James Xavier McLanahan

James Xavier McLanahan (* 1809 near Greencastle , Franklin County , Pennsylvania , †  December 16, 1861 in New York City ) was an American politician . Between 1849 and 1853 he represented the state of Pennsylvania in the US House of Representatives .

Career

James McLanahan was the grandson of Andrew Gregg (1755-1835), who represented the state of Pennsylvania in both houses of Congress . Until 1827 he attended Dickinson College in Carlisle . After studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1837, he began to work in this profession in Chambersburg . At the same time he embarked on a political career as a member of the Democratic Party . Between 1842 and 1844 he was a member of the Pennsylvania Senate .

In the 1848 congressional election , McLanahan was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Washington, DC , in the 16th  constituency of Pennsylvania , where he succeeded Jasper Ewing Brady on March 4, 1849 . After re-election, he was able to complete two legislative terms in Congress until March 3, 1853 . From 1851 he was chairman of the judicial committee . His time in Congress was marked by discussions about slavery . It was then that the compromise drawn up by Henry Clay of 1850 was passed.

In 1852, James McLanahan waived another congressional candidacy. After his time in the US House of Representatives, he practiced as a lawyer again. He died in New York on December 16, 1861.

Web links

• James Xavier McLanahan in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)

• James Xavier McLanahan in the database of Find a Grave (English)

predecessor	Office	successor
Jasper Ewing Brady	United States House Representative for Pennsylvania (16th constituency) March 4, 1849 - March 3, 1853	Carlton Brandaga Curtis