Seth HASTINGS, Congress, MA (1762-1831)

HASTINGS, Seth, (father of William Soden Hastings), a Representative from Massachusetts; born in Cambridge, Mass., on April 8, 1762; was graduated from Harvard University in 1782; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1786 and commenced practice in Mendon, Mass.; town treasurer in 1794 and 1795; elected one of the first school commissioners in 1796; elected as a Federalist to the Seventh Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Levi Lincoln; reelected to the Eighth and Ninth Congresses and served from August 24, 1801, to March 3, 1807; declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1806; member of the State senate 1810 and 1814; chief justice of the court of sessions for Worcester County 1819-1828; died in Mendon, Mass., on November 19, 1831; interment in the Old Cemetery.

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