George Cary

George Cary was an American politician and planter who served as a U.S. Representative from Virginia's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Cary's congressional tenure spanned from 1841 to 1843. In addition to his political career, he was known for his work as a horse breeder and for managing his plantations in Southampton County, Virginia. His life was marked by the complexities of antebellum society, including his involvement in agriculture and the institution of slavery.

Early life and career

George Cary was born around 1802 at his family estate, known as Bonny Doon, located near Courtland, Virginia. He was the son of Elizabeth Booth Yates, who was the third wife of Miles Cary, a planter in Southampton County. Cary had a full sister who was slightly younger than him, as well as several half-sisters from his father's previous marriages. Tragically, Cary's father passed away in the summer of 1806, and his mother followed suit in 1815. Following the death of his parents, Cary's education was overseen by his brother-in-law, John Stith, who resided in Petersburg, Virginia. Cary received a liberal education during this time, which would later inform his political career.

Upon reaching the age of 21, Cary assumed the responsibility of guardian for his younger sister until she either reached legal age or married. This familial duty was indicative of the social norms of the time, where familial responsibilities often fell to the eldest male relative.

Inheriting a significant estate, Cary came into possession of three plantations and 75 enslaved individuals, which he managed, either directly or through guardians, using enslaved labor. His estate encompassed approximately 4,350 acres in Southampton County, much of which consisted of uncultivatable swamp or pine barrens. By the time of his death, he had about 120 enslaved individuals working on his land. Cary was also recognized as one of the leading thoroughbred horse breeders in the county, a pursuit that would become a notable aspect of his life.

Cary's involvement in local governance began early in his career. In 1830, he served as a trustee for a preparatory board school located near Jerusalem, Virginia. He was politically active, as evidenced by his participation in the Southampton County committee supporting Martin Van Buren's presidential campaign in 1836. His political affiliations and activities would eventually lead him to seek a position in the U.S. Congress.

House tenure

Cary's political career took a significant turn when he was elected as a candidate for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District during the Democratic Republican Convention in 1840. The district at that time included Petersburg, as well as the counties of Greensville, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex. Cary successfully won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1841, securing approximately 56.52% of the vote against his opponent, Robert R. Collier, who was identified as either an Independent or a Whig.

Cary served in the Twenty-seventh Congress from March 4, 1841, until March 3, 1843. During his time in office, he was known for his support of states' rights and his opposition to the establishment of a national bank. He endorsed the veto message issued by President John Tyler, a fellow Virginian, regarding the national bank. In Congress, Cary attempted to introduce resolutions into the Congressional Record that had been adopted at a public meeting in Petersburg, which denounced protective tariffs. However, this effort was unsuccessful.

In collaboration with fellow Virginian John Minor Botts, Cary sponsored a bill aimed at exempting the Petersburg Railway, which was under construction at the time, from new tariffs imposed on iron rails. This legislative initiative also did not pass. Following his single term in Congress, Cary chose not to seek re-election, concluding his formal political career.

After his congressional tenure, Cary remained engaged in local politics. In July 1844, he was appointed by Governor James McDowell as one of three commissioners for Southampton County, tasked with overseeing the selection of electors for the upcoming presidential and vice-presidential election.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Cary's legislative focus reflected the prevailing political climate of the early 1840s, particularly regarding issues of states' rights and economic policy. His opposition to a national bank was consistent with the Democratic Party's platform at that time, which favored limited federal government intervention in economic matters. Cary's support for states' rights was a significant aspect of his political identity, aligning him with many of his contemporaries who believed in the primacy of state governance over federal authority.

Cary's attempts to address local economic concerns, such as protective tariffs, highlighted his commitment to the interests of his constituents in Virginia. His efforts to exempt the Petersburg Railway from tariffs on iron rails indicated a focus on infrastructure development, which was critical for the economic growth of the region. However, his legislative initiatives faced challenges, and he was unable to achieve the desired outcomes during his congressional term.

Cary's involvement in local governance after his congressional service demonstrated his continued interest in political affairs, even as he returned to managing his plantations and breeding horses. His role as a commissioner for electors in 1844 underscored his ongoing engagement with the political process in Virginia.

Overall, George Cary's career was shaped by the complexities of his time, including his status as a planter and slave owner, his political affiliations, and his contributions to the legislative process during a pivotal era in American history. His life and career reflect the broader social and political dynamics of the antebellum South, marked by issues of governance, economic policy, and the institution of slavery. Cary passed away on February 26, 1850, and was buried in the family cemetery at Bonny Doon, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the historical context of his era.