Tomlinson Fort (congressman)
Tomlinson Fort | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 6th district | |
| In office March 4, 1827 – March 3, 1829 | |
| Preceded by | district created |
| Succeeded by | Howell Cobb |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office 1818–1826 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 14, 1787 |
| Died | May 11, 1859 (aged 71) |
| Resting place | City Cemetery |
| Party | Jacksonian |
| Relatives | Edwin Jemison (great-nephew) |
| Occupation | Physician, banker |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Tomlinson Fort (July 14, 1787 – May 11, 1859) was a medical doctor, politician, and banker in the state of Georgia during the first half of the nineteenth century. He was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives and United States House of Representatives from Georgia.
Tomlinson Fort had built what was to become the Tomlinson Fort House (Milledgeville, Georgia) for his wife Martha Fannin Fort and their children in 1820. The house was located in the Milledgeville Historic District.
Early years and education
Fort was born in Warrenton, Georgia on July 14, 1787. He completed preparatory studies and then embarked on the study of medicine. In 1809, he received one term of medical training at the Philadelphia Medical College, and commenced practice in 1810 after moving to Milledgeville, Ga.[1] It was a medical career which eventually spanned four decades.
During the War of 1812, Fort enlisted in a volunteer company of Georgia Militia, and was elected captain. He was to sustain a wound during this time that would be his eventual cause of death at the age of 72.[1]
Political career
Fort was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for four terms, being elected annually from 1818 to 1826.[1] He was elected as a Jacksonian candidate to the 20th United States Congress and served one term from March 4, 1827, to March 3, 1829.[2][3][4]
During his tenure in the State Legislature, he was instrumental in the formation of the Medical College of Georgia, as well as the state lunatic asylum in Milledgeville.[1]
He ended his political career as Mayor of Milledgeville (1847–1848).[5][6]
Later years
He resumed the practice of medicine in Milledgeville, Georgia after the state and us terms.
He rose to president of the State Bank of Georgia, during which time he helped finance construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad.
Tomlinson Fort died on May 11, 1859, in Milledgeville.[1] He is buried in the City Cemetery.
References
- ^ a b c d e "Tomlinson Fort Family Papers". archives.libraries.emory.edu. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ "Bioguide Search". bioguide.congress.gov. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ "Rep. Tomlinson Fort [J-GA6, 1827–1829]". GovTrack.US. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ "FORT, Tomlinson | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ "Milledgeville". New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ^ "Milledgeville, Ga. Mayors". ahgp.org. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
Other references
- Roberts, William C. (1968). "Tomlinson Fort of Milledgeville, Georgia: Physician and Statesman". Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences. 23 (2): 131–152. doi:10.1093/jhmas/xxiii.2.131. JSTOR 24623906. PMID 4870786.
External links
- Tomlinson Fort at Find a Grave
- Tomlinson Fort House historical marker