Henry Dickerson McDaniel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Dickerson McDaniel
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| 52nd Governor of Georgia | |
| In office May 10, 1883 – November 9, 1886 |
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| Preceded by | James S. Boynton |
| Succeeded by | John B. Gordon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 4, 1836 Monroe, Georgia |
| Died | July 25, 1926 (aged 89) |
| Citizenship |  United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit |  11th Georgia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Dickerson McDaniel (born September 4, 1836, died July 25, 1926) was an important leader in Georgia. He served as the 52nd Governor of Georgia from 1883 to 1886. He was also a lawyer and a soldier during the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Dickerson McDaniel was born in Monroe, Georgia. His father, Ira McDaniel, was one of the first professors at Mercer University. Henry followed in his father's footsteps in education.
He studied law at Mercer University. He was a very good student and graduated at the top of his class. After finishing his studies, he started his own law practice in his hometown.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Henry McDaniel was still young. In 1861, he was the youngest person chosen to represent Georgia at a special meeting. This meeting decided that Georgia would leave the United States.
Later, he joined the Confederate Army. He became known for his bravery during the war. At the Battle of Gettysburg, many officers in his unit, the 11th Georgia Infantry, were killed. McDaniel took command of the unit during the battle.
Eight days after Gettysburg, he was shot by a Union soldier in Maryland. He then spent the rest of the war as a prisoner in a POW camp.
Political Career in Georgia
After the war ended, McDaniel returned to Georgia. He became involved in state politics as a member of the Democratic Party. He served in both the House and the Senate for Georgia.
In 1883, he became governor after the death of the previous governor, Alexander Stephens. McDaniel finished Stephens' term. Then, in 1884, he won his own two-year term as governor.
During his time as governor, several important things happened:
- The Georgia School of Technology (now Georgia Tech) was started.
- Construction began on the new State Capitol building.
- He signed a law about alcohol sales on September 18, 1885. This was part of the Temperance Movement in Georgia, which aimed to reduce alcohol use.
Later Life and Family
After serving as governor, Henry McDaniel went back to Monroe, Georgia. He married Hester Felker, and they were married for sixty years. They had two children, Sanders and Gipsy.
His home, the McDaniel-Tichenor House, is an important historical building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Henry Dickerson McDaniel passed away on July 25, 1926.
