John W. Crisfield facts for kids
John Woodland Crisfield (born November 8, 1806 – died January 12, 1897) was an important politician from Maryland. He served as a U.S. Congressman for two different districts. He represented Maryland's sixth district from 1847 to 1849. Later, he represented the first district from 1861 to 1863. The city of Crisfield, Maryland, is named after him. Crisfield strongly supported the Union during the American Civil War. He worked to stop Maryland from leaving the Union. However, Crisfield also supported slavery and tried to prevent its end in Maryland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John W. Crisfield was born near Galena, Maryland. This town is in Kent County, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He went to college at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. After college, he studied law. He became a lawyer in 1830. He then started his law practice in Princess Anne, Maryland.
Starting a Political Career
Crisfield began his political journey in 1836. He joined the Maryland House of Delegates. Later, he was elected to the U.S. Congress. He was a member of the Whig Party at that time. He served in the Thirtieth Congress from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. He represented Maryland's 6th Congressional district.
In 1850, he was a delegate at a special meeting. This meeting was to create a new state constitution for Maryland. In 1861, he also attended a peace conference in Washington, D.C. This meeting tried to find ways to avoid the coming American Civil War.
Congress, War, and Slavery
In 1861, Crisfield was elected to Congress again. This time, he was a member of the Unionist Party. He served in the Thirty-seventh Congress from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. He represented Maryland's 1st Congressional district.
Even though Maryland stayed loyal to the Union, people in the state had different ideas about slavery. Ending slavery in Maryland was not an easy decision. In December 1861, a bill was proposed in Congress. This bill aimed to free slaves in Washington D.C. In March 1862, President Lincoln talked with Crisfield about freeing slaves. Crisfield believed that freedom would be worse for enslaved people during the war. But many people wanted to end slavery.
On July 17, 1862, Congress passed a law called the Confiscation Act of 1862. This law allowed the Union army to have African-American soldiers. It also stopped the army from catching runaway slaves. In July 1862, Lincoln offered to pay Maryland slaveholders. He offered $300 for each enslaved person who was freed. However, Crisfield did not accept this offer.
On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This important document declared that all enslaved people in the Southern states were free. But Maryland and other border states were not included. This was because they had stayed with the Union. Still, in 1863 and 1864, many enslaved people in Maryland left their plantations. They joined the Union Army, hoping for freedom in return for their service. This also helped end slave auctions. Enslaved people could avoid being sold by joining the army.
In 1863, Crisfield lost his election. He was defeated by an abolitionist named John Creswell. There were claims that the army had unfairly influenced the votes. After losing the election, Crisfield went back to practicing law.
After the Civil War
After the war, Crisfield continued to be involved in public life. He was a delegate at the National Union Convention in Philadelphia. This meeting took place in 1866.
Crisfield played a key role in building the Eastern Shore Railroad. He also served as its president. This railroad connected to a growing fishing town called Somers Cove. This town was becoming very important because of its seafood industry. The town was later renamed Crisfield in his honor. A road in Princess Anne, called Crisfield Lane, also bears his name. It passes by his old home, 'Edge Hill'. John W. Crisfield died in Princess Anne in 1897. He is buried in Manokin Presbyterian Cemetery.
Images for kids
-
John W. Crisfield
