William Smallwood

William Smallwood (portrait of Charles Willson Peale )

William Smallwood (born around 1732 in Charles County , Province of Maryland , † February 14, 1792 in Marbury , Maryland) was an American politician and governor of the state of Maryland from 1785 to 1788 .

Early years and advancement

The exact date of birth of William Smallwood is unknown. However, the sources assume a date around 1732. At the time of his birth, Maryland was still a British colony. He received his education both in his home country and in motherland England. His political and military career began before the United States declared independence . During the so-called "French and Indian War", the American variant of the Seven Years' War , he was an officer of the British between 1756 and 1763. From 1761 he was a member of the colonial parliament of Maryland. He stayed there for over 10 years.

Further career

At the outbreak of the War of Independence , he joined the American Continental Army . In this war he distinguished himself for his bravery in several battles. By the end of the war he had made it to major general . After the war he was elected governor of his state in 1785, 1786 and 1787. So he was able to exercise this office between November 26, 1785 and November 24, 1788. During this time he played an important role in the ratification of the US Constitution by his state's delegates. In 1791 Smallwood was elected to the Maryland Senate. He was then the first president of the Maryland Society of Cincinnati . William Smallwood died on February 14, 1792.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• William Smallwood in the database of Find a Grave (English)