer and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Massachusetts. He also held several other important jobs in Massachusetts, including being the state's top lawyer.

Early Life and Education

Charles Russell Train was born in a town called Framingham, Massachusetts. He went to local schools and then attended Framingham Academy. After that, he studied at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated in 1837.

Becoming a Lawyer

After college, Charles Train decided to become a lawyer. He studied law at Harvard University, which is a very famous school. In 1841, he passed his exams to become a lawyer. He then started his own law practice in his hometown of Framingham.

Political Career in Massachusetts

Charles Train was very interested in public service. He held many important positions in the government of Massachusetts.

Serving in the State House

He was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1847 and again in 1848. This is where laws are made for the state. He also served as a district attorney from 1848 to 1854. A district attorney is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to bring legal cases against people accused of crimes.

Important State Roles

In 1852, Charles Train was offered a very important job as a judge on the highest court in the country, the Supreme Court of the United States. However, he decided not to take the job.

He was also a delegate to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1853. This was a special meeting to discuss and change the state's constitution, which is like a rulebook for the government.

From 1857 to 1858, he was a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council. This group advises the state governor.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

Charles Train became a member of the Republican Party. He was chosen to represent Massachusetts in the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

Time in Washington

He served two terms in Congress, from March 4, 1859, to March 3, 1863. While in Congress, he was the chairman of a special group called the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. This committee was in charge of government buildings and land.

In 1862, he was part of a special legal process in the House of Representatives. This process was about a judge named West H. Humphreys. Charles Train helped manage the proceedings. He did not run for re-election in 1862.

Civil War Service

During the American Civil War, Charles Train helped the Union Army. He volunteered to be an aide-de-camp to General George B. McClellan. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a high-ranking military officer. They help with messages and other important tasks.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time in Congress and the Civil War, Charles Train moved to Boston, Massachusetts.

Return to State Politics

He continued his public service. He served again in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1868 to 1871. Then, from 1872 to 1879, he became the Massachusetts Attorney General. This is the chief legal officer for the entire state. After this, he went back to working as a private lawyer.

Death and Burial

Charles Russell Train passed away on July 28, 1885, while visiting Conway, New Hampshire. He was 67 years old. He was buried in Edgell Grove Cemetery in his hometown of Framingham, Massachusetts.