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Elisha D. Cullen

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Elisha D. Cullen
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Delaware's at-large district
In office
March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857
Preceded byGeorge R. Riddle
Succeeded byWilliam G. Whiteley
Personal details
Born(1799-04-23)April 23, 1799
Millsboro, Delaware
DiedFebruary 8, 1862(1862-02-08) (aged 62)
Georgetown, Delaware
Political partyAmerican
ResidenceGeorgetown, Delaware
Alma materPrinceton College
ProfessionLawyer

Elisha Dickerson Cullen (April 23, 1799 – February 8, 1862) was an American lawyer and politician from Georgetown, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the American Party, and served as U.S. Representative from Delaware.

Early life and family

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Cullen was born in Millsboro, Delaware, attended Princeton College, studied law, was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1821 and commenced practice in Georgetown. His sons included Charles M. Cullen, an Associate Justice from Sussex County, and his grandsons included a lawyer, Charles W. Cullen.

Professional and political career

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He was elected as the candidate of the American Party to the 34th Congress, but was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1856 to the 35th Congress. Consequently, he resumed the practice of law in Georgetown. He was a slaveholder.[1]

Death and legacy

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Cullen died at Georgetown, and is buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Lewes, Delaware.

Almanac

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Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. U.S. Representatives took office March 4 and have a two-year term.

Public offices
Office Type Location Began office Ended office Notes
U.S. Representative Legislature Washington March 4, 1855 March 3, 1857
United States congressional service
Dates Congress Chamber Majority President Committees Class/District
1855–1857 34th U.S. House American Franklin Pierce at-large
Election results
Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %
1854 U.S. Representative Elisha D. Cullen American 6,820 52% George R. Riddle Democratic 6,334 48%
1856 U.S. Representative Elisha D. Cullen American 6,360 44% William G. Whiteley Democratic 8,111 56%

References

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  1. ^ Weil, Julie Zauzmer; Blanco, Adrian; Dominguez, Leo (January 10, 2022). "More than 1,800 congressmen once enslaved Black people. This is who they were, and how they shaped the nation". Washington Post. Retrieved April 16, 2022. Updated April 12, 2022.
  • Martin, Roger A.. (2003). Delawareans in Congress, the House of Representatives 1789-1900. ISBN 0-924117-26-5.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Delaware's at-large congressional district

1855–1857
Succeeded by