Lafayette Gregg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Honorable
Lafayette Gregg
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| Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court |
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| In office 1868–1874 |
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| Preceded by | Freeman W. Compton |
| Succeeded by | David Walker |
| Chancery Judge of the 1st District | |
| In office November 25, 1865 – February 12, 1867 |
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| Preceded by | U.M. Rose |
| Succeeded by | Thomas D. W. Yonley |
| Constituency | Pulaski County |
| Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from the Washington County district |
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| In office November 6, 1854 – November 3, 1856 Serving with S.R. Mouldin, B.H. Smithson, Thomas Wilson
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| Preceded by | G. Cline |
| Succeeded by | John Billingsley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 6, 1825 Moulton, Alabama |
| Died | November 1, 1891 (aged 66) |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Mary Ann Shreve
(m. 1852–1891) |
| Children | 6 |
| Residences | Gregg House, Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| Profession | Lawyer, banker |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Years of service | 1894-1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 4th Arkansas Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
Lafayette S. Gregg (born February 6, 1825 – died November 1, 1891) was an important lawyer and politician from Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and the United States. He worked to represent the people of Fayetteville and northwest Arkansas in the state government. He also served as a judge, including a top position on the Arkansas Supreme Court from 1868 to 1874.
Gregg fought for the Union during the Civil War. He held many important jobs. However, he is perhaps best known for helping to bring the University of Arkansas to Fayetteville. He stayed connected with the university and the city for the last 20 years of his life. He was a very helpful supporter.
Early Life and First Jobs
Lafayette S. Gregg was born on February 6, 1825, in Moulton, Alabama. His parents were Henry Gragg and Mary Murrell. His family moved to Arkansas Territory in 1835.
Gregg grew up on a farm in Washington County, Arkansas. In 1849, he started studying law in a law office in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He taught school to earn money while he studied. After passing his law exam, he started his own law practice. He became a well-known lawyer in town. Gregg married Mary A. Shreve on December 21, 1852, in Washington County, Arkansas.
Gregg was elected to represent Washington County in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He served alongside three other representatives. Later, on August 23, 1856, Gregg was elected as a prosecuting attorney. This meant he was a lawyer who worked for the government in court cases.
During the Civil War
Lafayette Gregg was a lifelong member of the Republican Party. He did not agree with Arkansas leaving the United States. He remained loyal to the United States during the Civil War. Many people in northwest Arkansas felt the same way. However, much of Arkansas chose to join the Confederate States of America.
During the Civil War, Colonel Lafayette S. Gregg was in charge of Company S. This was part of the 4th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment. He led them from October 16, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
After the War: A Busy Life
After the war, Gregg was elected as a judge for the Pulaski Chancery Court on November 25, 1865. Later, he became an associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court. Gregg worked with another important person from Fayetteville, David Walker. Together, they made sure that the Arkansas Industrial University would be built in Fayetteville. This university is now known as the University of Arkansas. Walker had supported the Confederacy, but their teamwork was very important for the city to get the university.
In 1886, the Republican Party asked Gregg to run for Governor. He ran against the current governor, Simon P. Hughes. Gregg lost the election. This was common for Republican candidates during that time in the South.
After the University of Arkansas was founded in 1871, Gregg was chosen to be on its board of trustees. He also served on the committee that oversaw building projects. He personally managed the construction of University Hall, which is now called Old Main. At the same time, Gregg also built a large brick house for himself nearby. This house is now known as the Gregg House. In 1890, when the university started a law department, he became a professor of constitutional law.
Gregg also started and led the Bank of Fayetteville. He managed a 400-acre farm and continued to practice law. He was a strong supporter of his state and local area in his later years. Gregg gave land to the American Missionary Association for a school for Black children. He also pushed for Arkansas to be included in the Columbian Exposition, a big world's fair. In 1891, he was the head of the Arkansas Banking Association. Lafayette Gregg died at his home on November 1, 1891. Courts, businesses, banks, and the university all closed on the day of his funeral. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery with other important Fayetteville residents.
