Tattnall, Josiah, approximately 1764-1803

Governor of Georgia.

Josiah Tattnall (1764-1803) was born in Savannah, the son of Josiah and Mary (Mullryne) Tattnall. His family moved to England for Tattnall to attend the Eaton School. He returned to Savannah in 1782. In 1787 he served at Captain of a detachment of light infantry; in 1792 he became Captain of the Chatham Artillery. He was promoted to Colonel of the 1st Georgia Regiment in 1793. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, assisting in the 1796 passing of the act rescinding the Yazoo Fraud. That same year, Tattnall began a term on the U.S. Senate, leaving the position in 1799. He became Brigadier-General of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of Georgia Militia in 1801, in the same year he was elected as Governor of Georgia. Tattnall resigned his gubernatorial position in November 1802 due to poor health. He spent the next year in the Bahamas, hoping the climate would improve his health. He died in Nassau, New Providence in 1803. Tattnall is buried in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah.

Revolutionary soldier, U.S. senator, and governor of Georgia.