William B. McCreery facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William B. McCreery
14th State Treasurer of Michigan
In office 1875–1878
Governor	John J. Bagley Charles Croswell
Preceded by	Victory P. Collier
Succeeded by	Benjamin D. Pritchard
Constituency	Michigan
9th Mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan
In office 1865–1867
Preceded by	William Hamilton
Succeeded by	Austin B. Witherbee
Personal details
Born	August 27, 1836 Mt. Morris, Livingston County, New York
Died	December 9, 1896
Spouse	Ada B. Fenton
Relations	Reuben McCreery, Father Charles H. McCeery, Brother William M. Fenton, Father-in-law
Children	Fenton Reuben
Profession	Law
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	Army
Rank	21st Michigan Infantry
Unit	Company F, Second Michigan Infantry
Commands	21st Michigan Infantry
Battles/wars	Civil War -- Stones River Williamsburg Chickamauga

William B. McCreery (born August 27, 1836; died December 9, 1896) was an important politician and diplomat from Michigan. He served in the Civil War and held several public offices.

Early Life and Law Career

William B. McCreery was born on August 27, 1836. His hometown was Mt. Morris, in Livingston County, New York. When he was 23 years old, in 1859, he became a lawyer.

Serving in the Civil War

McCreery was a brave soldier during the Civil War. He started in Company F, Second Michigan Infantry. Later, he became a Lieutenant Colonel. He led the 21st Michigan Infantry for the Union Army.

He fought bravely in several battles. He was seriously hurt at Williamsburg, Virginia, and also at Chickamauga. After being wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga, Confederate soldiers captured him. He was held in Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. In 1864, he managed to escape from the prison. It is said he and other prisoners dug a tunnel to get out.

Life After the War

After the war, McCreery returned to Flint, Michigan. He started a business selling general goods. Later, he worked in the lumber industry. He owned a sawmill near the Flint River.

He also worked for the government. He became the district collector of internal revenue. This meant he helped collect taxes for the government. McCreery was also involved in local businesses. He was president of the Flint City Water Works Company. He also helped build the Grand Trunk Railway extension from Flint to Lansing.

Political Career

William B. McCreery had a successful career in politics. In 1865, he was elected the ninth mayor of Flint, Michigan. He served two one-year terms in this role.

Later, he became the Michigan State Treasurer. He was elected in 1875 and served until 1878. In 1890, he was appointed as a U.S. Consul in Valparaíso. This meant he was a diplomat representing the United States in another country.

Later Years

After his political career, McCreery continued to be active in his community. He served as a director for the First National Bank of Flint. William B. McCreery passed away on December 9, 1896, in Flint, Michigan. He was buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Flint.