Birth of the Nation: The First Federal Congress 1789-1791
The First Federal Congress

Representative Eldridge Gerry

Governor Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814)

Drawing (1798) by John Vanderlyn (1775 - 1852)

Courtesy of the Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum


Image Information and Source

Life dates: 17 July 1744-23 November 1814
Place of Residence (1789): Cambridge, Massachusetts
Occupation (1789): Merchant
Place of Birth: Marblehead, Massachusetts
Age (March 4, 1789): 44
Religion (1789): Unknown
College Education: Harvard
Marital Status (1789): Married
Military Service during the Revolutionary War: None
Prior Political Offices: Colonial Legislature
State Legislature
Confederation Congress
Delegate to Federal Convention: Yes
Delegate to State Ratification Convention: [Observed]
Pro/Anti ratification of Constitution: Mixed: (Refused to sign because he felt it did not go far enough to protect personal rights)
Support for strong central government (particularly in its executive functions) Low/Moderate
Last year of continuous service in House: 1793
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