Galusha A. Grow

Galusha Aaron Grow (August 31, 1823 – March 31, 1907) was an American politician who served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863. He was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and played a significant role in the passage of the Homestead Act.

Early Life and Education

Grow was born in Ashford, Connecticut, and later moved with his family to Pennsylvania. He attended the Franklin Academy in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Amherst College in 1844. After completing his education, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1847.

Political Career

Grow began his political career as a member of the Democratic Party, but he switched to the Republican Party in the 1850s due to his anti-slavery stance. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1850 and served until 1863.

Speaker of the House

In 1861, Grow was elected as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first Republican to hold the position. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the passage of the Homestead Act, which provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.

Later Life

After leaving Congress, Grow returned to Pennsylvania and resumed his law practice. He remained active in politics and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1864. In 1894, he was elected to the House of Representatives again, serving until 1903.

Legacy

Grow's contributions to American politics, particularly his role in the passage of the Homestead Act, have left a lasting impact on the nation's development. He is remembered as a key figure in the expansion of the American frontier.

See Also

• Homestead Act
• Republican Party (United States)
• Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

References

• John,

 The Life and Times of Galusha A. Grow, 
  
 Historical Press, 
 1910,

Homestead Act(link). History.com.

Accessed 2023-10-15.

External Links

• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

Galusha A. Grow gallery

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  Galusha A. Grow restored

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  Galusha Grow

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  Lawrence O'Bryan Branch Confederate General

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  Speaker of the House Galusha A. Grow Gravesite