David Emanuel (Governor of Georgia)

David Emanuel (January 1, 1744 – February 19, 1808) became 24th Governor of Georgia on March 3, 1801 upon the resignation of James Jackson to become U.S. Senator from Georgia. Emanuel served until November 7, 1801, the remainder of Jackson's term, but did not seek re-election.

Emanuel was a member of the Democratic Republican Party and was the first Jewish governor of any U.S. state. Prior to serving as governor he was the President of the Georgia Senate.

Few details of Emanuel's early life are known, but according to the Georgia State Archives he was born in 1744 in Pennsylvania. He served as a captain and colonel in the Georgia Militia during the American Revolution under the command of his brother-in-law general John Twiggs and represented his home county of Burke County in the Georgia legislature.

Emanuel also served on the commission that investigated the Yazoo land scandal. Emanuel County, Georgia is named in his honor.