George W. Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Washington Campbell
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| 5th United States Secretary of the Treasury | |
| In office February 9, 1814 – October 5, 1814 |
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| President | James Madison |
| Preceded by | Albert Gallatin |
| Succeeded by | Alexander J. Dallas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 9, 1769 Scotland |
| Died | February 17, 1848 (aged 79) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican |
| Spouse | Harriot Stoddert Campbell |
| Alma mater | College of New Jersey |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer |
George Washington Campbell (born February 9, 1769 – died February 17, 1848) was an important American politician. He served in many key roles during the early years of the United States. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives and a United States Senator for Tennessee. Later, he became the United States Secretary of the Treasury and even an ambassador to Russia.
Early Life and Education
George Washington Campbell was born in Scotland in 1769. When he was just three years old, his family moved to North Carolina in America.
He worked hard in school and graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1794. This college is now known as Princeton University. After college, he decided to study law. He became a lawyer in North Carolina and then started his law practice in Knoxville, Tennessee.
A Career in Politics
Campbell's political career began when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1803. He represented Tennessee and served in the House from 1805 to 1809. During his time there, he led an important group called the Ways and Means Committee. This committee helps decide how the government collects and spends money.
After leaving the House in 1809, he became a judge on the Tennessee Supreme Court. He served as a judge until 1811.
Campbell then became a United States Senator for Tennessee. He served two times in the Senate. His first term was from 1811 to 1814. He left the Senate to take on an even bigger role in the government.
Helping the Country's Money
In 1814, President James Madison chose George Washington Campbell to be the United States Secretary of the Treasury. This was a very challenging job at the time. The country was fighting the War of 1812, and the government needed a lot of money.
Before the war, the First Bank of the United States had closed. This made it hard for the government to get loans. Campbell had to convince people to buy special government bonds to help pay for the war. He had to sell these bonds with high interest rates to get people to buy them.
In September 1814, British forces attacked and burned Washington, D.C.. This made the country's financial situation even worse. It became very difficult for Campbell to raise more money. He resigned from his position in October 1814, after only eight months. He was tired and not feeling well.
Later Years
After his time as Secretary of the Treasury, Campbell returned to the Senate in 1815. He became the first leader of the Senate Finance Committee. This committee is very important for managing the nation's money.
He resigned from the Senate again in 1818. This time, he became the United States Ambassador to Russia. He served as an ambassador from 1818 to 1821, representing the United States in another country.
George Washington Campbell passed away in 1848. He is buried at Nashville City Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee. Campbell County, Tennessee, is named in his honor.
