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Rufus Choate

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description Rufus Choate Overview

Rufus Choate (1799–1859) was an American lawyer, orator, and politician from Massachusetts who served in both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. As a member of the Whig Party, he succeeded Daniel Webster in the Senate. He is best remembered for his successful legal career and his complex, ornate courtroom oratory, which made him one of the most prominent legal advocates of the mid-19th century.

help Rufus Choate FAQ

When did Rufus Choate serve in the United States Senate?

Choate represented Massachusetts in the Senate from February 23, 1841, to March 3, 1845. He filled the vacancy created when Daniel Webster left the Senate.

Did Rufus Choate also serve in the House of Representatives?

Yes. He represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House from March 4, 1831, until June 30, 1834, before returning primarily to legal practice.

Where did Rufus Choate study law?

He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1819 and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1823. His early legal practice began in Danvers before he moved to Salem and later Boston.

Why is Rufus Choate remembered as an advocate?

He was known for elaborate courtroom arguments and powerful public oratory in 19th-century Massachusetts. He also served as Massachusetts Attorney General in 1853 and died in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1859.