James Gettis

James Gettis
Born(1816-05-04)May 4, 1816
DiedDecember 14, 1867(1867-12-14) (aged 51)
Occupation(s)Lawyer, judge
James Gettis
Allegiance Confederate States of America
Service / branch Confederate States Army
Years of service1862–1863
RankCaptain
Unit7th Florida Infantry, Co. B
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War

James Gettis (May 4, 1816 – December 14, 1867) was a lawyer and judge in Tampa, Florida. He was the second lawyer in Tampa. Gettis was also a city councilman, and state representative, and the first town clerk.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Gettis came to Tampa in 1848. He promoted development of Tampa and sought to bring rail service to the area.

An ardent Confederate secessionist during the Civil War, he attended Florida's Secession Convention and signed the Ordinance of Secession, and was the hero of the Battle of Tampa.