Joseph Leonard TILLINGHAST, Congress, RI (1791-1844)

TILLINGHAST, Joseph Leonard, (cousin of Thomas Tillinghast), a Representative from Rhode Island; was born in Taunton, Mass., in 1791; moved to Rhode Island and pursued classical studies; published the Providence Gazette in 1809; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1811 and began practice in Providence, R.I.; member of the State house of representatives 1826-1833, serving as speaker 1829-1832; elected as a Whig to the Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, and Twenty-seventh Congresses (March 4, 1837-March 3, 1843); was not a candidate for renomination; trustee of Brown University at Providence 1833-1844; died in Providence, R.I., December 30, 1844; interment in North Burial Ground.

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