Thomas Burnell Claiborne (1749-1812)

US Congressman. He was educated in Brunswick County and became owner and operator of a plantation. Claiborne served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1783 to 1788, as Brunswick County Sheriff from 1789 to 1792, and as a State Senator from 1790 to 1792. He was a militia officer and served as Colonel and commander of the Brunswick County Militia. In 1792 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democratic-Republican and served three terms, 1793 to 1799. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1798, but in 1800 was again elected to the US House, serving two terms, 1801 to 1805, afterwards returning to his Brunswick County plantation. Thomas Claiborne was the father of John Claiborne and Thomas Claiborne, both of whom served in Congress, and the uncle of Congressman Nathaniel H. Claiborne, Governor William C.C. Claiborne, and General Ferdinand L. Claiborne, and the great-uncle of Congressman J.F.H. Claiborne.

Bio by: Bill McKern