Military service, if any shown is the highest rank obtained
( Words in "Bright Blue" on this website are links )

      Delaware's Constitution, adopted in 1792, prohibited any individual from being immediately re-elected to the office of Governor and also set a term limit of three (3) years. The Constitution was changed in 1831 to extend the term of Governor from three (3) to four (4) years also to NOT allow an individual to be re-elected. Military service, if any shown is the highest rank obtained.

( March 4, 1801 - January 19, 1802 )
( " Assumed Term of Gov. Richard Bassett after his resignation " )

Kent County - Federalist - Age 39 - Physcian - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


"Gov. Sykes' Home"
( 2002 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

Was a ratifier of the U.S. Constitution for Delaware in 1787
Grandfather of General George Sykes, Union General in the Civil War

Date & Place of Birth:
     March 27, 1761, Near Dover, Delaware
Parents:
     "Continental Congressman James Sykes, Sr." & Agnes (Bell?) Sykes
Married:
     Elizabeth Goldsborough
     Their Children:
          James - became a Physcian in Dover, Delaware
          Anna Matilda
          William - Father of Civil War General George Sykes
Facts about his life:

Attended schools in Dover, Wilmington and Newark
Studied medicine under Dr. (Governor) "Joshua Clayton"
Moved to and set up medical practice in Cambridge, Md. where he met his wife Elizabeth
Moved back to Dover, Delaware
Served in the Delaware State Senate, 1793-1795
Served as Clerk of the Delaware State House of Representatives in 1796
Served in the Delaware State Senate from 1797 to 1801, Speaker of the Senate in 1800 & 1801
Assumed Governor's Office upon being the Speaker of the Senate after the resignation of "Gov. Richard Bassett" who was appointed United States Circuit Judge by "President John Adams" and served from March 4, 1801 to January 19, 1802
Was not a candidate for Governor after assuming the previous term
Served in the Delaware State Senate, 1802-1812
Moved to New York from 1814 until 1820
Moved back to Dover, Delaware in 1820
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     October 18, 1822 - Dover, Delaware - Age 61
Place of burial:
     Christ Episcopal Church, Dover, Delaware (unmarked)
Home(s):
     The Green, Dover, De. ( currently offices )
"Click Here" for Governor Sykes' "Find A Grave" record.

( January 19, 1802 - January 15, 1805 )

Sussex County - Democrat-Republican - Age 50 - Lawyer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:


" Governor Hall's Home "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

1st non-Federalist to be elected to office
1st Democrat-Republican to be elected to office
10th Governor to be elected to office

Date & Place of Birth:
     January 4, 1752, Lewes, Delaware
Parents:
     David & Mary Kollock Hall
Married:
     Catherine Tingley - in 1776 - (??-1810) - "Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Elizabeth - married Dr. John White
          Mary - married Dr. Robert Houston, then David Walker
          Jane - married Delaware's 23rd Governor "John Collins"
          Catherine - married David Paynter
          Lydia - married Dr. Edward Huffington
          Martha - married James Tull
Facts about his life:

Admitted to the bar in 1773 in New Castle, De.
Military Service: Revolutionary War, Colonel, wounded in Germantown, NJ
Ran unsucessfully for Governor in 1798, being defeated by "Richard Bassett"
Elected as Delaware's 16th Governor by defeating future Governor "Nathaniel Mitchell" for office by 18 votes ( 2,393 - 2,374 ) and served from January 19, 1802 until January 15, 1805
Unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. House in 1812 being defeated by "Thomas Cooper"
Served as the Associate Justice of the Sussex County Common Pleas Court, 1813-1817

Date & Place of Death:
     September 18, 1817 - Lewes, Delaware - Age 65
Place of burial:
     Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lewes, Delaware
Home(s):
     107 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Hall's "Find A Grave" record.

( January 15, 1805 - January 19, 1808 )
Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1787 - 1788 )

Sussex County - Federalist - Age 52 - Lawyer - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:

Was a POW during the Revolutionary War
Served at Valley Forge with General George Washington
He led the attack at the Battle of Monmouth, NJ
No known portrait exists of Nathaniel Mitchell
11th Governor to be elected to office

Date & Place of Birth:
     1752, Near Laurel, Delaware
Parents:
     James & Margaret (Dagworthy) Mitchell
Married:
     Hannah Morris - ( ??-1835 ) - later married Col. Manaen Bull
     Their Children:
          William I.
          Theodore
          Alfred - moved to Trenton, New Jersey
          Dagworthy - never married and moved to Philadelphia, Pa.
          Elizabeth - ( ??-1833 )
          Mary Ann - married John King, moved to Washington, D.C.
          Elizabeth - married Whiting Sanford
Facts about his life:

