On July 2, 1815, Representative-elect Amos Ellmaker (DR) of Pennsylvania's 3rd district resigned after being appointed and commissioned president judge of the Twelfth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill, and before the 14th Congress' first session began. A special election was held on October 10, 1815, to fill the vacancy left by his resignation.