US Congressman. He was born in Franklin County, Kentucky, studied law and became an attorney. In 1821 he moved to Pensacola, where he was named to the newly acquired Florida Territory's Legislative Council, also becoming Adjutant General of the territorial militia with the rank of Colonel. In 1822 he was named a Commissioner for determining the validity of land claims and titles Florida property owners had acquired from the European powers before the Territory became a US possession, an appointment which enabled him to develop expertise in the history of colonial land grants. In 1824 he was elected as Florida's non-voting Delegate to the US House of Representatives and he was reelected five times, serving from 1825 to 1837. In Congress, White did not belong to a party, but was known as an anti-Jacksonian. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1836. In 1838 and 1839 he wrote the two volume "New Collection of Laws, Charters, etc., of Great Britain, France, and Spain Relating to Cessions of Lands, with the Laws of Mexico", a work he had researched for several years, including several trips to Europe. In 1839 White decided to move to St. Louis and continue practicing law, but he died there shortly after his arrival. He was the son in law of US Senator and Kentucky Governor John Adair.
US Congressman. He was born in Franklin County, Kentucky, studied law and became an attorney. In 1821 he moved to Pensacola, where he was named to the newly acquired Florida Territory's Legislative Council, also becoming Adjutant General of the territorial militia with the rank of Colonel. In 1822 he was named a Commissioner for determining the validity of land claims and titles Florida property owners had acquired from the European powers before the Territory became a US possession, an appointment which enabled him to develop expertise in the history of colonial land grants. In 1824 he was elected as Florida's non-voting Delegate to the US House of Representatives and he was reelected five times, serving from 1825 to 1837. In Congress, White did not belong to a party, but was known as an anti-Jacksonian. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1836. In 1838 and 1839 he wrote the two volume "New Collection of Laws, Charters, etc., of Great Britain, France, and Spain Relating to Cessions of Lands, with the Laws of Mexico", a work he had researched for several years, including several trips to Europe. In 1839 White decided to move to St. Louis and continue practicing law, but he died there shortly after his arrival. He was the son in law of US Senator and Kentucky Governor John Adair.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Inscription
In memory of one whose name needs no eulogy, Joseph. M. White, late Delegate in Congress from the Territory of Florida. Born in Franklin County, Kentucky, 8th of Oct., 1798, died in St. Louis, at the residence of his brother, Thomas J. White, M.D., the 19th day of October, 1839.
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