Honorable Henry Laurens Dawes
Born in Cummington, Ma. On October 13, 1816 (October 30,1816?)
Died in Pittsfield ,Ma. On February 5, 1903
Graduated from Yale University in 1839
Studied Law
Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1842
Republican
Represented North Adams in the Legislatures of 1848, 1849 and 1852
Constitutional Convention in 1853
1850 elected State Senator
1853 through 1857 was District Attorney for Western Massachusetts.
House of Representatives 1857 – 1875
Elected U.S. Senator 1875-1893
While in the House was the Chairman of the Vital Committees on Appropriations, Ways and Means as well as Elections. He also authored the Legislation bill to form the U.S. Weather Bureau.
While a Senator, fought for the American Indians. Chairman of the commission administering the tribal affairs of the “Five Civilized Tribes.”