Delaware United States Senators

( All weblinks within this document are "Blue" )

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1782 - 1783 )
United States Senator from New Jersey
( 1790 - 1793 )


" Philemon Dickinson "

Date & Place of Birth:
     April 5, 1739 - ’Crosia-dore,’ near Trappe, Talbot County, Maryland
Parents:
     Samuel & Mary (Cadwalader) Dickinson
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Younger Brother of John Dickinson, "Continental Congressman & Delaware Governor"
Moved with his parents to Dover, Delaware in 1740
Received his education from a private tutor in Dover, Delaware and was graduated in the first class of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1759, studied law
Admitted to the bar, but never practiced
Superintended his father’s estates in Delaware until 1760
Moved to Trenton, N.J., in 1767
Delegate to the New Jersey Provincial Congress in 1776
Served in the Revolutionary War; was commissioned brigadier general in 1776, and in 1777 major general commanding the New Jersey Militia, serving in the latter capacity throughout the Revolution
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware 1782-1783
Vice President of the Council of New Jersey 1783-1784
Member of the commission to choose a site for the national capital in 1784
Elected to the United States Senate from New Jersey to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William Paterson and served from November 23, 1790, to March 3, 1793; was not a candidate for renomination
Then devoted his time to the care of his estates

Date & place of Death:
     At his home, ‘The Hermitage,’ near Trenton, NJ - February 4, 1809 - Age 69
Place of burial:
     Friends Meeting House Burying Ground, Trenton, NJ
Home(s):
     ‘The Hermitage,’ near Trenton, NJ
"Click Here" for Philemon Dickerson's "Find A Grave" record.

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1787 - 1788 )
Date & Place of Birth:
     Date unknown - Kent County, Delaware
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Studied law; was admitted to the bar of New Castle County in 1784 and commenced practice in Dover, De
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware 1787-1788
Resumed the practice of his profession in Dover, Delaware

Date & place of Death:
     Dover, Delaware - ca. November 1, 1791
Place of burial:
     currently unknown
Home(s):
     currently unknown

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1783 - 1784 )


" Eleazer McComb "

Date & Place of Birth:
     Cumberland, Maryland - 1740
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     Lydia Irons McComb
Children:
     Jennette - Married US Senator Thomas Clayton
Facts about his life:

Served in the Revolutionary War as Captain of Delaware Militia
Appointed Privy Councilor in 1779
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware in 1783 and 1784
Appointed as one of the commissioners to confer on the subject of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in 1786
Auditor of Accounts of the State of Delaware 1787-1793
Moved from Dover to Wilmington about 1792
Engaged in commercial pursuits and shipping in Wilmington, Delaware
Director of the Bank of Delaware in 1795

Date & place of Death:
     Wilmington, Delaware - December 1798
Place of burial:
     Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery, Wilm., DE
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Eleazer McComb's "Find A Grave" record.

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( November 7, 1785 through November 3, 1786 )
United States Representative from Delaware
( 1st Term - March 4, 1793 - February 14, 1794 )
United States Representative from Delaware
( 2nd Term - March 4, 1795 - March 3, 1797 )
Date & Place of Birth:


" John Patton "

     April 26, 1746 - Tynhead Court, Kent County, Delaware, currently Dover Air Force Base.
Parents:
     John Patten and Ann Maxwell Patten.
Married:
     1st - Ann Haslet - daughter of Colonel John Haslet & Jemima Molleston Haslet.
              She died shortly after their marriage
     2nd - Mary Miller Loockerman - daughter of Rev. John Miller
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Attended the common schools; engaged in agricultural pursuits
Entered the Revolutionary Army as a lieutenant; was promoted to the rank of colonel
He served in the Delaware Infantry as a Colonel from 1776-1783 under General George Washington. He fought in every major battle from the battle of Long Island to the Battle of Camden.
He became a POW and was paroled in 1781 only to once again serve his country in battle.
Elected to the Delaware State House in 1785 and served through 1786.
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware from November 7, 1785 through November 3, 1786.
Elected to the Third U.S. Congress by defeating "Henry Latimer" by 30 votes. "Latimer" contested the election results and took the seat the next year. Patten served from March 4, 1793 to February 14, 1794.
Elected to the Fourth U.S. Congress again by defeating "Henry Latimer". There was no contest by "Latimer" and Patten served from March 4, 1795 to March 3, 1797. He was not a candidate for renomination.
Was defeated in his 1800 bid for the U.S. Congress by James A. Bayard.
Engaged in farming until his death

