University of Delaware: CALEB S. LAYTON CORRESPONDENCE

Introductory Note

Caleb S. Layton, noted Delaware attorney and judge, was born in Sussex County, Delaware, on April 12, 1798. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Milton, where his father founded a mercantile business. Following schooling, Layton joined his father’s business. In 1819, he married Penelope Rodney and began to hold public office. In 1820, he was appointed Clerk of the Peace for Sussex County, a position he held until he resigned in 1822 to pursue a legal education. While studying law with Thomas Cooper Esq. of Georgetown, Delaware, Layton served as Clerk of the Assembly from 1824 to 1825. In 1826, he was admitted to the bar and was also elected a member of the Assembly. Layton continued to be re-elected to the Assembly until 1830, when he successfully ran for a Senate seat. He served as Secretary of State for the state of Delaware, under Governor David Hazzard from 1830 until 1833. In 1836, he was reappointed to this position by Governor Charles Polk. Also in that year, he was appointed associate justice of Superior Court. He served in this capacity until his resignation in 1844. Among his many accomplishments during his legislative career were the introductions of a bill establishing a free school system and the first bill to abolish slavery in the state. Layton died on October 3, 1882, leaving nine children, who continued his example of public service to the state of Delaware.

Sources:

Conrad, Henry C., History of the State of Delaware. 3 vol. Wilmington, Del.: Henry C. Conrad, 1908

Contents List

Mss 98 Delaware Miscellaneous Literary and Historical Manuscripts

Box -- Folder -- Contents

6 F147 Letters and documents, 1842-1856, n.d. (11 items)

Copy of bond from S. Prettyman to Sarah Collins/$60 per Annum

ADS, Solomon Prettyman, Sussex County, to Sarah Collins, [Sussex County], December 6, 1834. 2 pp.

Autograph codicil, Sarah Collins, [Sussex County], to Priscilla Rust, [Sussex County], March 22, 1842

ALS, S. Prettyman, Wilmington, Delaware, to C.S. Layton, Georgetown, Delaware, October 11, 1845. 3 pp.

Folded letter, stamped, postmark Wilmington [Oct. 13], hand noted “Paid charged box 112.”

Letter from Reverend Solomon Prettyman to Caleb S. Layton, his attorney in the matter of Solomon Prettyman v. Priscilla Rust, a case regarding a dispute over rental fees for a piece of land rented by Sarah Collins to Solomon Prettyman. Sarah Collins subsequently transferred her interest in the said piece of land to Priscilla Rust.

ALS, S. Prettyman, Wilmington, Delaware, to C.S. Layton, Georgetown, Delaware, February 21, 1846. 1 p.

Folded letter, noted “Paid charge box 112.”

ALS, S. Prettyman, Wilmington, Delaware, to C.S. Layton, Georgetown, Delaware, October 5, 1847. 2 pp.

Folded letter, postmark Wilmington [Oct. 7].

ALS, C.S. Layton, Georgetown, Delaware, to Rev. S. Prettyman, [Wilmington, Delaware], August 24, 1849. 1 p.

Folded letter.

Receipt for printing of temperance address by Sam Kemmy? to C.S. Layton, November 22, 1849.

ALS, S. Prettyman, Wilmington, Delaware, to A.W. Prettyman, Lewes Town, Delaware, November 22, 1849. 3 pp.

Folded letter, postmark Wilmington [Nov. 23].

Letter from Solomon Prettyman to his brother A.W. Prettyman stating that he would not be able to travel to Sussex County for his trial and would like A.W. Prettyman to attend in his place.

ALS, S. Prettyman, Wilmington, Delaware, to unknown recipient, November 28, 1849. 2 pp.

Folded letter

6 F147 Letters and documents, 1842-1856, n.d. (11 items) (cont'd)

ALS, Covvy? Chambers, Wilmington, Delaware, to C.S. Layton, Georgetown, Delaware, June, 23, 1856. 2 pp.

Folded letter, torn, with envelope.

Letter to Layton from Covvy? Chambers regarding legal assistance.

Miscellaneous envelope addressed to Caleb S. Layton, Georgetown, Delaware.

Postmarked Albertville, [Aug. 30], 185?

ALS, A.W. Prettyman, to C.S. Layton, [Georgetown, Delaware], n.d.

Folded partial letter.

Letter from A.W. Prettyman to Caleb Layton regarding a legal issue.

Special Collections Department

Caleb S. Layton
Correspondence

Table of Contents

Introductory Note

Contents List

Special Collections Department

Caleb S. Layton Correspondence

Table of Contents

Introductory Note

Contents List

Caleb S. Layton
Correspondence