William Gwin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Senator from California | |
| In office January 13, 1857 – March 3, 1861 | |
| Preceded by | Himself (1855) |
| Succeeded by | James A. McDougall |
| In office September 10, 1850 – March 3, 1855 | |
| Preceded by | Himself (Shadow Senator) |
| Succeeded by | Himself (1857) |
| United States Shadow Senator from California | |
| In office December 20, 1849 – September 10, 1850 | |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | Himself (U.S. Senator) |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's at-large district | |
| In office March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843 | |
| Preceded by | Albert G. Brown |
| Succeeded by | William H. Hammett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William McKendree Gwin October 9, 1805 near Gallatin, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | September 3, 1885 (aged 79) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Transylvania University (BA, MD) |
William McKendree Gwin (October 9, 1805 – September 3, 1885) was an American medical doctor and politician who served in elected office in Mississippi and California. In California he shared the distinction, along with John C. Frémont, of being the state's first U.S. senators. Before, during, and after the Civil War, Gwin was well known in California, Washington, D.C., and the Southern United States as a determined Confederate sympathizer.