Date & place of Death:
     December 26, 1800 - Age 53 - Tynhead Court, Kent County, Delaware, currently Dover Air Force Base.
Place of burial:
     Presbyterian Churchyard, Dover, Delaware
Home(s):
     "Tynhead Court", Kent County, Delaware, currently Dover Air Force Base
     Also had a home on the north side of Front Street, between Orange and Tatnall Streets in Wilmington, Delaware.
"Click Here" for John Patton's "Find A Grave" record.

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1786 )
Interesting Fact(s):

Was a Major in command of the militia company at Lewes, Delaware, during the Revolution
Besides guarding the coastline and shipping ways, Peery was also responsible for containing Loyalist activities in the county
Was the 1st Treasurer of Sussex County

Date & Place of Birth:
     1743 - Place currently unknown
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Settled with his father’s family near Lewes, Delaware
Farmer; Lewes, Delaware
Member of the Militia, Revolutionary War, 1777
Served in the Delaware State House of Representatives, 1782, 1784, 1787, and 1793-1794
Lawyer, private practice; admitted to the bar in Delaware, 1785
Treasurer of Sussex County, Del., 1785-1796
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware, 1786

Date & place of Death:
     Cool Spring, Sussex County, Delaware - December 17, 1800 - Age 57
Place of burial:
     Cool Spring Presbyterian Church, Sussex County, Delaware
Home(s):
     Cool Spring, large red house (no longer standing)
"Click Here" for William Peery's "Find A Grave" record.

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1781 - 1782 & 1786 )
Interesting Fact(s):

Was the "Clothier General" for Delaware soldiers during the Revoluntionary War
Crossed the frozen Delaware River with General George Washington
Father of "U.S. Senator Caesar Augustus Rodney"
Brother of "Governor Caesar Rodney"
Cousin of "Congressman George Brydges Rodney"

Date & Place of Birth:
     June 4, 1744 - Near Dover, Delaware
Parents:
     Caesar & Elizabeth (Crawford) Rodney
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     Caesar Augustus - ( 1772-1824 ) - Later became a "U.S. Senator & Congressman"
     Possibly More
Facts about his life:

Studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Delaware
Justice of the Peace in 1770 and 1784
Member of the Assembly to Elect Delegates in 1774
Member of the Council of Safety in 1775
Colonel of Delaware Militia during the Revolutionary War
Chief Justice of Kent County Court in 1778
Register of Wills in 1779
Member of the Continental Congress 1781-1782 and 1786
Member of the Delaware State assembly in 1787 and served as speaker
Superintendent of Kent County Almshouse in 1802
Appointed an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Delaware on December 17, 1802, and served until August 1803, when he resigned, having been appointed United States Judge for Mississippi Territory

Date & place of Death:
     Natchez, Miss. - January 2, 1811 - Age 56
Place of burial:
     currently unknown
Home(s):
     currently unknown

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1777 )
Interesting Fact(s):

Father of "Governor James Sykes"

Date & Place of Birth:
     1725 - Place unknown
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     Agnes Bell ?
Children:
     James Sykes - Became "Delaware's 15th Governor"
     May have been more
Facts about his life:

Studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Delaware
Lieutenant in Capt. Caesar Rodney’s company of Dover Militia in 1756
Member of the council of safety in 1776
Delegate to the Delaware State Constitutional Convention held at New Castle, Delaware in 1776
Member of the Continental Congress in 1777
Delaware Clerk of the Peace 1777-1792
Prothonotary of Kent County 1777-1793
Served in the State Council in 1780
Again a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention in 1790
Judge of the High Court of Errors and Appeals of Delaware
Member of the State Legislature which ratified the Federal Constitution on December 7, 1787

Date & place of Death:
     Dover, Delaware - April 4, 1792 - Age 67?
Place of burial:
     Christ Episcopal Church, Dover, Delaware
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for James Sykes' "Find A Grave" record.

