Gadsden

Gadsden, CHRISTOPHER, an American patriot, born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1724, was educated in England, and became a successful merchant in Philadelphia. He was a member of the first Continental congress (1774), rose to the rank of brigadier-general during the revolution, was lieutenant-governor of South Carolina, and suffered nearly a year's imprisonment by the British. He died 28th August 1805.—His grandson, JAMES GADSDEN, born in Charleston, 15th May 1788, served as lieutenant-colonel of engineers in the war of 1812, and as Jackson's aide against the Seminole Indians. In 1853 he was appointed minister to Mexico, and negotiated a treaty under which the United States purchased a large section of territory, 'the Gadsden Purchase,' now forming part of Arizona (q.v.) and New Mexico. He died 25th December 1858.