John Hervey Crozier (February 20, 1812 – October 25, 1889) was an American politician, lawyer, and planter who represented Tennessee's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1845 to 1849. A prominent Whig during his congressional tenure, he later became a Democrat after the American Civil War.
Early Life and Education Crozier was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was the son of John Crozier and Dinah Hervey Crozier. He pursued classical studies, graduated from East Tennessee College (now the University of Tennessee) in 1829, and subsequently studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1833 and commenced practice in Knoxville.
Political Career Crozier's political career began with his election to the Tennessee House of Representatives, where he served from 1837 to 1838. In 1844, he successfully ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Whig, representing Tennessee's 3rd district. He was re-elected in 1846 and served a total of two terms, from March 4, 1845, to March 3, 1849. During the 30th Congress, he chaired the Committee on Claims. Crozier was also a delegate to the 1848 Whig National Convention, which nominated Zachary Taylor for president.
After declining to seek re-election in 1848, Crozier retired from national politics. He remained active in local affairs and his law practice in Knoxville. Although a former slave owner and planter, he was a strong Unionist during the secession crisis and the American Civil War, though he did not hold political office during this tumultuous period. Following the war, he shifted his political allegiance and became a Democrat.
Later Life and Death Crozier resumed his law practice in Knoxville after his political career. He died in Knoxville, Tennessee, on October 25, 1889, and was interred in Old Gray Cemetery.