George Watterston

George Watterston. He was an American journalist, author, and the third Librarian of Congress, serving from 1815 to 1829. Appointed by President James Madison, Watterston played a pivotal role in the early development of the Library of Congress following the destruction of its initial collection during the War of 1812. His tenure was marked by efforts to rebuild and expand the library's holdings, and he later gained recognition for his literary works, which included novels, poetry, and political commentary.

Early life and education

George Watterston was born on October 23, 1783, in New York City to Scottish immigrant parents. His family relocated to the nascent national capital of Washington, D.C. in the 1790s, where his father established himself as a builder involved in early construction projects. Watterston received his early education in Georgetown, likely attending local schools before embarking on the study of law. He read law under the prominent attorney William Cranch, who later became a judge on the United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia. Admitted to the bar, Watterston practiced law briefly in the District of Columbia, but his interests soon turned toward literature and public affairs.

Career as a journalist and editor

Watterston's literary career began in earnest with his editorial work for the Washington City Gazette in the early 19th century. He became a prolific writer and commentator, contributing to various periodicals and establishing himself as a keen observer of American politics and society. In 1807, he published a satirical poem titled "The Lawyer, or Man as He Ought Not to Be," which critiqued the legal profession. His journalistic efforts often intersected with the political debates of the era, including those surrounding the Embargo Act of 1807 and the Hartford Convention. Watterston was a staunch supporter of the Democratic-Republican Party and used his platform to advocate for its principles, frequently engaging with figures in the Jeffersonian democracy movement.

Librarian of Congress

In 1815, following the resignation of Patrick Magruder, President James Madison appointed Watterston as the third Librarian of Congress. He assumed responsibility for a library that had been devastated when British forces burned the United States Capitol during the War of 1812. A key early action was overseeing the purchase of the personal library of former President Thomas Jefferson, a collection of over 6,000 volumes that formed the new intellectual foundation for the institution. During his tenure, Watterston worked to systematically rebuild and catalog the collection, advocating for increased congressional appropriations. He also authored the library's first published catalog in 1815. His service ended in 1829 when incoming President Andrew Jackson, following the practice of political patronage, replaced him with John Silva Meehan.

Literary works and publications

Beyond his public service, Watterston was a dedicated author of both fiction and non-fiction. His novel "The Lawyer, or Man as He Ought Not to Be" (1808) expanded on his earlier poetic satire. In 1810, he published "Glencarn; or, The Disappointments of Youth," a didactic novel. His later work included "The L... Family at Washington; or, A Winter in the Metropolis" (1822), which offered a fictionalized glimpse into capital society. Watterston also wrote historical and political commentaries, such as "A Picture of Washington" (1840), detailing the city's history and government. He contributed essays to publications like the National Intelligencer and was a member of literary circles that included figures like John Quincy Adams and Washington Irving.

Personal life and legacy

In 1811, Watterston married Anne W. May, with whom he had three children. He was an active participant in the civic and cultural life of Washington, D.C., involved in organizations like the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences. Following his dismissal from the Library of Congress, he continued to write and occasionally practiced law. Watterston died on February 4, 1854, in Washington and was interred in the Congressional Cemetery. His legacy is that of a foundational figure in American librarianship, instrumental in transforming the Library of Congress from a damaged collection into a national institution following the critical acquisition of 1815. His literary works provide contemporary insight into early American social and political life.

Category:American librarians Category:Librarians of Congress Category:American journalists Category:Writers from Washington, D.C. Category:1783 births Category:1854 deaths