Frank Plumley

Frank Plumley was an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Representative from Vermont. A member of the Republican Party, he held office in the House of Representatives for three terms from 1909 until 1915. Prior to his congressional career, Plumley held various positions in state and federal government, including serving as the United States district attorney for Vermont and as a member of the Vermont State Senate. His contributions to law and governance extended beyond his political roles, as he was also involved in education and international arbitration.

Early life and career

Frank Plumley was born on December 17, 1844, in Eden, Vermont, to William Plumley and Eliza Little. He received his early education in public schools and attended People's Academy in Morrisville, Vermont. After completing his schooling, Plumley took on the role of a teacher while simultaneously studying law in Morrisville. His legal education culminated at the University of Michigan Law School, from which he graduated and was subsequently admitted to the bar in Lamoille County in May 1869. Following his admission, Plumley began practicing law in Northfield, Vermont.

Throughout his career, Plumley held numerous positions in both state and federal government. He served as the state's attorney for Washington County from 1876 to 1880, a role that involved overseeing legal matters and prosecutions within the county. In 1882, he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, marking his entry into the legislative arena. His involvement in the Republican Party was significant; he acted as the chairman of the Republican State Convention in 1886 and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1888.

In addition to his political roles, Plumley was appointed as a lecturer in constitutional law at Norwich University in 1884, reflecting his commitment to education. He became a trustee of the university in 1888, and in 1892, he was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree by Norwich. His legal career also included serving as the United States district attorney for the district of Vermont from 1889 to 1894, where he was responsible for prosecuting federal cases within the state.

Plumley's political career continued to evolve as he became a member of the Vermont State Senate in 1894, where he was elected President pro tempore. He also served on the Vermont Court of Claims from 1902 to 1904 and was appointed chief justice from 1904 to 1908. His expertise in law and governance was recognized on an international level when, in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as an umpire for mixed commissions involving Great Britain and Venezuela, as well as the Netherlands and Venezuela. He later served as an umpire for the French-Venezuela mixed commission in 1905, a notable appointment as he was the only American not holding a high official office to be selected for this role.

House tenure

Frank Plumley's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began on March 4, 1909, after he was elected as a Republican representative for Vermont's second congressional district. He was reelected twice, serving a total of three terms until March 3, 1915. During his time in Congress, Plumley participated in various legislative activities and was involved in discussions pertinent to the interests of his constituents and the nation at large.

In 1912, Plumley was one of four delegates from the U.S. Congress to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Union of the World held in Geneva, Switzerland. This event provided a platform for international dialogue and cooperation among lawmakers from different countries, reflecting Plumley's engagement in global legislative matters. His congressional career concluded when he declined to seek renomination in 1914, choosing instead to focus on other pursuits.

Legislative focus and committees

While specific details regarding Plumley's legislative initiatives and committee assignments during his time in the House of Representatives are not extensively documented, his background in law and governance suggests that he likely contributed to discussions and legislation related to legal reform, state governance, and possibly international relations, given his prior experience as an umpire in international arbitration.

Plumley's legal expertise and previous roles in state and federal government would have informed his legislative priorities and actions. His involvement in the Inter-Parliamentary Union indicates an interest in fostering international cooperation and addressing global issues, which may have influenced his approach to legislation during his congressional tenure.

After leaving Congress, Plumley returned to Northfield, Vermont, where he resumed his law practice in partnership with his son, Charles, and Murdock A. Campbell. He continued to be active in the legal community until his death on April 30, 1924. Frank Plumley is interred in Mount Hope Cemetery in Northfield, Vermont, leaving behind a legacy of public service and legal contributions that spanned several decades. His family continued his legacy, with his son Charles Albert Plumley also serving as a President of Norwich University and as a U.S. Representative.