John Langdon
| Founding Fathers | |
|---|---|
| |
| John Langdon | |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Religion | Congregationalist |
| Founding Documents | United States Constitution |
John Langdon (June 26, 1741 â September 18, 1819) was a Governor and United States Senator from New Hampshire and the first President pro tempore of the Senate. He was also a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of the United States Constitution.
Early life
Langdon was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on June 26, 1741. His father was a prosperous landowner; his older brother, Woodbury Langdon, would also go on to serve in the Continental Congress later in life. John attended the local grammar school, and later served an apprenticeship as a clerk.[1] Over the Rather than follow his father into farming, he went to sea, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, becoming captain of his own ship by the age of 22. Over the next several years, he built a small fleet of vessels, becoming one of Portsmouth's wealthiest citizens.[2]
Revolutionary War
Langdon was elected to the New Hampshire legislature in 1774 on a platform of strong opposition to British taxation and support for the boycott of British goods established by the Continental Association. (Ironically, his brother was also elected to the legislature the same year as a voice for merchants who opposed the boycott.) Recognizing that more direct action would be needed, John Langdon joined a group of militiamen in a raid to remove the gunpowder from the local fort before it could be seized by the Crown.[3]
Shortly before the Battle of Bennington, Langdon recognized the financial shortfall of New Hampshire. In response, he personally pledged the funds so as to help raise and arm the troops necessary to defend against the advancing British.[4] Using these funds, General John Stark was able to raise 1500 militiamen in six days.[5] Langdon gave a speech about this, in which he said in part:
I have a thousand dollars in hard money; I will pledge my plate for three thousand more. I have seventy hogsheads of Tobago rum which will be sold for the most they will bring. They are at the service of the state. If we succeed in defending our firesides and our homes I may be remunerated; if we do not then the property will be of no value to me. Our friend, John Stark, who so nobly maintained the honor of our state at Bunker Hill, may safely be entrusted with the honor of the enterprise and we will check the progress of Burgoyne.[6]
Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention
In 1775, on the heels of the gunpowder raid, Langdon was appointed to the Continental Congress. He immediately became a strong voice for independence. He served through 1776, at which time he resigned to take a more direct hand in the war effort and in outfitting ships of war. He was once again appointed to the Continental Congress in 1787, and served as one of New Hampshire's delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The other member of the New Hampshire delegation to the Convention was Nicholas Gilman.
Later Political Service
Langdon was elected to the United States Senate, one of New Hampshire's first Senators. He served from March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1801. On April 6, 1789, he was elected the first President pro tempore of the Senate, presiding over the electoral vote that made George Washington the first President of the United States. Langdon also served as President pro tempore of the Senate during the Second Congress.
Retiring from the Senate in 1801, Langdon rejected President Thomas Jefferson's offer to become Secretary of the Navy. Instead he returned to his business interests in New Hampshire. He continued to lead an active political life, both as legislator and governor, until retiring in 1812âdeclining a nomination as candidate for Vice President of the United States.[7]
Death
John Langdon died in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on September 18, 1819; he was interred in the family tomb in the North Cemetery.