George B. Rodney

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, who served as United States 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, also named George Brydges Rodney, 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 during the 27th and 28th Congress 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.

Places with more information

 * Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161
 * University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965