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 and 13th to the 18th 18th. He was also the Acting Vice President or next in line to the presidency two days after the death of Vice President Elbridge Gerry from November 25, 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 and was interred in the Congressional Cemetery.

Preceded by Pierce Butler	United States Senator (Class 3) from South Carolina 1804–1826 Served alongside: Thomas Sumter, John Taylor, William Smith, Robert Y. Hayne	Succeeded by William Harper
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** November 25, 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