Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Judson, Andrew Thompson

JUDSON, Andrew Thompson, lawyer, b. in Ashford, Conn., 29 Nov., 1784; d. in Canterbury, Conn., 17 March, 1853. His father, Andrew, by whom the son was chiefly educated, was first pastor of the third church in Ashford. The son studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1806, and after two years' residence at Montpelier, Vt., settled in Canterbury, Conn. He was in the legislature in 1816, and in 1818 was one of the most active members of the Toleration party, which had for its object disunion between church and state. After a severe struggle the Tolerationists, aided by the Democrats, succeeded in setting aside the charter that was granted by Charles II., and adopted the new constitution, which has been the fundamental law of Connecticut since that time. Mr. Judson became state's attorney in 1819, was for several terms a member of the legislature, and in 1834 was elected to congress as a Democrat, serving till 1837, when he became district judge of Connecticut, which he held until his death.