Thomas Ward Veazey
Description
Oil on Canvas portrait painting of Thomas Ward Veazey (1774-1842) by an unknown artist. Veazey was born at "Cherry Grove" in Cecil County, Maryland. His father, Edward Veazey (1730-1784) was a planter and Sheriff. Veazey attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland and graduated in 1795. He returned home and began work as a planter. Veazey was a presidential elector for James Madison in 1808 and 1812 and a representative in the Maryland House of Delegates (1811-1812). During the War of 1812, he commanded the 49th Regiment, Maryland Militia with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, Veazey returned to his work as a planter. He served as a member of the Governor's Council from 1833-1835. In 1835, Maryland Whigs of the State Legislature nominated him as their candidate for governor and Veazey won the election. He was staunchly pro-slavery and highly critical of abolitionists. Veazey funded big projects for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and served as Governor until 1839. Veazey was married three times, widowed twice, and fathered a total of ten children. At the time of his death, he owned 27 slaves. Veazey is buried in the family plot at "Cherry Grove" near Earleville, Maryland.
Creator
Date
1836