James Hamilton

Background

Hamilton, James was born on May 8, 1786 in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Son of Major James and Elizabeth (Lynch) Hamilton.

Education

Studied law.

Career

Admitted to South Carolina. bar, 1810, began practice in Charleston. Served as major during War of 1812. Mayor of Charleston; member South Carolina.

House of Representatives, 1820-1823.

Member United States House of Representatives from South Carolina., 17th-20th congresses, December 13, 1822-1829. Leader Jacksonian forces against President John Q. Adams.

Governor South Carolina., 1830-1832, militant exponent doctrine nullification in opposition to President Jackson, chiefly responsible for passage of nullification ordinance, 1832. Led armed force designed to support state’s rights against Federal encroachment after leaving office.

Organizer, president Bank of Charleston.

Director South Carolina. & Louisville, Cincinnati & Charleston railroad’son Member South Carolina.

Senate, 1836.

Commissioner loans for Republic of Texas, 1838. Diplomatic agent from Texas to France, Great Britain, Belgium, and Netherlands, 1839.

Achievements

• James Hamilton has been listed as a noteworthy governor of South Carolina, congressman by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member South Carolina. House of Representatives, 1820-1823. Member United States House of Representatives from South Carolina., 17th-20th congresses, December 13, 1822-1829.

Member South Carolina.

Senate, 1836.

Connections

Married Elizabeth Heyward, November 15, 1813.