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
