James Archibald Meriwether


James Archibald Meriwether was a United States Representative, jurist and lawyer from Georgia. His uncle was U.S. Representative James Meriwether.

Early years and education

Meriwether was born near Washington, Georgia, on September 20, 1806 to James and Susannah Hatcher Meriweather. He graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1826.

Legal career and military service

After studying law and gaining admittance to the state bar, he practiced law in Eatonton, Georgia. He was also captain of a volunteer unit during the Seminole Wars.

Political service

From 1831 to 1836 and again in 1838, Meriwether served in the Georgia House of Representatives as a representative of Clarke County. From 1845 to 1849, he served as a judge of the superior court for the Eatonton district. In 1840, he was elected as a Whig Representative from Georgia to the 27th United States Congress and served one term from March 4, 1841 until March 3, 1843. He returned to the Georgia House in for one term in 1843. In 1851 he was once again elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and served as Speaker of that body in 1852.

Personal Life

Meriwether married Rebecca Carleton McKigney, and together the couple had eight children who survived past childhood.

Death

Meriwether died on April 18, 1852, in Eatonton and was buried in that city's Union Cemetery.