James Sykes (politician, 1725)

James Sykes (* 1725 in New Castle County , Delaware Colony , † April 4, 1792 in Dover , Kent County , Delaware ) was an American politician . In 1777 he was a delegate for the State of Delaware to the Continental Congress .

Career

James Sykes grew up during the British colonial era. After studying law and being admitted to the bar, he began working in his new profession. In 1756 he was also a lieutenant in the Dover militia. In the 1770s he joined the American Revolution. In 1776 he became a member of the Security Council of his homeland. In the same year he was also a delegate to the constituent assembly of the future state of Delaware. Between February and December 1777 he represented his state in the Continental Congress. From 1777 to 1792 he was Clerk of the Peace Justice of the Peace . At the same time he held the office of prothonotary in Kent County. In 1787, Sykes was a member of the congregation that ratified the United States Constitution for the State of Delaware . Three years later, in 1790, he was a member of a constitutional convention of his state. His main occupation was a judge at the Delaware Court of Appeals (High Court of Errors and Appeals of Delaware).

James Sykes had eight children with his wife, Agnes Bell. His son of the same name James (1761-1822) was governor of Delaware in 1801 and 1802 . His grandson George Sykes (1822-1880) was an officer in the United States Army and a general during the American Civil War . James Sykes died on April 4, 1792 in Dover, Delaware.

Web links

• James Sykes (politicians, 1725) in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)