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1783 - 1784 )
Interesting Fact(s):


" James Tilton "

Entered the Revolutionary Army as surgeon, and in 1777 was in charge of the military hospital at Princeton, N.J.
Served as a Surgeon at Valley Forge, Pa.
Surgeon General of the United States Army 1813-1815

Date & Place of Birth:
     June 1, 1745 - Kent County, Delaware
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Attended Nottingham Academy, Maryland; was graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1771 and commenced practice in Dover, Delaware
Entered the Revolutionary Army as surgeon, and in 1777 was in charge of the military hospital at Princeton, N.J.
Resumed the practice of his profession in Dover, Delaware after the war
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware 1783-1784
Moved to Wilmington, Delaware
Government commissioner of loans 1785-1801
Served several years as a member of the Delaware State House of Representatives
Surgeon General of the United States Army 1813-1815

Date & place of Death:
     near Wilmington, Delaware - May 14, 1822 - Age 76
Place of burial:
     Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for James Tilton's "Find A Grave" record.

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1782 - 1783 )
Date & Place of Birth:
     May 3, 1732 - Philadelphia, Pa.
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Received a liberal schooling; engaged in mercantile pursuits
Speculated in western lands and promoted the Vandalia Company
Signed the nonimportation resolutions of 1765
Member of the Continental Congress from Delaware in 1782 and 1783
Justice of the Peace for the district of Southwark 1784-1786
Judge of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas 1790-1791 and resigned in the latter year

Date & place of Death:
     At his country home near Philadelphia, Pa. - March 1800 - Age 67
Place of burial:
     currently unknown
Home(s):
     currently unknown

Continental Congressman from Delaware
( 1784 - 1785 )
United States Representative from Delaware
( March 4, 1789 to March 3, 1793 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( March 4, 1793 - January 19, 1798 )


" John Vining "

Date & Place of Birth:
     December 23, 1758 - Kent County, Delaware
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1782 and commenced practice in New Castle County, Delaware
Member of the Continental Congress for Delaware from 1784-1785
Served in Delaware State House of Representatives from 1787-1788
Elected to the First and Second Congresses (March 4, 1789 - March 3, 1793)
Served in Delaware State Senate in 1793
Elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1793 to January 19, 1798, when he resigned

Date & place of Death:
     Dover, Delaware - February 1802 - Age 43
Place of burial:
     Christ Episcopal Church, Dover, Delaware
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator Vining's "Find A Grave" record.

Unites States Representative from Delaware
( February 14, 1794 - February 7, 1795 )
Unites States Senator from Delaware
( February 7, 1795 - February 28, 1801 )
Interesting Fact(s):


" Henry Latimer "

Named Surgeon General of the Northern Division of the Continental Army
His father James was the founder of Newport, Delaware

Date & Place of Birth:
     April 24, 1752 - Newport, Delaware
Parents:
     James & _____ Latimer
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Pursued classical studies; studied medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., graduated from the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1773 and from the Edinburgh (Scotland) Medical College in 1775
Practiced his profession in Wilmington, Delaware upon his return to the United States from College
Served as a surgeon in the Revolutionary War
Served in Delaware State House of Representatives from 1787-1788, 1790, serving as speaker in 1790
Elected to the Third Congress and served from February 14, 1794 until February 7, 1795. Resigned from Congress due to being elected to serve as a U.S. Senator.
Elected to the United States Senate as a Federalist to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator George Read, Sr.". Served from February 7, 1795 until February 28, 1801, when he resigned

Date & place of Death:
     Philadelphia, Pa. - December 19, 1819 - Age 67
Place of burial:
     Presbyterian Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Henry Latimer's "Find A Grave" record.


" James Latimer "
( Founder of Newport, Delaware )

United States Senator from Delaware
( February 28, 1801 to November 4, 1809 )
Interesting Fact(s):


" Samuel White "

Died while in Office
He had a national reputation as a marksman, and performed remarkable feats in shooting.
His father gave future Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury haven during the Revolutionary War. Asbury developed the ideas that would shape the future of American Methodism while living in the White's home.

