James Hillhouse

James Hillhouse

James Hillhouse (October 20, 1754–December 29, 1832) was an American lawyer, real estate developer, and politician from New Haven, Connecticut. He represented Connecticut in both the U.S. House and Senate. Hillhouse is responsible for much of the current look of New Haven, and was for many years the treasurer of Yale University.

James was born in Montville, Connecticut, the son of William Hillhouse, and adopted by his childless uncle and aunt, James Abraham and Mary Lucas Hillhouse. He graduated from Yale in 1773 and was admitted to the bar in 1775. He became a captain in Governor's Foot Guards of the militia in the Revolutionary War.

Hillhouse was a member of the Connecticut State House of Representatives, 1780, United States Congressman from Connecticut at-large, 1791-96, and United States Senator from Connecticut, 1796-1810.

He was active in the drive to plant the elm trees that gave New Haven the nickname of the Elm City. Hillhouse Avenue and James Hillhouse High School in New Haven are named for him. He died in New Haven in 1832 and is buried at the Grove Street Cemetery there.

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