US Congressman. Elected as a Federalist to represent Massachusetts' 11th District in the Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Congresses, he served from 1811 until his death in office. A 1778 graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, Brigham studied law but never practiced, preferring instead to work as a merchant in his hometown of Westborough (now Northborough). His first political office was as a member of the State House of Representatives (1791 to 1793), followed by 11 terms in the State Senate between 1795 and 1810. During that time, he was also a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas (1795 to 1811) and State Councilor (1799 to 1800, 1806). Although well respected as a politician and jurist, Brigham's effectiveness in Congress was hampered by his allegiance to the fading Federalist Party, which would dissolve soon after his death. He was buried at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. He has a cenotaph at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough, Massachusetts.
US Congressman. Elected as a Federalist to represent Massachusetts' 11th District in the Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Congresses, he served from 1811 until his death in office. A 1778 graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, Brigham studied law but never practiced, preferring instead to work as a merchant in his hometown of Westborough (now Northborough). His first political office was as a member of the State House of Representatives (1791 to 1793), followed by 11 terms in the State Senate between 1795 and 1810. During that time, he was also a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas (1795 to 1811) and State Councilor (1799 to 1800, 1806). Although well respected as a politician and jurist, Brigham's effectiveness in Congress was hampered by his allegiance to the fading Federalist Party, which would dissolve soon after his death. He was buried at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. He has a cenotaph at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough, Massachusetts.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Inscription
Erect in the memory of Hon. Elijah Brigham who died at the city of Washington while a member of congress, 22nd of February 1816, aged 66 years.
Gravesite Details
Headstone was heavily encrusted with dried lichen and is cracked all the way through so it is fragile, but was able to be gently cleaned enough so that the inscription is now readable.
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