Date & Place of Birth:
     December, 1770 - near Harrington, Delaware (close to Whitelysburg)
Parents:
     Judge Thomas & _____ White
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
          currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Attended Cokesbury College, Maryland; studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1793 and commenced practice in Dover, Delaware
Served two years as a captain in the United States Army
Adjutant general of Delaware in 1803
Appointed in 1801 and subsequently elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator Henry Latimer"; reelected in 1803 and 1809 and served from February 28, 1801 until his death

Date & place of Death:
     Wilmington, Delaware - November 4, 1809 - Age 38
Place of burial:
     Old Swede Churchyard, Wilmington, Delaware
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator White's "Find A Grave" record.

Unites States Representative from Delaware
( 3 Terms - March 4, 1797 thru March 3, 1803 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( 2 1/2 Terms - January 15, 1805 thru March 3, 1813 )
Interesting Fact(s):


" James Ashton Bayard, Sr. "

Father of "Senator James Asheton Bayard, Jr."
Father of "Senator Richard Henry Bayard"
Grandfather of "Senator Thomas F. Bayard, Sr."
Great Grandfather of "Senator Thomas F. Bayard, Jr."

Date & Place of Birth:
     July 28, 1767 - Philadelphia, Pa.
Parents:
     Dr. James Asheton Bayard and Ann Hodge Bayard. - ( passed away early )
     Raised by his uncle, Colonel John B. Bayard, in Philadelphia, Pa.
Married:
     Ann "Nancy" Bassett - daughter of "Governor Richard Bassett"
Children:
     Richard Henry - ( 1796-1868 ) - Later became a "U.S. Senator"
     Caroline
     James Asheton, Jr. - ( 1799-1880 ) - Later became a "U.S. Senator"
     Edward - Married Tryphena Stanton.
     Mary
     Henry M.
Facts about his life:

Graduated from Princeton College in 1784, studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1787 and commenced practice in Wilmington, Delaware
Declined the appointment as Minister to France tendered by "U.S. President John Adams" in 1801
Elected as a Federalist to the Fifth U.S. Congress by defeating "William Peery" and served from March 4, 1797 to March 3, 1799.
One of the managers appointed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1798 to conduct the impeachment proceedings against William Blount, a U.S. Senator from Tennessee
Re-elected as a Federalist to the Sixth U.S. Congress by defeating Delaware State Senator "Archibald Alexander" and served from March 4, 1799 to March 3, 1801.
Re-elected as a Federalist to the Seventh U.S. Congress by defeating "John Patten" and served from March 4, 1801 to March 3, 1803.
Defeated in his bid for a fourth term to the Eighth U.S. Congress by "Caesar Augustus Rodney" in 1802.
Re-elected as a Federalist to the Ninth U.S. Congress by defeating "Caesar Augustus Rodney", however he didn't serve due to also being elected by the Delaware General Assembly to fill the vacancy in the U.S. Senate noted below.
Elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate in 1804 by the Delaware General Assembly to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator William H. Wells" and served from January 15, 1805 through March 3, 1805.
Re-elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate (opponent unknown) and served from March 4, 1805 to March 3, 1811.
Re-elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate (opponent unknown) and served from March 4, 1811 to March 3, 1813 when he resigned his seat to go to Europe to negotiate peace with Great Britain.
Appointed a member of the commission to negotiate peace with Great Britain in 1813
Aided in negotiating the treaty of Ghent, signed in December 1814
Declined the appointment as Minister to Russia tendered by "U.S. President James Madison" in 1815

Date & place of Death:
     Wilmington, Delaware - August 6, 1815 - Age 48
Place of burial:
     Bohemia Manor, Cecil County, Md
     reinterment about 1842 in Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Home(s):
     Bohemia Manor, Cecil County, Md. (no longer standing)
"Click Here" for Senator Bayard's "Find A Grave" record.

