Dwight FOSTER, Congress, MA (1757-1823)

FOSTER, Dwight, (brother of Theodore Foster), a Representative and a Senator from Massachusetts; born in Brookfield, Worcester County, Mass., December 7, 1757; completed preparatory studies and graduated from Brown University, Providence, R.I., in 1774; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1778 and commenced practice in Providence, R.I.; justice of the peace for Worcester County 1781-1823; special justice of the court of common pleas 1792; sheriff of Worcester County 1792; member, State house of representatives 1791-1792; elected to the Third and to the three succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1793, to June 6, 1800, when he resigned; chairman, Committee on Claims (Fourth through Sixth Congresses); delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1799; elected to the United States Senate as a Federalist to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Samuel Dexter and served from June 6, 1800, to March 2, 1803, when he resigned; chief justice of the court of common pleas 1801-1811; member, State house of representatives 1808-1809; member of the Governor’s council and held other state and local offices; died in Brookfield, Mass., April 29, 1823; interment in Brookfield Cemetery.

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