Daniel E. Somes

Daniel Eton Somes (May 20, 1815 – February 13, 1888) was a United States representative from Maine.

Daniel Eton Somes
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maine's 1st district
In office March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1861
Preceded by	John M. Wood
Succeeded by	John N. Goodwin
1st Mayor of Biddeford, Maine
In office 1855–1857
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	James Andress
Personal details
Born	(1815-05-20)May 20, 1815 Meredith, New Hampshire, U.S.
Died	February 13, 1888(1888-02-13) (aged 72) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Rock Creek Cemetery Washington, D.C., U.S.

Hon. Daniel E. Somes, 1863

Early life

Daniel Eton Somes was born in Meredith, New Hampshire (now Laconia) on May 20, 1815. He received an academic education, then moved to Biddeford, Maine, in 1846. He established the Eastern Journal, later known as the Union and Journal.^[1]

Career

Somes engaged in the manufacture of loom harnesses, reed twine, and varnishes.^[1]

Somes was elected the first Mayor of Biddeford 1855–1857.^[2] He was president of the City Bank of Biddeford 1856–1858, and elected as a Republican to the Thirty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1861). He was also a member of the Peace Convention of 1861 held in Washington, D.C., in an effort to devise means to prevent the impending war.^[1]

Somes and his wife are mentioned in connection with the seances conducted and the home of Cranston Laurie, a leader of the Spiritualist movement in Washington during the war. According to others, he and his wife were present when both President and Mrs. Lincoln attended the seances.^{[citation needed]}

Somes engaged in the practice of patent law in Washington, D.C. until his death in that city on February 13, 1888. His interment was in Rock Creek Cemetery.^[1]

See also

• List of mayors of Biddeford, Maine