__ | __|__ | __| | | | | __ | | | | |__|__ | __| | | | | __ | | | | | __|__ | | | | |__| | | | | __ | | | | |__|__ | _Benjamin Witherell _| | | | | __ | | | | | __|__ | | | | | __| | | | | | | | | __ | | | | | | | | |__|__ | | | | |__| | | | | __ | | | | | __|__ | | | | |__| | | | | __ | | | | |__|__ | | |--James Witherell | (1759 - 1838) | __ | | | __|__ | | | __| | | | | | | __ | | | | | | |__|__ | | | __| | | | | | | __ | | | | | | | __|__ | | | | | | |__| | | | | | | __ | | | | | | |__|__ | | |_Sarah Gilbert ______| | | __ | | | __|__ | | | __| | | | | | | __ | | | | | | |__|__ | | |__| | | __ | | | __|__ | | |__| | | __ | | |__|__
!SOURCE: Email from Tom Wetherell (email hidden) to Weldon Whipple, 1 Jun 1998, citing _The Witherell/Wetherell/Witherill Families of New England_ by Witherell & Witherell, as well as the archives of Detroit and the State of Michigan. Gives birthdate 16 Jun 1759.
!BIOGRAPHY: "James was an ensign in the Revolutionary War at age 16, he also was a Dr., Judge, and Secretary of the Territory of Michigan. He has an extensive history serving under Washington during the Revolutionary war, later educating himself as a Dr. He was then elected for a term in the VT house of representatives (1798-1802), then appointed Assoc. Justice of the county court of Rutland County, VT 1801-3, and member of the Governor's council 1802-6. He was then elected as a Democrat to the 10th US Congress (House of Representatives) serving from Mar 4, 1807-May 1, 1808. While a US Congressman, he was recommended by Sen. Nathaniel Chipman of VT, James Witherell was appointed on Apr 3, 1808 by Pres. Jefferson to be one of the three judges of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Michigan. He resigned his seat in Congress & went to Michigan. ... In 1810 he moved his family to Detroit. In 1812 as the only revolutionary officer in Michigan he was placed in command of the "Legion" with the rank of major. When Hull surrendered Detroit, Witherell refused to surrender his troops & let them disperse, and he went as a prisoner of war to Kingston, Ont. When released on parole they went back to Poultney, VT. From there he went back to Detroit. On Feb 1, 1828, John Q. Adams appointed James Witherell as Secretary of the Territory of Michigan, a post he held until July 21, 1830. He retired to his farm at the age of 71 and d. at his residence Jan 9, 1838 in Detroit, Michigan." --T. Wetherell
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