If nothing else, Ezekiel Bacon was a fairly reliable Representatvie in Congress, given how often he voted with his party, and the fact that he had a good attendance record as well.

Bacon became a representative in Massachusetts when his predecessor, Barnabas Bidwell, resigned from the state legislature over irregularities in the Berkshire County books turned up. These irregularities were exaggerated in the press, but Bidwell fled the country anyway, landing in Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario) until some actual liability could be found. Ultimately he was found liable for $330.64 in damages and $63.18 in court costs. He explained his flight as being out of fear for his political enemies. Do with that what you will, but the whole affair essentially scuppered his political career.

In Canada, Bidwell managed to win a seat in the Legislative Assembly but the election was challenged on the grounds that he was a fugitive from justice and had an immoral character. Oh, and he’s from the United States besides, and therefore loyal to that nation. Ultimately Bidwell was expelled from the House by a vote of 17-16. He did, however, remain in Canada until his death.

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