John Vining (262)

John Vining (1725–13 November 1770) was a military officer, public officeholder, and court justice, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1768. Born in New Jersey, the early death of his father spurred his mother to remarry and join her new husband in Dover, Delaware. Vining’s new brother from this union was APS Member Charles Greenberry Ridgely. He and his brothers received the well-funded education his wealthy father could afford. His found his path into public service open when he was elected captain of the volunteer military in Kent County in response to French and Spanish privateers entering Delaware waterways in 1747. His entrance in public office holding followed soon after when he was elected in 1751 to the Assembly, a position he was reelected to almost every year until his death. Judicial positions followed, beginning with Recorder of Deeds in 1754 followed by prothonotary and clerk of peace until finally in 1764 when he was named judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer of Delaware’s Lower Counties. During his lifetime he also remained an advocate of Delaware’s Anglican Church, serving as a vestryman and supporter of missionary works. Vining married twice: Rachel Ridgely in 1749, and, after her death, Phoebe Wynkoop in 1755, resulting in a total of five children, one whom died in infancy. Phoebe and his four children inherited everything upon his death during a return visit to Salem, New Jersey. (PI)