Friday, May 14, 2010

George Washington Glick



George Washington Glick (July 4, 1827– April 13, 1911) was the ninth Governor of Kansas.

George Washington Glick was raised on his father's farm near Greencastle, Ohio. He enlisted for service in the Mexican–American War, but saw no action. At age 21 he entered the law offices of Buckland and Hayes (later President Rutherford B. Hayes); he was admitted to the bar two years later and established a moderate law practice, earning a reputation as a hard-working lawyer. Glick moved to Atchison, Kansas, in 1859 and formed a partnership with Alfred P. Otis. He served as a Union soldier in the 2nd Kansas Infantry during the Civil War. Elected to the Kansas State Legislature in 1862, he served for 14 of the next 18 years and was Speaker pro tempore in 1876. He served in both houses of the state legislature. Glick was well respected and considered "just and expert" by his colleagues.

He was elected Governor in 1882 and served until 1885. Legislation enacted during his tenure included the creation of a railroad commission, a "good roads" law, reassessment of tax laws, and the establishment of a livestock sanitary commission. He was later appointed pension agent in Topeka by President Grover Cleveland.

After 15 years of civic service, George Glick was forced to abandon his political career because of a throat infection that nearly destroyed his ability to speak. He continued, however, as an attorney for various railroads. He also managed his farm and served as a charter member and first vice president of the Kansas Historical Society.
Glick died in 1911 in Atchison, Kansas.

Elizabeth Ryder Glick

Elizabeth set a new standard for the social position of the first ladies and instituted many changes in the entertaining of officials. She enjoyed being first lady and was a sparkling hostess. A well-educated, cultured person, she spoke several languages, belonged to literary societies and was extremely well-read.

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