Thomas Tillinghast

Who was Thomas Tillinghast?

Thomas Tillinghast was a United States Representative from Rhode Island. Born in East Greenwich, Tillinghast was elected as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and served from 1772 to 1773. He held several offices under the Revolutionary authorities and again served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1778 to 1780. He was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1779. He was a member of the council of war. He served as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1780 to 1797.

He was a great grandson of Rev. Pardon Tillinghast

Tillinghast was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Elisha R. Potter and served from November 13, 1797, to March 3, 1799. He was again elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Seventh Congress and served from March 4, 1801 to March 3, 1803.

Tillinghast died in East Greenwich on August 26, 1821. Interment was in Tillinghast Cemetery.