James Archibald Meriwether

James Archibald Meriwether (September 20, 1806 – April 18, 1852) was a United States Representative, jurist and lawyer from Georgia. His uncle was U.S. Representative James Meriwether.

Early years and education

Meriwether was born near Washington, Georgia, on September 20, 1806 to James and Susannah Hatcher Meriweather. He graduated from the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens with a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree in 1826.

Legal career and military service

After studying law and gaining admittance to the state bar, he practiced law in Eatonton, Georgia. He was also captain of a volunteer unit during the Seminole Wars.[1][2]

Political service

From 1831 to 1836 and again in 1838, Meriwether served in the Georgia House of Representatives as a representative of Clarke County. From 1845 to 1849, he served as a judge of the superior court for the Eatonton (Ocmulgee) district . In 1840, he was elected as a Whig Representative from Georgia to the 27th United States Congress and served one term from March 4, 1841 until March 3, 1843. He returned to the Georgia House in for one term in 1843. In 1851 he was once again elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and served as Speaker of that body in 1852.

Personal life

Meriwether married Rebecca Carleton McKigney, and together the couple had eight children who survived past childhood.[3]

Death

Meriwether died on April 18, 1852, in Eatonton and was buried in that city's Union Cemetery.

References

1. "PUTNAM COUNTY, GA - MILITARY INDIAN WARS Capt J.A. Meriwether 1836". www.usgwarchives.net. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
2. Thomas Reed. The History of the University of Georgia. University of Georgia. p. 216. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
3. "Hon. James Archibald Meriwether". Southern Anthology - Families on the Frontiers of the Old South. Retrieved January 25, 2020.

External links

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress website http://bioguide.congress.gov.

• United States Congress. "James Archibald Meriwether (id: M000652)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Letter dated April 25, 1852 reporting the sudden death of Judge James Archibald Meriwether
• History of the University of Georgia, Thomas Walter Reed, Imprint: Athens, Georgia : University of Georgia, ca. 1949, pp. 215–216
• James Archibald Meriwether at Find a Grave

See also

• List of Speakers of the Georgia House of Representatives

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