America's Longest Serving Generals - The Team of George Gibson and Thomas Jesup
This might be the first article in which I mention the name Abraham Lincoln…but today’s Founders served for a very long time.
George Gibson and Thomas Jesup were appointed Commissary and Quartermaster General, respectively, by President James Monroe.
The two men would simultaneously serve the two longest Generalships in American history.
Two Generals
On April 18, 1818, President James Monroe appointed George Gibson as Commissary General of the United States Army.
Less than three weeks later, on May 8, Monroe chose Thomas Jesup to serve as the Army’s Quartermaster General.
Little did anyone know that these two men would serve side by side for more than 40 years…becoming the two longest reigning military officers in the history of the United States.
George Gibson
George Gibson was born just as his father began fighting in the Revolutionary War.
Though he spent the early part of his life in private business, Gibson signed up for the United States Army when he was 33 years old. It was about this time that he began a lifelong friendship with future Commanding General of the United States Army Winfield Scott.
When the War of 1812 broke out, George made a name for himself and rose to the rank of Quartermaster General for the Southern Department.
It was during this war that he impressed future President Andrew Jackson with his ability to supply the soldiers despite overwhelming odds.
Thomas Jesup
Thomas Jesup began his military career the same year as Gibson and Scott, though he was just 20 at the time. Like Gibson, Jesup was also the son of a decorated Revolutionary War veteran.
Thomas served in the Northern Department during the War of 1812. He was wounded several times and even taken as a prisoner of war during the Fall of Detroit.
Jesup, however, impressed enough to be named Quartermaster General shortly after the war.
He was still just 30 years old.
Long Terms
Gibson and Jesup served together through the administrations of ten Presidents.
As Quartermaster, Jesup was responsible for supplying the soldiers.
As Commissary, Gibson was responsible for feeding them.
Their most important contributions were during the Seminole Wars and Mexican-American War (during both of which, Jesup was strongly criticized).
By the time Jesup passed away, Abraham Lincoln was campaigning for President.
When Gibson died the following year, the Civil War had begun.
Fringe Founders
While it might seem hard to believe that these two men, whose contributions came well after the Revolutionary War, could be considered Founders, it is important to note that they came of age during the Washington and Jefferson Presidencies.
Furthermore, they were appointed by James Monroe, whose credentials as an American Founder are unquestionable.
It is true that their appointments were made at the beginning of the Second Party System, they provided much for the development of the still-pretty-new United States Army.
Thomas Jesup is often credited as the Father of the Modern Quartermaster Corps.As for George Gibson, he should be given respect as the Father of the Commissary Subsistence.
Here are some other Founders whose careers started later in the Early Republic:
Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins Drinks Himself to Death
William Morgan Exposes Freemason Secrets
Washington Irving’s Involvement in Changing Literary Tastes
Thomas Jesup found himself surrounded with a great deal of controversy throughout his career.
I highly suggest you look more into his fascinating life, which is covered in the book ‘Maligned General.’
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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