Elbridge Gerry was an American statesman and Founding Father known for his role in early U.S. politics and as a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Born on July 17, 1744 in Massachusetts, he served in the Continental Congress and was a strong supporter of the American Revolution. Gerry later became the fifth Vice President of the United States under James Madison from 1813 until his death in 1814. He is also known for the term "gerrymandering," which comes from a redistricting plan he approved as governor of Massachusetts to favor his political party.