Broadkill Hundred in Milton in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Governor James Ponder

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 3, 2024

1. Governor James Ponder Marker

Inscription. A lifelong resident of this community, James Ponder was born October 31, 1819, the son of John and Hester Milby Ponder. His father was a successful merchant who was active in local political affairs. After receiving his education in the academies of Milton, Lewes, and Georgetown, James joined his father in business. In addition to general merchandising, the firm was active in the shipping of grain and lumber, and the construction, purchase, and sale of ships. James Ponder was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1856. He was elected to the State Senate in 1864, and served as Speaker in 1867. In 1870 he was the Democrat Party's successful candidate for Governor. After completing his term in 1875 he continued his business endeavors, bringing one of the first canneries to the area in 1881 and playing a key role in the construction of the Queen Anne's Railroad. He was President of the Kent County Mutual Insurance Company and Director of the Farmer's Bank of Delaware. He served as warden of St. John the Baptist Protestant Episcopal Church and was an active member of the Masonic order. James Ponder passed away on

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November 5, 1897, and was laid to rest in Milton's Goshen Cemetery.

Erected 2005 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-198.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1800.

Location. 38° 46.571′ N, 75° 18.703′ W. Marker is in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Broadkill Hundred. It is on Coulter Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker stands in Governor's Walk Park between Federal Street (State Route 5) and Mulberry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 Mulberry St, Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 3, 2024

2. Governor James Ponder Marker

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Governor Joseph Maull Carey (within shouting distance of this marker); Draper-Adkins House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sussex Trust Title & Safe Deposit Co. (about 500 feet away); Goshen Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Goshen United Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); Governors' Walk (about 600 feet away); Governor Samuel Paynter (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. Though the marker shows it as being number "SC-198", the updated online records from the Delaware Public Archives list this marker as being "SC-199".

Regarding Governor James Ponder. During his tenure, legislation was enacted that gave married women additional legal rights,

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

3. Governor James Ponder Marker

and hotelkeepers were granted the sole license to sell liquor. A law was constituted that banned non-citizens from fishing in the state.

Also see . . . James Ponder , Wikipedia entry. The election of 1870 was the first opportunity for African-Americans to vote in Delaware elections,... (Submitted on November 8, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Governor James Ponder Marker seen in Governor's Walk Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

4. Governor James Ponder Marker seen in Governor's Walk Park

Mulberry Street seen in background when looking west

Governor James Ponder Marker, looking east along Governor's Walk (Park) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

5. Governor James Ponder Marker, looking east along Governor's Walk (Park)

Governor James Ponder, Collection of the Delaware State Museums. image. Click for full size.

Delaware Department of State, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

6. Governor James Ponder, Collection of the Delaware State Museums.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,011 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on April 22, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 9, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.