Delaware
Gov. Peter Foster Causey
- January 16, 1855 - January 18, 1859
- Whig
- January 11, 1801
- February 15, 1871
- Alabama
- Married Maria Williams; six children
About
PETER FOSTER CAUSEY was born near Bridgeville, Delaware, on January 11, 1801. After his education, he joined his father in the mercantile business. Causey entered politics in 1832 as a member of the Delaware House of Representatives. The following year, he won election to the Delaware State Senate, and several years later served as a delegate to the 1840 and 1844 Whig National Conventions. He also served as an aide on Governor Stockton’s staff, and made two unsuccessful runs for the governorship in 1846 and 1850. He won election on November 14, 1854, becoming Delaware’s 30th governor. During his tenure, he dealt with the passage of an act that eliminated life tenure in office. However, to enact this bill one of two things had to occur: either a revision in the state constitution or the consent of the governor. Governor Causey denied the authorization, and eventually all parties acknowledged his decision. He left office on January 18, 1859, and later served as president of the Junction and Breakwater Railroad. Governor Peter F. Causey died on February 15, 1871, and is buried at the Old Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Milford, Delaware.
Source
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.
