James McCauley

James McCauley (August 23, 1809 – January 25, 1897) was an American politician and judge from Maryland. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Cecil County, from 1865 to 1866. Early life James McCauley was born on August 23, 1809, at an old stone house called Lowry's on Van Bibber's Forrest near Mechanics' Valley in Cecil County, Maryland, to Elizabeth (née McCauley) and John McCauley. His mother and father were first cousins. He was the first cousin of James A. McCauley, president of Dickinson College and Methodist Episcopal minister. McCauley received his early education at Maffit's schoolhouse and took grammar lessons with Dr. Cleveland in North East. He became a surveyor and also learned the trade of a cooper, but did not pursue it for long. Career In 1830, McCauley worked for a short time with the U.S. Corps of Engineers on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Sykesville. In 1833, McCauley manufactured portable four-horse threshing machines in Cecil County. McCauley wrote Field Books of Surveys in Cecil County, compiling plats and surveys within Cecil County. He also contributed poetry to county newspapers. In 1841, Governor Thomas Pratt appointed McCauley as county surveyor. In 1857, McCauley was elected as register of wills and served in that role for six years. During the Civil War, McCauley supported the Union side.