Representative Charles Perkins Thompson

Charles Perkins Thompson served as a Representative from Massachusetts in the United States Congress from 1875 to 1877. A member of the Democratic Party, Charles Perkins Thompson contributed to the legislative process during 1 term in office.

Charles Perkins Thompson’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Charles Perkins Thompson participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Charles Perkins Thompson (July 30, 1827 – January 19, 1894) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts. He was born in Braintree on July 30, 1827 to Frederick M. and Susanna (Cheesman) Thompson. He attended public schools, the Hollis Institute, and Amherst College. He studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Gloucester. Thompson served as United States Assistant District Attorney from 1855 to 1857, was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1872. He was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877), defeating Republican Benjamin Butler. Thompson was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the Forty-fifth Congress. Thompson resumed the practice of law, and served as city solicitor of Gloucester. He was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 1880 and again in 1881, and served as judge of the Superior Court of Massachusetts from 1885 until his death in Gloucester on January 19, 1894. His interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery.