Junius Hillyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Junius Hillyer
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855 |
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| Preceded by | Howell Cobb |
| Succeeded by | Howell Cobb |
| Solicitor of the United States Treasury | |
| In office 1857 – February 13, 1861 (resigned) |
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| Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia's Western Circuit | |
| In office 1841–1845 |
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| Solicitor General of the Western Judicial Circuit of Georgia | |
| In office 1834–1841 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 23, 1807 Wilkes County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | June 21, 1886 (aged 79) Decatur, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Unionist (1850) Democratic (1852) |
| Spouse | Jane Selina (Watkins) Hillyer |
| Relations | Ethel Hillyer Harris (granddaughter) |
| Children | five sons (including Eben Hillyer); three or four daughters |
| Alma mater | Franklin College |
| Occupation | Lawyer and Judge |
Junius Hillyer (born April 23, 1807, died June 21, 1886) was an important American lawyer, judge, and politician. He served two terms in the United States Congress, helping to make laws for the country.
Contents
Junius Hillyer's Early Life and School
Junius Hillyer was born in Wilkes County, Georgia, on April 23, 1807. He was the second son of Shaler and Rebecca Hillyer. When Junius was 14, his father passed away. His mother then moved the family to Athens, Georgia.
Junius went to Franklin College in Athens, which is now known as the University of Georgia. He finished his studies there in 1828. During his last year of college, he also studied law. Just one month after graduating, he became a lawyer, which means he was "admitted to the bar".
Starting a Law Career
Hillyer first started his law practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia. However, he moved back to Athens after only one year. He worked as a lawyer in Athens for almost 20 years. This area was known for having many smart lawyers at the time.
Some famous lawyers he worked near included T.R.R. Cobb and William Hope Hull. They later helped start the University of Georgia School of Law. Other well-known figures were Alexander H. Stephens, who became a Vice President, and Robert Toombs, a general.
In 1848, Hillyer moved to Monroe, Georgia. After the American Civil War, he moved to Decatur, Georgia. He lived in Decatur for the rest of his life.
Junius Hillyer's Time as a Judge
In 1834, when Junius Hillyer was 27 years old, he was chosen for an important job. He became the Solicitor General for the Western Judicial Circuit of Georgia. A Solicitor General is a lawyer who represents the government in court.
Hillyer tried to become a member of Congress in 1836 and 1838, but he did not win. In 1841, he became a judge. He served as a Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia's Western Circuit. He worked as a circuit judge from 1841 to 1845.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
In 1850, Junius Hillyer was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was first elected as a member of the Unionist Party. This party wanted to keep the United States together.
He was elected again in 1852, but this time as a Democrat. He served in Congress from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1855. During his second term, Hillyer led an important group. He was the chairman of the Committee on Private Land Claims. This committee dealt with legal claims about land ownership.
Later Years and Family Life
After his time in Congress, President James Buchanan gave Hillyer another important job. He was appointed as the Solicitor of the United States Treasury. He worked in this role from 1857 until February 13, 1861.
He resigned from his job because Georgia decided to leave the Union. This event led to the Civil War. After returning to Georgia, Hillyer stopped working in public service. For the rest of his life, he focused on his private law practice.
Community Involvement
Junius Hillyer also cared about education. He served as a Trustee for the University of Georgia from 1844 to 1858. He was also a Trustee for Mercer University. A trustee helps manage and guide a university.
Family and Legacy
Junius Hillyer passed away at his home in Decatur, Georgia, on June 21, 1886. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.
In 1831, Junius Hillyer married Jane Selina Watkins. They had five sons and either three or four daughters. One of their sons passed away young. However, the other four sons, including Eben Hillyer, became successful in their careers.
One of his sons, George Hillyer, became a well-known politician in Georgia. He led a group of soldiers in the Confederate States Army during the Battle of Gettysburg. Later, George served in the state legislature, became a judge, and was even the Mayor of Atlanta.
Junius Hillyer was interested in helping his hometown of Athens grow. Early in his life, he invested in the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. This company started in 1833 and built the first railroad in Georgia. The railroad eventually reached a place near an old Native American village. This spot was called "Terminus" because it was the end of the line. After a few name changes, Terminus became the city we know today as Atlanta.
