William H. Wells
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| William H. Wells | |
 U.S. Senator from Delaware |
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| U.S. Senator | |
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| Born | January 7, 1769 Burlington, New Jersey |
| Died | March 11, 1829 Dagsboro, Delaware |
| Residence | Dagsboro, Delaware |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouse | Rachael Dagworthy |
William Hill Wells (January 7, 1769 – March 11, 1829) was a lawyer and politician from Dagsboro, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.
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[edit] Early life and family
Wells was born January 7, 1769 in Burlington, New Jersey. His family came to Sussex County when he was young, and his father began a successful mercantile business at Dagsboro, which the younger Wells continued. His marriage to Rachael Dagworthy, the daughter of Revolutionary General John Dagworthy, greatly increased his wealth, as she had inherited large tracts of Sussex County timberlands. Meanwhile he studied the law, was admitted to the bar in 1791, and practiced at Georgetown, Delaware, eventually expanding to Dover, Delaware.
[edit] Political career
Wells represented Sussex County for several years in the Delaware General Assembly, initially serving in the State House from the 1795 session through the 1799 session. He was then elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Joshua Clayton and served from January 17, 1799 until November 6, 1804. During this time he joined his Federalist colleagues in opposition to the Louisiana Purchase. He resigned before the completion of his term to seek his fortune in the oil business in northern Pennsylvania. He returned to the State House for the 1811 and 1812 sessions, and spent the 1813 session in the State Senate. He was again elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of James A. Bayard, and served from May 28, 1813, to March 3, 1817. Finally, he served once more in the 1819 session of the State House.
All the while he continued the practice of law in Dagsboro and Millsboro, and became heavily involved in the oil business in Pennsylvania, where the town of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania was named in his honor.
[edit] Death and legacy
Wells died March 11, 1829 near Dagsboro, Delaware, and is buried in Prince George’s Churchyard, near Dagsboro.
| Political Offices | ||
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| Preceded by: Joshua Clayton |
U.S. Senator from Delaware (class 2) January 17, 1799 – November 6, 1804 |
Succeeded by: James A. Bayard |
| Preceded by: James A. Bayard |
U.S. Senator from Delaware (class 2) May 21, 1813 – March 3, 1817 |
Succeeded by: Nicholas Van Dyke |
[edit] Public offices
At this time Delaware elections were held the first Tuesday of October. Members of the Delaware General Assembly took office on the first Tuesday of January, with the State Senate serving a three year term, and the State House a one year term. Three Senators and seven Representatives were elected, at large, from each county. The General Assembly chose the U.S Senator, who took office March 4 and served for a term of six years.
[edit] Notes
- ^ elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Joshua Clayton, seated February 4, 1799
- ^ The U.S. Senate met at Philadelphia until May 14, 1800
- ^ elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of James A. Bayard in preceding Congress, seated June 10, 1813
[edit] References
- Martin, Roger A. (1995). Memoirs of the Senate. Newark: Roger A. Martin.
- Munroe, John A. (1954). Federalist Delaware 1775-1815. New Brunswick: Rutgers University.
- Wilson, W. Emerson (1969). Forgotten Heroes of Delaware. Cambridge, MA: Deltos Publishing Company.
[edit] External links
- Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography (2001). William Hill Wells. Virtual American Biographies, Evisum Inc. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- Pickett, Russ (2003). William Hill Wells. Find A Grave. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- Kestenbaum, Lawrence (2005). The Political Graveyard. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- Pickett, Russell S (2005). Delaware and U.S. History. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. Accessible Archives, Inc. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- U.S. Congress (2005). Biographical Dictionary of the U.S. Congress. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
[edit] Places with more information
- University of Delaware Library 181 South College Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 831-2965.
- Historical Society of Delaware 505 Market St., Wilmington, Delaware (302) 655-7161.
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1300 Locust St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215) 732-6200.
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