David A. Starkweather

David Austin Starkweather (January 21, 1802 – July 12, 1876) was an American lawyer and politician who was a U.S. representative from Ohio and a U.S. diplomat. He served two non-consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in the mid-19th century and was United States Ambassador to Chile during the presidency of Franklin Pierce.

Early life and career Starkweather was born in Preston, Connecticut on January 21, 1802. He graduated from Williams College and studied law with his brother in Cooperstown, New York. He was admitted to the bar in 1825, establishing a practice in Mansfield, Ohio. He located in Canton, Ohio in 1828. and served as U.S. envoy to Chile from 1854 to 1857. He lost election to Ohio's 18th congressional district in 1860.

Death Starkweather died of paralysis at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Brinsmade, in Cleveland, Ohio, July 12, 1876. He had three daughters and one son.