George Symes

George Symes was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Colorado's at-large congressional district during the late 19th century. A member of the Republican Party, he held office during the 49th and 50th Congresses from 1885 to 1889. Prior to his congressional career, Symes had a distinguished military service record as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War and also held judicial positions, including serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Montana Territory. His life was marked by significant contributions to the legal and political landscape of the Western United States.

Early life and career

George Gifford Symes was born on April 28, 1840, in Ashtabula County, Ohio. He received his early education in Ohio before moving with his family to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1852. It was in La Crosse that he completed his education and began his legal studies at the age of 20 under the mentorship of Angus Cameron, who would later become a U.S. senator.

With the onset of the Civil War, Symes joined the Union Army, enlisting with a volunteer company known as the "La Crosse Light Guard." This company became part of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, which mustered into federal service on April 12, 1861. During his service, Symes was wounded at the First Battle of Bull Run and subsequently discharged due to his injuries in December of that year. After recovering, he rejoined the military, this time as adjutant of the 25th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He was later promoted to captain of Company F and participated in significant military campaigns, including the Siege of Vicksburg and the Atlanta campaign. Symes sustained another injury at Decatur, Georgia, in July 1864. Following his recovery, he was appointed to command the newly formed 44th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, which he helped organize before serving in Tennessee and Kentucky until the end of the war.

After the Civil War, Symes settled in Paducah, Kentucky, where he continued his legal career. In 1867, he was the Radical Republican nominee for the United States House of Representatives in Kentucky's 1st congressional district, challenging the incumbent Democrat, Lawrence S. Trimble. Despite his efforts, he was not successful in this election, and his subsequent challenge regarding alleged voter intimidation was also unsuccessful. In 1869, he was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Montana Territory, a position he held for two years before resigning to practice law in Helena, Montana. In 1874, Symes relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he established a legal practice, marking the beginning of his significant involvement in Colorado's political and legal affairs.

House tenure

George Symes was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving in the 49th and 50th Congresses from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1889. During his time in Congress, he represented Colorado's at-large congressional district, which encompassed the entire state at that time. His tenure in the House was characterized by the challenges and opportunities of representing a rapidly growing and evolving state in the post-Civil War era.

While specific details about his legislative activities and the bills he supported during his time in office are not provided, it is understood that members of Congress during this period were often involved in discussions surrounding issues such as land grants, railroad expansion, and the integration of new states into the Union. Symes's background as a lawyer and his experiences in the military likely informed his perspectives on various legislative matters. After serving two terms in the House, Symes's congressional career concluded in early March 1889.

Legislative focus and committees

Although specific information regarding the committees on which George Symes served during his congressional tenure is not available, it is common for representatives of his era to have engaged in issues pertinent to their constituents and the broader national landscape. Given his legal background and experience in the judiciary, it is plausible that he may have had an interest in legal and judicial matters, as well as issues related to civil rights and veterans' affairs, particularly in light of his own military service.

After leaving Congress, Symes returned to private life, managing his estate and continuing his legal practice. His life took a tragic turn when he died by suicide on November 3, 1893. His death was attributed to ongoing health issues stemming from his Civil War injuries, compounded by a recent bout of pneumonia. At the time of his passing, his wife and children were residing in Massachusetts for health reasons. Symes was buried in Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

Symes's legacy includes not only his contributions to the legal and political spheres but also his role as a pioneer in the Western United States. His family continued to be involved in public service, with his eldest son, John Foster Symes, serving for many years as a United States district judge in Colorado. Throughout his life, George Symes exemplified the spirit of public service and commitment to his community, leaving behind a complex legacy shaped by his experiences as a soldier, lawyer, and legislator.