TOOMBS, ROBERT, b. Washington, Ga., 1810; graduated at Union college, 1828; studied law at the university of Virginia, and began practice in Wilkes co.. Ga. In the Creek war of 1836 lie served as rapt. of the voluneers. From 1837 to 1845, he was a member of the state legislature; in 1845 he was elected to congress and held his seat for four terms, or until 1853, when he was elected to the U.S. senate, and in 1859 re-elected In politics Toombs was then, and is now (1881), an extreme Jeffersonian democrat, believing fully in states-sovereignty, the right of secession and the propriety of slavery. It should be added, however, that in 1840 and 1844 be supported Harrison and Clay with the old line As an impassionate political speaker he has few equals. The movement of secession had his full approval; and his influence, more than other's, led his state to pass the ordinance of secession, to which there was a strong opposition, especially among the "old line whigs." He was the choice of a great part, perhaps the majority, of southern
voters for president of the new confederacy. On the election of Davis, Toombs was offered the oflioe of secretary of state and with reluctance accepted it for a short time, on his resignation receiving a commission as brig.gen.; he served at Manassas and Sharpsburg, and in 1863 was made brig.gen. of the Georgia militia. After the war he lived for some time abroad, and since 1867 lie has carried on a successful law practice at his old home. He is noted for his brilliant wit, his legal sagacity and his benevolence.
He was a bitter opponent of the " reconstruction" measures, and has never taken the oath of allegiance.