John Gaillard

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John Gaillard

John Gaillard (5 September 1765 - 26 February 1826) was a US Senator born in St. Stephen's district, South Carolina on 5 September 1765. He was of Huguenot descent. He was elected to the United States Senate in place of Pierce Butler, who resigned, and served from 31 January 1805 until his death. He voted for the war of 1812. On account of the death of two Vice Presidents (Clinton and Gerry) during his term, he was chosen to preside over the Senate pro tempore in every Congress from the 11th to the 18th 18th. He thus filled the President's chair for fourteen years. He was also the Acting Vice President upon Elbridge Gerry's death from November 23, 1814 to March 4, 1817.

Thomas H. Benton, in his " Thirty Years' View," says: " Urbane in his manners, amiable in temper, scrupulously impartial, uniting absolute firmness of purpose with the greatest gentleness of manners--such were the qualifications which commended him to the presidency of the senate. There was probably not an instance of disorder or a disagreeable scene in the chamber during his long-continued presidency. He classed democratically, but was as much the favorite of one side of the house as of the other, and that in the high party times of the war with Great Britain, which so much exasperated party spirit."

Gaillard died in Washington D.C on 26 February 1826.

Preceded by: Andrew Gregg	*President pro tempore* of the United States Senate** February 28, 1810–December 11, 1810	Succeeded by: John Pope
Preceded by: Joseph Bradley Varnum	*President pro tempore* of the United States Senate** April 18, 1814–January 5, 1819	Succeeded by: James Barbour
Preceded by: James Barbour	*President pro tempore* of the United States Senate** January 25, 1820–December 4, 1825	Succeeded by: Nathaniel Macon