“H” is for Hamilton, Paul (1762-1816). Governor, secretary of the navy. Born in St. Paul’s Parish, at the age of sixteen Hamilton joined a militia company serving under Francis Marion and William Harden. He represented St. Paul’s in the General Assembly and as a delegate to the South Carolina Ratification Convention. Hamilton then represented St. Bartholomew’s for three terms in the South Carolina senate where he became a Democratic-Republican in contrast to most lowcountry politicians-- and was a presidential elector for Thomas Jefferson in 1800. In 1804, while serving as state comptroller of finance, the General Assembly elected Hamilton governor. During his term he advocated improving the state militia and coastal defenses. He unsuccessfully called for closing the Atlantic slave trade. In 1809, President James Madison appointed Paul Hamilton as secretary of the navy.
“H” is for Hamilton, Paul (1762-1816)
