William S. Damrell

William Shapleigh Damrell (November 29, 1809 – May 17, 1860) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts.

William Shapleigh Damrell
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1859
Preceded by	J. Wiley Edmands
Succeeded by	Charles Francis Adams Sr.
Personal details
Born	November 29, 1809 Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Died	May 17, 1860 (aged 50) Dedham, Massachusetts
Political party	Free Soil Party American Party Republican
Spouse(s)	Adeline A. Naef
Children	5
Occupation	Printer and publisher

Career

Damrell was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on November 29, 1809. He attended public schools, learned the art of printing and became the proprietor of a large printing establishment in Boston. He published books, almanacs, and government publications of all types, but was primarily known for printing books, broadsides and pamphlets for temperance and other reform organizations. He also became the city's main supplier of stationery and office supplies.

He was active in the Free Soil Party. In 1854 he was elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress as a Free Soiler with American Party support (March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857). He was reelected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1857 – March 3, 1859).

Damrell suffered a paralytic stroke before the expiration of his second term, and was not a candidate for renomination in 1858. He resumed his printing business activities.

Death and burial

He died in Dedham on May 17, 1860. His interment was at Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1892 his former estate was purchased and converted into the Fairview Cemetery.

Family

Damrell was married to Adeline A. Naef (1807-1880). Their children included: Lucius Manlius Sargent Damrell (1833-1872); Catherine Shapley Damrell Gowland (1835-1860); William Shapleigh Damrell (1838-1873); Andrew Naef Damrell (1840-1909); and Horace Sargent Damrell (1842-1862).

External links

• United States Congress. "William S. Damrell (id: D000019)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.