James Craig

James Craig (February 28, 1818 – October 22, 1888) was an American lawyer and politician from Saint Joseph, Missouri. He represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 1857 until 1861. He also served as a militia captain in the Mexican–American War.

During the American Civil War, Craig served as a brigadier general of U.S. volunteers. From April to November 1862, Craig was the military commander in charge of the overland mail routes in Kansas and Nebraska. On November 2, 1862 he assumed command of the District of Nebraska Territory and commanded until May 5, 1863 when he resigned. Craig again served as a brigadier general, this time in the Missouri State militia, in 1864 and 1865.

Biography Craig was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania on February 28, 1818, the son of tailor James Craig and Margaret Slater (Sleator) Craig. (Some sources indicate Craig's year of birth was 1817 or 1820.) He was buried at Mount Mora Cemetery in St. Joseph. He was the namesake of Craig, Missouri.

Family In August 1843, Craig married Helen Pfouts of Wayne County, Ohio. Louis A. Craig Sr. was a career army officer who attained the rank of colonel and was the father of army generals Malin Craig and Louis A. Craig.