James Mercer (politician)

James Mercer

James Mercer (born February 26, 1736 in Stafford County , Colony of Virginia , †  October 31, 1793 in Richmond , Virginia ) was an American lawyer and politician . In 1779 he was a delegate for Virginia to the Continental Congress .

Career

James Mercer was the older brother of Congressman and Governor John Francis Mercer (1759-1821). Another brother named George (1733–1784) was a British officer during the Seven Years' War . His nephew was Charles F. Mercer (1778-1858), who represented Virginia in the United States House of Representatives .

Mercer initially enjoyed a private education and then graduated from the College of William & Mary . Like his brother George, he served as a British officer during the Seven Years' War. He was in command of Fort Loudoun near Winchester . After studying law and being admitted to the bar, he began to work in this profession. He embarked on a political career during the colonial period. Between 1762 and 1775 he sat in the colonial House of Burgesses . In the 1770s he joined the revolutionary movement. In 1774, 1775, and 1776 he was a member of several revolutionary congregations in Virginia. He was also a member of the local security committee in 1775 and 1776. In May 1776 he was also a delegate to the constitutional convention of the future state of Virginia, which he represented in the Continental Congress in 1779. From 1779 to 1789 Mercer was a judge in the General Court of Virginia . He was then a judge on the Virginia Court of Appeals until his death . Between 1786 and 1790 he also acted as curator and president of the Fredericksburg Academy . James Mercer died in Richmond on October 31, 1793.

Web links

• James Mercer in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)

• James Mercer in the database of Find a Grave (English)