Kensey Johns, Jr.

Kensey Johns Jr. (December 10, 1791 – March 28, 1857) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, in New Castle County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist and Whig Parties who served as U.S. Representative from Delaware.

Early life and family

Johns was born in New Castle, son of the prominent Delaware jurist and Chancellor Kensey Johns. Growing up he pursued classical studies and was graduated from Princeton College in 1810. He studied law with his uncle, Nicholas Van Dyke and at the Litchfield Law School, was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1813 and commenced the practice of law in New Castle. His wife was named Maria and his mother was Nancy Ann Van Dyke Johns, the daughter of former Delaware Governor Nicholas Van Dyke. They were members of the Presbyterian Church at New Castle.

Professional and political career

Johns was elected to the 20th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Louis McLane to the U.S. Senate and consequent resignation. He was reelected to the 21st Congress and served from October 2, 1827 to March 3, 1831. After the death of his father he was appointed to take his place as Chancellor of Delaware in 1832. He served in this capacity for 25 years, until his death. He also served as Presiding Judge of the Orphan's Court and Court of Errors and Appeals.

Death and legacy

Johns died unexpectedly while in office at New Castle and was buried there in the Presbyterian Cemetery.

He is said to have been "painstaking and laborious to a degree in his careful examination of questions, but was also notably prompt in making his decisions." He was known to have been a lawyer who would be "referring every case to some well-settled principle of law, rather than seeking to support it upon mere case authority. He not only laboriously, but conscientiously, sought to adjudge every case thus submitted, but also to draw upon therefrom well defined principles and rules of equity." Nevertheless he was "notably prompt in making his decisions, seldom permitting the term to pass in making his determination."

Almanac

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. U.S. Representatives took office March 4 and have a two-year term.