U.S. Representative from Delaware
( October 6, 1807 to March 3, 1811 )
U.S. Senator from Delaware
( March 4, 1817 - May 21, 1826 )

Interesting Fact(s):

Died in Office
Son of "Governor Nicholas Van Dyke"


" Nicholas Van Dyke "

Date & Place of Birth:
     December 20, 1769 - New Castle, Delaware
Parents:
     Nicholas Sr. & Charlotte (Stanley) Van Dyke
Married:
     _____ Johns, Daughter of Kensey & Susannah (Galloway) Johns
Children:
          Dorcus Montgomery - married Charles Irenee du Pont on March 6, 1824
          in her father's home - The Marquis De Lafayette gave her away.
          Nicholas - ( 1794-1820 )
Facts about his life:

Graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1788; studied law
Admitted to the bar in New Castle, Del., in 1792 and commenced the practice of law
Served in Delaware State House of Representatives 1799
Served as Delaware's 3rd Attorney General from 1801 to 1806
Elected as a Federalist to the Tenth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Congressman James M. Broom" - reelected to the Eleventh Congress, and served from October 6, 1807 to March 3, 1811
Served in Delaware State senate 1815-1816
Elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate in 1817; reelected in 1823, and served from March 4, 1817, until his death in New Castle, Delaware

Date & place of Death:
     New Castle, Delaware - May 21, 1826 - Age 56
Place of burial:
     Immanuel Churchyard, New Castle, Delaware
Home(s):
     "Kensey Johns-Van Dyke House", 300 Delaware Street, New Castle, Delaware
     (Also the home of Governor Thomas Stockton - currently a private residence)
"Click Here" for Nicholas Van Dyke, Jr.'s "Find A Grave" record.


" Van Dyke House "
( 2004 - Photo by Russ Pickett )

United State Representative from Delaware
( March 4, 1803 - March 3, 1805 & March 4, 1821 - January 24, 1822 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( January 24, 1822 - January 29, 1823 )
Interesting Fact(s):


" Caesar Augustus Rodney "

Son of "Continental Congressman Thomas Rodney"
Cousin of "Congressman George Brydges Rodney"
Nephew of "Governor Caesar Rodney"

Date & Place of Birth:
     January 4, 1772 - Dover, Delaware
Parents:
     "Cont. Congressman Thomas Rodney" & Elizabeth (Fisher) Rodney
Married:
     Susan Hunn in 1791 - ( 1775-1839 ) - Daughter of Capt. John Hunn )
Children:
          currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Completed preparatory studies and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1789; studied law
Admitted to the bar and began practice in Wilmington, Delaware in 1793
Served in Delaware State House of Representatives 1796-1802
Elected as a Republican to the Eighth Congress (March 4, 1803-March 3, 1805); was not a candidate for renomination in 1804
One of the managers appointed by the House of Representatives in January 1804 to conduct the impeachment proceedings against John Pickering, judge of the United States District Court for New Hampshire, and in December of the same year against Samuel Chase, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Attorney General of the United States in the Cabinet of "U.S. President Thomas Jefferson" and "U.S. President James Madison" 1807-1811, when he resigned
Served in the War of 1812
Served on Delaware Committee of Safety in 1813
Served in Delaware State Senate 1815-1816
Sent to South America by "U.S. President James Monroe" as one of the commissioners to investigate and report on the propriety of recognizing the independence of the Spanish-American Republics
Elected to the Seventeenth Congress and served from March 4, 1821 to January 24, 1822, when he resigned due to being elected a U.S. Senator
Elected to the United States Senate and served from January 24, 1822, to January 29, 1823, when he resigned
Appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Argentina in 1823, and served until his death in Buenos Aires

Date & place of Death:
     Buenos Aires, Argentina - June 10, 1824 - Age 52
Interred:
     British Cemetery, Victoria district
     reinterred, 1923, in British Cemetery, Charcarita district, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Home(s):
     currently unknown

United States Representative from Delaware
( March 4, 1815 - March 3, 1817 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( March 8, 1823 - March 3, 1827 )
( January 9, 1837 - March 3, 1847 )


" Thomas Clayton "

