Graham, George, 1770-1830

George Graham was born in Dumfries, Va., about 1772, and died in Washington in August, 1830. He graduated from Columbia College in 1790 and studied law. During the War of 1812 he commanded the "Fairfax Light-Horse." During the last two years of Madison's administration and until relieved by Calhoun, he was acting secretary of war. In 1818 he inspected General Lallemande's colonists at Orscaquies Bluffs on Trinity River and induced them to submit to the authority of the United States. He became president of the Washington Branch of the United States Bank, and served until appointed commissioner of the Land Office in 1823. He held this office until his death. While connected with the United States Bank he was employed by the government to close the "Indian factorage" affairs, and in doing so is said to have saved the country not less than $250,000. (Appleton, Cycl. Am. Bios.) (blue index cards)

George Graham was acting Secretary of War under President James Madison (1816-1817) and Commissioner of the General Land Office (1823-1830).