John Greig (representative)

For other people named John Greig, see John Greig (disambiguation).

John Greig (August 6, 1779 – April 9, 1858)^[2] was an American lawyer and politician who served briefly as a United States representative from New York in 1841.

John Greig
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 26th district
In office May 21, 1841 (1841-05-21) – September 25, 1841 (1841-09-25)
Preceded by	Francis Granger
Succeeded by	Francis Granger
Personal details
Born	(1779-08-06)August 6, 1779 Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Died	April 9, 1858(1858-04-09) (aged 78) Canandaigua, New York, U.S.
Resting place	West Avenue Cemetery, Canandaigua, New York, US
Political party	Whig
Spouse	Clarissa Chapin (m. 1806)[1]
Occupation	Attorney

Biography

Greig was born in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland in the Kingdom of Great Britain on August 6, 1779, and attended the Edinburgh High School.^[3]

He immigrated to the United States in 1797 to manage the Western New York land holdings of Sir William Pulteney.^[4] Greig subsequently studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Canandaigua, New York.^[5] He served as president of the Ontario Bank, was president of the Ontario Agricultural Society, and was a member and vice chancellor of the Board of Regents for the University of the State of New York.^[6] He was also one of the founders of the Ontario Female Seminary.^[7] In 1806, Greig married Clarissa Chapin, the granddaughter of Israel Chapin.^[1]

Congress

Greig was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-seventh Congress, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Francis Granger; he served from May 21, 1841, until his resignation on September 25, 1841.

Death and legacy

He died in Canandaigua on April 9, 1858, with interment in West Avenue Cemetery.^[8]

The town of Greig in Lewis County was named for him.^[9]