The 71st Delaware General Assembly was a meeting of the legislative branch of the state government, consisting of the Delaware Senate and the Delaware House of Representatives. Elections were held the first Tuesday after November 1 and terms began on the first Tuesday in January. It met in Dover, convening January 1, 1861, two weeks before the beginning of the third and fourth year of the administration of Governor William Burton.
The apportionment of seats was permanently assigned to three senators and seven representatives for each of the three counties. Population of the county did not effect the number of delegates. The Senate had a Democratic majority and the House had a Republican majority.
Leadership
Senate Jacob Green, Kent County
House of Representatives John F. Williamson, New Castle County
Members
Senate Senators were elected by the public for a four-year term, some elected each two year.
New Castle County David W. Gemmell Charles T. Polk John R. TatumKent County Wilson L. Cannon John Green Alexander JohnsonSussex County Hards D. Hooper John Martin Joseph A. McFerran
House of Representatives Representatives were elected by the public for a term, every two years.
New Castle County Henry H. Appleton Edward Betts Abram Chandler George W. Churchman Robert A. Cochran Anthony M. Higgins John F. WilliamsonKent County Ambrose Broadaway Thomas Clements Jr. Henderson Collins Jr. Thomas Davis John A. Moore William Virden Charles Williamson IIISussex County James H. Boyce Peter Cahoon Jonathan Moore William S. Phillips William H. Richards Peter Robinson Lemuel W. Waples
References
Places with more information Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161. University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965.