“C” is for Cheves, Langdon (1776-1857)

“C” is for Cheves, Langdon (1776-1857). Legislator, congressman, bank president. Born in Abbeville District, Cheves acquired much of his education through intensive personal study. Admitted to the bar in 1797, he soon had a statewide practice. In 1802 he was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives and held his seat until 1809. In 1810 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a “War Hawk” and in 1814 was elected speaker. In 1816 he returned to South Carolina. From 1819 to 1822 Cheves was president of the Second National Bank of the United States. From 1822 to 1829 he was the chief commissioner of war claims stipulated by the treaty ending the War of 1812. Returning to South Carolina Langdon Cheves became a political power broker and an outspoken proponent of secession.