As I now approach the midpoint of this series, you might’ve noticed how many of these signers tend to hold more than one political office at the same time. All I have to say is that this practice wasn’t uncommon at the time for many reasons. For one, politics in the 1700s was more a civic duty for the landed upper and middle classes which didn’t consist of a high number. Not to mention, we should understand that suffrage and electoral eligibility was restricted to mostly white male property owners in the colonies who were over 21. In some cases, the eligibility guidelines went even further such as religious tests disqualifying Catholics, Jews, and Quakers and even property owners can be ineligible if they didn’t make the colony’s property requirements. And we’ll meet at least one Declaration of Independence signer who was unable to participate in colonial politics prior to the Revolution simply due to provincial voting restrictions. Still, such small franchises would leave relatively few eligible voters to participate in elections so it’s not unusual that you might have guys holding more than one political office since most of them would’ve been fairly well off. Not to mention, many highborn colonists considered political office as more of a civic duty than a career. Also, many of the colonial public offices weren’t technically full time jobs either and legislatures usually met a few times each year. Then there’s the fact that most of the elected higher offices usually came from the legislature as well. In this section, we’ll cover the rest of the Pennsylvania delegation since 9 of its signers came from there. Unfortunately for me, none of them came from where I live since Western Pennsylvania very much frontier country at the time with small towns and farmland. Pittsburgh might’ve been a city but it wasn’t much of one by any stretch of the imagination (it will have its own university in the 1780s though). So in 1776 Pennsylvania, almost everything revolves around Philadelphia, which was the bustling colonial American metropolis and a halfway point between the 13 colonies. This is why the Continental Congress typically met there and Pennsylvania is called “the Keystone State.” I mean you couldn’t have an American Revolution without it. But all the Pennsylvania signers usually resided in either Philadelphia or somewhere in the eastern part of the state. First, you have noted physician Benjamin Rush who was a noted Enlightenment thinker you probably haven’t heard of. But despite that he had some great ideas, you wouldn’t really want him as your doctor. Second, there’s Benjamin Franklin a man so famous in American history that he needs no introduction. Third, you have John Morton whose family came to the colonies from Finland and is the first signer to die. After that is George Clymer, perhaps the only guy in this bunch who actually had any connection to my local region. Next is James Smith who doesn’t have much significance among this lot followed by George Taylor, a former indentured servant turned businessman who almost gets screwed over. Then there’s James Wilson, a Founding Father who later became a Supreme Court Justice but doesn’t get the recognition he deserves in the history books. Finally, there’s George Ross who presided over a case that would spark a states’ rights controversy. So for your American history reading pleasure, I bring you the rest of the Pennsylvania delegation among the Declaration of Independence signers, sans Robert Morris of course.

25. Benjamin Rush

Dr. Benjamin Rush was a leading physician in early America whose ideas had a major impact on the medical profession and prepare the way for later medical research. Unfortunately, he was a firm proponent of certain medical practices like bloodletting and purging, seen as outdated even in his own day. Then again, even the best medicine in the 18th century wasn’t anything to write home about. And let’s just leave it at that.

Lived: (1746-1813) He was 30 at the signing and 67 at his death.

Family: Son of John Rush and Susanna Hall. Fourth of 7 children. Lost his dad when he was six. Mother ran a country store. Was a remote relative of William Penn. Married Julia Stockton in 1776 and had 13 children. Son John suffered from depression after serving a tour of duty in the US Navy and was placed in a mental ward for 30 years. Son Richard served the cabinets of James Madison and James Monroe.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Physician, social reformer, educator, professor, scientist, writer, and humanitarian

Early Life: Born just outside Philadelphia on his family’s plantation. Was sent to live with an aunt and uncle in Philadelphia at 8, to receive a more proper education. Attended the Reverend Samuel Findley’s academy in Maryland. Graduated from what is now Princeton in 1760. Apprenticed under Dr. John Redman in Philadelphia before furthering his studies at the University of Edinburgh where he earned his M.D. in 1768. A year later, he returned to colonies and set up his practice in Philadelphia as well as became professor of chemistry in what is now the University of Pennsylvania. Was active in the Sons of Liberty as well as sent to the Continental Congress.

Significant Roles: Represented Philadelphia during Pennsylvania’s own Constitutional Convention in 1776 and got into trouble when he criticized the final product. Besides serving on the medical committee, he accompanied the Philadelphia militia during the British occupations of Philadelphia and New Jersey, specifically the Battle of Princeton. Soon became the Continental Army Surgeon General until 1778 over reporting some other doctor’s misappropriation of food and wine supplies. Also known for bashing George Washington.

Ultimate Fate: After the war, he was appointed to the staff of Pennsylvania Hospital in 1783 where he remained until his death. Was a delegate for the Pennsylvania delegation that adopted the US Constitution. Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1788. Appointed treasurer of the US Mint 1797-1813. Later became professor of medical practice and clinical theory at the University of Pennsylvania in 1791, though the quality of his medicine was quite primitive, even for the time. Supplied the Corps of Discovery with medicine during the Lewis and Clark Expedition (of course, they had these mercury containing laxatives known as “Rush’s Thunderbolts” but they didn’t kill anybody during the trip and provided an excellent tracer for archaeologists. As for fatalities, Lewis and Clark only lost one guy to Peritonitis was couldn’t be treated with even the most advanced medicine at the time). Died of typhus and is buried in the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.

Trivia: Son-in-law to Richard Stockton. Founded Dickinson College. Thought all youth should be instructed in the Christian religion. Christian Universalists deem him their religion’s founder (though Rush was a very religious man, he was Presbyterian). Opposed slavery and was friends with the Reverend Richard Allen and helped him found the African Methodist Episcopal Church (though he was pretty racist and though that blackness was a skin disease and discouraged interracial marriage. Oh, and he owned a slave even when he joined the Pennsylvania Abolition Society in 1784). Helped reconcile the friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1812. Formulated the idea of Republican motherhood and thought that women should be educated in singing, dances, sciences, bookkeeping, history, and moral philosophy (but not metaphysics, mathematics, logic, or advanced science). But he was instrumental in founding the Young Ladies’ Academy of Philadelphia which was the city’s first women’s college (but he opposed to coeducational classrooms). Opposed capital punishment except in first-degree murder and wasn’t a fan of public punishments either. Educated over 3000 medical students. Has a medical school in Chicago named after him. Called, “The Father of American Psychiatry” for his advocacy that the mentally ill should be treated like human beings. Established a public dispensary for low income patients as well as a public works associating with draining and rerouting Dock Creek, which kept the mosquitoes out of Philadelphia. While he actively sought new explanations and new approaches to treatment, he was very much a doctor of his time who advocated bloodletting and purges as well as was accused of killing more patients than he had saved. Fluent in French, Italian, and Spanish. Published the first American chemistry textbook as well as wrote several volumes on medical education and influential patriotic essays. Thomas Paine consulted him when writing Common Sense. Elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1794. Was a founding member for what is now the

26. Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is one of the most famous and influential Founding Fathers to date as well as the closest thing America has to a Renaissance man. Even before the American Revolution, he was considered an international celebrity as well as prolific self-made man. Nevertheless, his own set of accomplishments didn’t stop John Adams from resenting him for his dissolute ways, even in France.

Lived: (1706-1790) Was 70 at the signing and 84 at his death.

Family: Son of Josiah Franklin and his second wife Abiah Folger. Father was a candle maker and businessman. Came from a family of 17 children and was the youngest son. Brother James founded The New England Courant which was the first truly independent newspaper in the colonies. Had a common law marriage with Deborah Read and had 3 children. Son William was a prominent Loyalist and the last governor of New Jersey (whom Franklin raised his illegitimate son).

