American politician (1789–1854)
James Meriwether (1789–1854) was a United States Representative and lawyer from Georgia . His father was David Meriwether and his nephew was James Archibald Meriwether .[ 1]
Early years and education
Meriwether was born near Washington, Georgia , Wilkes County in 1789. He attended the common schools, and graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens with a Bachelor of Arts (A.B. ) degree in 1807 and was a tutor at the University for a year.[ 1] [ 2] [ 3]
Career in law and military service
After studying law in Elberton, Georgia and gaining admittance to the state bar , he practiced law for a short time and then focused on farming. From 1811 to 1813, he was judge of the inferior court of Clarke County, Georgia .[ 3] In 1813, Meriwether fought in the Creek War under the command of General John Floyd . Meriwether served as a trustee of UGA from 1816 until 1831.[ 2]
Political office
From 1821 to 1823, Meriwether served in the Georgia House of Representatives representing Clarke County . President James Monroe appointed Meriwether as a commissioner to negotiate with the Creek in 1823.[ 3] In 1824, he was elected as a Jacksonian Representative to the 19th United States Congress and served one term from March 4, 1825 until March 3, 1827, as he did not seek reelection in 1826.[ 2]
Later years
James Meriwether returned to his farming and died while on a trip near Memphis, Tennessee , in 1854. He was buried at his family plantation in Clarke County.[ 2]
References
External links
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
History of the University of Georgia , Thomas Walter Reed, Imprint: Athens, Georgia : University of Georgia, c. 1949, pp. 135, 138
Meriwether, James. "[Letter] 1824 Dec. 14, Princeton, [Georgia] near Broken Arrow [to] G[eorge] M. Troup, [Governor of Georgia], Milledgeville / Duncan Campbell [and] Ja[me]s Meriwether, U.S. Commis[ione]rs" . Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730–1842 . Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, Digital Library of Georgia. Retrieved 21 February 2018 .
James Meriwether at Find a Grave
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