William Peery and Boaz Manlove: Revolutionary Politics in Sussex County

Sussex County was bitterly divided over the issue of American independence, though a sizable majority of residents opposed separation from Great Britain. William Peery, a farmer, lawyer, and member of the Delaware General Assembly who also served as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1786, firmly supported independence. Boaz Manlove, a prominent Sussex County landowner and political figure with strong Loyalist sympathies, just as firmly opposed it. What became of these two men once Congress declared independence, and how did years of war affect their families? Having sided with the winning cause, Peery continued to play a role in Sussex County politics after the war, but how did he manage that in a community where his wartime position had been unpopular? Join us for a presentation that explores these personal stories and the broader impact of the Revolution on Sussex County.

Presented by: Bruce Bendler, Adjunct Professor at University of Delaware

Dr. Bruce Bendler is Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Delaware (UD). He earned his B. A., M. A., and Ph. D. from UD. He specializes in late colonial and revolutionary United States history and is interested in the Great Awakening and its historical impact. He has published articles in Delaware History, New Jersey Studies, is a frequent contributor to the Salem County Historical Society Newsletter, and has spoken to a number of organizations on Delaware history.