George H. Proffit

George H. Proffit (September 4, 1807 – September 7, 1847) was an American lawyer who served two terms as a U.S. representative from Indiana from 1839 to 1843.

Biography Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Proffit completed preparatory studies. He moved to Petersburg, Indiana, in 1828. He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Petersburg and Portersville, Indiana. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Petersburg, Indiana.

State House He served as member of the State house of representatives in 1831, 1832, and 1836–1838.

Congress Proffit was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Congresses (March 4, 1839 – March 3, 1843). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1842.

Later career He was appointed by President Tyler as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil and served from June 7, 1843, to August 10, 1844, when he returned home, the Senate having refused to confirm his appointment.

Death and burial He died in Louisville, Kentucky, September 7, 1847, and was interred in Walnut Hill Cemetery (Petersburg, Indiana).