George Henry Craig facts for kids

George Henry Craig was an important person from Alabama. He was born on December 25, 1845, and passed away on January 26, 1923. He served as a U.S. Representative for Alabama in the United States Congress.

Early Life and Education

George Henry Craig was born in Cahaba, Alabama. He went to a school called Cahaba Academy. In 1862, he joined the Confederate Army as a private. He also studied at the University of Alabama in 1863. He became a first lieutenant in the infantry. He stayed in the Confederate service until the war ended.

After the war, he went back to the University of Alabama in 1865. He decided to study law. In December 1867, he became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Selma, Alabama.

A Career in Law and Politics

George Henry Craig had a long career in both law and politics. He held several important positions in Alabama.

Serving Dallas County

In 1868, Craig was elected as the solicitor for Dallas County, Alabama. A solicitor is like a prosecutor who handles legal cases for the county. The next year, in March 1869, he was appointed as the sheriff of Dallas County. The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for the county.

Becoming a Judge

Craig was elected as a judge for the criminal court of Dallas County in March 1870. Later, in July 1874, the Governor appointed him as a judge for the first judicial circuit. He was then elected to this position on November 4, 1874. He served as a judge until 1880. After his time as a judge, he went back to practicing law in Selma, Alabama.

In the U.S. Congress

George Henry Craig was a member of the Republican Party. He successfully challenged the election of Charles M. Shelley for the Forty-eighth Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from January 9, 1885, to March 3, 1885. He tried to be re-elected in 1884 for the Forty-ninth Congress, but he was not successful.

Later Appointments

President Arthur appointed Craig as the United States attorney. This meant he represented the U.S. government in legal matters for the middle and northern parts of Alabama. In 1894, President Cleveland appointed him to the Board of Visitors for the United States Military Academy at West Point. This board helps oversee the military academy.

George Henry Craig continued to practice law in Selma, Alabama. He passed away there on January 26, 1923. He was buried in Live Oak Cemetery.