Thomas, Benjamin Franklin

Thomas, Benjamin Franklin chancellor of Brown University, was born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 1'2,. 1813, and was a graduate of Brown University in the; class of 1830, having entered college at the early age (of thirteen. He was admitted to the bar of Worcester in, 1834. By degrees he rose to an extensive practice, and occupied a high position among the able lawyers with whom he was contemporary. For four years (1844-48) he was judge of probate for Worcester County. In 1853 he was appointed to a place made vacant on the belief of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, and held the office for six years (1853-59). Having re-signed his position on the bench, he removed to Boston, where in his profession he achieved eminent success. He served one term (1861-63) as a representative in Congress from Boston. He was elected chancellor of Brown University in 1874. His death took place at Beverly, Mass., Sept. 27, 1878. (J. C. S.)