Elisha D. Cullen

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, who served as U. S. Representative from Delaware.

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 by	George R. Riddle
Succeeded by	William G. Whiteley
Personal details
Born	(1799-04-23)April 23, 1799 Millsboro, Delaware
Died	February 8, 1862(1862-02-08) (aged 62) Georgetown, Delaware
Political party	American
Residence(s)	Georgetown, Delaware
Alma mater	Princeton College
Profession	Lawyer

Early life and family

Cullen was born in Millsboro, Delaware, attended Princeton College, studied law, was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1821 and commenced practice in Georgetown, Delaware. 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

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

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

Almanac

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

1. Weil, Julie Zauzmer; Blanco, Adrian; Dominguez, Leo (10 January 2022). "More than 1,800 congressmen once enslaved Black people. This is who they were, and how they shaped the nation". Washington Post. Retrieved 16 April 2022. Updated 12 April 2022

• Martin, Roger A.. (2003). Delawareans in Congress, the House of Representatives 1789-1900. ISBN 0-924117-26-5.

External links

• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Delaware’s Members of Congress
• Find a Grave
• The Political Graveyard

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by George R. Riddle	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Delaware's at-large congressional district 1855-1857	Succeeded by William G. Whiteley