David Hall (Delaware governor)

David Hall (* January 4, 1752 in Lewes, Delaware, † September 18, 1817 ) was an American politician and 1802-1805 Governor of the State of Delaware.

Early years and political rise

After leaving school, David Hall studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1773. Hall was also a member of the local militia. During the Revolutionary War he joined an infantry regiment of Delaware. During the war he rose to the colonel and regimental commander. He participated in several battles and was severely wounded in the meantime. After the war he was working as a lawyer.

Hall joined the Democratic-Republican Party of Thomas Jefferson. This party was in his home but in the minority. In 1798 he wrote his first application for the post of governor of Delaware. In these elections, he lost clearly against Richard Bassett, the candidate of the Federalists. But three years later he made but the first candidate of his party to jump into the highest office in the state of Delaware. He was able to beat razor-thin 18- vote lead his later successor Nathaniel Mitchell.

Governor and judges

After his election victory on October 6, 1801 David Hall was introduced to his three-year term on 19 January 1802. During his reign some management committees were filled. In addition, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company was founded. After the expiration of his term of office Hall was not allowed to run directly back on constitutional grounds. Therefore, he resigned from his post on 15 January 1805.

In 1812, Hall competed unsuccessfully for a seat in Congress. A year later he became a judge in a court of appeal. This office he held until 1817. Governor Hall died on 18 September 1817 and was buried in Lewes. With his wife Catherine Tingley he had five daughters. His daughter Jane later married John Collins, who should be governor of Delaware also 1821-1822.

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