Martin W. Bates

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Martin W. Bates
Image:BatesMartinS.jpg

In office
January 14, 1857 – March 3, 1859
Preceded by Joseph P. Comegys
Succeeded by Willard Saulsbury, Sr.

Born February 24, 1786(1786-02-24)
Salisbury, Connecticut
Died January 1, 1869 (aged 82)
Dover, Delaware
Political party Federalist
Democratic
Spouse Mary Hillyard
Residence Dover, Delaware
Profession lawyer
Religion Presbyterian

Martin Waltham Bates (February 24, 1786January 1, 1869) was a lawyer and politician from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party, and then the Democratic Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

Bates was born February 24, 1786 in Salisbury, Connecticut. He married Mary Hillyard, the daughter of Charles Hillyard. They lived in Dover, at "Woodburn," presently the Governor's mansion, and were members of the Presbyterian Church. After moving to Delaware, Bates taught school, studied medicine and the law. He was admitted to the Bar in 1822, and practiced in Dover the remainder of his life.

[edit] Political career

Bates served in the State House in the 1826 session and was a member of the Delaware Constitutional Convention of 1852. He became U.S. Senator in 1857 when he was elected by the General Assembly to fill the vacancy caused by the death of U.S. Senator John M. Clayton, which had been briefly filled by the appointment of Joseph P. Comegys. He served only the remainder of the term, from January 14, 1857 to March 3, 1859, as he was defeated for reelection in 1858 by Willard Saulsbury, Sr.

[edit] Death and legacy

Bates died January 1, 1869 in Dover, Delaware, and is buried in the old Presbyterian Cemetery, now at the Delaware State Museum, in Dover.

[edit] Public offices

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. Members of the General Assembly took office on the first Tuesday of January. State Representatives had a term of one year. The General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, who took office March 4, for a six year term. They also chose the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1852.

Office Type Location Elected Took Office Left Office notes
State Representative Legislature Dover 1818 January 5, 1819 January 4, 1820
State Representative Legislature Dover 1825 January 3, 1826 January 2, 1827
State Representative Legislature Dover 1826 January 2, 1827 January 1, 1828
Delegate Convention Dover 1852 1852 State Constitution
U.S. Senator Legislature Washington March 4, 1857 March 3, 1859 class 2

[edit] References

  • Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, DE: Cedar Tree Books. ISBN 1-892142-23-6. 
  • Munroe, John A. (1993). History of Delaware. Newark, DE: University of Delaware Press. ISBN 0-87413-493-5. 
  • Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols.. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co.. 
  • Martin, Roger A. (1995). Memoirs of the Senate. Newark, DE: Roger A. Martin. 

[edit] Images

  • Biographical Dictionary of the U.S. Congress [1]

[edit] External links

  • Biographical Dictionary of the U.S. Congress [2]
  • Delaware’s Senators [3]
  • Find a Grave [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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