Martin Waltham Bates (Congressional Biographical Directory)

BATES, Martin Waltham, a Senator from Delaware; born in Salisbury, Conn., February 24, 1786; attended the common schools; moved to Delaware and taught school for several years; studied medicine and later studied law; admitted to the bar in 1822 and commenced practice in Dover, Kent County, Del.; member, State house of representatives 1826; delegate to the State constitutional convention 1852; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John M. Clayton and served from January 14, 1857, to March 3, 1859; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1858; resumed the practice of law until his death in Dover, Del., January 1, 1869; interment in the Old Methodist Cemetery.