Robert J. Reynolds
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| Robert J. Reynolds | |
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| Governor of Delaware | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 17, 1838 Smyrna, Delaware |
| Died | June 10, 1909 Kent County, Delaware |
| Residence | Kent County, Delaware |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Spouse | Louvenia Riggs Hester Thomas |
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.
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[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.
The 86th and 87th Delaware General Assembly sat during Reynolds’ term of office. Both General Assemblies had a Democratic majority in both houses. 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.
| Political Offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: Benjamin T. Biggs |
Governor of Delaware January 20, 1891 – January 15, 1895 |
Succeeded by: Joshua H. Marvil |
[edit] Public offices
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.
| 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 |
[edit] 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
- 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.
- 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
- Hall of Governors Portrait Gallery. State of Delaware. Retrieved on 2006-09-01. Portrait courtesy of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Dover.
[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
