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(1810-1885), one of the most influential Secessionists, was graduated at Union College and rose to distinction as a lawyer in Georgia. He served in the Creek War, in the legislature, and as a State-Rights Whig in Congress from 1845 to 1853. While in Congress he favored and took part in the compromise measures of 1850. He was U.S. Senator from Georgia 1853-1861. Senator Toombs was one of the most active champions of the slave power, and when the crisis occurred in 1860 he was second to none in energy as a disunionist. He aided powerfully in forcing his State to secede. During the war he was at different times Congressman, Secretary of State, and a brigadier-general. Afterward he practised law, and refused persistently to take the oath of allegiance to the Government. In his last years he devoted himself to a contest with the railroad power.