Martin W. Bates

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (November 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Martin Waltham Bates (February 24, 1786 – January 1, 1869) was a lawyer and politician from

Early life and family

Bates was born in

Bates served in the State House in the 1826 session and was a member of the Delaware Constitutional Convention of 1852. He became U.S. Senator in 1857 when he was elected by the General Assembly to fill the vacancy caused by the death of U.S. Senator John M. Clayton, which had been briefly filled by the appointment of Joseph P. Comegys. He served only the remainder of the term, from January 14, 1857, to March 3, 1859, as he was defeated for reelection in 1858 by Willard Saulsbury, Sr.

Death and legacy

Bates died at Dover and is buried there in the Old Presbyterian Cemetery, on the grounds of the Delaware State Museum.

Almanac

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. Members of the General Assembly took office on the first Tuesday of January. State Representatives had a term of one year. The General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, who took office March 4 for a six-year term. They also chose the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1852.

References

• Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, DE: Cedar Tree Books.
  ISBN 1-892142-23-6
  .
• Munroe, John A. (1993). History of Delaware. Newark, DE: University of Delaware Press.
  ISBN 0-87413-493-5
  .
• Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co.
• Martin, Roger A. (1995). Memoirs of the Senate. Newark, DE: Roger A. Martin.

• Biographical Dictionary of the United States Congress
• Delaware’s Members of Congress
• Martin W. Bates at Find a Grave
• The Political Graveyard
• Biographical Dictionary of the United States Congress; portrait courtesy of the Library of Congress.