- 1801:1802: President Pro-temof the U.S. Senate
- 1787: Signer of the U.S. Constitution
- 1799-1807: U.S. Senator for Georgia
- 1789-1799: U.S.House of Representatives for Georgia
- 1785-1801: President of University of Georgia
- 1785-1788: Delegate from Georgia to the Congress of the Confederation
- Alumni Yale College
Senator Abraham Baldwin was born 22 November 1754 in Guilford, New Haven County, Connecticut, United States to Michael Baldwin (1719-1787) and Lucy Dudley (1721-1758) and died 4 March 1807 Washington, District of Columbia, United States of unspecified causes.
Biography
Abraham Baldwin (1754–1807) was an American politician, educator, and Founding Father who played a significant role in the formation of the United States. He is best known for signing the United States Constitution and for his contributions to education and government. Here's an overview of his life and accomplishments:
Early Life and Education:
Abraham Baldwin was born on November 22, 1754, in Guilford, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale College in 1772 and subsequently studied theology. He eventually switched his focus to law and completed his legal studies in 1779.
Military Service:
During the American Revolutionary War, Baldwin served as a chaplain in the Continental Army and later as an artillery officer. His service in the military allowed him to develop connections and gain valuable experience that would influence his later political career.
Political Involvement:
After the war, Baldwin moved to Georgia, where he became involved in politics. He was a supporter of the Federalist cause, advocating for a strong central government. He was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1785 and served in that capacity until 1788.
Constitutional Convention and Signatory:
Baldwin played a key role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he represented Georgia. He was an active participant in the debates and discussions surrounding the creation of the U.S. Constitution. He supported the idea of a strong federal government and worked to find compromises on various issues. Baldwin's signature on the U.S. Constitution reflected his commitment to the principles of the new government and his belief in the importance of a united and effective federal system.
Education and Founding of the University of Georgia:
One of Baldwin's most significant contributions was in the field of education. He recognized the importance of education in creating informed citizens for the new republic. In 1784, he proposed the establishment of a seminary of learning in Georgia, which eventually led to the founding of the University of Georgia in 1785. Baldwin served as the university's first president, a position he held until his death.
Later Political Career:
Baldwin's political career continued after the Constitutional Convention. He served as a U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1799 to 1807. During his time in the Senate, he continued to advocate for a strong central government and was involved in discussions on issues such as land policy and education.
Legacy:
Abraham Baldwin's legacy is notable for his contributions to education, government, and the shaping of the United States. His work as a signer of the Constitution and his efforts to establish the University of Georgia reflect his dedication to both the principles of the new nation and the importance of education in its success.
Abraham Baldwin passed away on March 4, 1807, in Washington, D.C. He is buried in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His contributions to the early years of the United States continue to be remembered and celebrated as part of the nation's history.
Abraham Baldwin never married and did not have any children. Throughout his life, he remained focused on his educational and political pursuits, which likely contributed to his decision not to marry or have a family. His dedication to his work, particularly in the fields of education and government, left little time for personal matters like marriage and family life. As a result, he did not have any descendants.
On March 4, 1807, at age 52, Baldwin died while serving as a U.S. senator from Georgia. Later that month the Savannah Republican and Savannah Evening Ledger reprinted an obituary that had first been published in a Washington, D.C., newspaper: "He originated the plan of The University of Georgia, drew up the charter, and with infinite labor and patience, in vanquishing all sorts of prejudices and removing every obstruction, he persuaded the assembly to adopt it."[1] His remains are interred at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC.[2]
- The United States Postal Service made a 7¢ Great Americans series postage stamp in his honor;[3]
- Places and institutions were named for him, including:
- Baldwin County in Alabama and Georgia;[4]
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia;
- Abraham Baldwin Middle School in Guilford, Connecticut;
- Baldwin streets in Madison, Wisconsin[5] and Athens, Georgia;
- The University of Georgia erected a statue of Baldwin on the historic North Campus quad in his honor as its founding father.[6]
Siblings
| Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
| William Baldwin (1736-1796) | |||
| Henry Baldwin (1744-) | |||
| Michael Baldwin (1748-) | |||
| Ruth Baldwin (1751-1755) | |||
| Clarissa Baldwin (1752-) | |||
| Dudley Baldwin (1753-1794) | |||
| Abraham Baldwin (1754-1807) | 22 November 1754 Guilford, New Haven County, Connecticut, United States | 4 March 1807 Washington, District of Columbia, United States | |
| Ruth Baldwin (1756-1818) | |||
| Lucy Baldwin (1758-1760) | |||
| Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
| Theodora Baldwin (1769-1810) | |||
| Lucy Baldwin (1770-1794) | |||
| Belah Baldwin (1772-) | |||
| William Baldwin (1772-1831) | |||
| Michael Baldwin (1774-1776) | |||
| Michael Baldwdin (1776-1810) | |||
| Henry White Baldwin (1780-1844) | |||
| Clara Baldwin (1785-1856) | |||
| Sarah Baldwin (1787-1870) | |||
Residences
See Also
- Abraham Baldwin
- Baldwin Family
- Baldwin in New Haven County, Connecticut
- wikipedia:en:Abraham Baldwin
Bibliography
- White, Henry Clay (1926). Abraham Baldwin: One of the Founders of the Republic, and Father of the University of Georgia, the First of American State Universities. McGregor Company. https://books.google.com/books?id=V4sBAAAAMAAJ.
Succession Charts
| United States House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by New Seat |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 2nd congressional district  March 4, 1789 – March 4, 1793 |
Succeeded by Converted to At-Large districts |
| Preceded by Converted from district seats |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's At-large congressional district March 4, 1793 – March 4, 1799 |
Succeeded by James Jones |
| United States Senate | ||
| Preceded by Josiah Tattnall |
United States Senator (Class 2) from Georgia March 4, 1799 – March 4, 1807 Served alongside: James Gunn, James Jackson, John Milledge |
Succeeded by George Jones |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by James Hillhouse |
President pro tempore of the United States Senate December 7, 1801 – December 13, 1802 |
Succeeded by Stephen R. Bradley |
References
- ^ "Abraham Baldwin (1754–1807)" Archived March 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, New Georgia Encyclopedia (January 6, 2009), Retrieved on July 21, 2013
- ^ "Brief Biography". https://georgiahistory.com/education-outreach/online-exhibits/featured-historical-figures/abraham-baldwin/brief-biography/.
- ^ Sine, Richard L. (January 27, 1985). "Stamps; Great American Series". The New York Times: p. 33.
- ^ Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins. Macon, GA: Winship Press. pp. 13. ISBN 0-915430-00-2.
- ^ Odd Wisconsin Archives Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Wisconsinhistory.org (March 29, 2006). Retrieved on July 21, 2013.
- ^ Coley Ingram, Tracy (September 26, 2011). "UGA unveils statue of Abraham Baldwin". The Tifton Gazette. Tifton, Georgia. https://www.tiftongazette.com/archives/uga-unveils-statue-of-abraham-baldwin/article_1b74e022-dc8c-5161-8c5c-8939b7d7d262.html.