The Maverick of Knoxville: Hugh Lawson White’s Defiance of Old Hickory
Tenure of Office: December 28, 1832 - March 4, 1833
How did a man praised for his "patience, industry and excellent judgment" find himself at the center of a national power struggle? Known for being at his desk by dawn, Hugh Lawson White built a reputation in his career of public service and business leadership which positioned him to take up the role of President pro tem when the Senate rostrum was vacant. However, his sense of duty led this lifelong Jackson ally to break ranks and become the face of the opposition in the South. Listen in to learn more about this one-time presidential contender who was for a brief time a heartbeat away from the presidency.
Special thanks to Alex for joining me for this special episode!
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Atkins, Jonathan M. “Hugh Lawson White.” Tennessee Encyclopedia. https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/hugh-lawson-white/. [Last Accessed: 18 Sep 2024]
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Atkins, Jonathan M. “The Presidential Candidacy of Hugh Lawson White in Tennessee, 1832-1836.” The Journal of Southern History. 58:1 [Feb 1992] pp. 27-56.
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“Collection: James White Papers | SCOUT.” The University of Tennessee Knoxville Libraries. https://scout.lib.utk.edu/repositories/2/resources/247. [Last Accessed: 17 Sep 2024]
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“Elizabeth Carrick White (1783-1831).” Find a Grave. [Last Accessed: 29 Apr 2025]
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Faulkner, Charles F. “James White.” Tennessee Encyclopedia. https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/james-white/. [Last Accessed: 18 Sep 2024]
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“Isabella Lawson White French (1820-1872).” Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196511842/isabella_lawson-french. [Last Accessed: 29 Apr 2025]
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“James White (1747-1821).” Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6032668/james-white. [Last Accessed: 29 Apr 2025]
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Lewis, J.D. “The American Revolution in North Carolina - Captains.” 2022. https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/nc_patriot_military_captains.html. [Last Accessed: 17 Sep 2024]
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“Mary Lawson White (1742-1819).” Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5846728/mary-white. [Last Accessed: 29 Apr 2025]
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Scott, Nancy N. A Memoir of Hugh Lawson White, Judge of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, Member of the Senate of the United States, Etc., Etc. Philadelphia: J B Lippincott & Co, 1856.
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Sellers, Charles G, Jr. “Banking and Politics in Jackson’s Tennessee, 1817-1827.” Mississippi Valley Historical Review. 41:1 [1954] pp. 61-84.
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Wheeler, Katherine. “Fort James White.” Tennessee Encyclopedia. https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/fort-james-white/. [Last Accessed: 18 Sep 2024]
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“White, Hugh Lawson 1773-1840.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/W000376 [Last Accessed: 16 Apr 2025]
Featured Image: "Hugh Lawson White" by Ralph E W Earl [c. 1830], courtesy of Wikipedia
