Emerson Etheridge (Congressional Biographical Directory)

ETHERIDGE, Emerson, a Representative from Tennessee; born in Currituck, N.C., September 28, 1819; moved with his parents to Tennessee in 1831; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1840 and commenced practice in Dresden, Tenn.; member of the State house of representatives 1845-1847; elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress and reelected as a candidate of the American Party to the Thirty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1853-March 3, 1857); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1856 to the Thirty-fifth Congress; elected as an Opposition Party candidate to the Thirty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1859-March 3, 1861); chairman, Committee on Indian Affairs (Thirty-sixth Congress); Clerk of the House of Representatives 1861-1863; unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1867; member of the State senate in 1869 and 1870; surveyor of customs in Memphis 1891-1894; died in Dresden, Tenn., October 21, 1902; interment in Mount Vernon Cemetery, near Sharon, Tenn.