William Paine Sheffield Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Paine Sheffield, Sr.
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| United States Senator from Rhode Island |
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| In office November 19, 1884 – January 20, 1885 |
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| Appointed by | Augustus O. Bourn |
| Preceded by | Henry B. Anthony |
| Succeeded by | Jonathan Chace |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | Christopher Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Jenckes |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| In office 1842–1845 1849–1853 1857–1861 1875–1884 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 30, 1820 New Shoreham, Rhode Island |
| Died | June 2, 1907 (aged 86) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Harvard Law School |
| Profession | Attorney |
William Paine Sheffield (born August 30, 1820 – died June 2, 1907) was an important politician from Rhode Island. He served as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator.
Contents
About William Paine Sheffield
William Paine Sheffield was born in New Shoreham, a town on Block Island. He went to Kingston Academy for his early studies. Later, he graduated from Harvard Law School in 1843.
Early Career and Law Practice
After finishing law school, William Sheffield became a lawyer in 1844. He started his law practice in Newport, Rhode Island. This was the beginning of his long career in public service.
Serving Rhode Island
William Sheffield was very active in Rhode Island politics.
- In 1841 and 1842, he helped write the rules for the state's government. These rules are called the State constitutional conventions.
- He was a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for many years. He served from 1842 to 1845, then from 1849 to 1853, and again from 1857 to 1861.
- He also served in the State House of Representatives from 1875 to 1884.
Working in the U.S. Congress
William Sheffield also served in the national government.
- He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1861. He served one term, from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. During this time, he was a "Union candidate," meaning he supported the United States staying together during the Civil War.
- After his time in the House, he went back to practicing law.
- In 1871, he helped update Rhode Island's laws.
- Later, in 1884, he was chosen to be a U.S. Senator. He filled a spot that became empty when Senator Henry B. Anthony passed away. He served as a Senator from November 19, 1884, to January 20, 1885.
Later Life and Family
After his time in the Senate, William Sheffield continued his law work. He passed away in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1907. He was buried in the Island Cemetery. William Paine Sheffield was the father of William Paine Sheffield Jr., who also became a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island.
