Henry Kent McCay facts for kids

Henry Kent McCay (born January 8, 1820 – died July 30, 1886) was an important person in American law and history. He was a lawyer and served as an officer in the Confederate States Army. He also became a judge on the highest court in Georgia, called the Georgia Supreme Court. Later, he became a federal judge for the Northern District of Georgia.

Early Life and Education

Henry Kent McCay was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1820. His parents were Robert and Sarah (Read) McCay.

Studying at Princeton University

In 1839, McCay earned a degree from Princeton University. After college, he moved to Georgia. His brother, Charles F. McCay, was a professor at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Becoming a Lawyer

Instead of going to law school, McCay "read law." This meant he studied law by working with an experienced lawyer. He learned from Georgia Chief Justice Joseph Henry Lumpkin. In 1842, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. From 1843 to 1861, he worked as a private lawyer in Americus, Georgia.

Service During the Civil War

Before the American Civil War, McCay did not support Georgia leaving the United States. However, when Georgia decided to secede, he joined the Confederate States Army.

Military Service

From 1861 to 1863, McCay served as a lieutenant and then a captain in the Confederate Army. He was hurt in a battle called the Battle of Allegheny Mountain in Virginia in December 1861. He left the army in March 1863.

Georgia Militia

In 1864, McCay became a brigadier general in the Georgia militia. A militia is a group of citizens who can be called upon to serve as soldiers. He fought in battles like Griswoldville and Altamaha Bridge.

Post-War Career and Judgeships

After the Civil War ended, McCay went back to being a private lawyer in Americus, Georgia, from 1865 to 1868.

Serving on the Georgia Supreme Court

From 1868 to 1875, Henry McCay served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Georgia. This is the highest court in the state. After this, he returned to private law practice in Atlanta, Georgia, until 1882.

Becoming a Federal Judge

On August 3, 1882, President Chester A. Arthur chose Henry McCay to be a judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. This was a new judge position that had just been created. The United States Senate approved his nomination the next day, and he officially became a judge.

McCay served as a federal judge until he passed away on July 30, 1886, in Atlanta. He is buried in Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.