Representative Selah Tuthill

Selah Tuthill (October 26, 1771 – September 7, 1821) was an American politician from New York who served in the New York State Assembly and was elected to the United States Congress in the early nineteenth century. Little is recorded about his early childhood, but he was born in the Hudson Valley region of New York during the post-colonial period and came of age as the new nation was taking shape. He attended both public and private schools, an education that prepared him for participation in local and state affairs at a time when formal schooling beyond the basics was still relatively uncommon.

Tuthill’s education and local standing led him into public service in New York State politics. He first entered the New York State Assembly as a representative from Ulster County, serving in the 1804–1805 legislative session. His role in the Assembly placed him at the center of state-level debates in the early republic, when New York was emerging as a leading state in population, commerce, and political influence. After some years away from the legislature, he returned to the Assembly as a representative from Orange County in 1820, reflecting both his continued engagement in public life and his connections across county lines in the Hudson Valley.

In addition to his state legislative work, Tuthill was active in civic and fraternal life. He was a Freemason and a founding member of Columbia Lodge No. 207 in New Paltz, New York, an indication of his prominence in local society and his participation in the social networks that often overlapped with political leadership in the early nineteenth century. Through such affiliations, he strengthened his ties to influential citizens and broadened his base of support for public office.

As a member of the Unknown Party representing New York, Selah Tuthill contributed to the legislative process during one term in office. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of constituents. In April 1821, he was elected to the 17th United States Congress, at a time when New York’s congressional elections were held after the congressional term had already begun on March 4. This unusual timing created uncertainty about the formalities of his service; it is not clear whether Tuthill ever received his credentials for the seat. Before Congress convened for its first session on December 3, 1821, he died on September 7, 1821, and thus never took his place in the House of Representatives.

Following his death, a special election was held to fill the vacancy created by his inability to assume office, and Charles Borland Jr. was elected to the 17th Congress and took the seat when Congress met in December 1821. Tuthill’s untimely death therefore limited his direct impact on national legislation, even though his election reflected the confidence of his constituents during a formative era in federal politics.

Selah Tuthill was interred in Riverside Cemetery in Marlboro, New York, a community along the Hudson River that was closely tied to his life and public career. His family remained involved in public affairs after his death; his nephew, Joseph H. Tuthill, later served as a member of Congress, extending the family’s participation in national politics into the next generation.