James Sykes (Continental Congress) facts for kids

James Sykes (born 1725 – died April 4, 1792) was an American lawyer and politician. He was from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. Sykes served in the government of Delaware and was a representative in the Continental Congress for Delaware.

Early Life and Family Connections

James Sykes was born in 1725, likely in New Castle, Delaware. He married Agnes Bell, and they had eight children together. Their children were James, Stephen, George, Nathaniel, Ann, Harriet, Lucy Matilda, and Mary. The family lived in Dover, Delaware, and were members of the Christ Episcopal Church. His son, James Sykes Jr., later became the Governor of Delaware. His great-grandson, George, became a Major General during the American Civil War.

James Sykes's Political Journey

Sykes began his public service as a lieutenant in the Dover militia in 1756. A militia is a group of citizens who train to be soldiers but are not part of a regular army.

In 1776, he was chosen as a delegate for the Delaware State Constitutional Convention. This important meeting was held in Dover. At this convention, leaders created the first rules for how the new state of Delaware would be governed.

From November 1776 to January 1777, Sykes was part of the Council of Safety. This group acted as the state's main governing body, or executive, until the Delaware General Assembly could choose the state's first President and Privy Council.

Sykes served in the Continental Congress for most of 1777. The Continental Congress was a group of representatives from the thirteen American colonies. They met during the American Revolution to make decisions for the new country.

Also in 1777, Sykes was given two important jobs in Kent County. He became the Clerk of the Peace and the Prothonotary. A Clerk of the Peace handles court records and legal documents. A Prothonotary is a chief clerk of a court. He held these positions for the rest of his life.

In 1780, Sykes served on the state's Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the state's leader. He also participated in Delaware's second Constitutional Convention in 1792, serving until his death. In 1792, he was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Errors and Appeals of Delaware, serving until he passed away later that year.

Remembering James Sykes

James Sykes passed away in Dover, Delaware, on April 4, 1792. He was buried at the Christ Episcopal Church in Dover.

Public Service Timeline

From 1776 to 1792, elections in Delaware were held on the first day of October. The terms for members of the General Assembly started on October twentieth. Members of the Legislative Council served for three years. Three State Councilmen were elected from each county.