David Meriwether

David Meriwether (April 10, 1755 – November 16, 1822) was a United States representative from the state of Georgia. U.S. congressman James Meriwether was his son.

Early years David Meriwether was born at "Clover Fields" (home of the Meriwether family), near Charlottesville in the Virginia Colony, on April 10, 1755. During his early years in Virginia, Meriwether developed a personal friendship with Thomas Jefferson who was a plantation neighbor of the family. Some time later, Jefferson hired one of Meriwether's cousins, Meriwether Lewis as his personal secretary, before eventually commissioning the young Captain to undertake the exploration of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase along with William Clark. During this period, his occupation was that of "planter". He was then elected as a Jeffersonian to the 7th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Benjamin Taliaferro and was reelected to the 8th and 9th Congresses. His time in federal office spanned from December 6, 1802, to March 3, 1807. He did not run for reelection in 1806 to the 10th Congress and retired to his plantation near Athens, Georgia. After his congressional service, Meriwether was appointed a commissioner to the Creek Indians in 1804 and repeatedly reappointed to treat with other tribes. Meriwether served as a Presidential Elector from Georgia in the election cycles of 1816 and 1820, voting for James Monroe.