George R. Gilmer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George R. Gilmer
34th Governor of Georgia
In office November 4, 1829 – November 9, 1831
Preceded by	John Forsyth
Succeeded by	Wilson Lumpkin
In office November 8, 1837 – November 6, 1839
Preceded by	William Schley
Succeeded by	Charles J. McDonald
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's at-large congressional district
In office March 4, 1833 – March 3, 1835
Preceded by	new seat
Succeeded by	Seaton Grantland
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 1st congressional district
In office October 1, 1827 – March 3, 1829
Preceded by	Edward F. Tattnall
Succeeded by	redistricted to at-large
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's at-large congressional district
In office March 4, 1821 – March 3, 1823
Preceded by	Joel Crawford
Succeeded by	George Cary
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
In office 1818–1819 1824
Personal details
Born	George Rockingham Gilmer April 11, 1790 Lexington, Georgia, U.S.
Died	November 16, 1859 (age 69) Lexington, Georgia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic-Republican Whig
Profession	Soldier, politician

George Rockingham Gilmer (born April 11, 1790 – died November 16, 1859) was an important American politician. He served as the 34th governor of Georgia two times. His first term was from 1829 to 1831, and his second was from 1837 to 1839. He also served multiple terms in the United States House of Representatives.

Early Life and Military Service

George R. Gilmer was born near Lexington, Georgia. This area is now part of Oglethorpe County. When he was born, it was called Wilkes County. He went to different schools, including the famous Willington Academy.

From 1813 to 1815, Gilmer was a first lieutenant in the Forty-third Infantry Regiment. He fought in the Creek War during the War of 1812. This campaign was against the Creek people. After his military service, he worked as a lawyer.

Political Career in Georgia

Gilmer's political career involved many different elected jobs. He served at both the state and national levels. He was a supporter of William H. Crawford, a key political figure in Georgia at the time.

Serving in the State Legislature

Gilmer was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives three times. He served in 1818, 1819, and again in 1824.

Representing Georgia in Congress

He was also elected to the U.S. House of Representatives several times. These elections happened in 1820, 1826, 1828, and 1832. After the 1828 election, he did not serve. This was because he did not accept the position within the required time. The governor then ordered a new election.

Governor and the Cherokee Nation

As governor of Georgia, Gilmer strongly pushed for the removal of Native American tribes. He believed Georgia had a right to federal help for this, based on the Compact of 1802.

The Worcester v. Georgia Case

Governor Gilmer started a legal case against Samuel Austin Worcester. Worcester was a missionary living with the Cherokee people. Georgia had a law that said all white people living in the Cherokee Nation needed a license from the governor. They also had to promise to follow Georgia's laws. Worcester was arrested in 1831 and sentenced to four years of hard labor.

The Cherokee Nation hired a lawyer named William Wirt. They sued the state of Georgia in a case called Cherokee Nation v. Georgia. This led to the United States Supreme Court decision known as Worcester v. Georgia. The Supreme Court ruled that Georgia's law was against the Treaty of Hopewell. This treaty protected the Cherokee Nation.

Land Disputes and Removal

Even with the Supreme Court's ruling, Georgia continued to claim Cherokee lands. With the support of Governor Gilmer and the Georgia militia, the state government ended the Cherokee government. They also canceled Cherokee laws. An act was passed that allowed Gilmer to take control of Cherokee lands in north Georgia.

The issue of Cherokee land was a big topic in the 1831 election for governor. Gilmer lost this election to Wilson Lumpkin. The state then took over Cherokee gold mines. In 1832, Georgia set up a land lottery system. This system was used to give away the Cherokee lands.

During his second term as Governor, starting in 1837, Gilmer continued to support the removal of Native Americans from Georgia. This process was carried out by the federal government. It later became known as the Trail of Tears.

Presidential Elections

Gilmer also served as a presidential elector. He voted in the 1836 election for Hugh Lawson White. He also voted in the 1840 election for William Henry Harrison.

Death and Legacy

George R. Gilmer passed away in 1859 in Lexington, Georgia. He is buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery in the same city. Gilmer County, Georgia is named in his honor.