James Hamilton, Jr. (1786 - 1857)

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Birthdate:
Birthplace: Charleston, SC, USA
Death: Died in TX, USA
Cause of death: Drowning, Steamboat Collision
Occupation: Congressman, Governor
Managed by: Michel Cavallon, IV
Last Updated:

About James Hamilton, Jr.

James Hamilton, served as a major in the War of 1812 and was elected Governor of South Carolina in 1830. He became known as "the Great Nullifier" He later moved to Texas where he fought in its war with Mexico.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hamilton_Jr.

James Hamilton, Jr. (May 8, 1786 – November 15, 1857) was an American lawyer and politician. He represented South Carolina in the U.S. Congress (1822–1829) and served as its 53rd Governor (1830–1832).


James was born on May 8, 1786 in Charleston, South Carolina to James and Elizabeth (Lynch) Hamilton-daughter of Congressman Thomas Lynch and sister of Thomas Lynch, Jr. He practiced law in Charleston, and for several years served the city as its mayor. He was elected to the South Carolina state House of Representatives, and served from 1819 until 1822. When William Lowndes resigned from the U.S. Congress, Hamilton was elected to complete his term, and started his congressional career on December 13, 1822. He was re-elected in 1824 and 1826. He was a States' Rights Democrat and a Nullifier.


Hamilton personally loaned $216,000 to the young Republic of Texas, and arranged other loans for them from the Bank of the United States. He served as a special agent for them in Europe, gaining diplomatic recognition for the new republic from Great Britain and Holland. He finally moved to Texas in 1855.


In 1857, while returning to Texas from Washington, D.C., Hamilton’s steam-boat was sunk, and he drowned in the Gulf of Mexico, reportedly after yielding his seat in a lifeboat to a woman and her child. Hamilton County, Texas is named in his honor. His brother-in-law Barnard E. Bee, Sr was the son of Congressman Thomas Bee and father of Confederate Generals Barnard E. Bee Jr. and Hamilton Prioleau Bee and grandfather of Texas Congressman Carlos Bee.

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fha35

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James Hamilton, Jr., Governor's Timeline

1786
May 8, 1786
Charleston, SC, USA
1857
November 15, 1857
Age 71
TX, USA
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