During the Revolutionary War became an adjutant in General John Dagworthy’s (his uncle) battalion of militia, afterward was with Colonel Patterson’s battalion of the Delaware Flying Camp, and still later with Colonel Grayson’s Continental regiment; in April 1779 he was transferred to Colonel Gist’s regiment and subsequently was brigade major and inspector to Gen. Peter Muhlenberg.
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware 1787-1788
One of the founders of Georgetown, De.
Prothonotary of Sussex County 1788-1805
Defeated in his bid to become Delaware's 16th Governor in 1801 by only 18 votes ( 2,393 to 2,374 ) losing to "Governor David Hall"
Elected as Delaware's 17th Governor ( 4491 to 4050 ) by defeating future Governor "Joseph Haslet". Served from January 15, 1805 until January 19, 1808
Served in the Delaware State House of Representatives in 1808
Served in the Delaware State senate 1810-1811

Date & Place of Death:
     February 21, 1815 - Laurel, Delaware - Age 61
Place of burial:
     Broad Creek Episcopal Graveyard, near Laurel, De.
Home(s):
     "Rosemont", 121 Delaware Ave, Laurel, De. (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Mitchell's "Find A Grave" record.

( January 19, 1808 - January 15, 1811 )

Kent County - Federalist - Age 51 - Farmer - Methodist
Interesting Facts:

Was a ratifier of the U.S. Constitution for Delaware in 1787
1810 census released showing 72,674 Delaware residents
12th Governor to be elected to office

Date & Place of Birth:
     1756 - Near Felton, De.
Parents:
     Unknown
Married:
     Margaret "Mary" Hodgson - ( 1757-1823 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          M. Sarah - ( 1780-1803 ) - married Dr. James H. Fisher - "View Her Online Memorial"
Facts about his life:

Delaware State House of Representative, 1788-1791, 1793
Delaware State Senate, 1802-1807
Elected as Delaware's 18th Governor ( 3309 to 3062 ) by defeating future Governor "Joseph Haslet" and served from January 19, 1808 until January 15, 1811
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     October 8, 1818 - Near Felton, De. - Age 62
Interment:
     His home - in 1903 reinterred at Barrett's Chapel, Frederica, De. by the Delaware General Assembly
Home(s):
     State Route 33, outside of Felton, De. (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Truitt's "Find A Grave" record.

( January 15, 1811 - January 18, 1814 )

Sussex County - Democrat-Republican - Age 44? - Farmer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:

1st individual to serve a non-consecutive 2nd term. (19th and 25th Governor)
Only individual to run for Governor four (4) times
13th Governor to be elected to office
Died during second term as 25th Governor

Date & Place of Birth:
     ca. 1766 - near Milford, De.
Parents:
     Col. John & Jemima Molleston (Brinkle) Haslet
Married (1st):
     Mary Draper
     Their Children:
          Nehemiah - ( 1792-1812 )
Married (2nd):
     Rachael Hickman
     Their Children:
          None
Facts about his life:

Ran unsucessfully for Governor in 1804, defeated by "Nathaniel Mitchell" ( 4491 to 4050 )
Ran unsucessfully for Governor in 1807, defeated by "George Truitt" ( 3309 to 3062 )
Elected Delaware's 19th Governor (1st Term) by defeating future Governor "Daniel Rodney" by 71 votes and served from January 15, 1811 to January 18, 1814
Later elected as Delaware's "25th Governor" (2nd Term)
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     June 20, 1823 - Cedar Creek Village, Near Milford, De. - Age 57
Place of burial:
     Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford, De.
Home(s):
     Cedar Creek Village, Near Milford, De.
"Click Here" for Governor Haslet's "Find A Grave" record.

( January 18, 1814 - January 21, 1817 )
United States Representative from Delaware
( October 1, 1822 - March 3, 1823 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( November 8, 1826 - January 12, 1827 )

Sussex County - Federalist - Age 48 - Sailor, Merchant - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


"Gov. Daniel Rodney's Home"
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

14th Governor to be elected to office
Father of "Congressman George Brydges Rodney"
Brother of "Caleb Rodney" who served as Delaware's 24th Governor
Distant relative of "Caesar Rodney" who served as Delaware's 4th Governor

Date & Place of Birth:
     September 10, 1764 - Lewes, De.
Parents:
     John and Ruth Hunn Rodney
Married:
     Sarah Fisher
     Their Children:
          Hannah - ( 1794-1828 ) - married Dr. John White - "View Her Online Memorial"
          George Brydges - (1803-1883 ) - later became a "U.S. Congressman" from Delaware
          John
          William
          Henry Fisher - ( 1800-1869 ) - "View Online Memorial"
          Nicholas
          Susan
          Mary
Facts about his life:

Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 1793-1806
Defeated in his bid to become Delaware's 19th Governor in 1810 by "Joseph Haslet" by only 71 votes
Elected Delaware's 20th Governor ( 4643 to 3768 ) by defeating James Riddle and served from January 18, 1814 to January 21, 1817
Elected to the Seventeenth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Congressman Caesar A. Rodney" and served from October 1, 1822, to March 3, 1823
Appointed to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of "Senator Nicholas Van Dyke, Jr." and served from November 8, 1826, to January 12, 1827, when a successor was elected
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     September 2, 1846 - Lewes, De. - Age 81
Place of burial:
     St. Peters Cemetery, Lewes, De.
Home(s):
     231 Second Street, Lewes, De. - "View Homes Website"
"Click Here" for Governor Rodney's "Find A Grave" record.


" Gov. Rodney's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 21, 1817 - January 15, 1820 )

New Castle County - Federalist - Age 55 - Farmer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:


" Gov. Clark's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

15th Governor to be elected to office
Grandfather of U.S. Senator "Anthony C. Higgins"

Date & Place of Birth:
     February 1, 1761 - Family farm "New Bristol", North of Smyrna, De.
Parents:
     Willliam & (___) Clark
Married:
     Sarah Cook Corbit - in 1784 - ( 1769-1790 ) - a widow - Daughter of 'Gov. John Cook" - "View Her Online memorial"
     Their Children:
          Mary - ( ??-1814 )
          There were more (names unknown)
Facts about his life:

Sheriff of New Castle County ( 1 year )
Delaware State Treasurer - (1794-1799)
Elected to the Delaware State House, 1798
Elected Delaware's 21st Governor ( 4008 to 3517 ) by defeating Col. Manaen Bull and served from January 21, 1817 to January 15, 1820
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     August 14, 1821 - Smyrna, De. - Age 70
Place of burial:
     Holly Hill (Duck Creek Presbyterian), Smyrna, De.
Home(s):
     "Clearfield Farm", North of Smyrna, De.
     by Delaware Correction facility (Home used as Offices for Corrections)
"Click Here" for Governor Clark's "Find A Grave" record

Kent County - Federalist - Age 57 - Physician, Miller - Methodist
Interesting Facts:

Died before taking oath of Governor's Office
16th Governor to be elected to office
No known portrait of Henry Molleston exist

Date & Place of Birth:
     January 1, 1762 - North of Milford, De.
Parents:
     Henry & Sarah Manlove Molleston
Married:
     Mary (Molly) Combe - in 1793
     Their Children:
          Elizabeth
          Jemima Ann
          Possibly a son
Facts about his life:

Member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1792
Served in the Delaware State House of Representative from 1799 to 1808
Delaware State Treasurer from 1808 to 1813
Served in the Delaware State House of Representative in 1813
Served in the Delaware State Senate from 1814 to 1819 - Speaker of the Senate from 1816 to 1818
Elected Delaware's Governor ( 3823 to 3185 ) on October 5, 1819 by defeating Col. Manaen Bull
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     November 11, 1819 - Near Dover, De.
Place of burial:
     Unknown
Home(s):
     Unknown - Believed in the Dover, De. area

( January 18, 1820 - January 16, 1821 )
( " Assumed Term of Henry Molleston due to his passing " )

Kent County - Federalist - Age 52 - Farmer, Tanner - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:


" Angelica Killen Stout "

Was declared Governor by the General Assembly for one year when another election (for a two year term) would take place

Date & Place of Birth:
     1764 - Near Leipsic, De.
Parents:
     Jacob Emanuel & Mary (Griffin) Stout
Married:
     Angelica Killen in 1795 - ( 1755-1827 ) - "Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Mary - ( 1795-1877 ) - married John Reed - "Online Memorial"
          William Killen - ( 1798-1798 )
          Henry - ( 1801-1865 ) - "Online Memorial"
          Sarah Ann - ( 1803-?? ) - married Caleb Sipple - "Online Memorial"
          William Jacob - ( 1808-1832 )
Facts about his life:

Served in the Delaware House of Representatives, 1812-1813
Served in the Delaware State Senate, 1815-1819 (Speaker of the Senate, 1819)
Assumed Delaware's Governors Office due to being Speaker of the Senate and due to the death of "Henry Molleston" and served from January 18, 1820 to January 16, 1821
Lay Judge of the Common Pleas Court, 1822
President of the Smyrna Bank, 1844-1847
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     November, 1857 - Near Smyrna, De. - Age 90
Place of burial:
     Presbyterian Cemetery (now the Delaware State Museum), Dover, De.
Home(s):
     Unknown
"Click Here" for Governor Stout's "Find A Grave" record


