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Birney (WILLIAM an American lawyer)

WILLIAM, an American lawyer, born in Madison co., Ala., May 28, 1819; was educated in Paris; took part in the Revolution of 1848; and was appointed, on public competition, Professor of English Literature in the College at Bourges, France. In 1861 he entered the United States army as a private, and was promoted through all the grades to brevet Major-General. In 1863-1865 he commanded a division. He was attorney for the District of Columbia, and after 1874 practiced law in Washington. He wrote "Life and Times of James G. Birney," "Plea for Civil and Religious Liberty," etc. He died Aug. 14, 1907.