Governor George Truitt

GEORGE TRUITT, Delaware’s eighth governor, was born near Felton, Kent County, Delaware, in 1756. He received a private education and then became a farmer, owning extensive land. Truitt entered politics as a member of the Delaware House of Representatives, a position he served for four terms. He also served one term in the Delaware State Senate. On October 6, 1807, he was elected Governor of Delaware, and on January 19, 1808, he was sworn into office. During his tenure, financial support was authorized for the state’s procurement of arms. A resolution was constituted by the U.S. government requesting fortifications to be constructed at or near Wilmington, Delaware, and authorization was also granted for Delaware’s congressmen to relinquish their control to the United States on the areas that were chosen as forts, batteries, and fortification sites. On January 15, 1811, Truitt left office and retired from public service. Governor George Truitt died at the age of 62, on October 8, 1818. He is buried at the Barrett’s Chapel in Frederica, Delaware.