Presley Spruance

Presley Spruance (September 11, 1785 – February 13, 1863) was an American merchant and politician from Smyrna, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist and later the Whig Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Spruance was born in Kent County, Delaware.

He was engaged in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits in Smyrna, Delaware, where he was a member of the State House for the 1823 and 1839/40 sessions. In between these he was elected to the State Senate for the sessions from 1826 through 1831, again in 1835/36 and 1837/38, and returned for the 1841/42 and 1843/44 sessions and finally in 1847, several times serving as Speaker. He was elected as a Whig to the United States Senate and served one term from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1853. Following his term he returned to his business pursuits.

Spruance died in Smyrna and is buried there in the Presbyterian Cemetery.

A house he built at Smyrna is a contributing property in the Smyrna Historic District.

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. U.S. representatives were popularly elected March 4 for a two-year term. The General Assembly chose the U.S. senators, who also took office March 4, but for a six-year term.