Mordecai Oliver facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mordecai Baldwin Oliver
Secretary of State of Missouri
In office 1861–1865
Governor	Hamilton Rowan Gamble Willard Preble Hall
Preceded by	Benjamin Franklin Massey
Succeeded by	Francis A. Rodman
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 4th district
In office March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1857
Preceded by	Willard P. Hall
Succeeded by	James Craig
Personal details
Born	October 22, 1819 Anderson County, Kentucky
Died	April 25, 1898 (aged 78) Springfield, Missouri
Nationality	American

Mordecai Baldwin Oliver (born October 22, 1819 – died April 25, 1898) was an important American lawyer and politician. He served two terms as a U.S. Representative for Missouri. This means he was part of the group that makes laws for the country. He held this job from 1853 to 1857.

About Mordecai Oliver

Mordecai Oliver was born in Anderson County, Kentucky. He went to regular schools when he was young. After finishing school, he decided to study law. This meant he learned all about rules and legal systems.

Early Life and Law Career

In 1842, Mordecai Oliver became a lawyer. This is called being "admitted to the bar." He started his law practice in Richmond, Missouri. A few years later, in 1848, he became a "prosecuting attorney." This job meant he worked for the government. His role was to bring legal cases against people accused of crimes.

Serving in Congress

Mordecai Oliver was elected to the United States Congress. This is where laws are made for the whole country. He was first elected in 1853 as a member of the Whig Party. The Whigs were one of the main political groups at that time.

He was elected again in 1855. This time, he ran as a candidate for the Opposition Party. He served in Congress until March 3, 1857.

Later Public Service

After his time in Congress, Oliver continued to serve the public. In 1861, he was elected as the Secretary of State of Missouri. He was part of the Unionist Party during this time. The Secretary of State is a high-ranking official in a state government. They handle many important records and elections.

Later, he went back to working as a lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. From 1889 to 1893, he served as a judge. He worked in the criminal court, making decisions in cases about crimes.

His Final Years

Mordecai Oliver later moved to Springfield, Missouri. He passed away there on April 25, 1898, when he was 78 years old. He was buried in Hazelwood Cemetery. To be "interred" means to be buried in the ground.