US Congressman from New York. He completed his education in New London and at age 16 began teaching school. In 1817 he moved to Pompey, New York, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1819. He practiced throughout western New York, and several prospective lawyers studied with him, most notably US Attorney General George H. Williams. In 1846 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Whig and served two terms, 1847 to 1851. In 1848 he offered a resolution condemning the slave trade in Washington DC, which passed 98-88. This act is viewed by historians as a precursor to the Civil War because it caused pro-slavery Whigs from the South to leave the party, resulting in its demise and leading to the founding of the anti-slavery Republican party in the 1850s. After his term in Congress ended Gott moved to Syracuse and resumed his law practice.
US Congressman from New York. He completed his education in New London and at age 16 began teaching school. In 1817 he moved to Pompey, New York, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1819. He practiced throughout western New York, and several prospective lawyers studied with him, most notably US Attorney General George H. Williams. In 1846 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Whig and served two terms, 1847 to 1851. In 1848 he offered a resolution condemning the slave trade in Washington DC, which passed 98-88. This act is viewed by historians as a precursor to the Civil War because it caused pro-slavery Whigs from the South to leave the party, resulting in its demise and leading to the founding of the anti-slavery Republican party in the 1850s. After his term in Congress ended Gott moved to Syracuse and resumed his law practice.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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