Background
Tunnell was born in Clarksville, near Millville, Delaware.
lawyer politician senator teacher
Tunnell was born in Clarksville, near Millville, Delaware.
He attended the public schools and graduated in 1900 from Franklin College, now combined with Muskingum College at New Concord, Ohio. Meanwhile, he studied the law, was admitted to the Bar in 1907 and began a practice in Georgetown, Delaware.
Tunnell taught in the public schools, eventually becoming principal of the schools at Frankford, Selbyville and Ocean View, Delaware. He was president of the Georgetown Board of Education from 1919 until 1932. Tunnell was also a banker and owned and operated a number of farms in Sussex County, Delaware.
Tunnell first ran for a seat in the United States Senate in 1924, but was defeated by Republican T. Coleman du Pont, a former Senator.
He was elected to the United States Senate in 1940, this time defeating the incumbent Republican Senator John G. Townsend, Junior. During this term, he served with the Democratic majority in the 77th, 78th, and 79th Congress.
He was chairman of the Committee on Pensions in the 78th and 79th Congress. Tunnell lost his bid for a second term in 1946 to Republican John Jay Williams from Millsboro, Delaware.
He served from January 3, 1941, to January 3, 1947, during the administrations of United States. Presidents Franklin Doctorate. Roosevelt and Harry South. Truman.
Tunnell died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Blackwater Church Cemetery, near Clarksville, Sussex County, Delaware. Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. United States. Senators are popularly elected and take office January 3 for a six-year term.
He was a member of the Democratic Party, and served as United States. Senator from Delaware.
