The Biographical Dictionary of America/Aldrich, Nelson Wilmarth

ALDRICH, Nelson Wilmarth, senator, was born in Foster, R. I., Nov. 6, 1841. His early education was acquired at Killingly, Conn. He then attended the academy in East Greenwich, R. I., and when graduated began a business life in Providence, R. I. His practical interest in city affairs caused him to be elected in the city council from 1869-'75, and from 1872-'73 he was its president. On leaving the council he was elected as a Republican to the general assembly of the state, and in 1876 was speaker of the house. In 1878 he was elected to represent his district in the 46th and was re-elected in 1880 to the 47th Congress. His practical business methods applied to legislation so increased the confidence he had already won in the state, that in 1881 he was elected by the Rhode Island legislature to the vacancy in the United States senate caused by the death of Ambrose E. Burnside. He was re-elected in 1886, in 1892 and in 1898. He was chairman of the committee on rules, and as a member and chairman of the committee on finance he was retained during his entire term of service in the senate. He thus became thoroughly familiar with the intricate questions of finance and tariff, and senators accorded him an attentive hearing whenever he had occasion to present his views. Large credit is due to Senator Aldrich for the reciprocity features introduced in the McKinley tariff bill, his suggestions being accepted, after the proposition made by Mr. Blaine had been discussed and dropped by mutual consent. In his subsequent career in the senate he was prominent in the discussion of the great financial questions that arose in Congress.