Henry Marchant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Marchant
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Etching of Henry Marchant by Max Rosenthal
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island | |
| In office July 3, 1790 – August 30, 1796 |
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| Appointed by | George Washington |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 1 Stat. 128 |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Bourne |
| 38th Attorney General of Rhode Island | |
| In office 1771–1777 |
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| Governor | Joseph Wanton Nicholas Cooke |
| Preceded by | Oliver Arnold |
| Succeeded by | William Channing |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 9, 1741 Martha's Vineyard, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America |
| Died | August 30, 1796 (aged 55) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Common Burial Ground Newport, Rhode Island |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (A.M.) read law |
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Henry Marchant (born April 9, 1741 – died August 30, 1796) was an important figure in early American history. He served as an attorney general for Rhode Island. He was also a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, which was a meeting of representatives from the American colonies. Marchant was one of the people who signed the Articles of Confederation, which was the first constitution of the United States. Later, he became the first United States district judge for Rhode Island.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Marchant was born on April 9, 1741. His birthplace was Martha's Vineyard in what was then the Province of Massachusetts Bay. This area was part of British North America.
He went to the College of Philadelphia. This school is now known as the University of Pennsylvania. In 1762, he earned a Master of Arts degree. After his studies, he learned about law by working with an experienced lawyer. This way of learning is called "reading law."
A Career in Public Service
From 1767 to 1777, Marchant worked as a private lawyer in Newport. During this time, he also served as the attorney general of Rhode Island. He held this important legal position from 1771 to 1777.
From 1777 to 1779, Henry Marchant was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. This was a very important group that helped guide the American colonies during the American Revolutionary War. He was one of the people who signed the Articles of Confederation. This document created a loose union of the states before the current U.S. Constitution was written.
After his time in the Congress, he returned to private law practice. He also worked as a farmer in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, from 1780 to 1784. Later, he became a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He served there from 1784 to 1790. He also participated in a special meeting in Rhode Island. This meeting was held to decide if Rhode Island would accept the new United States Constitution.
Becoming a Federal Judge
On July 2, 1790, President George Washington chose Henry Marchant for a new job. He nominated Marchant to be a judge for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. This court was newly created. The United States Senate approved his appointment the very next day, July 3, 1790. He officially became a judge on that same day.
Marchant served as a federal judge until he passed away. He died on August 30, 1796, in Newport, Rhode Island. He was buried in the Common Burial Ground in Newport.
First Case at the Supreme Court
As a judge, Henry Marchant oversaw an important case called West v. Barnes in 1791. This case was special because it was the very first case that was appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States. This means it was the first time a case from a lower court was reviewed by the highest court in the country.
Later Life and Legacy
Henry Marchant was a member of the Second Congregational Church of Newport. He also owned a farm in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. This farm is now known as the Henry Marchant Farm.
