Eli Saulsbury (December 29, 1817 – March 22, 1893) was an American lawyer and politician from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.
Early life and family Saulsbury was born in Mispillion Hundred, Kent County, Delaware, son of William and Margaret Ann (Smith) Saulsbury. He was the middle brother of Governor Gove Saulsbury and U.S. Senator Willard Saulsbury Sr. According to a local Caroline County history, Eli and his brothers attended the Chinquapin School in Burrsville. Saulsbury was educated at Dickinson College, studied law, was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1857, and began his practice in Dover, Delaware, where he lived.
Political career Saulsbury served one term in the State House, during the 1853/54 session. In 1871 he successfully challenged his younger brother, incumbent U.S. Senator Willard Saulsbury Sr., for his seat in the U.S. Senate. He went on to win three full terms but was defeated in an attempt for a fourth term by Republican candidate Anthony Higgins. He was in office from March 4, 1871, until March 3, 1889, and served on the Committee on Privileges and Elections in the 46th Congress, and the Committee on Engrossed Bills in the 47th Congress through the 50th Congress.
He opposed civil rights for African Americans in 1873.
Death and legacy Saulsbury died at Dover and is buried there in the Silver Lake Cemetery.
Almanac Elections are held the first week of November. Members of the Delaware General Assembly take office the first week of January. The State House has a term of two years. The General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, who took office March 4 for a six-year term.
Public offices Office Type Location Began office Ended office NotesState RepresentativeLegislatureDoverJanuary 4, 1853January 2, 1855U.S. SenatorLegislatureWashington, D.C.March 4, 1871 March 3, 1877U.S. SenatorLegislatureWashington, D.C.March 4, 1877March 3, 1883U.S. SenatorLegislatureWashington, D.C.March 4, 1883 March 3, 1889
Delaware General Assembly service Dates Congress Chamber Majority Governor Committees Class/District1853/5467thState HouseDemocraticWilliam H. H. RossKent at-large
United States congressional service Dates Congress Chamber Majority President Committees Class/District1871–187342ndU.S. SenateRepublicanUlysses S. Grantclass 2 1873–187543rdU.S. SenateRepublicanUlysses S. Grantclass 2 1875–187744thU.S. SenateRepublicanUlysses S. Grantclass 2 1877–187945thU.S. SenateRepublicanRutherford B. Hayesclass 2 1879–188146thU.S. SenateDemocraticRutherford B. Hayesclass 2 1881–188347thU.S. SenateDemocraticJames A. GarfieldChester A. Arthurclass 2 1883–188548thU.S. SenateRepublicanChester A. Arthurclass 2 1885–188749thU.S. SenateRepublicanGrover Clevelandclass 2 1887–188950thU.S. SenateRepublicanGrover Clevelandclass 2
References
Images Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
External links Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Delaware’s Members of Congress
The Political Graveyard
Places with more information Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717.