Biography

George R. Gilmer was born in Wilkes County to Thomas and Elizabeth Gilmer. Served during the War of 1812. After the war, Gilmer began to practice law. In 1818, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. In 1820, Gilmer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1822, Gilmer married Eliza Frances Grattan. During the 1830s, Gilmer served two non-consecutive terms as Governor of Georgia, from 1829-1831 and 1837-1839. During his tenure he was embroiled with territorial issues relative to the Cherokee Nation. Gilmer died in 1859 at his Lexington, Georgia home.