The Kidnapping of Delaware President John McKinly
John McKinly was the first Governor of Delaware.
Technically, the position was called President at the time, but what is truly important is the leadership McKinly displayed during the early days of the Revolutionary War.
John McKinly
John McKinly immigrated from Ireland to Delaware in his early 20’s and began practicing medicine in Wilmington.
McKinly became a leading citizen of Wilmington and by 1757 was elected Sheriff of his county.
Shortly thereafter, John was chosen as Chief Burgess of his city, a title we know today as Mayor.
His time in this position would overlap with several elections to the Colonial Assembly in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War.
Governor
When the Revolution broke out, McKinly was slow to support independence.
Despite his hesitation, his views matched nicely with the larger part of Delaware’s population and, after independence, John was chosen as the first President of his State (or what we would now call Governor).
McKinly immediately set to the task of overseeing Delaware’s participation in the war effort.
Kidnapping
In September of 1777, the British had forced an American retreat at the Battle of Brandywine.
Afterward, General Howe decided to sent troop to Wilmington to turn it into a hospital for wounded soldiers and a station for supplies.
Despite the danger, McKinly remained in the city to continue operating the State.
This was a mistake, as John was taken prisoner while sleeping in his home the next day.
Return
McKinly spent almost an entire year in British custody.
He was moved around on several ships until finally being exchanged for William Franklin, the former Royal Governor of New Jersey and son of Benjamin Franklin.
Although he was offered an appointment to the Continental Congress, John McKinly would never hold public office again, instead choosing to resume his medical practice while investing in the improvement of childhood education in Delaware.
Want to read about other Founders from Delaware?
Check out these articles:
John Vining - Delaware’s Lonely Representative
John Cook’s Controversial Winter as Governor of Delaware
William Peery Postpones an Election
There are lots of Founders to know from Delaware.
To learn more about them and their relationship with Founders from Pennsylvania, check out ‘Forgotten Founding Fathers.’
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
