Josiah Marvel Jr.

Josiah Marvel Jr.
chief of the United States' diplomatic mission in Denmark
In office
1946–1949
Secretary of State for Delaware
In office
1938–1941
Personal details
BornNovember 26, 1904
DiedDecember 1955
Wilmington, Delaware
Spouse
Gwladys Crosby Hopkins
​
​
(after 1943)​
Children2
OccupationLawyer, diplomat, politician, soldier

Josiah Marvel Jr. was an American diplomat who served as chief of the United States' diplomatic mission in Denmark from 1946 to 1949, originally at the rank of Envoy Extraordinary and later as Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. He was appointed by President Harry S. Truman.[1][2]

Biography

Marvel was born on November 26, 1904 in Wilmington, Delaware. He was the son of Josiah Marvel, a president of the American Bar Association and Mary B Jackson. He was one of eight children.[3]

Marvel graduated from Harvard Law School and was a lawyer, politician, and soldier. Marvel enlisted in the United States Army in September 1942 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in June 1944 after serving in the Aviation Intelligence Office in Washington DC.[4] During World War II he served with the United States Army Air Forces.

Marvel served as Delaware Secretary of State from 1938 to 1941. He ran for Governor of Delaware in 1940 as a Democrat, losing the election to Republican Walter W. Bacon.[5] It was announced in February 1943 that he and Gladys Hopkins Whitney were to be married, Whitney had been previously married to Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, and had full custody of their daughter.[6][7]

In 1946, President Truman appointed him as minister to Denmark, and he was promoted to ambassador in 1949. Marvel was appointed the chairman of the International Claims Commission in 1950 and served until 1953, when President Dwight Eisenhower removed him from the position.[8]

Marvel died in December 1955 after being transported to a Wilmington hospital due to a long battle with cancer.[9][3]

References

  1. ^ "Former Chiefs of Mission". U.S. Embassy in Denmark. United States Department of State. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  2. ^ Holm, Michael (2016). The Marshall Plan: A New Deal For Europe. Taylor & Francis. p. 75. ISBN 978-1317426059.
  3. ^ a b "Burial is Tomorrow for Josiah Marvel; Former Ambassador to Denmark, Democratic Leader in State Dies at 51 After Long Battle Against Cancer". The News Journal. December 30, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "4 State Officers Win Promotions". Wilmington Morning News. June 19, 1944. p. 10. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  5. ^ "Josiah Marvel Jr, Plans to Join the US Armed Services". The News Journal. September 9, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  6. ^ "Socialite to Wed Childhood Friend". Cumberland Evening Times. February 22, 1943. p. 2. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  7. ^ "GWLADYS WHITNEY WED IN DELAWARE; Simple Marriage for Former Wife of C. V. Whitney to Josiah Marvel Jr. ONLY RELATIVES PRESENT Couple is Unattended -- The Ceremony Held at Presbyterian Pastor's Greenville Home". The New York Times. February 23, 1943. p. 26. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  8. ^ "Former Ambassador to Denmark Dead". Mandan Daily Pioneer. December 31, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  9. ^ "Josiah Marvel, Ex-Envoy to Denmark Dies". The Palladium Item and Sun-Telegram. December 31, 1955. p. 7. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Delaware
1940 		Succeeded by