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Author, candle maker, printer, composer, political theorist, editor, journalist, bookseller, postmaster, publisher, accountant, businessman, scientist, inventor, civic activist, diplomat, newspaperman, satirist, and pundit

Early Life: Born in Boston. Father wanted him to be a clergyman but could only send him to the Boston Latin School for 2 years and his schooling ended at 10. But he was a voracious reader who continued his education. At 12 after spending 2 years working with his father before being apprenticed to his older brother James, a printer. When denied a chance to write a letter to his brother’s paper for publication, he wrote a series of letters under the name “Silence Dogood” which became a subject of conversation around town with his brother and the paper unaware of the ruse (for a time). Ran the Courant when his brother was in jail for 3 weeks in 1722 for publishing unflattering material about the governor. Became a fugitive by leaving James’s apprenticeship without permission and ran away to Philadelphia at 17. After working at various printer shops in Philadelphia and London, he worked for a merchant as a shopkeeper, clerk, and bookkeeper. When his boss died, he returned to his former trade and founded a newspaper called The Pennsylvania Gazette, which was a very unique newspaper of its time which contributed to a broader culture in Pennsylvania. Saw the press as a public service duty, but he was already writing for papers long before setting up his own and continued to contribute to other publications. In 1733-1758, he published Poor Richard’s Almanack which sold about 10,000 copies per year. Began his autobiography in 1771. Wrote The Way to Wealth in 1758. Retired from printing in 1747 and created a partnership with his foreman. In 1751, he was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly and was later appointed postmaster-general (his most notable reform in domestic politics with mail sent out every week). Headed the Pennsylvania delegation to the Albany Congress in 1754 and proposed a Plan of Union for the colonies (which wasn’t adopted). In 1756, he organized the Pennsylvania Militia where he was elected “Colonel” but declined the honor. Became a member of the Royal Society of the Arts the same year (which instituted the Benjamin Franklin Medal in 1956). In 1757, he was sent to Great Britain for 5 years by the Pennsylvania Assembly as a colonial agent to protest the influence of the Penn family where he became involved in radical politics. When he returned, he was made Pennsylvania Assembly Speaker but soon lost his seat. He spent most of the 1760s and early 1770s traveling around Europe and engaging resisting British policies, often acting as a spokesman of American interests in England and writing popular essays on behalf of the colonies as well as hobnobbed with various great minds and celebrities of the day like Joseph Priestly, David Hume, Erasmus Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood, James Watt, and more. In 1773, he obtained letters between Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson and tax collector Andrew Oliver which led to the British regarding him as a fomenter of serious trouble. In 1774, his sympathies for the rebel cause led to his dismissal as a colonial postmaster general.

Significant Roles: Well, he provided an early response to British surveillance through his own network of counter-surveillance and manipulation. After returning to Philadelphia in 1775, he was chosen unanimously as a Pennsylvania delegate to the Second Continental Congress. He was also chosen as the Unite States Postmaster General in the newly formed United States Postal Office. In June 1776, he was appointed as a member to the Committee of Five with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Though he didn’t attend most of the meetings due to gout, he’s said to make several small but important changes to the Declaration of Independence, of which he was the oldest delegate to sign. In December that year, he was dispatched to France as a commissioner for the United States where he helped secure an alliance with the French, led to King Louis XVI to sign an edict for religious tolerance, and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Ultimate Fate: Was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1781. When he returned home, he occupied a position as the champion of American independence second to only George Washington. From 1785-1788, he was governor of Pennsylvania. In 1787, he was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention where he mostly held an honorable position. Plagued with gout and obesity since middle age, his health worsened. And after signing the US Constitution in 1787, he was rarely appeared in public until his death. Died of pleurisy attack at his Philadelphia home. Approximately 20,000 people attended his funeral. Buried at Christ Church burial ground. Will specifically lists no less than nine houses, over ten thousand pounds of specific distributions of cash and cash-denominated assets (worth in excess of a million pounds in today’s money, taking inflation into account), three thousand acres of land he was granted in Georgia, additional land holdings near the Ohio river and in Philadelphia, and two different businesses (both a printshop adjacent to his home and a type foundry elsewhere). A giant statue of him was erected in Philadelphia in 1976. Still, his lasting fame is inconsequential and is perhaps the first international celebrity from America.

Trivia: Was an advocate of free speech since he was a teenager. Developed a phonetic alphabet that didn’t take. Employed one of the colonial era’s first woman printers. Discovered that lightning was electricity, was a pioneer in population studies, and studied Atlantic Ocean currents. Other disciplines include meteorology, thermodynamics, and oceanography. Invented bifocals, the Franklin stove, glass armonica, newspaper chain, catheter, volunteer fire department, anti-counterfeiting techniques on currency (which he printed for New Jersey), the monthly news magazine, and lightning rod. Help found the Library Company of Philadelphia and hired the first American librarian (it was also headquartered at Independence Hall and is now a major scholarly and research library with 500,000 rare books, pamphlets, and broadsides, 160,000 manuscripts, and 75,000 graphic items). Facilitated many civic organizations including Philadelphia’s fire department and played a major role in establishing the University of Pennsylvania as well as Pennsylvania Hospital. Help set up a new model for higher education during the 1750s such a college focusing on the professions with courses taught in English by professors as well as no religious test for admissions. Set up the first national communication network. Elected first president of the American Philosophical Society. Called, “The First American.” Defined the American ethos as a as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. Printed for the Moravians at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where he visited many times. Was a ladies’ man and prolific adulterer as well as wrote about everything from having sex with older women to farting. Freed his own slaves toward the end of his life and became a prominent abolitionist. Is on the $100 bill. Things named after him include warships, towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations. Pen names include Silence Dogood and Richard Saunders. Said to play the harp and the violin as well as composed music. Was an avid chess player. Took “air baths” which makes him a nudist or perhaps exhibitionist. Awarded honorary degrees from Harvard and Yale in 1753, an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Saint Andrews in 1759, and an honorary doctorate in scientific accomplishments at Oxford University in 1762. Bequeathed $4,400 to Boston and Philadelphia in hopes to gather interest for 200 years (which resulted in $2,000,000 for Philadelphia and $5,000,000 for Boston). Witnessed the world’s first hydrogen balloon flight. Known to take naps during meetings and often came late to meetings. Had 50 different epithets for being drunk (so yes, he really loved to party which is no surprise). And when he went out drinking during the Revolution, he always had a platoon of soldiers to guard him because the other Founding Father’s were afraid that he’d leak out military secrets while on a binge. Had a wicked sense of humor. Never patented any of his inventions so people can use them for free. Was a Deist who doubted the divinity of Christ and wasn’t much of a fan of organized religion.

27. John Morton

It’s popularly said that Pennsylvania wouldn’t be the “Keystone State” if it wasn’t for John Morton being the swing vote delegate for American Independence. Was also in charge of drafting the Articles of Confederation. But he would die from tuberculosis.

Lived: (1725-1777) He was 48-49 at the signing and 51-52 at his death.

Family: Son of John Morton Sr. and Mary Archer, both of Finnish descent. Great-grandfather immigrated to New Sweden in 1654. Father died before he was born and mother remarried a guy named Sketchley when he was 7. Married Ann Justis in 1748 and had 9 children. Son was a surgeon who died on a British ship as a prisoner of war.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Farmer and surveyor

Early Life: Born in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania. Educated by his stepfather. Elected to the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly in 1756 and was appointed justice of the peace the next year which he held until 1764.  Resigned from the Assembly in 1766 to become sheriff of Chester County but returned as Speaker in 1769. Appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1774. Elected to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Second Continental Congress in 1775.

Significant Roles: In 1776, he was the swing delegate that allowed Pennsylvania to vote in favor of the Declaration of Independence. But he opposed the radical Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 as well. Chaired the committee that wrote the Articles of Confederation but died (presumably of tuberculosis) before they were ratified. Buried in St. Paul’s Burial Ground in Chester, Pennsylvania. Was the first Declaration of Independence signer to die. His wife Anne had to flee Philadelphia to New Jersey during the Battle of Brandywine a year later which resulted in much of his papers being destroyed. So we don’t know much about him.

Ultimate Fate: Morton didn’t survive the Revolution.

Trivia: Original family name was Märtensson.

28. George Clymer

George Clymer was an early advocate for independence as well as was one of the few Continental Congress delegates to remain in Philadelphia in the interest of maintaining congressional business. Was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Became a noted philanthropist later in life who donated the land that would become Indiana Pennsylvania.

Lived: (1739-1813) He was 37 at the signing and 73 at his death.

Family: Was orphaned when he was only a year old so he was by his maternal aunt and uncle Hannah and William Coleman. Grandfather was one of the original settlers of the Penn colony. Married Elizabeth Meredith in 1765 and had 9 children with only 5 surviving infancy. Son John Meredith died in 1787 at 18.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Merchant, businessman, diplomat, pundit, and philanthropist

Early Life: Born in Philadelphia. Was orphaned at only a year old and raised by his maternal aunt and uncle. Uncle apprenticed him as a merchant. Was a patriot and leader in the Philadelphia demonstrations resulting from the Stamp Act and Tea Act. Member of the Continental Congress in 1776-1780.

