“L” is for Lowndes, William Jones (1782-1822)

“L” is for Lowndes, William Jones (1782-1822). Congressman. Lowdes was born in Saint Bartholomew's Parish. In 1804 he was elected to the General Assembly where he served until 1808. In 1810 Lowndes was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives, where he became a leading member of the “War Hawks,” a faction of young congressmen who strongly favored a military resolution of the nation’s dispute with Britain. A gifted legislator and persuasive speaker, he rapidly established himself as one of the most influential members of Congress. A nationalist, he helped author legislation creating the Second Bank of the United States and supported the enactment of protective tariffs in 1816. In his final important public work, William Jones Lowndes with Henry Clay led the successful effort in the house to pass the Missouri Compromise of 1820.