lawyer politician United States senator
Bayard was born in Wilmington, Delaware, son of United States. Senator Thomas F. Bayard, Senior and grandson of United States. Senator James A. Bayard, Junior. In 1908, he married Elizabeth Bradford du Pont, and they had five children, Elizabeth, Thomas, Ellen, James, and Alexis.
Bayard graduated from Yale University in 1890, where he was a member of Skull and Bones, attended Yale Law School and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1893.
He was a Democratic United States. Senator from Delaware in the 1920s. After living in New York City for four years and working as assistant corporation counsel, he returned to his Delaware law practice in 1901. He served as a chairman of the Delaware Democratic Party"s state committee from 1906 to 1916, and as solicitor for the city of Wilmington from 1917 until 1919.
Bayard was elected to the United States. Senate in a special election on November 7, 1922, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States. Senator Josiah O. Wolcott.
On the same day, he was also elected for the full term to follow, in both instances defeating incumbent Republican United States. Senator T. Coleman du Pont (a cousin of Bayard"s wife), who had been appointed. During this term, he served in the Democratic minority in the last session of the 67th Congress, and in the 68th, 69th, and 70th Congress.
Bayard lost his bid for a second full term in 1928 to Republican John G. Townsend, Junior., the former governor. He then lost another bid for a second full term in 1930 to incumbent Republican United States. Senator Daniel O. Hastings.
In all, Bayard served one term and part of another, from November 7, 1922 to March 3, 1929, during the administrations of United States. Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge.
Subsequently, he resumed his law practice in Wilmington. He is the namesake of the town of Bayard, West Virginia.
