Presley Spruance

Infobox Officeholder
honorific-prefix =
name = Presley Spruance
honorific-suffix =


imagesize =
small

office = U. S. Senator from Delaware
term_start = March 4, 1847
term_end = March 3, 1853
predecessor = Thomas Clayton
successor = John M. Clayton
birth_date = birth date|1785|9|11|mf=y
birth_place = Smyrna, Delaware
death_date = death date and age|1863|2|13|1785|9|11
death_place = Smyrna, Delaware
spouse =
party = Whig
residence = Smyrna, Delaware
alma_mater =
occupation = merchant
profession =
religion =

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 Whig Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Early life and family

Spruance was born September 11, 1785 in Kent County, Delaware.

Career

Spruance was engaged in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits in Smyrna, Delaware. 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.

Death and legacy

Spruance died February 13, 1863 in Smyrna, Delaware and is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery there.

Public offices

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. U.S. Representatives were popularly elected for a two year term, and the General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, for a six year term. Both took office the following March 4th.