Virginia Governor, U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, he studied law, was admitted to bar and began the practice of law in Amelia County, Virginia in 1791. Entering politics, he was a member of the Virginia State House of Delegates (1797-1802) and clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates (1803-11). In 1811, he was elected as a Democratic Republican to the Twelfth Congress and to the next four succeeding Congresses, serving until 1819. He was then elected as a Democratic Republican to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John W. Eppes, serving 1819-22, when he resigned. In 1882, he was elected the 22nd Virginia Governor, serving until 1825. During his administration, he advocated interest in educating children of the poor and improving the penitentiary system. He objected to a protective tariff as contrary to the interests of the South, was a supporter of colonization as a solution to the slave problem and was elected vice president of an auxiliary branch of the National Colonization Society. After leaving office, he retired from politics and lived on his estate until his death.
Virginia Governor, U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, he studied law, was admitted to bar and began the practice of law in Amelia County, Virginia in 1791. Entering politics, he was a member of the Virginia State House of Delegates (1797-1802) and clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates (1803-11). In 1811, he was elected as a Democratic Republican to the Twelfth Congress and to the next four succeeding Congresses, serving until 1819. He was then elected as a Democratic Republican to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John W. Eppes, serving 1819-22, when he resigned. In 1882, he was elected the 22nd Virginia Governor, serving until 1825. During his administration, he advocated interest in educating children of the poor and improving the penitentiary system. He objected to a protective tariff as contrary to the interests of the South, was a supporter of colonization as a solution to the slave problem and was elected vice president of an auxiliary branch of the National Colonization Society. After leaving office, he retired from politics and lived on his estate until his death.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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