Jacob Stout
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| Jacob Stout | |
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| Governor of Delaware | |
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| Born | 1764 Kent County, Delaware |
| Died | November 1857 Kent County, Delaware |
| Residence | Kent County, Delaware |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Spouse | Angelica Killen |
Jacob Stout (1764 – November 1857) was an American manufacturer and politician from Little Creek Hundred, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.
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[edit] Early life and family
Stout was born in 1764 probably in Little Creek Hundred, Kent County, Delaware, son of Jacob Emanuel and Mary Griffin Stout. His ancestors came to Kent County from New Jersey in the 17th century. Like many in the area, his father was a reluctant revolutionary in 1776, but later served six years in the Delaware General Assembly. Jacob Stout married Angelica Killen in 1795 and had four children, Mary, William, Henry, Sarah Ann, and William Jacob. The exact location of their home is debated. Some say it was north of Leipsic and others say it was west of it, on the Cheswold Road. It was nearby in any case, as he was one of the founders of Leipsic. He was also President of the Smyrna Bank from 1844 until1847. They were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Stout had a tannery in Dover and one day while bending over to check the contents of one of the tanning vats, a pet ram seized the opportunity and butted him into the vat. Supposedly Stout then commented on the impudence of the ... ram to butt the Governor of Delaware into a tanning vat. [1]
[edit] Political career
Stout served in the State House for two sessions in 1813 and 1814. He was then elected to the State Senate for two terms, beginning with the 1815 session and ending with the 1820 session, when he was elected Speaker. This was done in full knowledge that he would immediately become Governor, as the person recently elected to become Governor, Henry Molleston, had died before taking office. As part of the arrangement it was agreed that Stout would serve but one year and a special gubernatorial election would be held in 1820 for a two year term. He served as Governor of Delaware from January 18, 1820 until January 16, 1821.
During his term in office the issue of the extension of slavery into U.S. territories became a national crisis. Typically, Delaware was divided on the matter. Stout and the General Assembly supported national action preventing slavery's extension, but most of Delaware's congressional delegation disagreed. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was the final result.
In 1822 Stout was named a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
[edit] Death and legacy
Stout died in November 1857 at his home, probably in Little Creek Hundred, Kent County. At first, he was buried at his home, but later was moved to the Presbyterian Cemetery, now on the grounds of the Delaware State Museum in Dover.
During the course of his long life he was involved in much activity. In addition to his political career and tannery, he was active in land reclamation and development projects, helped to lay out the road from Bombay Hook Lighthouse to Smyrna and was one of the founders of the town of Leipsic.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: John Clark |
Governor of Delaware January 18, 1820 – January 16, 1821 |
Succeeded by: John Collins |
[edit] Public offices
Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. Members of the Delaware General Assembly took office the first Tuesday of January. State Senators had a three year term and State Representatives had a one year term. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and had a three year term.
| Office | Type | Location | Elected | Took Office | Left Office | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Representative | Legislature | Dover | 1812 | January 5, 1813 | January 4, 1814 | |
| State Representative | Legislature | Dover | 1813 | January 4, 1814 | January 3, 1815 | |
| State Senator | Legislature | Dover | 1815 | January 2, 1816 | January 5, 1819 | |
| State Senator | Legislature | Dover | 1818 | January 5, 1819 | January 18, 1820 | |
| Governor | Executive | Dover | 1822 | January 18, 1820 | January 16, 1821 | Acting |
[edit] Notes
- ^ Martin, Roger A. (1984). A History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press., p. 138.
[edit] References
- Sobel, Robert, John Racino (1988). Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978, Vol. 1. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-930466-00-4.
- Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols.. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co.. ISBN 0-87413-493-5.
- Martin, Roger A. (1984). A History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press.
- Martin, Roger A. (1995). Memoirs of the Senate. Newark, Delaware: Roger A. Martin.
[edit] External links
[edit] Places with more information
- Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library 2nd and High St., Odessa, Delaware (302) 378-8838
- Historical Society of Delaware 505 Market St., Wilmington, Delaware (302) 655-7161
- Newark Free Library 750 Library Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 731-7550
- University of Delaware Library 181 South College Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 831-2965
