Jacob Crowninshield (March 31, 1770-April 15, 1808) was a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts and appointee to the position of U.S. Secretary of the Navy but never served. His brother Benjamin Williams Crowninshield did successfully hold the post; the Crowninshield family in general was prominent in early American maritime affairs. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, he was first a businessman. He was an unsuccessful candidate for election to Congress in 1798 (to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dwight Foster) and then served in the Massachusetts State Senate in 1801.
He was tendered the position of U.S. Secretary of the Navy by President Thomas Jefferson, but never entered upon his duties on account of ill health.
He was elected as a Republican to the 8th, 9th and 10th Congresses and served from March 4, 1803, until his death in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 1808.
While in the House, in the 9th Congress, he was chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Commerce and Manufactures.
He is buried in Harmony Grove Cemetery in his hometown of Salem.
This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
