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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

PETER EARLY, Georgia's 11th Governor, was born in Madison County, Virginia, on June 30, 1793. He attended Lexington Academy and graduated from Princeton University in 1792. He then studied law in Philadelphia, was admitted to the bar, and established a legal career in Washington, Georgia. Early entered politics in 1801 as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he served in for three terms. He was appointed one of the prosecution managers in the impeachment proceedings against Judges John Pickering and Samuel Chase. He also served on the bench of the Superior Court of the Ocmulgee Circuit from 1807 to 1813. The general assembly elected him Governor of Georgia in 1813. During his tenure, the War of 1812 had started and measures were made to strengthen the state's defense. His administration assisted entirely with the course of action mandated by the federal government. Early also vetoed the reinstatement of the "alleviating law," which lengthened the period allowed for debtors. However, his veto, which was extremely unpopular, was defeated, causing him to lose his reelection bid. After leaving office, Early was elected to the Georgia Senate in 1816. He served in the senate until his death on August 15, 1817. Governor Peter Early was buried near his mansion on the bank of the Oconee River, and he was reinterred at the City Cemetery in Greensboro, Georgia.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Biographical Directory of U.S. Congress

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