Date & Place of Birth:
     July 1777 - Masseys Cross Roads, Md.
Parents:
     "Governor Joshua" & Rachel Bassett Clayton
Married:
     Jennette McComb - ( 1780-1812 ) - "View Online Memorial"
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Son of "Governor Joshua Clayton"
Cousin of "Senator John Middleton Clayton"
Received a classical education at Newark Academy; studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1799 and commenced practice in New Castle, Delaware
Clerk of the Delaware State house of representatives in 1800
Served in Delaware State House of Representatives 1802-1806, 1810, 1812, 1813
Secretary of State of Delaware 1808-1810
Served in Delaware State senate 1808
Delaware State Attorney General 1810-1815
Elected as a Federalist to the Fourteenth Congress (March 4, 1815-March 3, 1817)
Served in Delaware State senate 1821
Elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator Caesar A. Rodney" and served from March 8, 1823 to March 3, 1827
Chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware in 1828
Chief justice of the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in 1832
Elected as a Whig to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator John M. Clayton" - reelected in 1836 and served from January 9, 1837 to March 3, 1847
Chairman, Committee on Printing (Twenty-seventh Congress), Committee on Revolutionary Claims (Twenty-ninth Congress)
Moved to New Castle, Delaware and retired from public life

Date & place of Death:
     New Castle, Delaware - August 21, 1854 - Age 77
Interred:
     Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Dover, Delaware
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator Clayton's "Find A Grave" record.

United States Representative from Delaware
( March 4, 1811 - March 3, 1815 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( January 12, 1827 - March 3, 1829 )


" Henry Moore Ridgely "

Date & Place of Birth:
     August 6, 1779 - Dover, Delaware
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     currently unknown
Facts about his life:

Completed preparatory studies; studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1802 and began practice in Dover
Secretary of State of Delaware 1817-1827
Elected as a Federalist to the Twelfth and Thirteenth Congresses (March 4, 1811-March 3, 1815); was not a candidate for renomination in 1814
Returned to Dover, Delaware, and resumed the practice of law
Elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of "Senator Nicholas Van Dyke, Jr." and served from January 12, 1827 to March 3, 1829; was not a candidate for reelection
Returned to Dover, Delaware, and resumed the practice of law

Date & place of Death:
     Dover, Delaware - August 6, 1847 (his birthday) - Age 68
Interred:
     Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery, Dover, De.
Home(s):
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator Ridgely's "Find A Grave" record



United States Representative from Delaware
( March 4, 1817 - March 3, 1827 )
United States Senator from Delaware
( March 4, 1827 - April 16, 1829 )
United States Secretary of the Treasury
( 1831 - 1833 )
United States Secretary of State
( 1833 - 1834 )


" Louis McLane "

Date & Place of Birth:
     May 28, 1776 - Smyrna, Delaware
Parents:
     currently unknown
Married:
     currently unknown
Children:
     Richard Milligan
     Possibly More
Facts about his life:

Attended private school
Entered the United States Navy in 1798 as a midshipman on the U.S.S. Philadelphia and served one year
Attended Newark College; studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1807 and commenced practice in Smyrna
Served in the War of 1812
Elected to the Fifteenth and to the four succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1817-March 3, 1827); reelected to the Twentieth Congress, but resigned, having been elected a Senator
Elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1827 until April 16, 1829, when he resigned for a Presidental appointment
Appointed by "U.S. President Andrew Jackson" as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to England 1829-1831
Appointed as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury in the Cabinet of "U.S. President Andrew Jackson" 1831-1833
Appointed as U.S. Secretary of State by "U.S. President Andrew Jackson" 1833-1834; moved to Baltimore, Md.
Became President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Co. 1837-1847
Appointed again as Minister to England 1845-1846
Delegate to the Maryland constitutional convention in 1850

Date & place of Death:
     Baltimore, Md. - October 7, 1857 - Age 81
Interred:
     Greenmount Cemetery, Baltimore, Md.
Home:
     currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator McLane's "Find A Grave" record.

United States Senator from Delaware
( March 4, 1829 - December 29, 1836 )
( March 4, 1845 - February 23, 1849 )
( March 4, 1853 - November 9, 1856 )
United States Secretary of State
( 1849 - 1850 )


