Philemon Dickinson

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Philemon Dickinson (April 5, 1739February 4, 1809) was an American lawyer and politician from Trenton, New Jersey. He was a general officer in the New Jersey Militia during the American Revolution, a Continental Congressman from Delaware, and a United States Senator from New Jersey.

Dickinson was born in Maryland. When he was one, his family moved to Delaware. He was educated by a private tutor until he went to the University of Pennsylvania, from where he graduated in the first class in 1759. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar, but never practised. In 1767, Dickinson moved to Trenton, New Jersey. He served as an officer during the American Revolutionary War, rising to the rank of Major General in the New Jersey Militia.

In 1782 and 1783, he represented Delaware at the Continental Congress. He was a member of the commission that selected the site for the national capital in Washington, D.C. in 1784. When William Paterson resigned from the United States Senate, Dickinson was chosen by New Jersey to finish Paterson's term. He served in the senate from November 23, 1790 to March 3, 1793. After his service in Congress, he returned to look after his estates until he died in 1809.

Political offices
Preceded by
William Paterson
U.S. Senator from New Jersey
(class 2)

November 23, 1790March 3, 1793
Succeeded by
Frederick Frelinghuysen
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