George A. Garrett


George Angus Garrett was an American investment banker and diplomat. In April 1947, he was appointed minister to Ireland; in 1950, he became the first United States Ambassador to Ireland, a position he held until May 1951.

Early life

Garrett was born on August 5, 1888 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Education

He first attended Cornell University, before graduating in 1910 from the University of Chicago.

Career

During World War I he served in the United States Army. As a civilian he pursued a career as a stockbroker. In 1932, Garrett was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
In April 1947, Garrett was appointed minister to Ireland by President Harry S. Truman, and became the last US chief of mission in Ireland with the formal title of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. In 1950, the post was raised to the level of ambassador, and Garrett was again appointed by Truman, becoming the first US chief of mission in Ireland with the formal title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Although Garrett's relations with Ireland's Taoiseach Éamon de Valera were not unfriendly, he made no secret of his pleasure when de Valera was replaced in 1948 by John A. Costello, for whom Garrett had the greatest admiration, and whom he thought a more reliable friend to the United States.

Death

Garrett died on September 29, 1971, and was entombed at the Washington National Cathedral.