Significant Roles: Was one of the first patriots to advocate complete independence from Great Britain. Served as a treasurer in the Continental Congress. Was sent with Sampson Matthews to inspect the northern army on behalf of Congress in 1776. Stayed with Robert Morris and George Walton in Philadelphia during British occupation while the British vandalized his home (but his family managed to hide in the woods nearby). Was instrumental in chartering a bank to raise money for supplies for the Continental Army, which is said to save it from dissolution. In 1779-1780 he and son engaged in a lucrative trade deal with the island of St. Eustatius. In 1780, was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature. Wrote many political letters and articles.

Ultimate Fate: In 1782, he was sent on the tour of the southern states in a vain attempt to get the legislatures to pay their subscriptions due to the central government. Represented his state in the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and elected to the first US Congress in 1789. Was first president of the Philadelphia Bank and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts as well as vice-president of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society. Was in charge with enforcing the excise tax in Pennsylvania which gave rise to the Whiskey Rebellion. Was one of the commissioners to negotiate a treaty with the Creek Indian confederacy in Coleraine, Georgia. Buried in Trenton, New Jersey’s Friends Burying Ground. Summerseat, his Morrisville home still stands.

Trivia: Had at least one other child before his marriage that has previously gone unnoticed by previous historians (well, at least one that he knew about which he wrote in a letter to the rector of Christ Church, his pastor, but it also hints to the possibility of more). So Clymer wasn’t exactly the most wholesome Founding Father out there. Donated the property for Indiana, Pennsylvania county seat and is considered the borough’s benefactor. Has a ship named after him. Believed in rights for all people.

29. James Smith

Prior to signing the Declaration of Independence, James Smith raised the first volunteer revolutionary militia in 1774. Other than that, he doesn’t really seem to lead an exciting life. Also, most of his papers were destroyed in an office fire so we don’t know much about him.

Lived: (ca. 1720 – 1806) He was about 55-56 at the signing and about 85-86 at his death.

Family: Son of John Smith. Married Eleanor Armor and had 5 children. Has no living descendants.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Lawyer, businessman, surveyor, and soldier

Early Life: Born in Ulster, Ireland. Immigrated to Chester County, Pennsylvania as a boy. Practiced law in Shippensburg and York, where he was a militia captain. Went into the ironmaking business in the 1760s but lost a small fortune. Raised the first revolutionary volunteer militia company in 1774, but deferred to the younger men. Appointed to the Provincial convention in Philadelphia and elected to the Continental Congress in 1776-1778.

Significant Roles: Actively supported the cause for American independence. Attended the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention in 1776.  Elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1780. Became a brigadier general in the state militia.

Ultimate Fate: Declined political office in 1785 due to advanced age and resumed practicing law until he was 80. In 1805, it’s said a fire occurred in his office which destroyed most of his papers so there’s little about him we know. Buried in York, Pennsylvania.

Trivia: Has a dorm named after him at the University of Delaware. Said to be quite a prankster and loved having people guess his exact age.

30. George Taylor

Though he started out as a former indentured servant, George Taylor be greatly involved in the production of artillery ammunition for the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Unfortunately the ironworks was sitting on land owned by Loyalist Joseph Galloway. So let’s just say that things didn’t turn out well for him after Galloway fled Philadelphia.

Lived: (1716-1781) He was 59-60 at the signing and 64-65 at his death.

Family: Father was said to be a Protestant clergyman. Married Ann Taylor Savage in 1742 who was his master’s widow (a typical practice in those days) and had 2 children neither of whom survived him (but son did marry and have 5 children). Also had 5 kids with his housekeeper Naomi Smith.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Indentured servant, laborer, ironmaster, bookkeeper, tavernkeeper, businessman, landowner, and soldier

Early Life: Born in Ireland and immigrated at 20 where he landed in Philadelphia. Was indentured to Samuel Savage, Jr. Ironmaster at Warwick furnace and started as a laborer. But Savage discovered he had some degree of education so he promoted him to bookkeeper. After Savage’s death, he married his widow and managed his two ironworks for the next 10 years until his stepson came of legal age in 1752. In 1755, he formed a partnership to lease the Durham Furnace in Upper Bucks County. Served as Bucks County justice of the peace in 1757-1763. Moved to Easton, Pennsylvania after the Durham lease expired and where he obtained Bachmann’s Tavern (now the Easton House in 1761. In 1764, he became the justice of the peace in Northampton County and was elected to the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. During this time he purchased 331 acres of land near Allentown’s Biery Port where he built an impression two-story stone Georgian mansion on a bluff overlooking the Lehigh River, which was completed in 1768 (now known as the George Taylor House and is now a National Historic Landmark). He leased half the property to farming and sold the estate in 1776, 2 years after moving back to Durham. There in 1774, he arranged to lease the Durham Iron Works which was acquired by Joseph Galloway who later resigned from the First Continental Congress when his plan to avert a break from England. In 1775, he was commissioned as colonel in the Third Battalion of the Pennsylvania militia.

Significant Roles: His Durham Iron Works was one of the first in Pennsylvania to supply cannon shot and shells the Continental Army. Was elected to the Second Continental Congress late in 1776, which was an appointment that lasted over 7 months. In 1777, he was appointed to Pennsylvania’s Supreme Executive Council but later retired due to ill health. During the war, he continued to oversee production of cannon shot and shells for the Continental Army and Navy. But when the Loyalist Joseph Galloway fled Philadelphia, the Durham mill was seized. Taylor filed an appeal but the Durham Furnace was sold to a new owner but was able to continue production (even though he sold some of his estates). He then leased the Greenwich Forge in what is today Warren County and moved back to Easton in 1780, where he died.

Ultimate Fate: Currently buried in the Easton Cemetery and the final house he lived in is considered the city’s oldest surviving house. Though he wanted his estate to be divided equally between his love children and grandchildren, this request was denied. He was engulfed in financial difficulties and legal entanglements over the Durham Furnace and Greenwich Forge which dragged out until 1799. But at that point, his estate was insolvent. Still, outside of Lehigh County who basically adore the man, he’s seldom known anywhere else.

Trivia: Only ironmaster and indentured servant to sign the Declaration of Independence.

31. James Wilson

Though a firm advocate for independence, James Wilson didn’t cast his vote until he was given the go ahead by his constituents. Also had his home besieged by a drunken mob in 1779, an event known as the Fort Wilson Riot. He was also a prominent legal theorist who was quite active in the Constitutional Convention and later became a Supreme Court Justice. Unfortunately, he’s barely remembered today.

Lived: (1742-1798) He was 33 at the signing and 55 at his death.

Family: Son of William Wilson and Alison Landall. Father was a Scottish farmer. Married Rachel Bird and Hannah Gray (later Bartlett) and had 7 children.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Professor, legal theorist, lawyer, businessman, investor, soldier, and college trustee

Early Life: Born in Scotland and studied at the Universities of St. Andrews, Edinburgh, and Glasgow but never obtained a degree, though he was influenced by the leading Scottish Enlightenment figures of the day. This led him to move to Philadelphia in 1766 where he began teaching and tutoring at what is now the University of Pennsylvania where he earned an honorary Master of Arts. Studied law under James Dickinson for 2 years before the bar. After that, he set up a successful practice in Reading as well as had a small farm in Carlisle. Published  “Considerations on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament” in 1774 (but wrote in 1768), which argued that Parliament had no authority to tax the colonies because they had no representation in Parliament. Also presented his views that power came from the people. Was commissioned Colonel of the 4th Cumberland County Battalion and would soon rise to the rank of Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania State Militia.

Significant Roles: As a member of the Continental Congress of 1776, he was a firm advocate for independence but refused to vote until he heard back to see if it was okay with his constituents. He was also one of the leaders in the formation of French policy. He also served on the Committee of Spies where he helped define treason. After defending 23 from property seizure and exile in 1779, he and 35 colleagues were forced to barricade their homes from a drunken angry mob before being rescued by soldiers. Called “the Fort Wilson Riot” this resulted in 6 killed as well as 17-19 wounded. Engaged in land speculation and investing.

