William Branch Giles

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William Branch Giles (12 August 17624 December 1830) was an American statesman and the 24th Governor of Virginia.[{last name pronounced jyles}]

He was born and also died in Amelia County, Virginia. His heritage distantly comes from rome,for his last name means shield in the latin language. Giles attended Hampden-Sydney College and Princeton University. He then went on to study law with Chancellor George Wythe. Giles was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election in 1790, taking the seat of Theodorick Bland, who had died in office on 1 June. He is believed to be the first member of the United States Congress elected in a special election.

In 1804, Giles was appointed as a Senator from Virginia after the resignation of Wilson Cary Nicholas. Giles served in the U.S. Senate until he resigned on 3 March 1815.

Giles served as Governor of Virginia from March 4, 1827 to March 4, 1830.

Giles County is named in his honor.

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Political offices
Preceded by
Theodorick Bland
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia's 9th congressional district

December 7, 1790 - October 2, 1798
Succeeded by
Joseph Eggleston
Preceded by
Joseph Eggleston
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia's 9th congressional district

March 4, 1801 - March 3, 1803
Succeeded by
Philip R. Thompson
Preceded by
Abraham B. Venable
United States Senator (Class 1) from Virginia
August 11, 1804 - December 3, 1804
Served alongside: Andrew Moore
Succeeded by
Andrew Moore
Preceded by
Andrew Moore
United States Senator (Class 2) from Virginia
December 4, 1804 - March 3, 1815
Served alongside: Andrew Moore, Richard Brent, James Barbour
Succeeded by
Armistead T. Mason
Preceded by
John Tyler
Governor of Virginia
March 4, 1827 - March 4, 1830
Succeeded by
John Floyd