Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-06-26
JUDGE M.oRARY DEAD.
A Notable Character Of the western bar
ana National Politics Passes Away.

A Notable Character OF tho western bar
and National Politics Passes Away.
ST JosEPH. Mo, June 24-Ex-Secre-
tary OF War George w. McCrary died at
the residence OF his son-in-law, Dr. w.
O. Boeteler, at ten o'clock yesterday
morning. He had been Ill for a long
time and had been confined to his bed
for month, being taken down shortly
after his arrival here to visit his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Boeteler. His complaint was
tumor OF the stomach He leaves wife
and children. The remains will be
taken TO Keolsuk. Iowa, for burial on
special train.
BIoGRAPHIcAL
George w McUrary was born in Indiana
near Evansville, August 20, 1888. In the
same year his parents removed to McDo-
nough County, Illinois, all In 1887 iourneyed
stlli further west and settled In what Is now
Van Buren County, Iowa. Here amidst the
prlvntlons and dangers OF settlers ne
George McCrary grew to maturity, the toll
and hardshlps having no little influence In
developing the sterling qualities which ap-
peared In his life.
His education was such as could be gained
by the earnest study TO which he devoted
hts time at the newly formed schools OF that
region and ut nm academy near his home.
Arriving al the age OF nineteen, his habits
OF close and sy stematIc reading had gained
him the reputation OF being the best in
formed man In the community. IL was at
this age that he determined TO enter the
legal profession. aud to that end he became
a student IN the law of1ice OF Rankin \ Mill
Ter as A student In 1856 he passed perfect
examination and was admitted to the bar,
and soon became a member OF the firm with
which he had studied.
In Al ftsa Pa
His first appearance In public life was on
his election ms a member OF the popular
branch OF tho Iowa Legislature IN 1851.
ThencefOrward his history as a public SER
want is one constant record Of upward steps,
in 1851 he was elected a State SENATOR In
1868 he was sent 10 Congress from the First
Iowa district and here he served eight years,
long before the end OF which time he was
universally considered one Of the leaders
OF the House. and his unswerving de-
votion 10 Justice. n thorough knowledge
OF the rules and prccedents OF the House, an
lnvarlable assumption OF n dignifed and
manly position on all questions. were the
elements which conduccd TO us leadership,
witch was never misused. For perhaps the
first time in the history Of the House he pre-
vailed upon its members to vote upon
election cases without regard to party afiii-
iations. lie was also the first 60 propose
lawful and peaceaDie solution Of the AIS
.
eating the Joint Congressional Committee OF
which lie was a leading member
In 1877 MIR McCrlry received the appoint
ment OF Secretary Of War. Here he distin-
guished himself by valuable services In con-
nection with the printing Of the Union and
Confederate archives, by his prompt action
In handling the army forces ana suppress
ing the ihrcatened destruction q life aud
property during The great railway stTTSS Of
1877, and by his humane efforts In behalf OF
the southern yellow fever sufferers ofis72
In the latter part OF 1879 Mr.. MeCrary re-
signed his Cabinet position TO enter upon
new field OF usefulness becoming Judge OF
the United states Circuit Court Tor the
Eighth Judicial Circuit. an Immense terri
tory stretching from Missouri 10 Colora 10,
from Arkansas to Minnesota. Here again
his love OF truth aud Justice his extensive
legal knowledge and his capacity for dis.
posing OF the mass OF work thrown upoR
him. won him fresh laurels, and when no
resigned m 1854 II was an ootastQn Of deep 4
regret to All with VIII m he had been broughC
into contact.
In the year last mentioned he located In
Kansas City and accepted the important
position ~ general counsel for the Atchison.
Topeka a Santa Fe railroad which position
he held until the time OF his death Ho also
enjoyed large private practice aud had as
sociated sith him therein Messis Wallace
Pratt and Frank TIaaerman.
Judge McCrary has been for thirty years
an active member OF the Unitarian Church
and was prominent among the conservatives
OF that denomination IN all discussions on
It's religious standing and has published
series Of letters advocating distinctlvely
Christian basis for church work
In the year 1867 he was united Ia matri-
mcny to Miss Helen Gelatt. Of Van Buren
County Iowa. who with five children sur.
wives him. The union was one OF unalloyed
happiness, each being eminently fttod In
temperament to aid and assist the other