Ralph Izard

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Ralph Izard
Ralph Izard

In office
May 31, 1794 – November 9, 1794
President George Washington
Preceded by John Langdon
Succeeded by Henry Tazewell

In office
March 4, 1789 – March 3, 1795
Preceded by None; first
Succeeded by Jacob Read

Born January 23, 1741 or 1742
near Charleston, South Carolina
Died May 30, 1804
near Charleston, South Carolina
Political party Pro-Administration

Ralph Izard (January 23, 1741 or 1742May 30, 1804) was a U.S. politician. He served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate in 1794.

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[edit] Early life

Izard was born at "The Elms" near Charleston, South Carolina. His maternal grandfather was Province of South Carolina Governor Robert Johnson. Izard's parents died when he was a small child, and only one of his siblings survived to adulthood. He spent most of his childhood and youth studying in England. Izard returned to America in 1764, but did not remain in South Carolina for long. In 1767, he married Alice DeLancey of New York (a niece of James DeLancey). They had 13 children between the years of 1768 and 1792.

[edit] Career

He resided in London in 1771 and moved to Paris, France, in 1776. He was appointed commissioner to the Court of Tuscany by the Continental Congress in 1776, but was recalled in 1779. He returned to America in 1780 and pledged his large estate in South Carolina for the payment of war ships to be used in the American Revolutionary War. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783. In 1788, he was elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1795, serving as President pro tempore of the Senate during the Third Congress.

[edit] Death and legacy

Izard retired from public life to the care of his estates and died near Charleston. He is interred in the churchyard of St. James Goose Creek Episcopal Church, near Charleston.

Izard was one of the founders of the College of Charleston. His children and relations married well:

[edit] External links

Preceded by
None
United States Senator (Class 3) from South Carolina
1789–1795
Served alongside: Pierce Butler
Succeeded by
Jacob Read
Preceded by
John Langdon
President pro tempore of the United States Senate
May 31, 1794November 9, 1794
Succeeded by
Henry Tazewell
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