" Gov. Stout's Grave Site "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 16, 1821 - April 16, 1822 )

Sussex County - Democrat-Republican - Age 44 - Miller - Methodist ?
Interesting Facts:

3rd Governor to Die in Office
1st individual to become Governor without serving in a previous political office
Elected to a two year term due to the death of Henry Molleston and the one year service of Jacob Stout
17th Governor to be elected to office
Son-In-Law of "Governor David Hall", 16th Governor
Brother-in-law of "Governor David Hazzard", Delaware's 29th Governor

Date & Place of Birth:
     March 1, 1776 - Nanticoke Hundred, De.?
Parents:
     Captain ?? & Mary (Houston) Collins
Married:
     Jane Hall - ( ??-1837 - Daughter of "Gov. David Hall" - later married Dr. John Carey )
     Their Children:
          Theophilus - ( 1807-1857 ) - married Mary Ann Elliott
          John
          Joseph
          Sarah - married a Pennival, later married Solomon Prettyman
          Catherine
          Martha - married Curtis Ross
Facts about his life:

Elected Delaware's 23rd Governor ( 3970 to 3520 ) by defeating Jesse Green and served from January 16, 1821 until his death on April 16, 1822
Also served: No other political office recorded
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     April 16, 1822 - Near Laurel, De. - Age 46
Place of burial:
     Old Family Estate, Collins Mill Pond, Near Laurel, De.
Home(s)
     Collins Mill Pond, (not standing), Near Laurel, De.

( April 23, 1822 - January 21, 1823 )
( " Assumed Term of John Collins after his passing " )

Sussex County - Federalist - Age 54 - Merchant - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


"Gov. Rodney's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

Brother of "Daniel Rodney" who served as Delaware's 20th Governor
Uncle of "Congressman George Brydges Rodney"
Distant relative of "Caesar Rodney" who served as Delaware's 4th Governor

Date & Place of Birth:
     April 29, 1767 - Lewes, De.
Parents:
     John & Ruth (Hunn) Rodney
Married:
     Elizabeth West - ( 1771-1812 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Hannah - ( 1807-1889 ) - married Laban L. Lyons - "View Her Online Memorial"
          Hester - married Dr. Henry Fisher Hall
          Penelope - married Caleb S. Layton - "View Her Online Memorial"
          Eliza - married a Landreth
          Daniel
Facts about his life:

Served in the Delaware General Assembly for 17 years - Speaker of Senate in 1822
Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress in 1816 being defeated by "Louis McLane"
Assumed Delaware's Governors Office due to the death of "Gov. John Collins" and served from April 23, 1822 to January 21, 1823
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     April 29, 1840 - Lewes, De. - Age 73
Place of burial:
     St. Peters Cemetery, Lewes, De.
Home(s):
     324 Mulberry Street, Lewes, De.
"Click Here" for Governor Rodney's "Find A Grave" record

( January 21, 1823 - June 20, 1823 )

Sussex County - Democrat-Republican - Age 56? - Farmer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:

4th Governor to Die in Office
1st individual to serve a second non-consecutive term as Governor
Only individual elected twice in the 19th century
18th Governor to be elected to office
Also served as 19th Governor, see above

Facts about his life:

Elected Delaware's 25th Governor by defeating James Booth, Sr. by 22 votes and served from January 21, 1823 until his death on June 20, 1823
See above for more

( June 24, 1823 - January 20, 1824 )
( " Assumed Term of Gov. Joseph Haslet after his passing " )

New Castle County - Democrat - Age 33 - Lawyer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:

1st "Democrat" to hold Governor's office
2nd youngest individual to become Governor

Date & Place of Birth:
     June 23, 1790 - Red Lion Hundred, De.
Parents:
     Charles & Susanna (McCallmont) Thomas
Married:
     Eliza Stoops
     Their Children:
          Eliza - ( 1820-1898 )
Facts about his life:

Completed preparatory studies; studied law at Princeton
Admitted to the Delaware bar in 1813
Served in the Delaware House of Representatives in 1817
Served in the Delaware State Senate from 1821 to 1822, Speaker of the Senate in 1822
Assumed Delaware's Governors Office due to being Speaker of the Senate and the death of "Gov. Joseph Haslet" and served from June 24, 1823 to January 20, 1824
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     February 8, 1848 - New Castle, De. - Age 58
Place of burial:
     Old Presbyterian Church yard, New Castle, De.
Home(s):
     "Harmony House", corner of Harmony Street & the Strand, New Castle, De.
     (Currently, parish house of Immanual church)
"Click Here" for Governor Thomas' "Find A Grave" record.

