Holten, Samuel, 1738-1816

Samuel Holten (June 9, 1738 – January 2, 1816) was an American Founding Father, physician, and statesman from Danvers, Massachusetts. He represented Massachusetts as a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he signed the Articles of Confederation. He also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Holten was born in Salem Village (now Danvers) in the Province of Massachusetts Bay on June 9, 1738. He was educated locally, studied medicine and established a practice in Gloucester. He soon returned to Danvers, where he continued the practice of medicine. During the American Revolution Holten supported the Patriot cause. Holten served in the militia as a major in the First Essex County Regiment. He was a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress from 1774 to 1775 and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety in 1775. He served in the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1780 and the United States in Congress Assembled, 1783 to 1785, and again in 1787. He was elected Chairman of the United States in Congress Assembled on August 17, 1785.

Holten was a member of the state constitutional convention in 1779. From 1780 to 1782 Holten served in the Massachusetts Senate, and he served again in 1784, 1786, 1789, and 1790. In 1787 he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. From 1780 to 1782 Holten was a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council, and he served again in 1784, 1786, 1789 to 1792, 1795, and 1796. In 1792 Holten was elected as an Anti-Administration candidate to the Third Congress (March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1795). Holten also served as judge of the Essex County Court. He was appointed judge of the Essex County Probate Court in 1796, and he served until his resignation in 1815. He died in Danvers on January 2, 1816, and was buried at Holten Cemetery in Danvers.