John Kershaw (American politician)

Summary

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John Kershaw (September 12, 1765 – August 4, 1829) was a U.S. Representative from South Carolina.

John Kershaw
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 9th district
In office
March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1815
Preceded byDistrict established
Succeeded byWilliam Mayrant
Chairman of the Committee on Accounts
In office
March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1815
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
In office
1800 – 1801
In office
1792 – 1794
Personal details
Born(1765-09-12)September 12, 1765
Camden, Province of South Carolina, British America
DiedAugust 4, 1829(1829-08-04) (aged 63)
Camden, South Carolina, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic-Republican
SpouseHarriet DuBose
Alma materUnited States Military Academy
Professionplanter
Military service
AllegianceUnited States of America
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Rankcaptain
UnitSouth Carolina Light Dragoons

Born in Camden in the Province of South Carolina, Kershaw attended Rushworth School and Oxford College, England where he studied law. He was the son of Joseph Kershaw, one of the founders of Camden, SC. He married Harriet DuBose in 1812. They were the parents of Major General Joseph Brevard Kershaw, a noted Confederate Army officer.

Early years edit

He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Camden, South Carolina. Kershaw engaged in planting and wheat milling and was a tobacco inspector in 1789. In 1790, he served as a member of the Constitutional Convention and served as Judge of the county court of Kershaw when it was first established in 1791.

Representative and Mayoral years edit

He served as member of the State House of Representatives from 1792 to 1794 and again from 1800 to 1801. He served as Mayor of Camden in 1798, 1801, 1811, and 1822. In 1806, Kershaw served as Justice of Quorum from Kershaw County. He also served as captain of the First South Carolina Light Dragoons.

US Congress edit

Kershaw was elected from South Carolina's 9th congressional district and served as a Democratic-Republican representative to the Thirteenth Congress (March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1815). Kershaw served as chairman of the Committee on Accounts (Thirteenth Congress).

He was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1814 (to the Fourteenth Congress).

Death edit

He died in Camden, South Carolina, August 4, 1829 and was interred in the Kershaw family burial ground.

Sources edit

  • United States Congress. "John Kershaw (id: K000149)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
District established
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 9th congressional district

1813-1815
Succeeded by