( January 20, 1824 - January 16, 1827 )

Sussex County - Federalist - Age 55 - Merchant - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


" Samuel Paynter "
( Official State Portrait )

19th Governor to be elected to office
Served in the State Legislature for 26 years

Date & Place of Birth:
     August 24, 1768 - Broadkill Hundred, Sussex County, De.
Parents:
     Samuel & Meritta (Hazzard) Paynter
Married:
     Elizabeth Rowland in 1796 - ( ??-1820 )
     Their Children:
          Mary - ( 1796-?? ) - married Dr. Simon Kollack Wilson
          Eliza - ( 1798-1857 ) - married John Wiltbank, Jr. -
             "View Her Online Memorial"
          Sally - ( 1804-1820 )
          Samuel Rowland - ( 1801-1851 ) -
             "View His Online Memorial"
          John Parker - ( 1807-1845 )
          Alfred Shockley - ( 1816-1822 )
Facts about his life:

Served as an Associate Justice of the Sussex County Common Pleas Court from 1818 to 1824
Elected to the Delaware State House and served from 1796 to 1822
Elected Delaware's 27th Governor by defeating future Governor "David Hazzard" by 300 votes and served from January 20, 1824 to January 16, 1827
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     October 2, 1845 - Near Lewes, De. - Age 77
Place of burial:
     St. Peter's Cemetery, Lewes, De.
Home(s):
     Near Lewes, De. (Not standing)
"Click Here" for Governor Paynter's "Find A Grave" record


" Gov. Paynter's Stone "
( Center Stone - 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )


" Gov. Paynter's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 16, 1827 - January 19, 1830 )

Kent County - Federalist - Age 38 - Farmer, Lawyer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:


" Charles Polk "
( Official State Portrait )

1st individual to serve the Delaware General Assembly from two different Counties (Kent & Sussex)
Later served as "Delaware's 31st Governor"
20th Governor to be elected to office

Date & Place of Birth:
     November 14, 1788 - Near Bridgeville, De.
Parents:
     Charles & Mary (_) Polk
Married:
     Mary Elizabeth Purnell - ( 1796-1865 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Charles
          William
          Theodore
Facts about his life:

Attended Westtown Boarding School in Chester County, Pa. after his father's death in 1795
Studied Law with Kensey Johns, Sr., never practiced
Elected to the Delaware State House (in Sussex County) in 1813 and served through 1817
Elected to the Delaware State House (in Kent County) in 1817 and served through 1819
Elected to the Delaware State Senate in 1819
Elected Delaware's 28th Governor by defeating future Governor "David Hazzard" by 96 votes and served from January 16, 1827 to January 19, 1830
Elected to the Delaware State Senate and served from 1830 through 1836 (Speaker of the Senate in 1836)
Later served as Delaware's "31st Governor"
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     October 27, 1857 - Near Dover, De. - Age 69
Place of burial:
     Presbyterian Cemetery (currently the Delaware State Museum), Dover, De.
Home(s):
     Burned in 1929, northeast of Thompsonville, De.
"Click Here" for Governor Polk's "Find A Grave" record


" Gov. Polk's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 19, 1830 - January 15, 1833 )

Sussex County - American-Republican - Age 48 - Merchant - Methodist
Interesting Facts:


" David Hazzard "
( Official State Portrait )

21st Governor to be elected to office
Brother-in-law of "Governor John Collins", Delaware's 23rd Governor

Date & Place of Birth:
     May 18, 1781 - Milton, De.
Parents:
     John & Mary (Houston) Hazzard
Married:
     Elizabeth Collins - ( ??-1854 ) - sister of "Governor John Collins"
     Their Children:
          Ann - married Dr. William Wells Wolfe
          Maria - married Erasmus Wolf of Philadelphia, Pa.
          John Alexander - Delaware State Senator
          William Asbury
          David - ( ??-1872 ) - fought in Civil War
Facts about his life:

Served as a Justice of the Peace
During the War of 1812 was appointed an Ensign in Peter Wright's Company of the 8th Regiment and helped strengthen the defenses of Lewes, De.
Unsuccessfully ran for Governor in 1823 losing to "Governor Samuel Paynter"
Unsuccessfully ran for Governor in 1826 losing to "Governor Charles Polk"
Elected Delaware's 29th Governor by defeating Allen Thompson of Wilmington, De. by 169 votes and served from January 19, 1830 to January 15, 1833
During his term in office:

Elections were changed from annual to biannial
Elections were changed from October to November
The office of State Senator was changed from three year terms to four years
The office of State Representative was changed from one year terms to two years
The office of Governor could only be for one four (4) year term

Served in the Delaware State Senate - (1834-1838)
Appointed Associate Justice of the State Courts by "Governor William Cooper"
Retired to Milton, De. and was very active as a layman in the Methodist Church

Date & Place of Death:
     July 8, 1864 - Milton, De. - age 83
Place of burial:
     Goshen Cemetery, Milton, De.
Home(s):
     327 Union Street, Milton, De. (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Hazzard's "Find A Grave" record.

