Ebe W. Tunnell, Governor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebe_W._Tunnell

Ebe Walter Tunnell (December 31, 1844 – December 18, 1917) was an American merchant and politician from Lewes, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.

Early life and family

Tunnell was born at Blackwater, near Clarksville, now Ocean View, Sussex County, Delaware, son of Nathaniel and Maria Walters Tunnell. After attending the public schools at Milford, Delaware and Lewes, he ran the Blackwater general store started by his grandfather. Moving to Lewes in 1872, he operated a drug and hardware business there. He was one of only two Governors who never married and was a member of the Lewes Presbyterian Church.

Governor of Delaware

Tunnell was a member of the Delaware House of Representatives in the 1871/72 session and Clerk of the Peace for Sussex County from 1885 through 1890. He was the unsuccessful Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Delaware in 1894, losing to the Republican Party candidate, Joshua H. Marvil. Two years later, in 1896, he was elected Governor, defeating the Union (Addicks) Republican Party candidate, James R. Hoffecker, and the regular Republican Party candidate John C. Higgins. He served one term as Governor from January 19, 1897 until January 15, 1901.

During his term of office the present State Constitution, the Delaware Constitution of 1897 was written and adopted. It provided some additional representation for New Castle County in the Delaware General Assembly, but actually reduced the representation of Wilmington which by then was the most populous part of Delaware. Among many other changes it created the office of Lieutenant Governor, allowed Governors to be elected to a second term and gave him the veto, reduced judge's terms from life to twelve years, and eliminated the poll tax. It was also during his term that the General Incorporation Law was passed, creating the favorable business environment that has resulted in Delaware becoming the preferred place in the U.S. for companies to incorporate.

Death and legacy

After his term ended, Tunnell returned to Lewes, where he became President of the Farmers' Bank of Delaware, a director of the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Railroad, and owner of the Delaware Pilot. He died at Lewes, and is buried there in the Lewes Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. Members of the Delaware General Assembly took office the first Tuesday of January. State Representatives have a two-year term. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and has a four-year term. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebe_W._Tunnell#Almanac