Ultimate Fate: As a delegate at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, he was one of the most learned Framers of the Constitution. Was on the committee that produced the first draft of the US Constitution as well as proposed the 3/5ths Compromise as well as understood the implications of dual sovereignty. Addressed the convention 168 times. And at the ratification convention, he stumped hard which lead Pennsylvania to become the second state in the Union. His 1787 “speech in the statehouse yard” was second in influence to The Federalist Papers, which was printed and widely distributed. In 1789, he was appointed by George Washington as one of the 6 original members of the United States Supreme Court. Was first professor of law at what is now the University of Pennsylvania in 1790 and delivered a couple series of lectures some of which were later compiled by his son Bird for an edition in 1804.  Final years were marked by financial failures which resulted in a brief imprisonment at a debtor’s prison in New Jersey while his debt was paid off by his son.  He then escaped to North Carolina to escape other creditors but was again briefly imprisoned.  Died after suffering malaria and a stroke while visiting a friend in Edenton, North Carolina. Currently buried at Christ Churchyard in Philadelphia.

Trivia: Was a founding trustee of Dickinson College. Considered one of the most underrated Founding Fathers by American legal scholars. Supported the popular election of senators. Viewed legal study as a branch of general cultured education.

32. George Ross

Though George Ross spent 12 years as a Crown prosecutor, he would later side with the patriots and help draft Pennsylvania’s constitution in 1776. Presided on a case that would cause a states’ rights controversy just before his early death.

Lived: (1730-1779) He was 46 at the signing and 49 at his death.

Family: Son of a Scottish Anglican clergyman. Had at least a half-brother John and a sister named Gertrude. Possibly oldest son of his dad’s second wife. Married Anne Lawler in 1751 and had 2 sons and a daughter.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Lawyer and soldier

Early Life: Born in New Castle, Delaware and educated at home. Studied law at his half-brother John’s office and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in Philadelphia in 1750. In addition to being a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly in 1768, he was also a Tory Crown Prosecutor for 12 years. But he later changed his mind and became a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774-1777.  Was Colonel in the Pennsylvania militia in 1775-1776.

Significant Roles: Was the last of the Pennsylvania delegation to sign the Declaration of Independence. Though reelected to the Continental Congress in 1777, he resigned due to poor health. Was vice president at the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention in 1776 and appointed Judge of the Admiralty Court in Pennsylvania in shortly after. One of his cases during this time sparked the states’ rights controversy which wouldn’t be resolved until 1809. Died in office. Buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.

Ultimate Fate: Ross didn’t survive the American Revolution.

Trivia: Brother-in-law to George Read.

Now while the second group of guys aren’t nearly as interesting as the first bunch, you wouldn’t say the same with these men. You might not know some of these people but quite of few of them made some significant contributions to the American Revolution as well as the nation. In many ways, this kind of makes since because many of the Declaration of Independence signers were sent to Philadelphia by their legislators and were notable men in their communities. A lot of them also had land as well as plenty of disposable income. In this section, I wrap up the rest of the New York signatory delegation, the 5 signers from New Jersey a bunch I really found interesting, and Robert Morris of Pennsylvania who I know because he has a Division II university named after him in Pittsburgh. First, you have the last 2 New York signatories Francis Lewis and Lewis Morris (no relation to Robert but he was the half-brother to Gouveneur Morris, who played a key role in the Constitutional Convention). Second, it’s on to New Jersey with a delegation, I call the 5 Revolutionary Jersey Boys who were selected to replace the entire New Jersey delegation from the First Continental Congress who opposed it. There’s Richard Stockton who would later be taken prisoner by the British in the dead of night, be subject to torture, irons, and other inhumane conditions, and lost almost everything, including his beloved library (known to be among the finest in the colonies). Then there’s the Reverend John Witherspoon a Scottish Presbyterian minister who became the president of what is now Princeton and would achieve great things in American higher education. Next up is Francis Hopkinson who contrary to the stupid Betsy Ross bullshit, actually designed the first American flag as well as was involved in the design of the Great Seal of the United States. After that is John Hart who left land to some Baptists so they could build a church as well as let the Continental Army camp on his farm and had lunch with General George Washington prior to the Battle of Monmouth. Then there’s Abraham Clark a poor man’s lawyer whose sons were captured by the British as well as treated appallingly as prisoners of war. Finally, there’s Robert Morris of Pennsylvania best known for being a major source of funds for the American Revolution and whose financial contributions were crucial to the Continental Army’s success. However, he wasn’t the best authority when it came to spending his own money. Now for all you fans of 1776 and everything pertaining to men in tights and fluffy wigs, here are some more profiles of the Declaration of Independence signers.

17. Francis Lewis

Sure he was a man of reasonable means, but it would certainly suck to be Francis Lewis. I mean he was taken as a POW for 7 years while serving as a contractor in the French and Indian War. During the Revolution, his home was Long Island home burned to the ground by the British, his wife was taken prisoner and kept in appalling conditions for 2 years until she got sick and died, and his daughter married a British Naval Officer, moved to England, and basically disowned her parents. Didn’t help that he spent most of his life savings on supplying the Continental Army.

Lived: (1713-1802) Was 63 at the signing and 89 at his death.

Family: Son of Morgan Lewis and Anne Pettingale. Married Elizabeth Annesley and had 7 children with 3 surviving infancy. Son Morgan Lewis served in the army during the Revolutionary War and eventually became governor.

State: New York

Occupation: Merchant, farmer, landowner, and mercantile agent

Early Life: Born in Wales. Educated in Scotland and attended the Westminster School in London, before entering into the mercantile business. Moved to Whitestone, New York in 1734. In 1756, he was taken prisoner and shipped in a box to France while serving as a British mercantile agent while a clothing contractor at Fort Oswego. In 1763, he returned and was granted 5,000 acres to compensate for the 7 lost years of his life. Was a member of the Committee of Sixty and the New York Provincial Congress. Was a delegate of the Continental Congress in 1775.

Significant Roles: Signed the Articles of Confederation in 1778 as well as served as Chairman of the Continental Board of Admiralty. Home in Whitestone was burned to the ground during the American Revolution by British soldiers and his wife spent 2 years in captivity denied a change of clothes or adequate food as well as in dirty, damp, and cold conditions. She’d eventually get sick and die, unsurprisingly. Even worse his only daughter would marry a British Naval Officer and move to England, refusing to see or correspond with her parents. Would spend almost all his life savings purchasing supplies for the Continental Army.

Ultimate Fate: Basically retired from public service after the Revolution and resided with his 2 sons for the rest of his life. Buried at Trinity Church Cemetery.

Trivia: Ancestor of Hollywood director William Wellman. Has many descendants stretching all the way to Idaho. Died on New Year’s Eve. Had a great-grandson who died in the Battle of Gettysburg.

18. Lewis Morris

While Lewis Morris was a strong supporter of American Independence, he’s paid the price with his beloved family home Morrisania burned and looted by the British during the occupation of New York. But compared to Francis Lewis and Richard Stockton, he got off easy. Still, can’t help but wonder whether he’s an ancestor to the late Tim Russert. Seriously, the guy looks as if he could be the guy’s 4th or 5th great-grandfather.

Lived: (1726-1798) He was 50 at the signing and 71 at his death.

Family: Son of Lewis Morris and Catherine Staats. He was the third guy to be named Lewis (there’s a very interesting story about his family but I won’t divulge). Married Mary Walton in 1749 and had 10 children. His 3 eldest sons served in the Revolutionary War with distinction.

State: New York

Occupation: Landowner and developer

Early Life: Born on his family estate of Morrisania, (now a neighborhood in the Bronx). Inherited the estate upon his father’s death in 1762. Appointed judge of the colony’s Admiralty Court in 1760 and elected to the New York Assembly in 1769 but resigned in 1774. Member of the New York Provincial Congress 1775-1777 and was sent to the Continental Congress these same years.

Significant Roles: He was an active supporter for independence that it’s said when his half-brother Gouveneur allegedly warned him about what he was doing, he stated, “Damn the consequences. Give me the pen.” Served two nonconsecutive times in the New York State Senate (1777-1781 and 1783-1790). Home was looted and burned by the British during the occupation of New York.

Ultimate Fate: Aside from politics, Morris spent some time after the Revolution to rebuild his family estate. Was a delegate for the New York Convention to ratify the US Constitution in 1788. In 1790, he offered Morrisania as the site of the US capital (which was refused). Died on his estate and is buried in the family vault beneath St. Ann’s Church in the Bronx.

