James Iredell Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Iredell Jr.
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| 23rd Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office December 8, 1827 – December 12, 1828 |
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| Preceded by | Hutchins Gordon Burton |
| Succeeded by | John Owen |
| United States Senator from North Carolina |
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| In office December 15, 1828 – March 4, 1831 |
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| Preceded by | Nathaniel Macon |
| Succeeded by | Willie Person Mangum |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 2, 1788 Chowan County, North Carolina |
| Died | April 13, 1853 (aged 64) Edenton, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic (from 1824) Federalist (until 1824) |
James Iredell Jr. (born November 2, 1788 – died April 13, 1853) was an important leader from North Carolina. He served as the 23rd Governor of North Carolina from 1827 to 1828. Later, he became a United States Senator.
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Early Life and Education
James Iredell Jr. was born in Chowan County, North Carolina. He came from a family that was well-known in politics. His father, James Iredell, was a respected statesman and a judge on the U.S. Supreme Court. His mother was the sister of a former governor, Samuel Johnston.
In 1806, young Iredell finished his studies at the College of New Jersey. Today, this school is known as Princeton University.
Steps Toward Public Service
Before becoming a governor, Iredell took part in several important activities. He led a group of volunteer soldiers during the War of 1812. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain.
He also worked as a lawyer in Chowan County. Later, he served in the state's lawmaking body, the North Carolina House of Commons. He represented the town of Edenton. After that, he was appointed as a judge for the Superior Court.
A Glimpse into the Past
James Iredell Jr. kept a special journal, or diary. This was not common for people of his social standing at the time in North Carolina. His diary gives historians and researchers a unique look into what life was like during his era.
Governor and U.S. Senator Roles
During his brief time as governor, James Iredell Jr. worked to improve North Carolina. He wanted better roads, bridges, and schools for the state. He was interested in new ideas like early trains pulled by horses. He even suggested building a test railroad line from Campbellton to Fayetteville.
However, his time as governor was short. Also, the governor's job in North Carolina at that time did not have a lot of power. Because of this, he could not achieve many of his goals.
Moving to the U.S. Senate
After only a few months as governor, Iredell left the office. He then became a United States Senator, serving from 1828 to 1831. He took over the term of Nathaniel Macon, who had left the position. By this time, Iredell was a member of the Democratic Party.
He chose not to seek re-election for a full term in the Senate. Iredell later moved to Raleigh. There, he continued to practice law. He also worked as a court reporter for the North Carolina Supreme Court from 1840 to 1852.
James Iredell Jr. passed away in Edenton. He is buried there in the Johnston Burial Ground.
