Known for his keen wit and sharp sense of humor, Uriah Tracy was a widely respected attorney, major general, and congressman, who went on to serve in the Senate for 11 years, from 1796 to 1807. Tracy was elected to the Senate from Connecticut as a Federalist following the resignation of Jonathan Trumbull. As a senator, he was an active leader, serving on several committees and as president pro tempore. In December of 1803, the Senate formed a special committee to consider official action against impeached Judge John Pickering of New Hampshire. Tracy served as its chairman and was the principal author of the rules and procedures for holding the impeachment trial. He was the first senator buried in the Congressional Cemetery.
