Milford Hundred in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of Milford's First Methodist Church

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

1. Site of Milford's First Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. The beginning of Methodism in this community can be traced to the organization of a local “society” in 1777. Early meetings were held in the homes of its members. On December 3, 1787, Joseph Oliver conveyed a lot of ground at this location for the purpose of “building a preaching house or church” for the Methodists. A frame chapel was constructed here and completed in 1790. The growth and prosperity of the congregation resulted in the construction of an addition to the church in 1800. Prominent visitors included Methodist pioneers Francis Asbury and Freeborn Garrettson. The building continued to serve the congregation until 1842, when a new church was constructed across the street at the northwest corner of Third and North Streets. The old building was then sold and moved. Interments here had commenced in the late 18th century, and following removal of the first church, the site was used exclusively as a burial ground for members. Notable burials include those of Peter F. Causey, Governor of Delaware (1855-1859), and Civil War General Alfred T. A. Torbert.

Erected 2000 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-65.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites

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• Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 3, 1787.

Location. 38° 54.967′ N, 75° 25.807′ W. Marker is in Milford, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in Milford Hundred. It is at the intersection of North Street and NW 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north on North Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milford DE 19963, 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,

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: Christ Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph Oliver (about 500 feet away); Site of the Home of General Alfred T.A. Torbert (about 500 feet away); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); The Towers (about 600 feet away); Milford Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Mispillion River Greenway Historical Sites (approx. 0.3 miles away); Causey House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milford.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Liberty Tree Memorial (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

2. Site of Milford's First Methodist Church Marker

1. From Wikipedia, Alfred Thomas Archimedes Torbert. On April 10, 1864, Torbert was given command the 1st Division of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, following the death of Maj. Gen. John Buford. (Submitted on October 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

2. Peter Foster Causey, Wikipedia entry. Causey began his career as a progressive Jacksonian Democrat, and was elected to the State House in the 1831 (Submitted on October 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Site of Milford's First Methodist Church Marker seen along North street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

3. Site of Milford's First Methodist Church Marker seen along North street

Grave of Peter F. Causey, Governor of Delaware (1855-1859), as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

4. Grave of Peter F. Causey, Governor of Delaware (1855-1859), as mentioned

Peter Foster Causey of Delaware (1801-1871) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by artist: Ellen L. B. Wendell, circa 1898

5. Peter Foster Causey of Delaware (1801-1871)

Courtesy of Delaware Department of State, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

Grave of Civil War General Alfred T. A. Torbert , USA, as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

6. Grave of Civil War General Alfred T. A. Torbert , USA, as mentioned

Alfred Torbert drowned off Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the sinking of the S.S. Vera Cruz on August 29, 1880. Eyewitness accounts claimed he swam for over 20 hours. He died on the shore shortly thereafter. His body was recovered August 31, 1880, and he is buried in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Milford, Delaware.

Gen. Alfred Thomas Archimedes Torbert image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Brady-Handy Photograph Collection

7. Gen. Alfred Thomas Archimedes Torbert

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,427 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.