Dallas, George Mifflin

(born July 10, 1792, Philadelphia, Pa.—died Dec. 31, 1864, Philadelphia) U.S. politician. He was the son of Alexander J. Dallas, who served as secretary of the treasury (1814–16). He completed an unexpired term as U.S. senator (1831–33) and later served as minister to Russia (1835–39). He was elected vice president under James K. Polk (1845–49). As minister to Britain (1856–61), he obtained a renunciation of Britain's claimed right to search vessels on the high seas. Dallas, Texas, was named for him.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica