Hancock-Cobb County GaArchives Biographies.....McDonald, Charles James July 9 1793 - December 16 1860
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Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 September 20, 2004, 1:14 am

Author: Memoirs of Georgia, Vol. I
Memoirs of Georgia, Vol. I, Atlanta, Ga.
Published by the Atlanta Historical Society in 1895
Page 233

Charles James McDonald, nineteenth governor of Georgia (1839-1843), was born in 
Charleston, S.C., July 9, 1793.  In his early infancy his parents moved to 
Hancock county, Ga.  He received an academic education under the direction of 
Rev. Nathan S. Beman, and was graduated from Columbia college, South Carolina.  
He was admitted to the bar in 1817, and a few years later was in the enjoyment 
of an extensive practice.  He was elected solicitor-general of Flint circuit in 
1822, judge of the superior court in 1825, state representative in 1830, state 
senator in 1834 and 1837, and governor in 1839 and 1841.  In 1850 he was 
defeated for governor by Howell Cobb.  He was elected judge of the supreme 
court of Georgia in 1857.  As governor, Mr. McDonald was fearless and guided by 
practical wisdom and integrity.  He took an issue with the legislature, which 
caused much excitement.  In 1838 the state was suffering from the panic of 
1837, and an obligation of $300,000 had been protested.  The legislature 
refused relief, but on the contrary reduced the state taxes 20 percent.  Gov. 
McDonald promptly outlined and carried out a policy that alleviated the 
financial distress.  He vetoed the act reducing taxes, and when the legislature 
was about to adjourn, and leaving $110,000 of expense unprovided for, he boldly 
closed the treasury and suspended payments.  He held his ground and the measure 
of relief he recommended was passed.  He died Dec. 16, 1860.



Additional Comments:
Transcriber's note: According to the webpage, www.politicalgraveyard.com, 
Governor McDonald died in Marietta, Cobb County and was buried at Episcopal 
Cemetery.

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