James THOMPSON, Congress, PA (1806-1874)

THOMPSON James , a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in Middlesex, Butler County, Pa., October 1, 1806; completed preparatory studies; learned the printer's trade; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1829 and commenced practice in Erie, Pa.; member of the State house of representatives 1832-1834 and in 1855 and served as speaker in 1834; delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1838; presiding judge of sixth judicial district court 1838-1844; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first Congresses (March 4, 1845-March 3, 1851); chairman, Committee on the Judiciary (Thirty-first Congress); was not a candidate for renomination in 1850; resumed the practice of his profession; associate justice of the supreme court of Pennsylvania from 1857 to 1866, and served as chief justice of that court from 1866 to 1872; again engaged in the practice of law; died in Philadelphia, Pa., January 28, 1874; interment in Woodlands Cemetery.

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