Trivia: Half-brother of Gouverneur Morris. Great-grandson was a pioneering astrophotographer. Aside from the US, has descendants in Australia and the Netherlands.

19. Richard Stockton

Few signers had more tragic stories than New Jersey’s Richard Stockton. Months after signing the Declaration of Independence, he was kidnapped by a band of Loyalists as well as placed in a complete hell of a prison for 5 weeks, and emerged on parole with his health so destroyed that he never recovered. He also had his furniture, belongings, crops, and livestock either taken or destroyed. His estate was occupied by General Cornwallis. And his library, one of the finest in the colonies was burned. But he never lost his faith and he refused to take any loyalty oath to his British captors that would’ve given him a pardon from General Howe. Which is why he has a statue in the US Capitol today.

Lived: (1730-1781) He was 45 at the signing and 50 at his death.

Family: Son of John Stockton and Abigail Philips who were first cousins. Father was a wealthy landowner who donated some property for what is now known as Princeton University. Married Annis Boudinot and had 6 children, including a son who became an eminent lawyer and Federalist leader.

State: New Jersey

Occupation: Lawyer, landowner, and college trustee

Early Life: Born at the family home in Princeton called Morven. Attended Samuel Finley’s Academy in Nottingham and graduated from Princeton in 1748. Studied law in Newark under David Ogden and admitted to the bar in 1748 rising to great distinction. Received the degree of sergeant at law in 1763 (highest degree at the time). Was a trustee of Princeton for 26 years. In 1766 to 1767, he gave up his law practice to travel to England, Scotland, and Ireland, personally presenting King George III an address from the Princeton trustees, acknowledging the repeal of the Stamp Act. In Scotland, his and Benjamin Rush’s personal efforts resulted in the Princeton presidency by the Reverend John Witherspoon. After he returned to America, he was elevated to the New Jersey Provincial Council in 1768 and appointed to the Provincial Supreme Court in 1774. He was more of the moderate on the colonial troubles with Great Britain and drafted a Commonwealth approach to the colonial secretary which was rejected. Was elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1776.

Significant Roles: He was the first person from New Jersey to sign the Declaration of Independence. Sent by Congress with George Clymer on an exhausting 2 month journey to Fort Ticonderoga, Saratoga, and Albany to assist the Continental Army during the American Revolution. When he returned to Princeton, he traveled 30 miles east to the home of a friend named John Covenhoven, to evacuate his family to safety and away from the British Army. But they were captured in the middle of the night, dragged from their beds by Loyalists, stripped of their property, and marched to Perth Amboy to be turned in by the British. Though General William Howe offered him a pardon if he remained in peaceable obedience with the King, but he never did. So he was put in irons and brutally treated as a common criminal. He was then moved to Provost Prison in New York, where he was intentionally starved and subjected to the freezing cold weather. He was released on parole 5 weeks later on January 13, 1777 and his health was ruined. He found Morven occupied by General Cornwallis as well as his furniture, household belongings, as well as crops and livestock confiscated and destroyed. His library, one of the finest in the colonies was burned.  But his treatment in the New York prison prompted the Continental Congress to pass a resolution directing General Washington to inquire into the circumstances. However, though he took an oath swearing loyalty to the United States, he had to resign Congress due to a promise he made not to meddle in American affairs during the war. Though there were rumors that he recanted, there was nothing written about doubts of Stockton’s loyalty in any of the papers of members of Congress or in any books or newspapers at the time. Nor did he deliver any protection papers which he would’ve done if Howe gave him a pardon.

Ultimate Fate: Stockton would try to rebuild his life by reopening his law practice and teaching new students. However, he developed cancer of the lip that spread to his throat. He was never free of pain until he died at Morven. He had a large funeral on the campus of Princeton University with a large audience of citizens, friends, and students of the college were in attendance. Buried in Princeton’s Stony Brook Meeting House Cemetery. Is barely remembered by anyone outside of New Jersey which is kind of a shame.

Trivia: Father-in-law to Benjamin Rush. Wife was one of America’s first published female poets. Was a close friend of George Washington. Grandson was a hero in the War of 1812, Military Governor of California, and US Senator from New Jersey. Has a university named after him and a statue in the US Capitol (one of 6 to be so honored).

20. John Witherspoon

The Reverend John Witherspoon was a Scottish Presbyterian minister who arrived to America to become the president of what is now Princeton University. There, he transformed a broke and ill-equipped college whose purpose was to train ministers to an Ivy League and intellectual powerhouse akin to Harvard and Yale. However, he was also a staunch Protestant and nationalist who formulated a type of Protestant American Exceptionalism, embraced by a number of conservative Evangelical Christians in the Bible Belt today.

Lived: (1723-1794) Was 53 at the signing and 71 at his death.

Family: Son of the Reverend James Witherspoon and Anne Walker. Married Elizabeth Montgomery and Anne Marshal Dill and had a total of 12 children.

State: New Jersey

Occupation: Minister, theologian, professor, philosopher, and college president

Early Life: Born in Scotland. Attended Haddington Grammar School and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1739 but remained to study divinity. Was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Saint Andrews in 1764. Was a staunch Protestant, nationalist, and supporter of republicanism who basically formulated an early form of American Protestant exceptionalism. Was naturally opposed to the Catholic Legitimist Jacobite Rising of 1745-1746 and was briefly imprisoned at Doune Castle after the Battle of Falkirk, which has long term effects on his health. After 2 pastorates as a Presbyterian minister and three well-known works on theology, he was recruited by Richard Stockton and Benjamin Rush to become president and head professor of what is now known as Princeton University. Though he initially turned them down, he eventually accepted, leaving Scotland for New Jersey in 1768. Upon his arrival, he found the school in debt with weak instruction and a library collection which clearly failed to meet the students’ needs. He immediately began fundraising both there and his native Scotland, added 300 of his own books to the library, and purchased science equipment. He also instituted a number of reforms like modeling a syllabus and university structure that used the University of Edinburgh and other Scottish universities, firmed up entrance requirements, helping the school compete with Yale and Harvard. Personally taught courses in Eloquence, Chronology (history), Divinity, and Moral Philosophy. All in all, he transformed a college designed to predominantly train clergymen into a school that would equip the leaders of a new nation. Also helped organize the Nassau Presbyterian Church. A staunch critic of British policies, he embraced his new home, joined New Jersey’s Committee of Correspondence, gave a high profile sermon, and was elected to the Continental Congress serving from 1776-1782.

Significant Roles: Well, he was appointed the Congressional Chaplain by John Hancock and voted to adopt the Virginia Resolution for Independence. He was also one of the most influential members as well, serving in 100 committees. Helped draft the Articles of Confederation, helped organize executive departments, played a major role in shaping foreign policy, and drew up instructions for peace commissioners. Lost as son in the Battle of Germantown. Had to close and evacuate the college in 1778 which resulted in the main building Nassau Hall being badly damaged and his papers and personal notes lost. He was responsible for Nassau’s rebuilding after the war.

Ultimate Fate: Served twice in the New Jersey State Legislature and strongly supported the adoption of the US Constitution during the New Jersey ratification debates. Went blind in 1792. Died at his home and is buried in the Princeton Cemetery. Has a statue at Princeton University as well as in his native Scotland. Still, outside Princeton and New Jersey, most Americans don’t seem to remember him.

Trivia: Only college president and clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence (well, working clergyman anyway). Has a think tank, a lay religious society, and a college in South Dakota named after him. Former students consisted of James Madison, Aaron Burr, Hugh Henry Brackenridge (who founded the University of Pittsburgh), 37 judges (including 3 Supreme Court justices), 10 cabinet members, 12 members of the Continental Congress, 28 US Senators, and 49 US Congressmen. Early life was subject to a Scottish documentary.

21. Francis Hopkinson

Aside from signing the Declaration of Independence, Francis Hopkinson is also known for designing the first American flag, a claim which is supported by the journals of the Continental Congress. He also assisted in the design of the Great Seal of the United States as well as was an amateur author and songwriter. Most of his stuff revolved around popular airs and political satire. Not only that but he was also said to be a rather talented musician on the harpsicord and invented the Bellarmonic.

Lived: (1737-1791) He was 38 at the signing and 53 at his death.

Family: Son of Thomas Hopkinson and Mary Johnson. Married Ann Borden in 1768 and had 5 children. Son Joseph was a US Congressman and federal judge.

