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George B. Rodney

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George B. Rodney
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Delaware's at-large district
In office
March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1845
Preceded byThomas Robinson Jr.
Succeeded byJohn W. Houston
Personal details
Born(1803-04-02)April 2, 1803
Lewes, Delaware
DiedJune 18, 1883(1883-06-18) (aged 80)
New Castle, Delaware
Political partyWhig
Residence(s)New Castle, Delaware
Alma materPrinceton College
ProfessionLawyer

George Brydges Rodney (April 2, 1803 – June 18, 1883) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, in New Castle County, Delaware. He was a member of the Whig Party, and served as U.S. Representative from Delaware.

Early life and family

Rodney was born April 2, 1803, in Lewes, Delaware, son of Governor Daniel Rodney and Sarah Fisher. He graduated from Princeton College in 1820, studied law and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1828, and began practice in New Castle County, Delaware.

His son, George B. Rodney Jr., served as governor of Alaska for four months in 1874.

Political career

Rodney served as Register in Chancery and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court of Sussex County from 1826 until 1830. He was elected as a Whig and served four years representing Delaware in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 27th and 28th congresses, from March 4, 1841, until March 3, 1845, during the administrations of U.S. presidents William Henry Harrison and John Tyler. Following his retirement he resumed the practice of law and served as a delegate to the peace convention held in Washington, D.C., in 1861 in an effort to prevent the impending Civil War.

Death and legacy

Rodney died at New Castle and is buried there in the Immanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery.

Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. U.S. representatives took office March 4 and have a two-year term.

Public offices
Office Type Location Began office Ended office Notes
U.S. Representative Legislature Washington March 4, 1841 March 3, 1843
U.S. Representative Legislature Washington March 4, 1843 March 3, 1845
United States Congressional service
Dates Congress Chamber Majority President Committees Class/District
1841–1843 27th U.S. House Whig William Henry Harrison
John Tyler
at-large
1843–1845 28th U.S. House Democratic John Tyler at-large
Election results
Year Office Subject Party votes % Opponent Party votes %
1840 U.S. Representative George B. Rodney Whig 5,896 54% Thomas Robinson Jr. Democratic 4,974 46%
1842 U.S. Representative George B. Rodney Whig 5,465 50% William H. Jones Democratic 5,456 50%

References

  • Martin, Roger A. (2003). Delawareans in Congress. Middletown, DE: Roger A. Martin. ISBN 0-924117-26-5.

Places with more information

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Delaware's at-large congressional district

1841–1845
Succeeded by