Crozier was born in Cadiz, Ohio on October 13, 1827, the son of John Thomas Crozier (1790–1867) and Jane Ann (Ginn) Crozier (1801–1839).[1][a] He attended the public schools and Cadiz Academy, then began to study law with an attorney in Carrollton, Ohio.[1] He was admitted to the bar in 1848, and began to practice in Carrollton.[1]
Start of career
While residing in Carrollton, Crozier also became editor of the Carroll Free Press newspaper.[2] Originally active in politics as a Whig,[3][4] from 1848 to 1850, Crozier served as prosecuting attorney of Carroll County.[1] In the 1850s, Crozier served on Carroll County's board of examiners, which was responsible for reviewing the qualifications of teachers in the public schools and approving them for employment.[5]
Continued career
Crozier moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, on March 7, 1857, where he established the Leavenworth Daily Times newspaper and continued to practice law.[1] He became a Republican when the party was founded in the mid-1850s, and he served on the Kansas territorial council from 1857 to 1858.[1] In 1861, and Crozier was appointed United States attorney for the district of Kansas by President Abraham Lincoln.[1] He served until 1864, when he resigned.[1] From 1864 to 1867, Crozier served as Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court.[1] After leaving the bench, he resumed practicing law and also served as cashier and manager of the First National Bank of Leavenworth.[1]
Later career
On November 24, 1873, Crozier was appointed to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Alexander Caldwell.[1] He was not a candidate for election to the seat, and served until February 12, 1874, when a successor was elected.[1] After leaving the Senate, Crozier resumed his banking and legal interests in Leavenworth.[1]
Crozier served as judge of the first judicial district of Kansas from 1876 to 1892.[1] He was a member of the board of directors of the Kansas Historical Society from 1886 to 1889.[1]
Death and burial
After retiring, Crozier continued reside in Leavenworth.[1] He died in Leavenworth on October 2, 1895.[1] Crozier was buried at Mount Muncie Cemetery in Lansing, Kansas.[1]
