Presley Spruance

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Presley Spruance
U. S. Senator from Delaware
In office March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1853
Preceded by	Thomas Clayton
Succeeded by	John M. Clayton
Born	September 11, 1785(1785-09-11) Smyrna, Delaware
Died	February 13, 1863 (aged 77) Smyrna, Delaware
Political party	Whig
Residence	Smyrna, Delaware
Occupation	merchant

Presley Spruance (September 11, 1785 – February 13, 1863) was an American merchant and politician from Smyrna, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Whig Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Contents 1 Early life and family 2 Career 3 Death and legacy 4 Public offices 5 References 6 External links 6.1 Places with more information

[edit] Early life and family

Spruance was born September 11, 1785 in Kent County, Delaware.

[edit] Career

Spruance was engaged in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits in Smyrna, Delaware. He was a member of the State House for the 1823 and 1839/40 sessions. In between these he was elected to the State Senate for the sessions from 1826 through 1831, again in 1835/36 and 1837/38, and returned for the 1841/42 and 1843/44 sessions and finally in 1847, several times serving as Speaker. He was elected as a Whig to the United States Senate and served one term from March 4, 1847 to March 3, 1853. Following his term he returned to his business pursuits.

[edit] Death and legacy

Spruance died February 13, 1863 in Smyrna, Delaware and is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery there.

[edit] Public offices

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. U.S. Representatives were popularly elected for a two year term, and the General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, for a six year term. Both took office the following March 4th.

Office	Type	Location	Elected	Took Office	Left Office	notes
State Representative	Legislature	Dover	1822	January 4, 1823	January 3, 1824
State Senator	Legislature	Dover	1825	January 4, 1826	January 3, 1829	Speaker
State Senator	Legislature	Dover	1828	January 4, 1829	January 3, 1832
State Senator	Legislature	Dover	1834	January 4, 1835	January 3, 1839	Speaker
State Representative	Legislature	Dover	1838	January 4, 1839	January 3, 1841
State Senator	Legislature	Dover	1840	January 4, 1841	January 3, 1845	Speaker
State Senator	Legislature	Dover	1846	January 4, 1847	March 4, 1847
U.S. Senator	Legislative	Washington		March 4, 1847	March 3, 1853	class 2

[edit] References

• Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols.. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co.. 
• Conrad, Henry C. (1908). History of the State of Delaware, 3 vols.. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Wickersham Company. 

[edit] External links

• Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress. [1].
• Delaware’s Senators [2]
• Find a Grave [3]
• History of Delaware 1609-1888 [4]
• The Political Graveyard [5]

[edit] Places with more information

• Historical Society of Delaware [6] 505 Market St., Wilmington, Delaware (302) 655-7161
• University of Delaware Library [7] 181 South College Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 831-2965

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