Barzillai Gannett

Barzillai Gannett (June 17, 1764 – 1832) was a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts.

Barzillai Gannett
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 17th district
In office March 4, 1809 – 1812
Preceded by	John Chandler
Succeeded by	Francis Carr
Member of the Massachusetts State Senate
In office 1807–1807
Member Board of Selectmen and Assessors Gardiner Maine
In office March 21, 1803 – 1804
Member Surveyors of HIghwayas Gardiner Maine
In office March 21, 1803 – 1804
Town Clerk Pittston, Maine
In office 1794–1795
Preceded by	Seth Gay
Succeeded by	Seth Gay
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1805-1806
Personal details
Born	June 17, 1764 Bridgewater, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America
Died	1832 (aged 67–68) New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Farley
Alma mater	Harvard University

Born in Bridgewater in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Gannett was graduated from Harvard University in 1785. He studied theology, but did not enter the ministry. He served as Selectman of Pittston, Maine (then a district of Massachusetts). He also served as town clerk in 1794 and town moderator 1797–1802. Gannett was Selectman and assessor of Gardiner, Maine from 1803 to 1808. He was appointed as the first postmaster of Gardiner and served from September 30, 1804, to October 1, 1809. He also served as Town Moderator. Gannett served as member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate.

Gannett was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Eleventh and Twelfth Congresses and served from March 4, 1809, until his resignation in 1812.

Because of an accusation regarding a breach of trust Gannett left Maine, changed his name to Benjamin Gardiner, and moved to Ohio.[1]

During about the year 1822 Barzillai Gannett (Benjamin Gardiner) again suddenly disappeared from Ohio.[2]

Gannett died in New York City in 1832.

Notes

1. Gilmore, Evelyn Langdon (1893), Christ Church, Gardiner, Maine: antecedents and history, Gardiner, ME: The Reporter Journal Press, p. 67
2. Klein, Lisa M. (2003), Be it remembered: the story of Trinity Episcopal Church on Capital Square, Gardiner, ME, p. 11, ISBN 978-1-882203-26-0

References

• United States Congress. "Barzillai Gannett (id: G000039)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress website http://bioguide.congress.gov.