Dutee Jerauld PEARCE, Congress, RI (1789-1849)

PEARCE, Dutee Jerauld, a Representative from Rhode Island; born on the island of Prudence, R.I., April 3, 1789; was graduated from Brown University, Providence, R.I., in 1808; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Newport, R.I.; held various local offices; attorney general of Rhode Island 1819-1825; United States district attorney in 1824 and 1825; member of the state house of representatives; elected as an Adams candidate to the Nineteenth and Twentieth Congresses, reelected as an Anti-Jacksonian to the Twenty-first and Twenty-second Congresses and elected as an Anti-Masonic candidate to the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Congresses (March 4, 1825-March 3, 1837); chairman, Committee on Revisal and Unfinished Business (Twentieth and Twenty-first Congresses); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1836 to the Twenty-fifth Congress; died in Newport, R.I., May 9, 1849; interment in the Common Burial Ground.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present