Robert J. Reynolds

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Robert J. Reynolds
Robert J. Reynolds
In office
January 20, 1891 – January 15, 1895
Preceded by Benjamin T. Biggs
Succeeded by Joshua H. Marvil
Born March 17, 1838(1838-03-17)
Smyrna, Delaware
Died June 10, 1909 (aged 71)
Kent County, Delaware
Political party Democratic
Spouse Louvenia Riggs
Hester Thomas
Residence Kent County, Delaware
Occupation farmer
Religion Methodist

Robert John Reynolds (March 17, 1838 – June 10, 1909) was an American farmer and politician from Petersburg in South Murderkill Hundred, Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly, and as Governor of Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

Reynolds was born March 17, 1838 in Smyrna, Delaware, son of Robert Wright and Sallie Gilder Marvel Reynolds. He married Louvenia Riggs and had one child, Byron, and later married Hester Thomas, with whom he had no children. They lived at "Golden Ridge", near Petersburg in South Murderkill Hundred, Kent County, Delaware and were members of the Methodist Church.

[edit] Political career

Reynolds was elected to the State House in 1868 and served the 1869/70 session. From 1879 until 1883 he was State Treasurer and in 1890 was elected the Governor of Delaware, defeating Harry A. Richardson, the Republican candidate. He served from January 20, 1891 until January 15, 1895.

During these years free textbooks were first provided to public school students, and Delaware State College was established in Dover.

[edit] Death and legacy

Reynolds died June 10, 1909 at his home near Petersburg in South Murderkill Hundred, Kent County, Delaware and is buried at Loudon Park Cemetery, in Baltimore, Maryland.

[edit] Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1st. Members of the Delaware General Assembly took office the first Tuesday of January. State Representatives have a two year term. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and has a four year term.


Delaware General Assembly
(sessions while Governor)
Year Assembly Senate Majority Speaker House Majority Speaker
1891-1892 86th Democratic John P. Donohoe Democratic William L. Sirman
1893-1894 87th Democratic Charles B. Houston Democratic J. Harvey Whiteman


Public Offices
Office Type Location Elected Took Office Left Office notes
State Representative Legislature Dover 1868 January 6, 1869 January 6, 1871
State Treasurer Executive Dover 1879 1883
Governor Executive Dover 1886 January 20, 1891 January 15, 1895


Delaware General Assembly service
Dates Assembly Chamber Majority Governor Committees District
1869-1870 75th State House Democratic Gove Saulsbury Kent at-large


Election results
Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %
1890 Governor Robert J. Reynolds Democratic 17,801 51% Harry A. Richardson Republican 17,258 49%

[edit] References

  • Conrad, Henry C. (1908). History of the State of Delaware. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Wickersham Company. 
  • Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware: Cedar Tree Books. ISBN 1-892142-23-6. 
  • 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] Images

[edit] External links

[edit] Places with more information


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