Robert Elliott was a Scots-Irish

Presbyterian Presbyterianism is a part of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism that broke from the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland by John Knox, who was a priest at St. Giles Cathedral (Church of Scotland). Presbyterian churches derive their nam ...

clergyman who served as the chaplain of the

United States House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives, often referred to as the House of Representatives, the U.S. House, or simply the House, is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, with the Senate being the upper chamber. Together they ...

(1806–1807) and

Chaplain of the Senate The chaplain of the United States Senate opens each session of the United States Senate with a prayer, and provides and coordinates religious programs and pastoral care support for senators, their staffs, and their families. The chaplain is appoi ...

of the

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(1808–1809). Prior to 1779, Elliott along with Rev. Edward Markland, founded a classical school at Easton, Maryland. This school was combined in 1779 with a school conducted by Rev. John Bowie to form the Easton Academy. In this venture, Elliott was professor of mathematics, history and geography. The venture was not a lasting success due to the incompatible temperaments of the various professors. Thereafter Elliott relocated to

Strasburg, Pennsylvania Strasburg is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It developed as a linear village stretching about along the Great Conestoga Road, later known as the Strasburg Road.Susan M. Zacher, NRHP Nomination Form Strasburg/ref> The population ...

, where in late October 1802, he advertised the opening of an academy under his superintendence, on January 1, 1803. Elliott remained there until he and his wife sold their house and moved to

Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

, so that Elliott could accept the responsibility of chaplain to Congress.Historical Papers and Addresses of the Lancaster County Historical Society, Volumes 29-32, by Lancaster County Historical Society (Pa.), page 16. On December 1, 1806, Elliot was appointed chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives. Reverend Elliot later served as

. In Washington, Elliott was also the principal of the Eastern Academy school on Capitol Hill, which opened on May 19, 1806.

Personal life

On April 12, 1800, he was married to Eliza King, Daughter of Robert King, Esq., of Chestnut Level, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Francis Allison Latta.‘’Lancaster Journal’’, April 23, 1800

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elliott, Robert Chaplains of the United States Senate Chaplains of the United States House of Representatives Year of death missing Year of birth missing