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Elisha Oscar Crosby facts for kids

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Elisha Oscar Crosby
Born July 18, 1818
Died June 25, 1895
Occupation Lawyer, politician, diplomat
Children Edward Crosby

Elisha Oscar Crosby (born July 18, 1818 – died June 25, 1895) was an important American figure. He worked as a lawyer, a politician, and a diplomat. He helped shape the early laws of California and later represented the United States in another country.

Who Was Elisha Oscar Crosby?

Elisha Oscar Crosby was born in Ithaca, New York, in 1818. He grew up to become a very busy person. He had several important jobs during his life. These jobs included working with laws, being involved in government, and representing his country abroad.

Early Life and Career

Crosby started his career as a lawyer. This means he studied laws and helped people with legal issues. He was good at understanding rules and how they worked. This skill would be very useful in his future roles.

A Key Role in California Law

When California became a state, it needed a strong legal system. Elisha Oscar Crosby played a big part in this. He served in the California State Senate from 1849 to 1852. This was a very important time for the new state.

As a state senator, he led the Judiciary Committee. This committee was in charge of creating new laws. Crosby helped write a special report. This report led to a law called a "reception statute." This law made the "common law" the basis for California's legal system. Common law is a system where laws are based on past court decisions. It helped California set up its courts and rules.

Serving as a Diplomat

Later in his life, Crosby became a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in another nation. From 1861 to 1864, he was the United States Minister Resident to Guatemala. This meant he was the main representative for the U.S. in Guatemala. He helped keep good relations between the two countries.

Later Years

By the 1870s, Elisha Oscar Crosby settled down in Alameda, California. Even in his later years, he continued to work in law. He became a justice of the peace. A justice of the peace is a local judge who handles minor legal cases. He passed away in Alameda in 1895.

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