American Treasurer - Thomas Tudor Tucker
Thomas Tudor Tucker was the longest serving Treasurer of the United States.
Thomas Tudor Tucker
Born in Bermuda, Thomas Tudor Tucker studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh before establishing a practice in South Carolina.
His arrival in 1771 gave him just enough time to get comfortable before the Revolutionary War broke out.
Despite close attachments to Great Britain, Tucker became a firm Patriot and would become an important member of his adopted home.
Revolutionary
In the early days of the war, Tucker may have played a role in the Bermuda Gunpowder Plot which was led by his family.
Furthermore, Thomas joined the Continental Army as a regimental surgeon.
By 1787, the 33-year-old Tucker was sent to the Continental Congress where he quickly became an outspoken Anti-Federalist.
Congressman
When the Constitution was ratified anyway, Tucker was selected as an inaugural member of the House of Representatives.
Speaking on behalf of South Carolina, Thomas served on several committees, notably making recommendations regarding coinage.
By 1801, he had established himself as a respected Jeffersonian Republican with a good handle on finances.
Treasurer
Interestingly, when Thomas Jefferson became President he received an anonymous letter (signed A.B.) recommending Tucker as Director of the US Mint.
Jefferson did not give Tucker this job but he must have remembered the letter because six months later he appointed Tucker as Treasurer of the United States (not to be confused with Secretary of the Treasury). In this office, he was responsible for collecting and storing all money given to, and paid out by, the United States.
Tucker would remain Treasurer of the United States for the rest of his life. His 28 year term still stands as the longest time a person has held that position.
To read the anonymous letter to Jefferson…CLICK HERE.
Here are some other articles regarding Revolutionary money men:
Tench Coxe - The First American Economist
Replacing Hamilton - Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Takes Over the Treasury Department
Robert Morris - The Founding Father We’re Supposed to Know
Tomas Tudor Tucker might not have a biography, but it is still fun to learn about finances of the Jefferson Administration.
Tucker’s boss was Albert Gallatin, and his biography is certainly one worth reading.
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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