James Xavier McLanahan

James Xavier McLanahan (May 17, 1809 – December 16, 1861) was an American lawyer and politician who served two terms as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district from 1849 to 1853.

Early life and education McLanahan was born near Greencastle, Pennsylvania, to William and Mary (Gregg) McLanahan. He was the grandson of Pennsylvania Senator Andrew Gregg and second cousin to Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin. He graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1827. He studied law under George Chambers who went on to become a Congressman and Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice. He was admitted to the bar in 1837 and commenced practice in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Career He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 14th district from 1841 to 1842 and for the 18th district from 1843 to 1844.

Congress McLanahan was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Congresses. He was the chairman of the United States House Committee on the Judiciary during the Thirty-second Congress. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1852.

Death He resumed the practice of law and died in New York City in 1861, aged 52.

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