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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

EDWARD D. WHITE was born in Maury County, Tennessee on March 3, 1795. His education was attained in the Louisiana common schools and at the University of Nashville, where he graduated in 1799. He then studied law, was admitted to the bar, and established a legal practice in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. White entered public service in 1825, with an appointment as associate judge of the New Orleans Municipal Court, a position he held until 1828. He also served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1829 to 1834. White was elected governor by a popular vote on July 7, 1824. After being confirmed by the legislature, he was sworn into office on February 2, 1835. During his tenure, the state militia was authorized, patronage disputes were addressed, gas street lighting was initiated, and the Medical College of Louisiana was chartered. Also, the Panic of 1837 was dealt with, a sugar tariff was sanctioned, and New Orleans banks discontinued specie payments. After White left office on February 4, 1839, he was reelected to Congress, where he served until 1843. Governor Edward D. White passed away on April 18, 1847, and was buried at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Sources:

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Dawson III, Joseph G. The Louisiana Governors: From Iberville to Edwards. Baton Rouge: Lousiana State University Press, 1990.

Encyclopedia Louisiana

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.