Tomlinson Fort (congressman)

Tomlinson Fort (July 14, 1787 – May 11, 1859) was a medical doctor, politician, and banker in the state of Georgia during the first half of the nineteenth century. He was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives and United States House of Representatives from Georgia.

Early years and education
Fort was born in Warrenton, Georgia on July 14, 1787. He completed preparatory studies and then embarked on the study of medicine. In 1809, he received one term of medical training at the Philadelphia Medical College, and commenced practice in 1810. It was a medical career which eventually spanned four decades. Shortly after taking up the practice of medicine, during the War of 1812, Fort enlisted in a volunteer company of Georgia Militia, and was elected captain.

Political career
Fort was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for four terms, from 1818 to 1826. During his tenure in the State Legislature, he was instrumental in the formation of the Medical College of Georgia, and the state lunatic asylum in Milledgeville. He was elected as a Jacksonian candidate to the 20th United States Congress and served one term from March 4, 1827, to March 3, 1829.

Later years
He resumed the practice of medicine in Milledgeville, Georgia. He was president of the Central Bank of Georgia for almost a decade, during which time he helped finance construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Tomlinson Fort died on May 11, 1859, in Milledgeville. He is buried in the City Cemetery.