Henry Tazewell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Henry Tazewell
Henry Tazewell

In office
February 20, 1795 – December 8, 1795
President George Washington
Preceded by Ralph Izard
Succeeded by Samuel Livermore

In office
December 29, 1794 – January 24, 1799
Preceded by John Taylor
Succeeded by Wilson C. Nicholas

Born November 27, 1753
Brunswick County, Virginia
Died January 24, 1799
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Political party Anti-Administration
Alma mater The College of William & Mary
Profession Law

Henry Tazewell (November 27, 1753January 24, 1799) was an American politician who was instrumental in the early government of the U.S. state of Virginia. He was born in Brunswick County, Virginia. He served as the President pro tempore of the United States Senate in 1795.

He was the father of Littleton Tazewell. He graduated from the College of William and Mary at Williamsburg, Virginia in 1770 where he had studied law. He raised and was commissioned captain of a troop of cavalry in the Revolutionary War. Tazewell served as a member of the House of Burgesses in 1775. He was delegate to the State constitutional convention of 1775 and 1776. In 1778-1785 he was member of General Assembly. From 1785-1793, he was judge of the Virginia General Court, and elevated to Chief Justice of that court from 1789-1793. He also served as a judge on the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals (later renamed the Virginia Supreme Court) in 1793. In 1794 he was elected in to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Taylor. In 1798 he was releected, and served from December 29, 1794, until his death. He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is interred in Christ Church Burial Ground.

Tazewell County, Virginia was named after him.

[edit] External links

Political offices
Preceded by
John Taylor
United States Senator (Class 2) from Virginia
December 29, 1794 - January 24, 1799
Served alongside: Stevens T. Mason
Succeeded by
Wilson C. Nicholas
Preceded by
Ralph Izard
President pro tempore of the United States Senate
February 20, 1795 - December 8, 1795
Succeeded by
Samuel Livermore