Biography - Alfred M. Craig
ALFRED M. CRAIG is a man of characteristic personality. His look and his
general bearing indicate decision of character and strong intellectual
endowments. He is a native of Illinois, and was born in Paris, Edgar County,
January 15, 1831. His father was David Craig, a native of Pennsylvania, and his
mother's maiden name was Minta Ramey. David Craig was of Irish descent and was
born in Philadelphia. His parents came from the northern part of Ireland. David,
when a young man removed to Kentucky; but being unwilling to live in a slave
State, he came to Illinois in 1830. After remaining a short time in Edgar
County, he finally settled in Fulton County, where Justice A. M. Craig was born.
Justice Craig's father was a farmer, and it was on the farm that the lad was
brought up. His early advantages for schooling were such as are incident to a
new country and the life of a farmer boy. He attended school in winter, and
worked on the farm in summer, until he entered upon a course of study at Knox
College. In the fall of 1848, he became a member of the preparatory class, and
was admitted to the Freshman class in June, 1849. With distinguished honor, he
graduated in June, 1853. After graduation, there was halting or indecision as to
his future course. Immediately, he entered the law office of William C. Goudy,
of Lewistown, IL, and after one year's study, was admitted to practice in all
the courts of Illinois.
In the Fall of 1854, he opened an office in Knoxville, which was then the county
seat of Knox County. By his perseverance and determination, he soon built up a
large and lucrative practice in Knox and the adjoining counties. His skill and
erudition in law are exemplified in the fact that he rarely, if ever, lost a
case at court. He continued his practice until June, 1873, when he was elected
Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
Justice Craig has richly earned the commendations and confidence of his fellow
citizens. His knowledge of law an d his fidelity in practice have opened to him
places of honor and preferment. In 1856, he was appointed States Attorney by
Governor Mattison for the Circuit, composed of the counties of Mercer,
Henderson, Warren, Knox and Fulton. The appointment was for the unexpired term
of one year, caused by the resignation of William C. Goudy. In November, 1861,
he was elected County Judge of Knox County, serving four years. In 1869, he was
selected to the Constitutional Convention from Knox County, and assisted in
forming the present constitution of the State.
Justice Craig has lived a successful life. He started in the world a poor boy
and by his good judgment and great business sagacity, has became the owner of
great possessions. He is President of the Bank of Galesburg, of which he is the
largest stockholder, and his landed estate cover rich and extensive fields of
territory. As a lawyer, he is profound and a great judge. For the correctness
and justness of his decisions, his fame is unsurpassed. He is not an observer of
conventionalities, and is no servile worshiper of court etiquette. He is plain
in his manner, kind, social, and generous to his friends. He is a student of
human nature, and has won distinction more by his practical common sense than by
his knowledge of Latin or Greek. He has served his county and his State
faithfully and well, and is entitled to the plaudits of all.
Justice Craig was married in August, 1857, to Elizabeth P. Harvey, daughter of
C. K. Harvey, who was a lawyer of eminent ability. Mr. Harvey was born and
educated in the State of Vermont. He came to Knox County at an early day, and
built up a large practice in Knox and adjoining counties. He presented Knox
County in the Constitutional Convention of 1847. He died at Knoxville in 1848,
at the age of thirty-three.
Justice and Mrs. Craig have had four children, two now living; Dr. A. H., a
druggist, and Captain Charles C., a lawyer, both living in this city.
Extracted from the 1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County,
Munsell Publishing Company.
