James Asheton Bayard

Democrat Senator of Delaware

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1799 (81 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1880

Death

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, into a prominent family with political connections.
Studied law and began a legal practice in Wilmington.
Served as United States Attorney for Delaware from 1836 to 1843.
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1851, re-elected in 1857 and 1863, serving until 1864 and again from 1867 to 1869.
Held various committee positions during his Senate tenure, including chairman of the Committee on Engrossed Bills and member of the Judiciary Committee.
Involved in railroad management and served on the boards of several railroads.
Represented slave owners in a civil suit against an abolitionist, winning a judgment that severely impacted the defendant’s finances.
Opposed abolitionist measures and expressed a desire for peaceful secession of Southern states during the Civil War.
Resigned from the Senate over the oath of loyalty to the Union, which he deemed unconstitutional.
Voted “not guilty” during the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson.
His political career was marred by involvement in the Credit Mobilier scandal, though he disavowed knowledge of the affair.
Married Anne Francis in 1823, with whom he had seven children, including a future U.S. Senator.
Died in 1880 and is buried in Wilmington, Delaware.