Paul Hamilton (politician)
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2012) |
Paul Hamilton | |
---|---|
3rd United States Secretary of the Navy | |
In office May 15, 1809 – January 1, 1813 | |
President | James Madison |
Preceded by | Robert Smith |
Succeeded by | William Jones |
42nd Governor of South Carolina | |
In office December 7, 1804 – December 9, 1806 | |
Lieutenant | Thomas Sumter |
Preceded by | James Burchill Richardson |
Succeeded by | Charles Pinckney |
1st Finance Comptroller of South Carolina | |
In office December 21, 1799 – December 7, 1804 | |
Governor | Edward Rutledge John Drayton James Burchill Richardson |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Thomas Lee |
Personal details | |
Born | Saint Paul's Parish, United States of America | October 16, 1762
Branch/service | Continental Army |
Unit | South Carolina Militia |
Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
Paul Hamilton (October 16, 1762 – June 30, 1816) was the 3rd United States Secretary of the Navy, from 1809 to 1813.
Service in the American War of Independence
Paul Hamilton was born in Saint Paul's Parish, South Carolina, on October 16, 1762. He left school at the age of sixteen due to financial problems. During the
Political career
Following the war, he was a planter and public figure. Hamilton served South Carolina in many public offices including state Representative (1787), State Senator (1794), Comptroller (1800), and the
In 1809, President James Madison selected Hamilton to become the third Secretary of the Navy. His term in office included the first months of the War of 1812, during which time the small United States Navy achieved several remarkable victories over British warships. Hamilton was a proponent of military preparedness, especially
Legacy
Three Navy destroyers have been named USS Paul Hamilton in his honor along with USS Hamilton and one Liberty ship named SS Paul Hamilton. Also bearing his name is the town of Hamilton, Georgia.[1]
References
- ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 148.
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
External links
- SCIway Biography of Paul Hamilton
- NGA Biography of Paul Hamilton
- Paul Hamilton at Find a Grave
- Paul Hamilton Papers at the University of South Carolina Library's Digital Collections Page (letters from 1802 to 1812)