Hon. Samuel Breck, US Rep, PA

US Congressman. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he attended the Royal Military School of Loreze, France, then relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1792. There he engaged as a merchant and served as a Corporal in the Pennsylvania Militia during the Whisky Rebellion of 1898. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, (1817-20) and served in the Pennsylvania State Senate, (1832-34). In 1823, he was elected as an Adams-Clay Federalist to the Eighteenth Congress and served until 1825. Choosing to withdraw from re-election, he resumed his business pursuits until his death at age 91 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Aug 9 2019, 3:53:29 UTC

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Samuel Breck (July 17, 1771 – August 31, 1862) was an American politician from Pennsylvania who severd as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district from 1823 to 1825.

Life

Samuel Breck (brother of Daniel Breck) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents were Samuel Breck and Hannah Andrews. His father was a wealthy merchant in Boston and the family mansion adjacent to Boston Common was often visited by foreign travelers.[1]

He began his education at Boston Latin School. In 1783 Breck attended the Royal Military School of Loreze, France. He completed his studies in France in 1787. Although he was somewhat drawn to Catholicism in France he remained an Episcopalian his whole life.

In 1790 his father gave him $10,000 to set up as a merchant on Boston's longwharf.[2] He moved to Pennsylvania and settled in Philadelphia in 1792, where he engaged in business as a merchant. He served as a corporal during the Whiskey Rebellion. On Dec 24, 1795 he married Jean Ross, the daughter of a leading Philadelphia merchant. Besides his role in business he was also an essayist and orator.He founded a groud called the Sons of New England.

Breck was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1817 to 1821. In February 1821 he was the lead sponsor of Pennsylvanias law to gradually emancipate slaves.[3]. He later served in the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 2nd district from 1832 to 1834.[4]

Breck was elected as an Adams-Clay Federalist to the Eighteenth Congress. He withdrew from active business pursuits and lived in retirement. In 1861 he spoke publicly at a meeting in Philadelphia urging the people to preserve the constitution he had been alive to help form.[5] His death occurred in Philadelphia in 1862. Interment in St. Peter’s Episcopal Churchyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[6]