Isaac Coles

Isaac Coles (March 2, 1747 – June 3, 1813) was an American planter and statesman from Virginia.

Isaac Coles
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 6th district
In office March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1797
Preceded by	Abraham B. Venable
Succeeded by	Matthew Clay
In office March 4, 1789 – March 3, 1791
Preceded by	District established
Succeeded by	Abraham B. Venable
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Halifax County
In office 1783–1787 Alongside John Coleman, James McCraw, Jeremiah Pate and Nathaniel Hunt
In office 1780 Alongside William Martin
Personal details
Born	March 2, 1747 Richmond, Virginia Colony, British America
Died	June 3, 1813 (aged 66) near Chatham, Virginia, U.S.
Resting place	"Coles Hill", Chatham Virginia
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Other political affiliations	Anti-Administration
Residence	"Coles Hill"
Alma mater	College of William and Mary
Profession	Planter
Military service
Rank	Colonel
Unit	Virginia state militia
Battles/wars	American Revolutionary War

Biography

Coles was born in Richmond in the Colony of Virginia in 1747. He was educated at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as a colonel in the Virginia militia. In 1780 and 1781 as well as 1783–1788, he was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. As a member of the Virginia Ratifying Convention assembled in June 1788, Coles opposed ratification of the United States Constitution. Nevertheless, he ran for the United States House of Representatives, serving in Congress from 1789 to 1791. He was also elected to the House in 1792 and 1794, serving from March 4, 1793 to March 3, 1797.

Coles died on his plantation, Coles Hill, near Chatham, Virginia in 1813 and was buried in the family cemetery there. His son, Walter Coles, also served in the House of Representatives.

A relative with a similar name, Isaac A. Coles (b. 1780 at Enniscorthy, Albemarle County and brother of Edward Coles) served as personal secretary to Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison during their administrations.

Elections

• 1789; Coles was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives unopposed.
• 1793; Coles was re-elected unopposed.
• 1795; Coles was re-elected with 36.76% of the vote, defeating Independents Simon C. McMahon and Matthew Clay.

External links

• Congressional biography