Graham, James (Congressman)

Born: 1793-01-07 Lincoln County, North Carolina

Died: 1851-09-25 Rutherford County, North Carolina

Flourished: Rutherford County, North Carolina

Graham had a classical education and graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1814. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1818, and began practicing in Rutherford County, North Carolina . He served in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1822 to 1824 and 1828 to 1829; and in the U.S. Congress as an anti-Jacksonian from 1833 to 1835. Graham was reelected to U.S. Congress in 1836, as a Whig, narrowly defeating David Newland. Newland contested the results and a special election was held in August 1836, where Graham was elected, and served until 1843. He was unsuccessful in his bid for reelection in 1842. However, he was elected back to Congress in 1844 as a Whig, serving one term, 1845-1847.

Biographical Directory of the American Congress 1774-1996 (Alexandria, VA: CQ Staff Directories, 1997), 1112; Daniel M. McFarland, "Graham, James," NCPedia, https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/graham-james.