Benjamin Bourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Bourne
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| Judge of the United States Circuit Court for the First Circuit | |
| In office February 20, 1801 – July 1, 1802 |
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| Appointed by | John Adams |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 2 Stat. 89 |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island | |
| In office October 13, 1796 – February 20, 1801 |
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| Appointed by | George Washington |
| Preceded by | Henry Marchant |
| Succeeded by | David L. Barnes |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's at-large district |
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| In office August 31, 1790 – October 13, 1796 |
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| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | Elisha Reynolds Potter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 9, 1755 Bristol, Rhode Island Colony, British America |
| Died | September 17, 1808 (aged 53) Bristol, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Resting place | Juniper Hill Cemetery Bristol, Rhode Island |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Relatives | Shearjashub Bourne |
| Education | Harvard University (M.A.) read law |
Benjamin Bourne (born September 9, 1755, died September 17, 1808) was an important person in early American government. He served as a Congressman for Rhode Island. He was also a federal judge in two different courts.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Benjamin Bourne was born on September 9, 1755. His hometown was Bristol, in what was then the Rhode Island Colony. His father, Shearjashub Bourn, was a lawyer. He later became a judge on the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Just like his father, Benjamin Bourne went to Harvard University. He graduated in 1775. He also earned a Master of Arts degree from Harvard in 1778. After college, he studied law to become a lawyer. This was called "reading law" back then.
Early Career and Public Service
In 1776, Benjamin Bourne joined the military. He was a quartermaster in the Second Rhode Island Regiment. After his military service, he became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Providence, Rhode Island.
Bourne also held several important public roles in Rhode Island.
- He was a deputy in the Rhode Island General Assembly from 1780 to 1790.
- He served as the clerk for the Rhode Island General Assembly from 1780 to 1786.
- From 1785 to 1790, he was a Justice of the Peace in Providence.
Serving in Congress
After the United States Constitution was approved by Rhode Island, Benjamin Bourne was elected. He became a Congressman for Rhode Island. He was part of the Federalist political group.
He served in the United States House of Representatives for several terms. His time in Congress began on August 31, 1790. He resigned from his position on October 13, 1796.
Federal Judge Roles
Benjamin Bourne became a federal judge after leaving Congress.
District Court Judge
President George Washington first appointed him as a judge. This was for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. He started this role on October 13, 1796. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment in December 1796. He served as a district judge until February 20, 1801.
Circuit Court Judge
President John Adams then nominated Benjamin Bourne for a higher court. He became a judge on the United States Circuit Court for the First Circuit. He received this new position on February 20, 1801. However, this court was later abolished. His service as a circuit judge ended on July 1, 1802.
Later Life and Passing
After his time as a federal judge, Bourne went back to practicing law. He worked in Providence and Bristol from 1801 to 1808. Benjamin Bourne passed away on September 17, 1808. He was buried in Juniper Hill Cemetery in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Family Connections
Benjamin Bourne was related to another important person. He was a first cousin once removed of Shearjashub Bourne. Shearjashub Bourne also served as a United States Representative from Massachusetts.
