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Samuel Holten
Samuel Holten (Massachusetts Congressman).jpg
Oil-on-ivory miniature, circa 1790. Danvers Archival Center, Peabody Institute Library
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Massachusetts's 1st district
In office
March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1795
Serving with Fisher Ames, Samuel Dexter, and Benjamin Goodhue (General Ticket)
Preceded by Fisher Ames
Succeeded by Theodore Sedgwick
Personal details
Born (1738-06-09)June 9, 1738
Salem Village, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America
Died January 2, 1816(1816-01-02) (aged 77)
Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S.
Resting place Holton Cemetery, Danvers
Political party Anti-Administration
Spouse Mary Warner
Children Lydia, Mary, Sarah

Samuel Holten (born June 9, 1738 – died January 2, 1816) was an important person in early American history. He was a doctor and a leader from Danvers, Massachusetts. He helped create the United States as one of its "Founding Fathers." He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he signed the Articles of Confederation. This was like the first constitution of the United States. He also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Samuel Holten's Early Life and Career

Samuel Holten was born in Salem Village, which is now called Danvers, Massachusetts. This was on June 9, 1738. He went to school in his local area. After his schooling, he studied medicine. He became a doctor and started his practice in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Soon after, he moved back to Danvers. There, he continued his work as a physician.

Supporting the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, Samuel Holten strongly supported the Patriot cause. This meant he wanted the American colonies to be free from British rule. He joined the local militia, which was a group of citizen soldiers. He served as a major in the First Essex County Regiment.

Holten was also a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress from 1774 to 1775. This was an important group that helped govern Massachusetts during the revolution. He also served on the Massachusetts Committee of Safety in 1775. This committee worked to protect the people and support the war effort.

Samuel Holten silhouette (Massachusetts Congressman)
Silhouette of Samuel Holten.

Serving in Congress

Samuel Holten played a big role in the early government of the United States. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1780. This was the main governing body for the American colonies during the revolution. He was one of the people who signed the Articles of Confederation. These articles were the first agreement that united the 13 original states.

He also served in the United States in Congress Assembled from 1783 to 1785. He returned to Congress again in 1787. On August 17, 1785, he was even chosen to be the Chairman of the United States in Congress Assembled. This was a very important leadership position.

Judge Samuel Holten House
Samuel Holten lived in this house in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Later Political Roles and Judicial Service

Samuel Holten continued to serve his state and country in many ways. In 1779, he was part of the state constitutional convention. This group helped write the constitution for Massachusetts. He was a member of the Massachusetts Senate several times, including from 1780 to 1782. He also served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1787.

From 1780 to 1782, Holten was a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council. He served on this council many times over the years. In 1792, he was elected to the Third Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1793, to March 3, 1795. He was part of the Anti-Administration party, which was a political group at that time.

Besides his political roles, Samuel Holten also worked as a judge. He was a judge for the Essex County Court. In 1796, he was appointed judge of the Essex County Probate Court. He held this position until he retired in 1815. Samuel Holten passed away in Danvers on January 2, 1816. He was buried at Holten Cemetery in Danvers.

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