George H. Proffit (September 4, 1807 – September 7, 1847) was an American lawyer who served two terms as a U.S. Representative from Indiana from 1839 to 1843.

Biography

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Proffit completed preparatory studies. He moved to Petersburg, Indiana, in 1828. He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Petersburg and Portersville, Indiana. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Petersburg, Indiana.

State House

He served as member of the State house of representatives in 1831, 1832, and 1836–1838.

Congress

Proffit was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Congresses (March 4, 1839 – March 3, 1843). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1842.

Later career

He was appointed by President Tyler as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil and served from June 7, 1843, to August 10, 1844, when he returned home, the Senate having refused to confirm his appointment.

Death and burial

He died in Louisville, Kentucky, September 7, 1847, and was interred in Walnut Hill Cemetery (Petersburg, Indiana).

References

• United States Congress. "George H. Proffit (id: P000548)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• This article incorporates facts obtained from: Lawrence Kestenbaum, The Political Graveyard

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress