Thomas Dwight (politician)

Thomas Dwight (October 29, 1758 – January 2, 1819) was a United States Representative from Massachusetts.

For his distant cousin the anatomy professor, see Thomas Dwight.

Thomas Dwight
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 5th district
In office March 4, 1803 – March 4, 1805
Preceded by	Lemuel Williams
Succeeded by	William Ely
Member of the Massachusetts Senate
In office 1814–1818
Member of the Massachusetts Senate
In office 1796–1803
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1794–1796
Member of the Massachusetts Governor’s council
Member of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Springfield, Massachusetts
Personal details
Born	(1758-10-29)October 29, 1758 Springfield, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America
Died	January 2, 1819(1819-01-02) (aged 60) Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party	Federalist
Spouse(s)	Hannah Worthington. m. April 14, 1791
Alma mater	Harvard College in 1778
Profession	Lawyer

Life

Thomas Dwight was born in Springfield in the Province of Massachusetts Bay on October 29, 1758.

Early life

Dwight's father was Colonel Josiah Dwight (1715–1768) of the New England Dwight family, and mother was Elizabeth Buckminster (1731–1798). He was the oldest of five siblings.

Education

Dwight pursued preparatory studies, and graduated from Harvard College in 1778. Dwight studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Springfield.

Family life

On April 14, 1791 Dwight married Hannah Worthington. She was born June 17, 1761, with maternal grandfather Reverend Samuel Hopkins (1721–1803). Dwight was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives 1794–1795, and to the Massachusetts Senate for two terms, from 1796 to 1803 and 1814 to 1818.[1]

Dwight was elected as a Federalist to the Eighth Congress from March 4, 1803 to March 3, 1805. Dwight served as selectman of the town of Springfield, and was a member of the Governor's council.[2] He retired from political life and engaged in the practice of his profession in Springfield until his death on January 2, 1819. His interment was in Peabody Cemetery.

His widow died July 10, 1833. Their children were:[1]

1. Mary Stoddard Dwight was born January 26, 1792, married John Howard on December 18, 1818, and died July 20, 1836. They had four daughters.
2. John Worthington Dwight was born October 31, 1793 and died February 12, 1836 unmarried.
3. Elizabeth Buckminster Dwight was born February 18, 1801, married Charles Howard, and died October 7, 1855. They had six children.

References

1. Benjamin Woodbridge Dwight (1874). The history of the descendants of John Dwight, of Dedham, Mass. 2. J. F. Trow & son, printers and bookbinders. pp. 829–831.
2. United States Congress. "Dwight, Thomas, (1758–1819) (id: D000583)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Lemuel Williams	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 5th congressional district March 4, 1803 – March 3, 1805	Succeeded by William Ely