10 Facts About Caleb Rodney

Caleb Rodney was an American merchant and politician from Lewes, in Sussex County, Delaware.

Caleb Rodney was a member of the Federalist Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.

Caleb Rodney married Elizabeth West and had five children, Hannah, Hester, Penelope, Eliza, and Daniel.

Caleb Rodney ran a store at the corner of 2nd and Market Streets there, the door to which was allegedly damaged in the British attack and is on display at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes.

Caleb Rodney served in the state house for four sessions from 1802 through 1805, when he was elected to the state senate and served for four more sessions from 1806 through 1809.

Caleb Rodney was back in the state house for two sessions in 1812 and 1813, and then returned to the state senate for one session in 1816.

Caleb Rodney was the Speaker in the last two sessions and, therefore, became governor upon the death of Governor John Collins.

Caleb Rodney then served as governor from April 23,1822, until January 21,1823.

Caleb Rodney was known as an opponent of slavery, expressing the desire that the institution could be ended through continued manumissions.

Caleb Rodney died at Lewes, Delaware, and is buried there, at St Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery.