Samuel Meredith (American politician)

Samuel Meredith (1741 – 1817) was an American politician and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He served as the second Treasurer of the United States from 1789 to 1801, succeeding Michael Hillegas.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Reese Meredith, a wealthy merchant, Samuel inherited a substantial fortune and became a prominent figure in Pennsylvania society. He was a strong supporter of American independence and actively participated in the Revolutionary War.

Meredith served as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Pennsylvania and later as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1786 to 1788. During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he supported the ratification of the United States Constitution.

In 1789, President George Washington appointed Meredith as the Treasurer of the United States. During his tenure, Meredith was responsible for managing the nation's finances and establishing the financial infrastructure of the new government. He oversaw the collection of taxes, the payment of government debts, and the establishment of the national bank. He resigned from the position in 1801.

After leaving office, Meredith retired to his estate in Pennsylvania. He died in 1817. He is remembered for his contributions to the American Revolution and his service as the second Treasurer of the United States.