Burke County's 8 Governors

Historic Burke County, formerly St. George`s Parish, is associated with eight Georgia governors by birth, residence, or marriage. John Houstoun (1744-1796), a Revolutionary patriot, member of the Continental Congress, and governor in 1778-1779 and 1784-1785, was born near present Waynesboro. Lyman Hall (1724-1790), a Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor in 1783-1874, died at his plantation home, Shell Bluff, in Burke County. Edward Telfair (1735-1807), a member of the Continental Congress, signer of the Articles of Confederation, and governor in 1785-1787 and 1789-1793, owned and operated large plantations in the county. Jared Irwin (1750-1818), a distinguished Revolutionary soldier and Indian fighter, governor in 1796-1798 and 1806-1809, lived in the county for 30 years. David Emanuel (1744-1810), a gallant Revolutionary soldier and governor in 1801, was a resident and is believed to be buried in Burke County. William Schley (1786-1858), a judge, congressman, and governor in 1835-1837, married Elizabeth, daughter of Brig. Gen. Abraham Jackson, of the county. Herschel V. Johnson (1812-1880), a senator, judge, candidate for vice president with Douglas, member of the Confederate Senate, and governor in 1853-1857, was born and grew up in Burke County. Hoke Smith (1855-1931), a lawyer, editor, secretary of the interior, senator, and governor in 1907-1909 and 1911, was principal of Waynesboro Academy for several years.

Waynesboro, Georgia · United States