Born on June 2, 1779, in Hamden, Connecticut,[1] Bristol graduated from Yale University in 1798 and read law in 1800,[1] with David Daggett.
[citation needed] He entered private practice in New Haven starting in 1800.
[1] Bristol was nominated by President John Quincy Adams on May 15, 1826, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut vacated by Judge Pierpont Edwards.
[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 22, 1826, and received his commission the same day.
[citation needed] Sarah died on December 24, 1866, aged 86 years.