Milton in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Governor Samuel Paynter
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010
1. Governor Samuel Paynter Marker
Inscription.
Governor Samuel Paynter. . A native and lifelong resident of this area, Samuel Paynter was born at Drawbridge on the Broadkill River on August 24, 1768. He was a successful merchant, farmer, and mill-owner, whose prosperity was closely linked to the commerce of the river. Widely respected and known for his outstanding character, he was a member of the Delaware House of Representatives and Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He was elected Governor of the State of Delaware in 1823, defeating Milton resident David Hazzard by 300 votes. A Federalist, Paynter was one of the last members of that party to serve as a state governor. A strong proponent of education, he was also an active supporter of industrial expansion and internal improvements. The construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was begun during his term, and efforts to erect a breakwater to protect the harbor at Lewes were increased. After leaving office in 1827, Paynter devoted much of his time and talents to his various commercial enterprises. Following his death on October 2, 1845, his remains were interred at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes.
A native and lifelong resident of this area, Samuel Paynter was born at Drawbridge on the Broadkill River on August 24, 1768. He was a successful merchant, farmer, and mill-owner, whose prosperity was closely linked to the commerce of the river. Widely respected and known for his outstanding character, he was a member of the Delaware House of Representatives and Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He was elected Governor of the State of Delaware in 1823, defeating Milton resident David Hazzard by 300 votes. A Federalist, Paynter was one of the last members of that party to serve as a state governor. A strong proponent of education, he was also an active supporter of industrial expansion and internal improvements. The construction of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal was begun during his term, and efforts to erect a breakwater to protect the harbor at Lewes were increased. After leaving office in 1827, Paynter devoted much of his time and talents to his various commercial enterprises. Following his death on October 2, 1845, his remains were interred at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes.
Erected 2002 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-162.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture
Location. 38° 46.653′ N, 75° 18.774′ W. Marker is in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Mulberry Street south of Magnolia Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 Mulberry St, Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . Samuel Paynter. Paynter died at Drawbridge in Broadkill Hundred, Sussex County, and is buried in the St. Peter's Episcopal Churchyard at Lewes. His son, Samuel R. Paynter, also served in the Delaware General Assembly. (Submitted on November 5, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010
3. Governor Samuel Paynter Marker, as seen looking east along Magnolia Street
This is a photo of the marker in its previous location.
Official State Portrait artist: Ellen L. B. Wendell (attributed), circa 1898
4. Governor Samuel Paynter
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 810 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on November 8, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on September 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on November 8, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.