CLAGGETT, Thomas john, P. E. bishop, born in Prince George county, Maryland, 2 October, 1742; died in Croom, Maryland, 2 August, 1816. He was graduated at Princeton in 1762, and studied theology, but, as there were no bishops in America, was compelled to go to England for orders. He was ordained deacon 20 September, 1767, priest 11 October, 1767, and, on returning home, was appointed to the rectorship of All Saints' church, Calvert county, Maryland Here he continued until the beginning of the revolution, when he retired to his own estate in Prince George county. In 1779 he began services in St. Paul's parish, and the next year was chosen rector. Being a man of excellent fitness for the office, as well as possessed of large private means, he was elected the first bishop of Maryland, and was consecrated in New York, 17 September, 1792, Bishop Seabury joining in the consecration. This is notable as being the first occasion on which a bishop was consecrated in the United States. In 1800 Bishop Claggett was chaplain to the United States senate, this being the first session of congress held in Washington city. In 1808 he became rector of Trinity church, Upper Marlborough, and held that place during the rest of his life. An assistant bishop was appointed in 1814. He published a few sermons, pastoral letters, and addresses to his convention.