Edward DICKINSON, Congress, MA (1803-1874)

1803-1874

DICKINSON, Edward, a Representative from Massachusetts; born in Amherst, Mass., January 1, 1803; attended the public schools and Amherst Academy; was graduated from Yale College in 1823; studied law in the law school of Northampton, Mass.; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Amherst in 1826; treasurer of Amherst College 1835-1873; member of the State house of representatives in 1838 and 1839; served in the State senate in 1842 and 1843; member of the Governor’s council in 1846 and 1847; elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress (March 4, 1853-March 3, 1855); declined to be a candidate for the Republican nomination of Lieutenant Governor in 1861; again elected a member of the State house of representatives in 1873; died in Boston, Mass., June 16, 1874; interment in West Cemetery, Amherst, Hampshire County, Mass.

Bibliography

Bingham, Millicent (Todd). Emily Dickinson’s Home; Letters of Edward Dickinson and His Family. New York: Harper, 1955; Thomas, Owen. “Father and Daughter: Edward and Emily Dickinson.” American Literature 40 (January 1969): 510-23.

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