Member Biography

Biography

Doctor Oliver Perry James (D6) Bucks County 1865-1867

Early Life:

Doctor Oliver Perry James, born July 19, 1814, Pine Run, New Briton Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania; son of Benjamin and Nancy Williams James; local school education; engaged, carpentry, Philadelphia; studied medicine with his cousin, Doctor Robert E. James; Jefferson Medical College, 1840; medical practice, New Briton Almshouse, 1841-1858; private medical practice, Doylestown, 1859; married, Sarah A Gordon, 1859, children, Oliver B., Martha A., Sarah M.; elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1865-1867; unsuccessful campaign, United States Congress, 1878; president, Doylestown Borough Council; director, Doylestown National Bank; board of directors, Grove Turnpike Company; died, November 19, 1894 (aged 79), Doylestown Cemetery, Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. 

Early Career:

Abandoned the saw and plane, 1837 entered himself as a student of medicine in the office of his cousin, Doctor Robert E. James, of Upper Mount Bethel, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, read the allotted time with the Doctor, and during the winter season attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated, 1840.

Pennsylvania Politics:

Elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 6th district, Bucks County, 1865-1867; committee assignments, Corporations, Election Districts; defeated, William Godshalk, by 980 votes.

Unsuccessful campaign, United States Congress, 1878; defeated by William Godshalk.

Legacy:

On the maternal side he is said to be a descendant of the Roger Williams family, Rhode Island.

Cited:

Cox, Harold. "Senate Members "J"". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

Smull’s Legislative Handbook, (1866). Smull, J.A., (Editor) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pages 257, 261-263.

Dr Oliver Perry James (1814-1894) - Find a Grave Memorial