George McDuffie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George McDuffie
United States Senator from South Carolina
In office December 23, 1842 – August 17, 1846
Preceded by	William C. Preston
Succeeded by	Andrew Butler
55th Governor of South Carolina
In office December 9, 1834 – December 10, 1836
Lieutenant	Whitemarsh B. Seabrook
Preceded by	Robert Y. Hayne
Succeeded by	Pierce Mason Butler
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 5th district
In office March 4, 1823 – 1834
Preceded by	Starling Tucker
Succeeded by	Francis W. Pickens
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 6th district
In office March 4, 1821 – March 3, 1823
Preceded by	Eldred Simkins
Succeeded by	John Wilson
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the Edgefield District
In office November 23, 1818 – November 27, 1820
Personal details
Born	(1790-08-10)August 10, 1790 McDuffie County, Georgia
Died	March 11, 1851(1851-03-11) (aged 60) Sumter District, South Carolina
Political party	Democratic
Other political affiliations	Jacksonian, Nullifier
Spouse	Mary Rebecca Singleton
Profession	Politician, lawyer
Signature

George McDuffie (August 10, 1790 – March 11, 1851) was an important American politician. He served as the 55th Governor of South Carolina and was also a member of the United States Senate.

Early Life and Education

George McDuffie was born in Georgia in 1790. His family did not have much money. Even as a young man working in a store, people noticed how smart he was.

A powerful family, the Calhouns, helped him get a good education. He studied at a famous school called Willington Academy. He graduated from South Carolina College in 1813. In 1814, he became a lawyer and started his own law practice.

Political Career

McDuffie quickly became successful in politics. He served in the South Carolina General Assembly from 1818 to 1821. After that, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1821 to 1834. In 1834, he also became a major general in the South Carolina Militia.

Views on States' Rights

Early in his career, McDuffie supported a strong national government. However, his views changed over time. He became a strong supporter of states' rights. This idea meant that individual states should have more power than the federal government. He was especially influenced by John C. Calhoun, another famous South Carolina politician.

McDuffie joined the Nullifier Party. This party believed that states could "nullify," or reject, federal laws they thought were unfair. He played a big role in the Nullification Crisis in South Carolina in 1832. This crisis was about whether South Carolina had the right to reject a federal tax law called the Tariff of Abominations. McDuffie argued that this tax hurt the South's economy.

Governor and Senator

George McDuffie served as the Governor of South Carolina from 1834 to 1836. During his time as governor, he helped to improve South Carolina College.

From 1843 to 1846, he was a United States Senator. In the Senate, he continued to support policies that he believed would help the Southern states. He was known for being a powerful speaker who passionately defended his beliefs.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1822, George McDuffie was seriously injured in a conflict. These injuries affected his health and mood for the rest of his life. People who knew him said he became more easily annoyed after this event. Despite this, he was also known for being a quiet and thoughtful person.

McDuffie was described as a serious man who rarely joked or smiled. However, when he spoke in public, he was very emotional and persuasive. He could be fierce and powerful, but also gentle and moving in his speeches.

George McDuffie passed away at his home in South Carolina on March 11, 1851. McDuffie County, Georgia, is named after him, honoring his contributions.

Images for kids

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  George McDuffie's signature.