Person Page - 686

Levi entered Dartmouth College in October, 1805. After his graduation with honour in 1809, in September of that year he began the study of law at Litchfield, Conn., pursuing it at Boston, Exeter, and Francistown, and in September, 1812, commenced practice in his native village. He soon attained a high rank at the bar, with all, extensive business. His first public service was upon his election as clerk of the Senate of New Hampshire in June, 1816. In December of the same year he received the appointment of judge of the Supreme Court of the State, and in the discharge of the duties of this position were seen the inherent force of his abilities, aided by his constant and never-ceasing habits of application. Removing to Portsmouth soon after his marriage, except when absent on public duties resided in that city. In March, 1823, he was chosen governor of New Hampshire, and re-elected in 1824.

In 1825 he was chosen one of the representatives from Portsmouth in the Legislature, and elected speaker upon the assembling of the House of Representatives. This was his first seat in any deliberative assembly; but his knowledge of parliamentary law, aided by his dignity and urbanity of manner, served to enable him to fill the office in a commendable manner. At the same session he was elected a senator in the Congress of the United States. His senatorial term was completed in March, 1831, and in that month he was chosen state senator from his district, but before the Legislature assembled he was, in May, 1831, appointed secretary of the navy, and resigned the senatorship in June 4th of that year, and served till June 30, 1834, in the secretaryship. In July, 1834, Governor Woodbury was appointed secretary of the treasury, and served until the election of General Harrison to the presidency. He was again elected a senator in Congress for the term of six years, commencing March 4, 1841. He served until November, 1845. During that year President Polk had tendered Governor Woodbury the embassy to the Court of St. James, but the appointment, for domestic reasons, was declined. Upon the death of Mr. Justice Story, Mr. Woodbury was commissioned an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and after subsequently entering upon the duties of this high office continued therein until his death.