Nov 25

Nov 25 Leaving the Senate at Midnight - Elijah Paine Becomes a Judge

Jason Mandresh

Bios

Elijah Paine was a US Senator from Vermont who resigned to become one of John Adams’ midnight judges.

Elijah Paine

When the Revolutionary War broke out, 19-year-old Elijah Paine signed up for the Continental Army.

Paine served for two years and, when his enlistment expired, he turned to Harvard University.

By 1781 he had become a lawyer and relocated to what was technically the independent nation of Vermont.

Vermont Leader

Paine’s career grew along with his adopted home and by the time Vermont became a State he had already attended its constitutional convention, served in its House of Representatives and achieved a seat on its Supreme Court.

Furthermore, Elijah had contributed to the growth of several communities in the young State, including building several factories and mills.

As an obvious Vermont leader, Paine was chosen in 1795 as a United States Senator.

Midnight Judge

Elijah represented Vermont well enough in his first term to receive reelection to the Senate.

Paine resigned this seat shortly after his second term began because he was chosen as a Federal Judge for the District of Vermont.

He wasn’t just any Judge, however, he was one of President John Adams’ midnight judges.

Elijah was one of many appointees to obtain their commission the day before Thomas Jefferson took office.

Lasting Effects

Paine held onto his judgeship for a pretty significant amount of time...41 years!

He retired less than a month before he passed away.

Elijah was fortunate enough to see his effect on American as a Founder. His son, Charles, had by this time become the Father of Vermont Railroads as well as taking a seat as Governor of Vermont.

Here are some articles about other Midnight Judges

Thomas Bee Gets Published by the Enemy

Richard Bassett - The First Senior Member of the Senate

Philip Barton Key - The Loyalist Founding Father

Elijah Paine does not have a biography (and surprisingly, neither does his son Charles).

I thought this would be a good time to recommend a book I enjoyed about Vermont as a whole during the Revolution…’A Few Lawless Vagabonds.’

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).