State Web Site

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  War of 1812

MEREDITH M. MARMADUKE was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on August 28, 1791. His education was attained in the common schools of his native state. During the War of 1812, he served as colonel and organized a regiment from Westmoreland County. After his military duty, he established a career in public service. He served as the U.S. marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia and as clerk of the Circuit Court. After moving to Missouri, Marmaduke worked as a trader and farmer before reentering politics. He then served as the surveyor and county judge of Saline County, and was the lieutenant governor of Missouri from 1840 to 1844. On February 9, 1844 Governor Thomas Reynolds died in office, and Marmaduke, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, a hospital for the mentally ill was initiated and internal improvements were advocated. After completing his term, Marmaduke left office on November 20, 1844. He continued to stay politically active, serving as a member of the 1845 State Constitutional Convention. Governor Meredith M. Marmaduke passed away on March 26, 1864, and was buried in the Sappington Cemetery Historic Site, near Arrow Rock, Missouri.

Sources:

Missouri State Archives (Jefferson City, MO)

Western Historical Manuscripts Collection (Columbia, MO)