William Crawford (Pennsylvania politician) facts for kids

William Crawford was a politician and doctor from the early days of the United States. He was born in Scotland and later moved to America. He served as a representative for Pennsylvania in the United States Congress.

Early Life and Education

William Crawford was born in 1760 in a town called Paisley, which is in Scotland. He received a good education, which means he learned a lot in school. He went on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. In 1781, he successfully finished his studies and earned his degree.

After finishing his education, William Crawford decided to move to the United States. He chose to live near a town called Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 1785, he bought a farm near Marsh Creek. He lived and worked on this farm for the rest of his life. During this time, he also worked as a doctor, helping people in the area.

A Career in Public Service

Besides being a doctor, William Crawford also served his community in other ways. From 1801 to 1808, he worked as an associate judge for Adams County, Pennsylvania. This meant he helped make important decisions in court cases.

Later, Crawford became involved in national politics. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. government where elected officials represent their states. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, which was one of the main political groups at the time. He served in Congress for several terms, from 1809 to 1817.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time in Congress, William Crawford returned to his home near Gettysburg. He continued to practice medicine, caring for people in his community. He passed away on October 23, 1823. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg.