United States Senator Directory

James Alfred Pearce

James Alfred Pearce served as a senator for Maryland (1835-1863).

  • Democratic
  • Maryland
  • Former
Portrait of James Alfred Pearce Maryland
Role Senator

Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.

State Maryland

Representing constituents across the Maryland delegation.

Service period 1835-1863

Years of public service formally recorded.

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Biography

James Alfred Pearce served as a Senator from Maryland in the United States Congress from 1835 to 1863. A member of the Democratic Party, James Alfred Pearce contributed to the legislative process during 7 terms in office.

James Alfred Pearce’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, James Alfred Pearce participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

James Alfred Pearce (December 14, 1805 – December 20, 1862) was an American politician. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the second district of Maryland from 1835 to 1839 and 1841 to 1843. He later served as a U.S. senator from Maryland from 1843 until his death in 1862. In 1850, he developed the so-called Pearce Plan, a part of Compromise of 1850. The Pearce Plan provided a solution for the boundary dispute between Texas and the Federal government. Pearce wrote a bill that granted Texas $10 million in compensation for agreeing with the state borders charted by the government. After being approved by Congress, the bill was signed by President Millard Fillmore.

Congressional Record

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