William Fleming (Governor)

William Fleming (born February 18, 1729 in Jedburgh , Roxburghshire , Scotland , † August 5, 1794 ) was an American politician and in 1781 Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia .

Early years

William Fleming was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh . He then joined the British Navy as a ship doctor . During this time he came into Spanish captivity. After his release, Fleming emigrated to what was then the British colony of Virginia in 1755. There, again in the medical service, he joined a regiment commanded by George Washington during the American phase of the Seven Years' War . He took part in some Indian campaigns. After the end of the war in 1763 he settled in Staunton as a doctor. In 1768 he gave up the profession of doctor and became a farmer. In what is now Montgomery County , he bought a property which he named "Bellmont". He soon made a considerable fortune.

Political career

William Fleming joined the American Revolution as early as 1774. He put together a regiment which he himself commanded as a colonel. After he was wounded three times, he had to withdraw from the further fighting and could not actively participate in the further war of independence . Instead, he began a political career. He became a member of the First Virginia Senate and later served on the Governing Council. In 1781 the British invaded Virginia and ousted Governor Thomas Jefferson and the legislature. When the legislature reassembled in vacant Staunton, Jefferson's term had expired. Until the election of a new governor, Fleming had to officially serve as governor as a member of the government council between June 4 and 12, 1781. During this time he mobilized the militia to fight the British. With the election of the new governor Thomas Nelson , Fleming's tenure ended after eight days. His term of office was later officially recognized by the legislature.

Fleming was then head of several commissions in the area of ​​what is now the state of Kentucky , where he arbitrated disputes over land claims and performed other official duties. In 1784 he attended the so-called Danville Convention , which set the course for the separation of what is now Virginia and Kentucky. In 1788 he was a member of the commission that ratified the US Constitution for Virginia . Despite some concerns, Fleming agreed to the constitution. William Fleming died on August 5, 1794. He had been married to Anne Christian since 1763, with whom he had seven children who would reach adulthood.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 4, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• William Fleming in the National Governors Association (English)