Elbridge Gerry
Elbridge Thomas Gerry (July 17, 1744 – November 23, 1814) was an American politician from Massachusetts. As a Democratic-Republican he was elected the fifth vice president of the United States, serving under James Madison, from March 4, 1813, until his death a year and a half later.
Elbridge Thomas Gerry | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 1861 | |
| 5th Vice President of the United States | |
| In office March 4, 1813 – November 23, 1814 | |
| President | James Madison |
| Preceded by | George Clinton |
| Succeeded by | Daniel D. Tompkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 17, 1744 Massachusetts, U.S |
| Died | November 23, 1814 (aged 70) Washington, D.C |
| Nationality | American |
Gerry was a member of the Continental Congress and was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
He was a delegate to the United States Constitutional Convention in 1787 but did not sign it.
Gerry was elected to the House of Representatives and served there from 1789 to 1793.
Gerry was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1810 and served for two years. While serving as governor, Gerry supported a plan that would re-create voting districts in Massachusetts to give more power to the political party that he belonged to. The word gerrymander used today when a party tries to create more favourable voting districts was named for Elbridge Gerry.
Gerry was Vice President under James Madison and died in office on November 23, 1814.
Elbridge Gerry Media
John Adams, who held Gerry in high regard
Gerry supported the federalist economic policies of Alexander Hamilton
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, depicted in this portrait by François Gérard, insisted Gerry remain in Paris even after negotiations failed.
Gerry's grave in Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
General George Washington Resigning His Commission, a portrait by John Trumbull depicting Gerry standing on the left
