National Governors Association

DAVID EMANUEL, the first Jewish governor to serve any state, was born in Pennsylvania in 1744 (exact date unknown). He served during the Revolutionary War as a captain and colonel in the Georgia militia. He was captured near McBean Creek, but escaped, making his way back to American forces. Emanuel entered politics in 1780 as a commissioner who supervised the test oath given to Burke County residents. He served as Burke County's magistrate in 1781, and justice of Burke County in 1782. He served as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives in 1783, was assistant justice of Burke County in 1784, was appointed commissary general in 1792, and, on April 10, 1792, he became receiver of tax returns for Colonel Lewis's battalion. Emanuel also was a delegate to the 1795 Georgia State Convention, was a member of the Georgia Supreme Executive Council, and was a member and president of the Georgia Senate. On March 3, 1801, Governor James Jackson resigned from office, and Emanuel, who was president of the senate at the time, assumed the duties of the governor's office. During his short tenure, he continued to carry out the policies and programs of the Jackson administration. After leaving office on November 7, 1801, Emanuel returned to his seat in the senate, where he served until his death. Governor David Emanuel died on February 19, 1808, at his home in Burke County. Four years later, Emanuel County was created in his honor.

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.

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