Thomas Tudor Tucker

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Thomas Tudor Tucker (June 25, 1745– May 2, 1828) was an American physician and politician from Charleston, South Carolina. He represented South Carolina in both the Continental Congress and the U.S. House. He later served as Treasurer of the United States.

Thomas was born in St. George, Bermuda to a family prominent in that colony since his ancestors immigrated from England in 1662. His parents were Henry (1713-1785) and Ann Tucker. As a youth, Thomas studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. After graduating he moved first to Virginia before settling in Charleston, South Carolina and opening a practice.

Tucker was an early supporter of the cause of American independence. He was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1776, and served there in various years until 1788. In 1781 he joined the Continental Army as a hospital surgeon supporting the Southern Department, and served until 1783. South Carolina sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1787 and again in 1778.

Tucker was opposed to the United States Constitution, beliveing that it gave too much authority to the central government. In spite of this, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served in the first two congresses from 1789 until 1793.

On December 1, 1801 President Jefferson appointed Tucker as Treasurer of the United States. He held that post through four administrations (Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and J.Q. Adams), serving until his death in 1828. During this time, he also served as physician to President Madison (1809-1817).

Tucker died while in office at Washington, D.C. and is buried in the Congressional Cemetery there. His nephew, Henry St. George Tucker, was a U.S. Congressman from Virginia. Another nephew, named for him (Thomas Tudor Tucker) stayed with the Bermuda branch of the family and served as an Admiral in the British Navy.