State: New Jersey

Occupation: Lawyer, diplomat, civil servant, businessman, author, songwriter, composer, musician, and satirist

Early Life: Born in Philadelphia. Member of the first class of what is now known as the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1757, received his master’s degree in 1760, and an honorary doctorate of laws in 1790. Was secretary to a Provincial Council of Pennsylvania Indian commission in 1761 that made a treaty with the Delaware and several Iroquois tribes. In 1763, he was appointed customs collector for Salem, New Jersey. Spent from May 1766 to August 1767 in England in hopes of becoming commissioner of customs for North America but was unsuccessful. In 1768, he returned to Philadelphia to run a dry goods business. Was appointed customs collector of New Castle, Delaware in 1772. Moved to Bordentown, New Jersey in 1774 and became a member of the New Jersey Provincial council while he resigned his crown-appointed position in 1776.

Significant Roles: Although you’ve heard the story of Betsy Ross (which was cooked up by her grandson), it was definitely him who designed the first American flag and the Continental Congress journals support this. And though he asked for cask of wine and some cash for these, he received absolutely no compensation (and it sucks even more that so many people accept the bogus Betsy Ross legend as historical fact). He also helped design the Great Seal of the United States. He departed Congress in November of 1776 to serve on the Navy Board of Philadelphia and later became its chairman. In 1778, he was treasurer of the Continental Loan Office. In 1779, he was appointed judge of the Admiralty Court, a position he’d hold in 1780 and 1787.

Ultimate Fate: In 1789, he was nominated and confirmed as a federal judge in Philadelphia. However, a few years in, he suddenly died of an apoplectic seizure. He’s buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.

Trivia: As an amateur author, he wrote popular airs and political satires in the form of poems and pamphlets (some which were widely circulated). Started playing harpsicord at 17 while he hand-copied arias, songs, and instrumental pieces by many European composers. Also, said to be the first American born composer to commit a composition to paper. Was an organist at Philadelphia’s Christ Church where he composed and edited a number of hymns and psalms. Invented the Bellarmonic (a glass harmonica combined with a keyboard). In 1788, he published a collection of 8 songs which he dedicated to his friend George Washington as well as his daughter.

22. John Hart

Though he had little formal education, John Hart was a successful farmer and businessman. Had George Washington and his Continental Army camp on his land and had lunch with the commander himself, prior to the Battle of Monmouth. Also donated land to a group of Baptists to build a church where he’s buried. And the thing is, he wasn’t even a Baptist.

Lived: (bt. 1706 and 1713-1779) He was around 67-70 at the signing and about 70-73 at his death (we’re not sure when he was born).

Family: Son of Captain Edward Hart who was a farmer, public assessor, justice of the peace, and leader of a local militia unit during the French and Indian War. Grandfather was a carpenter from New York. Married Deborah Scudder in 1741 and had 13 children.

State: New Jersey

Occupation: Landowner, farmer, businessman, and philanthropist

Early Life: Either born in Stonington Connecticut or Hopewell Township, New Jersey. Had very little formal education and was mostly self-taught. In 1747, he donated a piece of his land to local Baptists who had been seeking a place to build their church which became the Old Baptist Meeting House. Was elected to the Hunterdon Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1750 and to the New Jersey Colonial Assembly in 1761 where he served until 1771. In 1773, he’d buy a substantial mill enterprise with his son-in-law John Polhemus. Was a Court of Common Pleas Judge and on New Jersey’s Committee of Correspondence. Elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1776.

Significant Roles: However, Hart was only in the Continental Congress until August of that year because he had return to New Jersey to be speaker of its General Assembly. He’d also take on additional duties. In 1776, he was obliged to escape and hide for a short time in the nearby Sourland Mountains as his farm was raided by British and Hessian troops who damaged but didn’t completely destroy the property (this after his wife just died that October. His mills were destroyed though). He only returned home after Washington crossed the Delaware to capture Trenton as well as the Battle of Princeton.  But having to survive the winter weather in the wilderness ruined his health. In June 22-24 1778, he invited the Continental Army to camp on his farm (numbering 12,000) and had lunch with George Washington. Left for Hopewell from Trenton that November due to his kidney stone affliction which killed him 6 months later in a slow and painful death.

Ultimate Fate: Hart didn’t survive the American Revolution. But he’s buried at the church he helped make possible.

Trivia: Often called, “Honest John.” Son-in-law was an officer in the Continental Army. Owned 4 slaves. Said to ride 30 miles to see his wife while they were dating.

23. Abraham Clark

Though we think about the signers as a bunch of rich guys in powered wigs and ruffles, Abraham Clark didn’t fit the mold since he equated such fashion statements with extravagant wealth. Known as “the poor man’s counselor” because he gave advice for little or no fee. He also didn’t believe in using public office for personal favors. But he made an exception when he mentioned his sons being held in a British prison ship under appalling conditions. Though the British offered their release if he recanted, he refused.

Lived: (1726-1794) He was 50 at the signing and 68 at his death.

Family: Son of Thomas Clark and Hannah Winans. Said to be an only child. Married Sarah Hatfield in 1748 and had 10 children. Two of his sons were officers in the Continental Army.

State: New Jersey

Occupation: Surveyor and lawyer

Early Life: Born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Showed an aptitude in mathematics at a young age that his dad hired a tutor to teach him surveying. Too frail for heavy farm work, he taught himself law while working as a surveyor before going into practice (we’re not sure if he was admitted to the bar but it probably didn’t matter as much then). As a lawyer he became quite popular and became known as the “poor man’s lawyer” since he offered to defend the poor if they couldn’t afford one. Entered politics as a clerk in the New Jersey Provincial Assembly and later became High Sheriff of Essex County.

Significant Roles: Was a highly vocal advocate for independence, he was appointed to the Continental Congress in 1776. Refused to speak of his 2 sons in Congress even after they were both captured, tortured, and beaten. But he did bring them up when they were put on a prison ship called the Jersey, known for its brutality.  One was thrown into a dungeon and given no food except what could be pushed through a keyhole as well as lay in his own blood, urine, and feces. However, the British offered the lives of his sons in exchange for him to recant but he refused. Remained in Congress until 1778 where he was elected to the New Jersey Legislative Council but he served two more terms. Buried at Rahway Cemetery.

Ultimate Fate: Served in the US House of Representatives from 1791-1794. Retired before New Jersey’s Constitutional Convention in 1794. Died of sunstroke at home.

Trivia: Has a township and high school named after him. Never wore a wig or ruffles because he hated elitism. Nor did he believe in using political office for personal favors. It’s popularly said that he was the signer who was probably closest to the typical American citizen. Said to own 3 slaves. Would rather have the words, “liberty” on American currency than a portrait of a US President.

24. Robert Morris

As “Financier of the American Revolution” Robert Morris’s played a very pivotal role in the American war for independence that can in no way be overstated. Without his financial backing, George Washington could not effectively rage war against the British. Without his fleet of ships, there would be no Continental Navy to speak of. He also had a lot of good ideas about economics which were taken by his disciple Alexander Hamilton. However, his habit of land speculation would soon catch up on him and he’d be put in a debtor’s prison. This led Congress to make the first bankruptcy laws just to get him out of there.

Lived: (1734-1806) He was 42 at the signing and 72 at his death.

Family: Son of Robert Morris Sr. and Elizabeth Murphet. Father would become a tobacco agent in Maryland and died by being accidentally hit by a ship’s gun when his son was a teenager. Married Mary White in 1769 and had 7 children.

State: Pennsylvania

Occupation: Merchant, financier, banker, businessman, relator, philanthropist, and investor

Early Life: Born in Liverpool, England. Immigrated to Oxford, Maryland to join his father at 13. Educated by a private tutor and was a quick learner. Later in his teens, he was sent to Philadelphia to study as well as stay with a family friend who arranged that him to become an apprentice to a shipping and banking firm of Charles Willing. When he died, Morris entered a partnership with his son Thomas called Willing, Morris, & Co. which would last until 1779. Their firm’s interests consisted of shipping, real estate, and other lines of business like slave trading (even though they both supported non-importation agreements as well as free trade). Their ships traded with places like India, the Levant, the West Indies, Cuba, Spain, and Italy and quickly became one of the most prosperous businesses in Pennsylvania. Began his public career in 1765 by serving on a local committee of merchants organized to protest the Stamp Act mostly as a mediator between the protestors and the British agents. He would later serve in the Pennsylvania Committee of Correspondence and the Provincial Assembly. Served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress from 1775-1778.

