Presley Spruance
United States Senator from Delaware
In office March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1853
Preceded by	Thomas Clayton
Succeeded by	John M. Clayton
Member of the Delaware Senate
In office January 4, 1826 - January 3, 1832 January 4, 1835 - January 3, 1839 January 4, 1841 - January 3, 1845 January 4, 1847 - March 4, 1847
Member of the Delaware House of Representatives
In office January 4, 1823 - January 3, 1824 January 4, 1839 - January 3, 1841
Personal details
Born	(1785-09-11)September 11, 1785 Smyrna, Delaware
Died	February 13, 1863(1863-02-13) (aged 77) Smyrna, Delaware
Political party	Whig
Residence(s)	Smyrna, Delaware
Occupation	merchant

Presley Spruance (September 11, 1785 – February 13, 1863) was an American merchant and politician from Smyrna, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist and later the Whig Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Early life and family

Spruance was born in Kent County, Delaware.

Professional and political career

He was engaged in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits in Smyrna, Delaware, where he was a member of the State House for the 1823 and 1839/40 sessions. In between these he was elected to the State Senate for the sessions from 1826 through 1831, again in 1835/36 and 1837/38, and returned for the 1841/42 and 1843/44 sessions and finally in 1847, several times serving as Speaker. He was elected as a Whig to the United States Senate and served one term from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1853. Following his term he returned to his business pursuits.

Death and legacy

Spruance died in Smyrna and is buried there in the Presbyterian Cemetery.

A house be built at Smyrna is a contributing property in the Smyrna Historic District.^[1]

Almanac

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. U.S. Representatives were popularly elected March 4 for a two-year term. The General Assembly chose the U.S. Senators, who also took office March 4, but for a six-year term.