( January 15, 1833 - July 11, 1836 )

New Castle County - Democrat - Age 74 - Soldier, Landowner - Quaker
Interesting Facts:

5th Governor to Die in Office


" Caleb P. Bennett "
( Official State Portrait )

1st Governor to be elected to a four year term
Oldest Governor to be inaugurated
Was wounded 3 times during the Revolutionary War
22nd Governor to be elected to office

Date & Place of Birth:
     November 11, 1758 - Chester County, Pa.
Parents:
     Joseph & Elizabeth Prew (Willey) Bennett
Married:
     Catherine Britton in 1792 - ( ??-1838 )
     Their Children:
          Samuel Britton - ( 1793-?? )
          Elizabeth - ( 1795-?? ) - married Charles Lisle
          Caroline - ( 1797-1822 ) - died in New Orleans, La.
          Mary Ann - ( 1799-1817 )
          Henry Lisle - ( 1801-?? )
          Livina - ( 1803-1804 )
          Joseph Eves - ( 1804-1805 )
          Susan - ( 1806-1808 )
          Charles Webb - ( 1807-?? )
          William Henry - ( 1809-1809 )
          Catharine - ( 1810-1811 )
          Edwin R. - ( 1811-?? )
          Boadicea - ( 1813-?? ) - married Rev. Isaac Paradee
Facts about his life:

Moved with his family to Wilmington, Delaware at the age of 3
Joined the Military in 1775 at the age of 17 and served in the Artillery. Served at Staten Island, Brandywine, Germantown, Valley Forge, Monmouth, Camden, S.C., Yorktown.
Joined the Military during the War of 1812 and was a Captain in the Artillery
Elected Delaware's 30th Governor by defeating furture "U.S. Senator Arnold Naudain" by 54 votes ( 4220 to 4166 ) and served from January 15, 1833 until his death on July 11, 1836

Date & Place of Death:
     July 11, 1836 - Wilmington, De. - Age 78
Place of burial:
     Friends Meeting Yard, 4th & West Streets, Wilmington, De. (Same plot as John Dickinson)
Home(s)
     Wilmington, De. (No Longer Standing)
"Click Here" for Governor Bennett's "Find A Grave" record.

( July 11, 1836 - January 17, 1837 )
( " Assumed Term of Caleb Prew Bennett after his passing " )

Kent County - Federalist - Age 47 - Farmer, Lawyer - Presbyterian
Interesting Facts:


" Charles Polk "
( Official State Portrait )

1st individual to serve the Delaware General Assembly from two different Counties (Kent & Sussex)
Previously served as "Delaware's 28th Governor"

Date & Place of Birth:
     November 14, 1788 - Near Bridgeville, De.
Parents:
     Charles & Mary (_) Polk
Married:
     Mary Elizabeth Purnell - ( 1796-1865 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Charles
          William
          Theodore
Facts about his life:

Became Delaware's 31st Governor by being the Speaker of the Senate and assuming the office after the death of "Governor Caleb P. Bennett" and served July 11, 1836 to January 17, 1837
See his record as "Delaware's 28th Governor" for more

Date & Place of Death:
     October 27, 1857 - Near Dover, De. - Age 69
Place of burial:
     Presbyterian Cemetery (currently the Delaware State Museum), Dover, De.
Home(s):
     Burned in 1929, northeast of Thompsonville, De.
"Click Here" for Governor Polk's "Find A Grave" record


" Gov. Polk's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 17, 1837 - January 19, 1841 )

Kent County - Whig - Age 57 - Farmer, Banker - Methodist
Interesting Facts:


" Cornelius P. Comegys "
( Official State Portrait )

1st individual to serve a full four year term
23rd Governor to be elected to office
Father of "U.S. Senator Joseph Parsons Comegys"

