Alfred Greenwood

Alfred Greenwood was an American attorney, judge, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 1st congressional district from 1853 to 1859. A member of the Democratic Party, Greenwood's political career spanned several significant events in American history, including the Civil War, during which he was elected to the Confederate Congress. In addition to his legislative service, he held various legal and governmental positions, including serving as Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President James Buchanan.

Early life and career

Alfred Greenwood was born on July 11, 1811, in Franklin County, Georgia, to Elizabeth Ingram and Hugh B. Greenwood. He received his early education in Lawrenceville, Georgia, before attending the University of Georgia in Athens, where he completed his studies. After graduating, he was admitted to the bar in 1832, marking the beginning of his legal career. Following his admission, Greenwood relocated to Decatur, Georgia, where he began to establish himself as an attorney.

In 1837, Greenwood was appointed as a quartermaster during the Cherokee removal, an event commonly referred to as the Trail of Tears. This role involved overseeing the forced relocation of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in Georgia and Tennessee to designated territories in Oklahoma. After witnessing the conditions and challenges of this operation, Greenwood resigned his commission in December 1838 and moved his family to Bentonville, Arkansas. There, he became the town's first attorney and began to engage in local politics.

Greenwood's political career in Arkansas began with his election to the Arkansas General Assembly, where he served two terms from 1842 to 1845. Following this, he was elected as the prosecuting attorney for the Fourth Circuit, a position he held from 1845 until 1851. His legal expertise further led to his election as a circuit judge, a role he occupied from 1851 until he transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1853.

House tenure

Alfred Greenwood was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives, representing Arkansas's 1st congressional district. His first term began on March 4, 1853, and he served until March 3, 1859. During his time in Congress, Greenwood was involved in various legislative discussions and decisions that shaped the nation during a tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War.

In 1856, Greenwood successfully won re-election to his third term after a contentious local Democratic Convention that required 276 ballots to determine the nominee. His tenure in the House was marked by his role as chairman of the House Committee on Indian Affairs during his final term. This position allowed him to influence policies related to Native American affairs, a topic of significant importance given his prior experience with the Cherokee removal.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Greenwood's legislative focus was heavily influenced by his background in law and his previous experiences with Native American issues. As chairman of the House Committee on Indian Affairs, he played a critical role in shaping legislation that affected Native American communities and their relations with the federal government. His legal expertise and understanding of these matters were essential during a time when policies regarding Native Americans were evolving.

In addition to his work on Indian Affairs, Greenwood's political activities were closely tied to the broader national issues of the time, including the growing tensions between the North and South. His alignment with the Democratic Party positioned him within a faction that often supported states' rights and the interests of Southern constituents.

After concluding his service in the House, Greenwood was appointed by President James Buchanan as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, a position he held from May 1859 until April 1861. His appointment to this role underscored his continued involvement in issues related to Native American policy at the federal level.

With the onset of the Civil War, Greenwood's political trajectory shifted significantly. After Arkansas seceded from the Union, he was elected to the Congress of the Confederate States, where he served from 1862 to 1865. During this time, he was tasked with recruiting members of the Cherokee and Choctaw nations into the Confederate army, reflecting the complex dynamics of Native American alliances during the war.

In 1864, he was appointed by Confederate President Jefferson Davis to serve as tax collector for Arkansas, further entrenching his role in the governance of the Confederate states.

After the war, Greenwood returned to legal practice, moving to Cassville, Missouri, in 1873, where he continued to work as an attorney. He was later elected as a judge and served in that capacity until returning to Arkansas in June 1879.

Greenwood's personal life included his marriage to Sarah A. Hilburn in 1833, with whom he had twelve children. He passed away on October 4, 1889, in Bentonville, Arkansas, and was interred at Bentonville Cemetery. His legacy includes the naming of both Greenwood, Arkansas, and Greenwood County, Kansas, in his honor, reflecting his impact on the regions he served and the historical context of his life and career.