James Buffington (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Buffington
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts |
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| In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel L. Crocker |
| Succeeded by | Oakes Ames |
| Constituency | 2nd district |
| In office March 4, 1869 – March 7, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas D. Eliot |
| Succeeded by | William W. Crapo |
| Constituency | 1st district |
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| Born | March 16, 1817 Fall River, Massachusetts |
| Died | March 7, 1875 (aged 57) Fall River, Massachusetts |
| Resting place | Oak Grove Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
James Buffington (born March 16, 1817 – died March 7, 1875) was an important politician from Massachusetts. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress where laws are made. He was also the first Mayor of his hometown, Fall River, Massachusetts.
Buffington was born in Fall River on March 16, 1817. He went to local schools and also to Friends College in Providence, Rhode Island. He studied medicine for a while but decided not to become a doctor. Instead, he worked in business.
Before joining the national government, Buffington was active in local politics. From 1851 to 1854, he was part of the Fall River Board of Selectmen. This group helped manage the town. Then, when Fall River became a city, he was chosen as its very first Mayor. He held this job from 1854 to 1855.
Serving in Congress
James Buffington was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives several times. His first term began on March 4, 1855. He was first elected as a member of the American Party. This party was popular for a short time in the 1850s.
After that, he joined the Republican Party. He was re-elected three more times as a Republican. He served in Congress until March 3, 1863. During his time there, he led important groups called committees. He was chairman of the Committee on Accounts and the Committee on Military Affairs. These committees helped manage government money and military matters.
Later Public Service
After his first time in Congress, Buffington took a break from being a representative. He briefly joined the military service in 1861. He also worked for the United States Department of the Treasury, which manages the government's money. From 1867 to 1869, he collected taxes for the government in Massachusetts.
Buffington returned to Congress in 1869. He was elected again and served from March 4, 1869, until he passed away. He died in Fall River on March 7, 1875. He was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River.
More About James Buffington
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)
- List of mayors of Fall River, Massachusetts
