George Foster Shepley (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Foster Shepley
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Judge of the United States Circuit Courts for the First Circuit | |
| In office December 22, 1869 – July 20, 1878 |
|
| Appointed by | Ulysses S. Grant |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 16 Stat. 44 |
| Succeeded by | John Lowell |
| Military Governor of Richmond | |
| In office April 3, 1865 – July 3, 1865 |
|
| Preceded by | Joseph C. Mayo (Mayor) |
| Succeeded by | David J. Saunders Sr. (Mayor) |
| 18th Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office July 2, 1862 – March 4, 1864 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Overton Moore |
| Succeeded by | Michael Hahn |
| Mayor of New Orleans (acting) | |
| In office May 20, 1862 – July 11, 1862 |
|
| Preceded by | John T. Monroe |
| Succeeded by | Godfrey Weitzel (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Foster Shepley
January 1, 1819 Saco, Maine |
| Died | July 20, 1878 (aged 59) Portland, Maine |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery Portland, Maine |
| Education | Harvard University Dartmouth College (A.B.) read law |
George Foster Shepley (January 1, 1819 – July 20, 1878) was an important figure in American history. He served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was also a military governor in different areas. Later in his life, he became a United States Circuit Judge.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
George Foster Shepley was born on January 1, 1819, in Saco, Maine. He went to Harvard University for his studies. In 1837, he earned a degree from Dartmouth College.
After college, he studied law on his own. This was a common way to become a lawyer back then. By 1839, he was ready to practice law.
Starting His Career
Shepley began his law career in Bangor, Maine. He worked there from 1839 to 1844. Then, he moved his practice to Portland, Maine, where he worked until 1861.
He also served as the United States Attorney for the District of Maine. This job meant he represented the U.S. government in legal cases. He held this position from 1848 to 1849 and again from 1853 to 1861.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, George Shepley joined the United States Army. He was commissioned as a Colonel of the 12th Maine Infantry. He quickly rose through the ranks.
He was sent to the Department of the Gulf. Here, he commanded a group of soldiers during the New Orleans campaign. This was an important part of the war.
Governor During Wartime
After the Union Army captured New Orleans, Louisiana, Shepley was given a new role. He became the military governor of New Orleans in May 1862. He held this position until July 1862.
He then became the military governor for other parts of Louisiana that the Union controlled. He served in this role until March 1864. In July 1862, he was promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers.
Later, he worked in Virginia and served as chief of staff for a large army unit. His final military role was as military governor of Richmond, Virginia. He held this position from April to July 1865. After the war ended, he left the army to go back to being a lawyer.
Becoming a Federal Judge
After the war, Shepley returned to private law practice in Portland, Maine. He also served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1866 to 1867.
In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant nominated George Shepley to be a federal judge. He was to serve on the United States Circuit Courts for the First Circuit. The United States Senate approved his nomination.
He officially became a judge on December 22, 1869. He served as a federal judge until his death on July 20, 1878. He passed away in Portland, Maine, and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
