Gerry, Elbridge

American statesman, born in Marble head, Ma .; in 1773, eight years after graduating at Harvard, he was elected to the Ma achusetts A embly, and in 1789 to the first National Congre ; as envoy to France in 1797 he a isted in establishing diplomatic relations with that country, and after his recall in 1810 was chosen governor of his native State; during his tenancy of this office, by an unfair redistribution of the electoral districts in the State he gave undue advantage to his own political party, a proceeding which led to the coining of the word "gerrymandering"; subsequently he held office as Vice-President of the Republic (1744-1814).