Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Amanda S. Moulton; children: James G., Arthur, Sophie, Alice and 1 other
Number of Children: 5
Background
Education:
attended Center College, Kentucky;
graduated from Miami University, Ohio, 1836;
studies law at Yale University
Biographical Sketch:
Eldest son of James G. and Agatha Birney. He was a professor of Greek and Latin at Miami Univesity for 2 years. After completing his law studies he moved to Cincinnati, OH, to practice of law. In 1857 he went to Lower Saginaw, purchased his father's interests there, and worked to change the towns name to Bay City. Appointed Circuit Judge in his district to complete a vacancy; not re-elected. Elected Lt. Gov. in 1860, served from Jan. 1 1861-Apr. 3, 1861 when he resigned to accept a circuit judge position created by a vacancy. He served four years by was not re-elected.
In 1871 established the Bay City Chronicle; began publishing in 1873. Appointed US minister to the Netherlands 12/17/1875; served until 1882.
Notable Facts:
Born in June of 1817; exact date not known..
Editor of the, short-lived first newspaper in Bay City, the "Press", in 1856.
First prosecuting attorney for Bay County.
Delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1867.