Born in Stratford,[2] Tomlinson completed preparatory studies and graduated from Yale College in 1802.

[4] Tomlinson entered politics in 1817, as clerk of the Connecticut House of Representatives, and was reelected again in 1818, when he served as speaker.

[5] Winning the 1827 gubernatorial nomination, Tomlinson was elected Connecticut's eighth governor.

His administration advocated educational improvements and fiscal support to the public school system.

[5] In 1837, he left the Senate and became the first President of the newly chartered Housatonic Railroad Company.