John M. Clayton Statue
in the U.S. Capitol Building

Built Delaware historic home "Buena Vista"
Died in Office
Date & Place of Birth: July 24, 1796 - Dagsboro, Delaware
Parents:currently unknown
Married:Sally Ann Fisher - ( 1799-1825 ) - Granddaughter of
"Gov. George Truitt" - "View Her Online Memorial"
Children:James F. - ( 1828-1851 ) - "View His Online Memorial"
Charles McClyment - ( 1825-1849 ) - "View His Online Memorial"
Nephew of "Governor Joshua Clayton"
Cousin of "Senator Thomas Clayton"
Great-granduncle of "Governor Clayton D. Buck, Jr."
Pursued preparatory studies at academies in Berlin, Md., and Milford, Delaware, and was graduated from Yale College in 1815; studied law at the Litchfield Law School
Admitted to the bar in 1819 and commenced practice in Dover
Served in Delaware State house of representatives 1824
Served as Secretary of State of Delaware 1826-1828
Elected to the United States Senate in 1829; reelected in 1835 and served from March 4, 1829, until December 29, 1836, when he resigned
Served as Chief Justice of Delaware 1837-1839
Elected as a Whig to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1845, until February 23, 1849, when he resigned to accept a Presidential Cabinet position
Appointed as U.S. Secretary of State in the Cabinet of "U.S. President Zachary Taylor" 1849-1850; while Secretary of State negotiated the Clayton-Bulwer treaty with Great Britain
Elected as a Whig to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1853, until his death
Date & place of Death: Dover, Delaware - November 9, 1856 - Age 60
Interred:Presbyterian Cemetery, Dover, Delaware
Home:"Buena Vista, New Castle, Delaware
"Click Here" for Senator Clayton's "Find A Grave" record.


" John Middleton Clayton "

United States Senator from Delaware
( June 17, 1836 - September 19, 1839 )
( January 12, 1841 - March 3, 1845 )


" Richard Henry Bayard "

Date & Place of Birth: September 26, 1796 - Wilmington, Delaware
Parents: "Senator James Asheton, Sr." & Ann "Nancy" Bassett Bayard
Married:currently unknown
Children:currently unknown
Son of "Senator James Asheton Bayard, Sr.".
Grandson of "Governor Richard Bassett"
Brother of "Senator James Asheton Bayard, Jr.".
Graduated from Princeton College in 1814; studied law
Admitted to the bar in New Castle, Del., in 1818 and commenced practice in Wilmington, Delaware
First mayor of Wilmington in 1832
Elected as a Whig to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator Arnold Naudain" and served from June 17, 1836 to September 19, 1839, when he resigned to become Chief Justice of Delaware; chairman, Committee on Private Land Claims (Twenty-seventh Congress), Committee on District of Columbia (Twenty-seventh Congress), Committee on Naval Affairs (Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Congresses)
Served as Chief Justice of Delaware 1839-1841
Elected again to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy which had existed since his own resignation in 1839 and served from January 12, 1841, to March 3, 1845; was not a candidate for reelection in 1845
Appointed Charge d’Affaires to Belgium 1850-1853
Date & place of Death: Philadelphia, Pa. - March 4, 1868 - Age 71
Interred:Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Home:currently unknown
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United States Senator from Delaware
( March 4, 1847 - March 3, 1853 )


" Presley Spruance "

Date & Place of Birth: September 11, 1785 - Kent County, Delaware
Parents:currently unknown
Married:Sarah Corbit - ( 1795-1860 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
Children:Mary J. - ( 1833-1834 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
Horace - ( 1835-1882 ) - "View His Online Memorial"
Possibly More
Pursued preparatory studies; engaged in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits in Smyrna, Delaware
Delegate to the State of Delaware Constitutional Convention in 1831
Served in Delaware State senate 1828, 1840, 1846, and served as Senate President
Elected as a Whig to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1853; was not a candidate for renomination in 1852
Resumed his business pursuits
Date & place of Death: Smyrna, Delaware - February 13, 1863 - Age 77
Interred:Duck Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, Smyrna, Delaware
Home:currently unknown
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United States Senator from Delaware
( February 3, 1849 - March 3, 1851 )


" John Wales "

Date & Place of Birth: July 31, 1783 - New Haven, Conn.
Parents:currently unknown
Married:currently unknown
Children:currently unknown
Pursued preparatory studies and was graduated from Yale College in 1801; studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1801 and commenced the practice of law at New Haven, Conn.
Moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and continued his practice
Moved to Baltimore, Md., in 1813
Moved to Wilmington, Del., in 1815 and was president of the National Bank of Wilmington and Brandywine
Secretary of State of Delaware 1845-1849
Elected as a Whig to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of "Senator John M. Clayton" and served from February 3, 1849, to March 3, 1851; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1851 being defeated by "James A. Bayard, Jr."
One of the founders of Delaware College, Newark, Delaware (University of Delaware)
Date & place of Death: Wilmington, Delaware - December 3, 1863 - Age 70
Interred:Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Home:currently unknown
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United States Senator from Delaware
( November 19, 1856 - January 14, 1857 )


