John Wooleston Tibbatts (1801-1852) - Find a Grave Memorial

U.S. Congressman, Mexican-American War Army Officer. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, he graduated from Transylvania College (Lexington) in 1823. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1826, and practiced as an attorney in Newport, Kentucky. He helped form the Newport Manufacturing Company in 1831 and amassed considerable wealth. Elected as a Democrat to represent Kentucky's 10th District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1842 to 1847. As a Congressman, he favored hard currency, free trade, and the annexation of Texas. He also sponsored a resolution that obligated the United States to defend Texas against Mexico which prompted President James K. Polk to commission Tibbatts as Colonel during the Mexican-American War. Soon after his term in Congress expired, he was assigned to command the 16th U.S. Infantry. He arrived in Mexico after the fighting had ceased and was appointed as the Military Governor of Monterey. He resigned his commission in August, 1848 and returned to Kentucky to resume his law profession. He died at his residence in Newport in 1852 when he was 50 years old. He is the father-in-law of George Baird Hodge.

Bio by: K Guy