Linn BANKS, Congress, VA (1784-1842)

BANKS, Linn, a Representative from Virginia; born in Madison (then Culpeper) County, Va., January 23, 1784; studied law; was admitted to the bar in Madison County April 10, 1809; member of the Virginia house of delegates, 1812-1838, and served as speaker, 1817-1838; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-fifth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John M. Patton; reelected to the Twenty-sixth Congress and served from April 28, 1838, to March 3, 1841; presented credentials as a Member-elect to the Twenty-seventh Congress and served from March 4, 1841, until December 6, 1841, when he was succeeded by William Smith, who contested the election; was not a candidate for renomination in 1842; resumed the practice of law; served as a colonel in the Virginia Militia; was drowned while attempting to ford the Conway River near Wolftown, Madison County, Va., January 13, 1842; interment in the family burying ground on his estate, Vale Evergreen, near Graves Mill, Madison County, Va.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present