" Joseph Parsons Comegys "

Date & Place of Birth: December 29, 1813 - ‘Cherbourg,’ Kent County, near Dover, De.
Parents:"Gov. Cornelius Parsons" & Ruhamah Miram Comegys
Married:Margaret Douglass - ( 1816-1888 ) - "View Her Online Memorial"
Children:Walter Douglass - ( 1838-1877 ) - "View His Online Memorial"
Possibly More
Son of "Governor Cornelius Parsons Comegys"
Attended the old academy at Dover; studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1835 and commenced practice in Dover, Delaware
Served in Delaware State house of representatives 1842, 1848
Appointed as a Whig to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of "Senator John M. Clayton" and served from November 19, 1856, to January 14, 1857, when a successor ( "Martin W. Bates" ) was elected; declined renomination
Resumed the practice of law in Dover
Appointed Chief Justice of the Delaware State supreme court in 1876 and served until 1893, when he resigned owing to ill health
Date & place of Death: Dover, Delaware - February 1, 1893 - Age 79
Interred:Presbyterian Cemetery, Dover, Delaware
Home:currently unknown
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United States Senator from Delaware
( January 14, 1857 - March 3, 1859 )


" Martin Waltham Bates "

Owned Delaware historic home "Woodburn" (currently Delaware's official Governors Home) from 1817-1825
Date & Place of Birth: February 24, 1786 - Salisbury, CT.
Parents:currently unknown
Married:Mary Hillyard - ( 1788-1847 ) - daughter of Charles Hillyard
"View Her Online Memorial"
Children:currently unknown
Attended the common schools; moved to Delaware and taught school for several years; studied medicine and later studied law
Admitted to the bar in 1822 and commenced practice in Dover, Delaware
Served in Delaware State House of Representatives 1826
Delegate to the State Constitutional Convention 1852
Elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of "Senator John M. Clayton" and served from January 14, 1857 to March 3, 1859; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1858 being defeated by "Willard Saulsbury, Sr."
Resumed the practice of law in Dover, Delaware
Date & place of Death: Dover, Delaware - January 1, 1869 - Age 82
Interred:Presbyterian Cemetery, Delaware State Museum, Dover, Delaware
Home:(1st) "Woodburn"
(2nd) currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator Bates' "Find A Grave" record

United States Senator from Delaware
( March 4, 1859 - March 3, 1871 )


" Willard Saulsbury, Sr. "

Was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection by being defeated by his brother, "Eli Saulsbury".
Date & Place of Birth: June 2, 1820 - Mispillion Hundred, Kent County, Delaware
Parents:William & Margaret Ann (Smith) Saulsbury
Married:Annie Ponder - ( 1825-1912 ) - Sister of "Governor James Ponder"
Children: John Ponder - ( 1853-1889 )
Margaret - ( 1856-1875 )
Willard, Jr. - ( 1861-1927 ) - Later became a "U.S. Senator"
Brother of "Senator Eli Saulsbury"
Brother of "Governor Gove Saulsbury"
Brother-In-Law of "Governor James Ponder"
Father of "Senator Willard Saulsbury, Jr."
Attended the common schools, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., and Delaware College (now the University of Delaware), Newark, Delaware; studied law
Admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Georgetown, Delaware
Attorney General of Delaware 1850-1855
Elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1858 defeating incumbant Senator "Martin W. Bates"; reelected in 1864 and served from March 4, 1859 to March 3, 1871; unsuccessful candidate for reelection being "defeated by his brother", "Eli Saulsbury".
Resumed the practice of law
Chancellor of the State from 1874 until his death
Date & place of Death: Dover, Delaware - April 6, 1892 - Age 71
Interred:Christ Episcopal Churchyard, Dover, Delaware
Home:currently unknown
"Click Here" for Senator Saulsbury's "Find A Grave" record.


" Willard Saulsbury, Sr. "



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Russ Pickett
Last update: September 1, 2009