David P. Buckson

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David P. Buckson
David P. Buckson
In office
January 15, 1963 – January 19, 1971
Preceded by Januar D. Bove, Jr.
Succeeded by W. Laird Stabler, Jr.
In office
December 30, 1960 – January 17, 1961
Preceded by J. Caleb Boggs
Succeeded by Elbert N. Carvel
In office
January 15, 1957 – December 30, 1960
Preceded by John W. Rollins
Succeeded by Eugene Lammot
Born July 25, 1920 (1920-07-25) (age 87)
Townsend, Delaware
Political party Republican
Spouse Betty Savin
Patricia Maloney
Residence Camden, Delaware
Alma mater University of Delaware
Profession lawyer
Religion Methodist

David Penrose Buckson (born July 25, 1920) is an American lawyer and politician from Camden, in Kent County, Delaware. He is veteran of World War II, and a member of the Republican Party, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Delaware, Governor of Delaware, and Attorney General of Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

Buckson was born July 25, 1920 at Townsend, Delaware, son of Leon & Margaret Hutchison Buckson. He first married Betty Savin in 1945 with whom he had two children, Deborah Gray and Brian Roth. His second wife was Patricia Maloney, who he married in 1962, and with whom he had four children, Marlee, David, Eric and Kent. They were members of the Methodist Church. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1941 with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During World War II Buckson served in the South Pacific and attained the rank of Major. Afterwards he resumed studies for a legal career, attending Dickinson College Law School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

[edit] Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

In 1955 Buckson was appointed a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas. A year later, in 1956, he was elected Lieutenant Governor, defeating Vernon Derrickson. He served one term from January 15, 1957 to December 30, 1960. At the end of his term, in 1960, he sought the Republican Party nomination for Governor, but lost it to John W. Rollins. However, he became Governor upon the resignation of Governor J. Caleb Boggs (who left to start his first U.S. Senate term), and served the remaining 18 days of Boggs' second term.

[edit] Delaware politics

In 1962, Buckson was elected Delaware State Attorney General and served two terms, from January 15, 1963 until January 19, 1971. He was a candidate for Governor again in 1964, when he lost to Democratic former Chief Justice Charles L. Terry, Jr., and finally in 1972, when he failed to receive the Republican nomination.

Buckson was later appointed by Governor Sherman W. Tribbitt to be a Judge in the Family Court of Delaware where he earned a reputation for dispatching justice in the most efficient, judicious, and evenhanded manner.

[edit] Later career

Buckson was the first Delaware attorney to have offices in more than one county. He is widely recognized to have been the founder of Dover Downs, a volunteer fireman, decorated veteran and officer of World War II, and Commander of a National Guard unit. He has also been City Solicitor for the Delaware municipalities of Newark, Middletown, Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton, and Dover, all at the same time.

[edit] Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1st. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Attorney General take office the third Tuesday of January, and have four year terms.

Public Offices
Office Type Location Elected Term began Term ended notes
Lt. Governor Executive Dover 1956 January 15, 1957 December 30, 1960
Governor Executive Dover December 30, 1960 January 17, 1961 acting
State Attorney General Executive Dover 1962 January 15, 1963 January 17, 1967
State Attorney General Executive Dover 1966 January 17, 1967 January 19, 1971


Election results
Year Office Election Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %
1956 Lt. Governor General David P. Buckson Republican 92,254 52% Vernon B. Derrickson Democratic 81,121 48%
1962 State Attorney General General David P. Buckson Republican 77,666 51% John Biggs, III Democratic 75,064 49%
1964 Governor General David P. Buckson Republican 97,374 49% Charles L. Terry, Jr. Democratic 102,797 51%
1966 State Attorney General General David P. Buckson Republican 96,595 59% Sidney Balick Democratic 66,848 41%
1972 Governor Primary David P. Buckson Republican 20,138 46% Russell W. Peterson Republican 23,929 54%

[edit] References

  • Cohen, Celia (2002). Only in Delaware, Politics and Politicians in the First State. Newark, Delaware: Grapevine Publishing. 
  • Davis, Ned (2000). Charles L. Terry. Wilmington, Delaware: Delaware Heritage Press. OCLC 47186751. 
  • Martin, Roger A. (1984). History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press. 
  • Sobel, Robert; J. Racino (1988). Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-930466-00-4. 

[edit] Images

[edit] External links

[edit] Places with more information


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