Kensey Johns, Jr.

Kensey Johns IV (December 10, 1791 – March 28, 1857) was an American lawyer and politician from Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party and later the Whig Party who served as U.S. Representative from Delaware.

Early life and education Johns was born in New Castle, Delaware, son of Delaware jurist and Chancellor Kensey Johns III and Nancy Anne Van Dyke, daughter of Nicholas Van Dyke, Governor (President) of Delaware. Growing up, he pursued classical studies and 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.

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 McLane's consequent resignation. He was reelected to the 21st Congress and served from October 2, 1827, to March 3, 1831. He also served as Presiding Judge of the Orphan's Court and Court of Errors and Appeals.

Personal life His wife was Maria Johns and his mother was Nancy Ann Van Dyke Johns, the daughter of former Delaware President Nicholas Van Dyke. They were members of the Presbyterian Church at New Castle. He was a slaveholder.

Death and legacy Johns died unexpectedly in New Castle, Delaware, while in office. He was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery in New Castle.

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.

United States congressional service Dates Congress Chamber Majority President Committees Class/District1827–182920thU.S. HouseDemocraticJohn Quincy Adamsclass 11829–183121stU.S. HouseDemocraticAndrew Jacksonclass 1