Significant Roles: In 1775, the Continental Congress contracted with his company to work with the Secret Committee of Trade. Devised a system to smuggle war supplies from France the same year as well as handling much of the financial transactions. Served with John Adams on the committee that wrote the Model Treaty which incorporated his long held belief of free trade and acted the basis of the 1778 treaty with France. Gave his best ship The Black Prince to the Continental Congress. Used his extensive international trading network as a spy network and gathered intelligence on British troop movements. Actually voted against independence yet abstained the following day (which was said to be pivotal) and signed anyway saying, “I am not one of those politicians that run testy when my own plans are not adopted. I think it is the duty of a good citizen to follow when he cannot lead.” Personally paid £10,000 to pay the Continental Army which kept it together since US currency had no value but his “Morris Notes” did. Owned privateers that stole cargo from English ships and engaged in profiteering. Supplied 80% of the Continental bullets fired and almost 75% of the revenue for all other expenses of the fledgling government. Served in the Pennsylvania State Legislature from 1776-1781 in which he worked on the state constitution to restore checks and balances as well as overturn religious test laws that disenfranchised 40% of the male citizenry. Was called to restore the Pennsylvania economy in 1780 when it went bankrupt. From 1781-1784, he was appointed Superintendent of Finance of the United States where he proposed to establish a national bank and chartered the Bank of North America in which he personally contributed $74 million during the war and immediately thereafter while the citizens contributed $800,000. Instituted a lot of reforms like reducing the civil lists, using competitive bidding for contracts, tightening accounting procedures, and demanding the federal government’s full share of support from the states. With Gouveneur Morris (no relation), he also proposed a national economic system in a document called, “On Public Credit as well as managed to make the US currency a decimal currency, a very progressive idea at the time. Took an active role to help move Washington and his army from New York to Yorktown, Virginia where he acted as quartermaster and supplied over $14 million of his own credit as well as coordinated with the French Navy. In 1782, he proposed and presented to Congress to recommend the establishment of a national mint and decimal coinage, which wasn’t fulfilled until a decade later.

Ultimate Fate: In 1781, he purchased a home which he rebuilt. He would later have John Adams and George Washington occupy the house during their presidencies. It would also be the place where Washington would stay during the Constitutional Convention. In 1787, he was elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and arranged to have Gouveneur Morris appointed as well.  Though he had a lot of influence behind the scenes his most significant role was nominating George Washington as president. Though he declined to be Secretary of the Treasury, he did recommend Alexander Hamilton who was his economic disciple. Served as a US Senator from 1789-1795 and supported not just Hamilton’s economic system but internal improvements as well. Founded several canal companies and a steam engine company. Invested in a considerable portion of Western New York real estate in 1791 and soon became deeply involved in land speculation that he overextended himself financially. Due to the French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, and Panic of 1796-1797, Morris would be left “land rich but cash poor” since he owned large tracts of land but didn’t have money to pay the collectors. He also tried to avoid creditors and was sued by a former business partner who had been in a debtor’s prison for fraud. Morris would later be arrested and imprisoned for debt as well as hurt US economy and the fortunes of many prominent Federalists. But this led to the US Congress to pass its first bankruptcy legislation in 1800 just to get him out of prison. After his release, he spent the rest of his life in retirement in poor health and assisted by his saintly wife. He’s buried in the family vault of his brother-in-law Bishop William White at Christ Church. Has a monument in Philadelphia.

Trivia: Called, “the Financier of the American Revolution” and was considered the second most powerful man in America next to George Washington. Has a university named after him in Pittsburgh and in Illinois. Brother-in-law was an Episcopalian bishop. Underwrote the Empress of China voyage which was the first American ship to visit the Chinese mainland. During the American Revolution, he had one of the largest private navies in the world (saying that his firm had 250 ships). Was the first American to use the dollar sign on official documents and in official communication. Launched a hot air balloon from his garden. His icehouse was the model of one Washington installed at Mount Vernon. Backed the Chestnut Street Theater. Buddies with Gouveneur Morris.

So we’re off to a good start. Okay, there’s a good chance you might know some of these Declaration of Independence signers. I mean the delegation of Massachusetts certainly has names you most likely would’ve heard of in history class since Boston was a big hots spot of radical colonial activity and rioting during the lead up to the American Revolution. I mean you have the Boston Massacre as well as the Boston Tea Party. Of course, you probably don’t know who the hell those guys from New Hampshire are. And if you recognize Josiah Bartlett, you’re probably a fan of The West Wing. Most of the guys in this installment you probably won’t have any idea unless they’re very notable in your home state. Which means you’re probably from New England and not from Massachusetts or New Hampshire. This section, we’ll meet the Declaration of Independence signers from Connecticut and Rhode Island as a couple from New York (the other two will be in the next post along with Robert Morris and the 5 Revolutionary Jersey Boys). First, we have Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery from Rhode Island who may be well known in the state. But outside Rhode Island, hardly anyone has any idea who either of them were. Yet, one of them is an ancestor to the woman who’d marry Kevin Bacon. Second, it’s off to Connecticut where we have Roger Sherman best known for presenting the Connecticut Compromise during the Constitutional Convention and is why Connecticut is called the “Constitution State.” He was also on the Committee of Five that actually drafted the Declaration of Independence as well. After him are fellow Connecticut Yankees Samuel Huntington, William Williams, and Oliver Wolcott. Finally, it’s on to the first two guys of New York William Floyd and Philip Livingston who are the ancestors of David Crosby from the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Eleanor Roosevelt. So for your American history reading enjoyment, feel free to read my second installment of the Declaration of Independence signers who were much more than just boring white guys. Well, at least some of them anyway.

9. Stephen Hopkins

Prior to this project, I had no idea of who Stephen Hopkins was but I couldn’t believe how long his Wikipedia entry was. Seriously, this guy might as well be the Ben Franklin of Rhode Island with his kind of credentials. Because I sure as hell doubt that anyone in Western Pennsylvania even knows who he was. “Greatest Statesman of Rhode Island” he certainly was. Good God.

Lived: (1707-1785) He was 69 at the signing and 78 at his death.

Family: Son of William Hopkins and Ruth Wilkinson. Second of 9 children. Grandfather William Hopkins served the Rhode Island colony for 40 years as Major, Deputy, Assistant, and Speaker of the House of Deputies. Great-Grandfather Thomas Hopkins was an original settler of Providence and first cousin of royal governor Benedict Arnold (no, not that guy). Younger brother Esek was first commander in chief of the Continental Navy (though he really sucked). Married Sarah Scott at 19 and had 7 kids. Second wife was Anne Smith, who converted him to Quakerism but they had no children (but her daughter married his youngest son).

State: Rhode Island

Occupation: Surveyor, astronomer, merchant, college administrator, manufacturer, and businessman

Early Life: Born in Providence but spent his childhood Chopmist Hill (now Scituate). Despite being from a prominent and wealthy family (he inherited 160 acres of land at a young age which he’d later sell), he received almost no formal education since there were no schools in the area. But he made up for it by voraciously reading books in his family library where he developed an interest in science, mathematics, and literature. Learned surveying skills from his maternal grandfather which he put to good use to create maps of Scituate and Providence. Held his first public office as justice of the peace at 23 as well as a judge on the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in 1736. Other offices he held during this time were President of the Town Council, Deputy, and Speaker of the House of Deputies. In 1742, he moved to Providence and established himself as a merchant, manufacturer, and businessman. In 1751, he would become Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court for the first time (he’d serve 2 more nonconsecutive times). In 1755, he was elected Governor of Rhode Island for the first time (he’d serve 3 more nonconsecutive times). However, during his governorship, he got into a major rivalry with Samuel Ward whom he later sued for 40,000 pounds, which he lost. Their rivalry would become a serious distraction for the colonial government that they both agreed not to run for office in 1768 and opted for a compromise candidate instead. ). In 1764, he published an anti-Stamp Act pamphlet called “The Rights of the Colonies Examined” which gave him name recognition throughout the 13 colonies. As Chief Justice, he was a principal player in the Gaspee Affair when a group of angry Rhode Islanders bombarded a British revenue vessel and burned it to the waterline. In 1774, he was selected as a delegate for the First Continental Congress and served until 1776 when ill health forced him to resign.

