James PIKE, Congress, NH (1818-1895)

PIKE, James, a Representative from New Hampshire; born in Salisbury, Essex County, Mass., November 10, 1818; pursued classical studies; studied theology at the Wesleyan University, Connecticut, 1837-1839; served as a minister from 1841 to 1854; moved to Pembroke, N.H., in 1854; elected as an American Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress and reelected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1855-March 3, 1859); was not a candidate for renomination in 1858; during the Civil War served as colonel of the Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, from November 1, 1862, to August 20, 1863; unsuccessful candidate for governor of New Hampshire in 1871; resumed preaching and became presiding elder of the Dover district; discontinued active duties in 1886 and lived in retirement until his death in Newfields, Rockingham County, N.H., July 26, 1895; interment in Locust Cemetery.

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