James McSherry (Pennsylvania politician)

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James McSherry (July 29, 1776 – February 3, 1849), was an American politician from

U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district from 1821 to 1823.[1]

Early life and education

McSherry was born in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, to Irish immigrant Patrick McSherry and was educated at the Lancaster Academy.[2]

Military service

He fought in the

Baltimore, Maryland
.

Business career

He was a founder of the Littlestown Railroad and the Gettysburg National Bank.[2]

Political career

He served in the

(1821–1823).

Defeated in his re-election bid, he returned to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives (1824–1830; 1834 and 1835).

Death and legacy

He died on February 3, 1849, and is interred at the Saint Aloysius Cemetery in Littlestown, Pennsylvania.

One of his sons, James McSherry Jr. was a lawyer and writer best known for his "History of Maryland", another, William McSherry was a Pennsylvania State Senator as a Whig and Democrat. His grandson, James McSherry became chief judge of the supreme court U.S. State of Maryland Court of Appeals.

The town of McSherrystown, Pennsylvania, is named in honor of his family.[2]

Sources

  1. ^ CongBio
  2. ^ a b c d "Pennsylvania State Senate - James McSherry Biography". www.legis.state.pa.ua. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Thomas Grubb McCullough
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district

1821–1823

1821–1822 alongside James Duncan
1822–1823 alongside

John Findlay

Succeeded by
Philip Swenk Markley