Date & Place of Birth:
     January 15, 1780 - Kent County, Md.
Parents:
     Cornelius & Hannah (Parsons) Comegys
Married (1st):
     Ann Blackiston - in ca. 1800 - died during 1st year of marriage
     Their Children:
          Daughter, died young
Married (2nd):
     Ruhamah Marim - in 1804 - ( 1786-1848 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          William
          Sarah (Sally)
          Sally Ann - ( 1805-1887 - married Henry M. Ridgely ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
          Joseph Parsons - became 'U.S. Senator Comegys" - "View His Online Memorial"
          Cornelius
          George - became a Dr. in Cincinnati, Ohio
          Benjamin Bartis - ( 1819-?? ) - became President of the National Bank in Philadelphia, Pa.
          Mary Elizabeth - married Dr. Benjamin F. Chatham
          Maria - ( ??-1893 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
          John - became a Dentist in Dover, De.
Facts about his life:

Raised and schooled in Baltimore, Maryland
Moved to Delaware in ca. 1800
Elected to the Delaware State House of Representatives in 1810 and served through 1826 (Speaker of the House many years )
Joined the Delaware State Militia during the War of 1812 and attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel
Elected State Treasurer and served for 13 years
Elected Delaware's 32nd Governor by defeating Nehemiah Clark ( 4693 to 4276 ) and served from January 17, 1837 to January 19, 1841

Date & Place of Death:
     January 27, 1851 - Dover, De. - Age 71
Place of burial:
     Whatcoat Cemetery, North & Queen Streets, Dover, De.
Home(s):
     "Cherbourg", Near Little Creek, De. (No Longer Standing)
"Click Here" for Governor Comegys' "Find A Grave" record


" Signature "


" Gov. Comegy's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 19, 1841 - January 21, 1845 )

Sussex County - Whig - Age 69 - Farmer - Methodist
Interesting Facts:

24th Governor to be elected to office
His son William later served in the Confederate Army and was a prisoner at Fort Delaware
Brother of "Congressman Thomas Cooper"

Date & Place of Birth:
     December 16, 1771 - Near Laurel, De.
Parents:
     Isaac & Comfort Townsend (Barkley) Cooper
Married (1st):
     Nancy Jones - in 1795 - ( ??-1805 )
     Their Children:
          William T. - School Teacher in Seaford, De. - served in the Confederate Army - Was a prisoner at Fort Delaware
Married (2nd):
     Nelly Warren - in 1816 - ( ??-1821 )
     Their Children:
          None
Married (3rd):
     Jane Townsend Palmer - in 1828 - ( ??-1862 )
     Their Children:
          None
Facts about his life:

Sheriff of Sussex County in 1800
Elected to the Delaware State House, 1815-1816
Appointed as an Associate Justice in 1817
Elected as Delaware's 33rd Governor by defeating Warren Jefferson ( 5850 to 5024 ) and served from January 19, 1841 to January 21, 1845
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     April 29, 1849 - Laurel, De. - Age 77
Place of burial:
     Old Methodist Cemetery, Laurel, De.
Home(s):
     4th & King Streets, Laurel, De. (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Cooper's "Find A Grave" record.

( January 21, 1845 - March 2, 1846 )

New Castle County - Whig - Age 63 - Soldier - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


" Thomas Stockton "
( Official State Portrait )

6th Governor to Die in Office
25th Governor to be elected to office
Served as a Major during the War of 1812

Date & Place of Birth:
     April 1, 1781 - New Castle, De.
Parents:
     John & Ann (Griffin) Stockton
Married:
     Fidelia Johns - ( ??-1871 )
     Their Children:
          Thomas, Jr. - West Point Graduate of 1827
          Ann Elizabeth - (ca. 1812 - 1865 ) - married Dr. Richard Dudley Moore of Athens, GA.
          Nancy - ( 1819-1901 )
          Fidelia - ( 1821-1904 )
          William
          James Black Stockton - Served in the Civil War, Chief Clerk Army Police
Facts about his life:

Graduated from Princeton College
Elected as New Castle County Prothonotary in 1810
Served as a Captain and later as a Major in the War of 1812
Elected as New Castle County Register in Chancery serving from 1832 to 1835
Elected Delaware's 34th Governor by defeating future Governor "William Tharp" by 146 votes and served from January 21, 1845 until his death on March 2, 1846
Defeated future Governor "William Tharp" for office
Military Service: Major, War of 1812

Date & Place of Death:
     March 2, 1846 - New Castle, De. - Age 64
Place of burial:
     Immanuel Cemetery, New Castle, De.
Home(s):
     "Kensey Johns-Van Dyke House", 300 Delaware Street, New Castle, Delaware
     (Also the home of Senator Nicholas Van Dyke, Jr. - currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Stockton's "Find A Grave" record


"Gov. Stockton's Stone "

"Gov. Stockton's Stone "
"Gov. Stockton's Home "
( 2004 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( March 2, 1846 - May 3, 1846 )
( " Assumed Term of Thomas Stockton after his passing " )

