The Biographical Dictionary of America/Atherton, Charles Gordon

ATHERTON, Charles Gordon, senator, was born at Amherst, N. H., July 4, 1804; son of Charles Humphrey Atherton, a prominent lawyer. In 1822 he was graduated from Harvard college, and after studying law in the office of his father, he was admitted to the bar in 1825 and began to practise in Dunstable (Nashua, N. II.). For many years he represented his district in the New Hampshire legislature, serving as speaker of the house for three years. He was a representative from New Hampshire in the 25th, 26th and 27th U. S. congresses. In Congress he introduced "the Atherton gag," a resolution passed in 1838 and in effect until repealed in 1845, tabling without debate all resolutions on the subject of slavery. In 1843 he was elected United States senator, and served until 1849. He was again elected in 1852, to succeed John P. Hale, but was stricken with paralysis in that same year. He was a member of the New Hampshire historical society and the author of several articles and memoirs of historical value. He died at Manchester, N. H., Nov. 15, 1853.