Thomas Walker Gilmer

Thomas Walker Gilmer (April 6, 1802 – February 28, 1844) was an American statesman. He served in several political positions in Virginia, including election as the 28th governor of Virginia. Gilmer's final political office was as the 15th secretary of the Navy, but he died in an accident ten days after assuming that position.

Personal life Gilmer was born to George Gilmer and Elizabeth Anderson Hudson at their farm, "Gilmerton", in Albemarle County, Virginia. He was taught by private tutors and his uncle Peachy Ridgeway Gilmer in Charlottesville and Staunton, and studied law in Liberty (now Bedford), Virginia.

Gilmer practiced law in Charlottesville. He was, briefly, editor of the Virginia Advocate, a Charlottesville newspaper.

Political career

Gilmer first served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1829 to 1836, representing Albemarle County. He returned in 1839–40 and was named Speaker.

As one of President John Tyler's close Virginia allies in Washington, Gilmer was involved in the effort by the Tyler Administration to make the annexation of Texas the basis for his failed bid for re-election in 1844. On February 15, 1844, he was appointed by Tyler to be the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, and resigned his seat in the Congress the next day to enter on the duties of the office; but, ten days later, he was killed by the bursting of a bow gun on board while on a tour of the Potomac River below Washington. His death meant the loss of a valuable ally for Tyler, and some historians suggest that it may have delayed the Texas Annexation effort.

Electoral history In 1842, Gilmer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 50.21% of the vote, defeating William Leftwich Goggin.

Legacy Gilmer is buried at Mount Air Cemetery in Gilbert, Virginia.

A year after his death, Gilmer County, Virginia was named in his honor; it is now part of West Virginia.

The city of Gilmer, Texas, is also named for him. (Gilmer is the county seat of surrounding Upshur County, Texas, named after Abel Parker Upshur, (1790–1844), another victim of the explosion which had taken Gilmer's life.)

Two ships of the United States Navy over the years have been named in his honor.