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Crawford (WILLIAM HARRIS an American)

WILLIAM HARRIS, an American statesman; born in Amherst co., Va., Feb. 24, 1772. In 1783, he settled in Columbia co., Ga., began teaching school, was admitted to the bar in 1798, and entered on practice the first digest of State laws, was elected to the State Senate in 1802, and to the United States Senate to fill a vacancy in 13-Vol. III-Cyc CRAWFORD 1807 (fighting two duels during the canvass); was re-elected for a full term in 1811; was chosen president of the Senate pro tem. in 1812; and, refusing the secretaryship of war, was appointed minister to France in 1813. Two years later he was appointed Secretary of War, and the next year became Secretary of the Treasury, and held the latter office till March, 1825. He was urged as a candidate for the Presidency several times, received the nomination in 1824, and in the election had 41 electoral votes. No choice for President having been reached, the election was decided in the House of Representatives, but meanwhile Crawford had been stricken with paralysis, which precluded his effectual candidacy. He died Sept. 15, 1834.