About

JOHN HUNN, Delaware’s 43rd Governor, was born near Middletown, Delaware, on June 23, 1849. He was educated at the Friends’ School in Camden and the Bordentown New Jersey Institute. His parents were both very involved in the Delaware Underground Railroad, and Hunn accompanied his father to South Carolina to minister to the South’s freedmen. After establishing his home in Wyoming, Delaware, Hunn became involved in the mercantile trade, dealing in fruit, grain, and lumber. He first entered politics on November 6, 1900, with his election to Delaware’s governorship. He was sworn into office on January 15, 1901. During his tenure, he received unfair opposition for his appointment of Dr. Caleb R. Layton as secretary of state, which proved to be a judicious appointment. Also, a bill was enacted that secured protection of wildlife, and legislation was constituted that initiated and sustained the construction of free public libraries. Hunn left office on January 17, 1905. He continued to stay active in his business interests. He served as vice president of Dover’s First National Bank, and was director of Dover’s National Building and Loan Association. Governor John Hunn died on September 1, 1926, and is buried at the Friends’ Meetinghouse Cemetery in Camden, Delaware.

Source

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Delaware’s Governors

The Political Graveyard