an eminent American merchant and philanthropist, was born at Groton, Massachussetts, December 16, 1792; was elected to Congress in 1839, and in 1843 was appointed commissioner to settle the northeast boundary question with Great Britain; United States minister to England in 1849; and died August 18, 1855. Among his numerous and munificent donations was that of $100,000 to Harvard University, to flunk the scientific school called by his name. He also bequeathed the sum of $50,000 towards erecting model lodging-houses. — Thomas, Biog. Dict. page 14.