George Davis McDill facts for kids

George Davis McDill (July 28, 1838 – June 15, 1899) was an American lawyer and Republican politician. He served four years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, which is like the state's law-making group. He represented Polk County and nearby areas. He was also the district attorney for Polk County for four years, which means he was the main lawyer for the government there. He also led the county board of supervisors. During the American Civil War, he was a soldier in the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac.

George D. McDill: Early Life

George D. McDill was born on July 28, 1838, in Wayne Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. When he was very young, his family moved to Beloit, in what was then the Wisconsin Territory. Later, they moved again to De Soto, in Vernon County, Wisconsin.

A Soldier in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, George McDill joined the Union Army as a volunteer. His group became Company I in the 6th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment in 1861. This regiment was part of the well-known Iron Brigade. This brigade fought in the eastern part of the war.

Fighting for the Union

McDill served with his regiment for three years. He fought in many important battles. These included the Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

In March 1864, he became a second lieutenant. He was then assigned to Company K of the new 37th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. Two months later, he was promoted to first lieutenant. With the 37th Infantry, he took part in the Siege of Petersburg. He was hurt at the Battle of the Crater. This battle was named after a huge explosion meant to break the enemy's defense line. He was supposed to become a captain in September 1864. However, he left the army because of his injuries before this promotion was made official.

Legal and Political Career

After the war, McDill studied law. He became a lawyer in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1870. In 1872, he started his own law practice in Polk County, Wisconsin. He lived there for most of his life.

Serving Polk County

In 1873, the people of Polk County elected him as their district attorney. He was elected again in 1875. He also spent five years as the leader of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. This group helps manage the county.

In the Wisconsin State Assembly

McDill was a member of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. In 1880, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is where state laws are made. He represented a large area that included Polk, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, and Douglas counties. He was elected again from this area in 1881.

After some changes to voting districts in 1882, he was elected for a two-year term. This time, he represented only Polk County. He did not run for re-election in 1884. His law practice continued to do well in Polk County. He passed away at his home in Osceola, Wisconsin, on June 15, 1899.

Personal Life and Family

George Davis McDill was the grandson of James McDill. James was an Irish American who fought in the Pennsylvania Militia during the War of 1812. George Davis also had two uncles who were important politicians in Wisconsin. His uncle, Alexander S. McDill, served in the United States House of Representatives. Another uncle, Thomas McDill, was in the Wisconsin Assembly and worked as a quartermaster in the Union Army.

George Davis McDill married Emma Ankeny on November 25, 1871. They had eight children together. Sadly, their first son, James, died when he was a baby.