Sussex County - Whig - Age 64 - Physican - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:

7th Governor to Die in Office
Served in the Delaware State Senate for 30 years

Date & Place of Birth:
     September 6, 1781 - Pilottown, De.
Parents:
     John & Mary (Marsh) Maull
Married (1st):
     Penelope Shields - in 1802 - ( ??-1813 )
     Their Children:
          Susan - ( 1809-?? )
          George - Became a Doctor
Married (2nd):
     Sarah Davis Watson - in 1820 - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          None
Facts about his life:

Elected to the Delaware State Senate and served from 1816 to 1846 (Speaker of the Senate in 1844 - 1846)
Became Delaware's 35th Governor by being the Speaker of the Senate and assuming the office after the death of "Governor Thomas Stockton" and served from March 2, 1846 until his death on May 3, 1846
Military Service: Served in Delaware Militia, War of 1812

Date & Place of Death:
     May 3, 1846 - Near Lewes, De. - Age 64
Place of burial:
     St. Peter's Cemetery, Lewes, De.
Home(s):
     Unknown
"Click Here" for Governor Maull's "Find A Grave" record.


" Gov. Maull's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )


" Gov. Maull's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( May 6, 1846 - January 19, 1847 )
( " Assumed Term of Governor Joseph Maull upon his passing " )
United States Representative from Delaware
( March 4, 1863 - May 28, 1863 )

Kent County - Whig - Age 31 - Merchant - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


" William Temple "
( Official State Portrait )

Youngest Individual to serve as Governor
Died while serving as a U.S. Representative

Date & Place of Birth:
     February 28, 1814 - Queen Anne's County, Md.
Parents:
     George & ___ Temple
Married:
     Sarah Ann Ringgold in 1838 - ( 1818-1851 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Sarah Louisa - ( 1841-1841 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
          Emma Frances - ( 1842-1843 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
          R.L. - a son, moved to Philadelphia and became a Lawyer
Facts about his life:

Completed preparatory studies
Moved to Smyrna, De., and engaged in mercantile pursuits
Served in the Delaware State House of Representatives in 1844 and served as speaker
Served in the Delaware State Senate 1845-1846 (Became Speaker of the Senate after "Joseph Maull" became Governor)
Became Delaware's 36th Governor by being the Speaker of the Senate and assuming the office after the death of "Governor Joseph Maull" and served from May 6, 1846 to January 19, 1847
Served in the Delaware State Senate 1847-1854
elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-eighth Congress and served from March 4, 1863, until his death before the convening of the Congress
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     May 28, 1863 - Smyrna, De. - Age 49
Place of burial:
     St. Peter's Cemetery, Smyrna, De.
Home(s):
     Northeast Corner of Main & Vermont Streets, Smyrna, De. (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Temple's "Find A Grave" record.


" Gov. Temple's Home "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )
" Gov. Temple's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

( January 19, 1847 - January 21, 1851 )

Kent County - Democrat - Age 43 - Farmer - Episcopalian
Interesting Facts:


" William Tharp "
( Official State Portrait )

26th Governor to be elected to office
Grandfather of "Governor William Tharp Watson"

Date & Place of Birth:
     November 27, 1803 - Near Farmington, De.
Parents:
     James & Eunice (Fleming) Tharp
Married:
     Mary A. Johnson - ( 1803-1867 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
     Their Children:
          Ruth - ( 1828-1907 ) - married Bethuel Watson, later married
          Manlove Carlisle - Mother of "Gov. William Tharp Watson" -
          "View Her Online Memorial"
          Mary Elizabeth - ( 1833-1914 ) - married George Tomlin
          Martina - ( 1836-1898 ) - married Robert J. Hill -
          "View Her Online Memorial"
          Williamina - ( 1838-1922 ) - married Cornelius Hall
          Ann Purnell - ( 1851-1909 ) - married Alonzo Reynolds
Facts about his life:

Elected to the Delaware State Senate and served from 1838 to 1842
Defeated in his bid to become Delaware's 34th Governor in 1844 by "Thomas Stockton"
Elected as Delaware's 37th Governor by 136 votes and served from January 19, 1847 to January 21, 1851
Military Service: None

Date & Place of Death:
     January 9, 1865 - Milford, De. - Age 61
Place of burial:
     Christ Church Cemetery, Milford, De.
Home(s):
     Northeast Corner, Church & Front Streets, Milford, De., (currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Governor Tharp's "Find A Grave" record


" Gov. Tharp's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )
" Gov. Tharp's Stone "
( 2003 - Photo by Russ Pickett )



Email any questions to: Russ Pickett
Last update: 4/15/2009