Library of Congress

HUNTER, William, a Senator from Rhode Island; born in Newport, R.I., November 26, 1774; attended Rogers School in Newport and graduated from Rhode Island College (later Brown University), Providence, R.I., in 1791; went abroad to study medicine, but preferred to study law at the Inner Temple, London; returned to Newport, R.I., in 1793; admitted to the bar in 1795 and commenced practice in Newport; member of the State general assembly 1799-1812; elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Christopher G. Champlin; reelected in 1814 and served from October 28, 1811, to March 3, 1821; chairman, Committee on Commerce and Manufactures (Fourteenth Congress); member, State house of representatives 1823-1825; resumed the practice of law in Newport; appointed by President Andrew Jackson Charge d’Affaires to Brazil 1834, elevated to Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary and served until 1845; died in Newport, R.I., December 3, 1849; interment in Trinity Church Graveyard.