George Rockingham Gilmer (1790-1859)

U.S. Congressman, Governor Georgia. Educated at Academy of Moses Waddell South Carolina, he worked as a teacher and served as a Lieutenant in the 43rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, during the War of 1812. After the war, he studied law, was admitted to the bar and established a legal career in Lexington, Georgia. He was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, (1818-19), was elected to as a Republican to the Seventeenth Congress, serving (1821-23) and elected as a Jacksonian to the Twentieth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Edward F. Tatnall, serving (1827-29). He was then elected as a Democrat-Whig the Governor of Georgia, serving (1829-31). After his term, he was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-third Congress, serving (1833-35). After leaving Congress, he was again elected Governor of Georgia, serving (1837-39). After leaving office, he served as a trustee of the University of Georgia, until his death at age 69.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith