George Marcus Cruikshank

Notes for GEORGE MARCUS CRUIKSHANK:

Citation from ?Notable Men of Alabama Personal and Genealogical? Spartanburg, SC Reprint Co. 1976 944 Pages P. 26 GEORGE M. CRUIKSHANK, editor of the Birmingham Ledger, was born near Lexington, KY, March 15, 1852. His father, MARCUS H. CRUIKSHANK, a native of Alabama, was a distinguished lawyer of Talladega, was a member of the Confederate Congress and served as commissioner of the destitute of the State for several years immediately subsequent to the Civil war. His mother, MATILDA W., was the daughter of Col. JOSEPH H. CHRISMAN, and granddaughter of General MCDOWELL of Revolutionary fame. At the opening of the Civil war, Colonel CHRISMAN, being too old for active service, went to Missouri and acted as drillmaster for Price?s army. Mrs. CRUIKSHANK still resides at Talladega. GEORGE M. CRUIKSHANK was reared a Talladega, attended the schools of that city and was graduated from the academies there with degree of bachelor of arts. For many years he was engaged in teaching at Talladega, and at the same time devoting himself to reading and the higher studies. In 1883 her removed to Birmingham to become editor of the Birmingham Chronicle, and continued as same for several years. From 1890 to 1893 he was superintendent of house folding room to National Congress, at Washington, D. C. In 1893 he resigned the position to become assistant postmaster of Birmingham and served as such for four years. In June, 1897, he became editor of the Birmingham Ledger, then a small paper, and its growth under his editorship has been phenomenal. It now has a circulation of 18,000, a new $25,000 press, and is one of the best papers in the South. It has press capacity enough to print all the newspapers published in the State. MR. CRUIKSHANK is a Master Mason, a Presbyterian, a member of the Alabama Press association, of the Birmingham Press club, and the Commercial club of Birmingham, and president of the Birmingham Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was married in Birmingham, Oct. 7, 1887, to MARY R., daughter of MATTHEW T. SMITH, and has two children, MARY GEORGE, and MARCUS. MR. CRUIKSHANK is a strong and interesting writer, being especially gifted in the presentation of the lives of the men and women who have made the wonderful history of Alabama.

Citation in ?Jefferson County & Birmingham Alabama Historical and Biographical, 1887? DuBose, John Witherspoon Birmingham, AL Teeple & Smith 1887 597 Pages Chapter VIII City Government P 412-413

GEORGE M. CRUIKSHANK

Young men lead and control many of the leading enterprises of Birmingham. The glittering prospects of fame and fortune have lured many of the brightest and boldest of Alabama?s young men to Birmingham. The New South has a great attraction for men who want to abandon the past and keep pace with the spirit of the age, and the recognition of Birmingham as the center of that influence has brought to her streets the hope of many of Alabama?s town. In this spirit came GEORGE M. CRUIKSHANK, the subject of this sketch.

He was reared and educated at Talladega, and, soon after his maturity, was elected principal of the blind department of the State institution for the deaf, dumb, and blind. This position he held for six years, when the death of his father compelled him to resign, and lead a more active life. He then began the practice of law, and took editorial charge of the Reporter, succeeding his father. Soon after this he was appointed general administrator of Talladega County, and held that office for two years, when he came to Birmingham. He came here to enter journalism professionally, for that pursuit had thrown an enchantment around him too powerful to be resisted.

coming here, MR. CRUIKSHANK at once bought an interest in the Chronicle, with F. V. Evans, and became its editor, and soon afterward, in partnership with Mr. Evans and Mr. Grace, founded the Evening Chronicle. He has continued to do its editorial work since then. His policy has consistently been to stand close by the people, and to urge every line of policy proposed for the good of the people. this policy has made the Chronicle very popular at home, and its influence has been recognized in the district and the State. He, with Mr. D. B. Grace, now owns the paper, and they are devotedly at work adding to its usefulness.

MR. CRUIKSHANK is the only son of the late M.H. CRUIKSHANK, of Talladega, who was a member of the Confederate Congress, a lawyer of distinction, a fluent writer, and a man of stainless honor.

Few men, just entering the ?thirties?, have so bright a future as is now promised this young editor, who has already won an honorable place in his profession. He is well equipped for his life-work with a liberal education and a broad course of reading. Owning a well-established paper, he and his partner, Mr. Grace, are accounted tow of the successful young men of Birmingham.

More About GEORGE MARCUS CRUIKSHANK: Burial: Grand Bay Ctry., Mobile, Mobile, AL197 Census 1: 1860, Talladega County, AL in H/H of Parents198 Census 2: 1870, Talladega County, AL in H/H of Parents199 Census 3: 1900, Jefferson County, AL200 Census 4: 1910, Jefferson County, AL201

Occupation: Editor, Birmingham Ledger202