Significant Roles: Co-owned Hope Furnace which produced pig iron and cannons during the Revolutionary War, which would be managed by his son Rufus for 4 decades. Signed the Declaration of Independence saying, “my hand trembles but my heart does not” as worsening palsy compelled him to use his left hand to steady his right. His knowledge of the shipping business was particularly useful as a member of the naval committee that helped Congress purchase, outfit, man and operate the first ships of the new Continental Navy. He was even instrumental in framing naval legislation and drafting the rules and regulations necessary to govern the fledgling organization.

Ultimate Fate: Remained an active member of the Rhode Island Assembly between 1777-1779. Died at his home and is buried in the North Burial Ground in Providence. Though known as “the greatest statesmen of Rhode Island,” he’s hardly known anywhere else.

Trivia: Was an ardent supporter, founding trustee, and served as the first chancellor of what is now Brown University from 1764-1785. In 1769, he was involved in the observation of the transit of Venus across the face of the sun, a rare astronomical event. Founded the Providence Library Company in 1753 and was member of the Philosophical Society of Newport. Depicted dozing at a tavern table in John Greenwood’s Captains Carousing in Surinam. First wife was the third great niece of Anne Hutchinson.  Had very interesting views on slavery and probably wouldn’t have introduce an anti-slavery importation bill (or free any of his 5 slaves) without significant pressure from Rhode Island’s large Quaker population. Had a liberty ship named after him which was the first to sink a German surface warship during WWII.

10. William Ellery

William Ellery is best associated with being involved in a dispute between the Baptists and the Congregationalists during the founding of what’s known today as Brown University. Also, the British burned his house in Newport in December 1776, which was perhaps his worst Christmas ever. Not to mention, he had 19 kids and is an ancestor to the woman who’d marry Kevin Bacon.

Lived: (1727-1820) He was 48 at the signing and 92 at his death.

Family: Second son of William Ellery Sr. and Elizabeth Almy. Father was a merchant and Harvard graduate. Married Ann Remington and Abigail Carey as well as had a total of 19 children.

State: Rhode Island

Occupation: Merchant, customs collector, and lawyer

Early Life: Born in Newport and received his early education from his father. Graduated from Harvard in 1747 where he excelled in Latin and Greek. He then returned to Newport where he worked as a merchant and customs collector. With the Reverend Ezra Stiles, he was sought consultation by the Baptists on writing a charter for a college which would later be known as Brown University. However, being the staunch Congregationalists they were, they wanted to give college control to their group but the Baptists withdrew their petition until it was rewritten to assure Baptist control. This led to him and Stiles refusing their board of trustees seats. Started practicing law at 43 in 1770 and became active in the Sons of Liberty.

Significant Roles: All his term in the Second Continental Congress is significant is that he was chosen as a delegate in 1776 to replace somebody who died. However, he’s the reason why the British seized the town of Newport and burned his home to the ground in December of 1776. This led him to borrow money from his friends to pay his expenses.

Ultimate Fate: All he does after the Revolution is serve a year as the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, became an abolitionist, and resumed his old job as a customs collector until his death. Buried in Newport’s Common Burial Ground. The Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution and the William Ellery Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution make an annual commemoration at his grave on July 4.

Trivia: Has the second biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence. Ancestor of Edie and Kyra Sedgwick (the latter also known as Mrs. Kevin Bacon). Preferred to travel by horse over carriage and was known as the “Congressman on Horseback” when he came to meet his constituents. Loved to grow flowers and vegetables in his spare time. Said to be a kind and gentle man.

11. Roger Sherman

Roger Sherman is often described as a “terse, ineloquent speaker leaving few memorable quotes.” But Thomas Jefferson would reply, “That is Mr. Sherman, of Connecticut, a man who never said a foolish thing in his life.” Still, he’s the reason why Connecticut is known as “the Constitution State” because he came up with the Connecticut Compromise. This Ralph Earl portrait of him is said to be “one of the most striking portraits of the age.”

Lived: (1721-1793) He was 54 at the signing and 72 at his death.

Family: Son of William Sherman and Mehetabel Wellington. Born into a not-so-well-off Massachusetts farm family that later moved to Connecticut. Married to Elizabeth Hartwell and Rebecca Minot Prescott and had 15 children between the two of them. He would start a political dynasty with 3 US Senators, 2 US Attorney Generals, a Secretary of State, a state governor, and a founding trustee of a university.

State: Connecticut

Occupation: Lawyer, shoemaker, shopkeeper, clerk, surveyor, astronomer, professor, theologian, and philanthropist

Early Life: Born in Newton, Massachusetts before his family moved to Connecticut very early in his childhood. Education didn’t extend beyond grammar school or his father’s library but he had a high aptitude for learning to make up for it. He was also taken under the wing of his parish minister, Reverend Samuel Dunbar. Started out as a shoemaker before moving to New Mitford to open a shop with his brother. There he soon became a leading citizen where he served as town clerk and was county surveyor in 1745. In 1759, he started providing astronomical calculations for almanacs. Was admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1754 despite no formal legal training as well as wrote A Caveat Against Injustice the same year. Represented New Mitford by serving two nonconsecutive terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Elected justice of the peace in 1762 and common pleas judge in 1765. Was elected to the Governor’s Council in 1766, a position he’d serve until 1785. In 1768, he became a Superior Court Justice, a position he’d serve until 1789.

Significant Roles: As a member of the Continental Congress he served on the Committee of Five with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert R. Livingston. In 1776, he was on a committee with John Adams which was responsible for establishing guidelines for US embassy officials in Canada with instructions including, “You are to declare that we hold sacred the rights of conscience, and may promise to the whole people, solemnly in our name, the free and undisturbed exercise of their religion. And…that all civil rights and the rights to hold office were to be extended to persons of any Christian denomination.”

Ultimate Fate: In 1784, he was elected the first mayor of New Haven, a position he’d serve until his death. Was one of the oldest delegates in the Constitutional Convention but was very active and influential. Though he initially supported a unicameral legislature, he decided that was unattainable. Thus, he and Oliver Ellsworth decided to formulate the Great Compromise in which every state would have two senators and state representation would be determined by population. He was elected to the US Congress and was elected US Senator two years later. In 1790, he and Richard Law were appointed to revise the confused and archaic Connecticut statutes, which they accomplished with great success. Died after a two month bout with typhoid and is buried in Grove Street Cemetery. He’s probably the best known New England signer outside Massachusetts.

Trivia: Best known for being the only person to sign all 4 great state papers of the United States such as the US Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution. Ancestor of Solicitor General and Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox. Was a treasurer and major benefactor of Yale where he taught religion for many years and engaged in lengthy correspondences with some of the greatest theologians at the time, promoted the construction of a campus chapel, as well as received an honorary Master of Arts degree.

12. Samuel Huntington

Samuel Huntington was elected President of the Continental Congress in 1779 for his calm manner that earned the respect of his fellow delegates. His term saw the ratification of the Articles of Confederation. Not well known outside of Connecticut where some historians call him the First President of the United States, but I think that’s pushing it.

Lived: (1731-1796) Was 44 at the signing and 64 at his death.

Family: Son of Nathaniel and Mehetabel Huntington. Was fourth of 10 children but oldest son. Father was a farmer. Married his pastor’s daughter and possible childhood sweetheart Martha Devotion in 1761. They had no children but raised his brother Joseph’s kids as their own. His nephew Samuel would become Governor of Ohio.

State: Connecticut

Occupation: Cooper, farmer, and lawyer

Early Life: Born in Windham (now Scotland), Connecticut. Had limited education in the common schools and mostly educated himself with the help of the Reverend Ebenezer Devotion’s library and books borrowed from local lawyers. Apprenticed to a cooper at 16 but helped his dad on the farm. Admitted to the bar in 1754 and moved to Norwich to practice law. After briefly serving as a selectman, he began his 20 year career in the Connecticut Assembly. He was also appointed King’s Attorney for Connecticut in 1768 and the Superior Court in 1773 eventually rising to Chief Justice in 1784. Was such an outspoken critic of the Coercive Acts that the assembly sent him to the Second Continental Congress in 1775.

Significant Roles: Was elected President of the Continental Congress in 1779 for his hard work and calm manner that earned the respect of his fellow delegates. It was mostly a ceremonial position with no real authority, but he had to handle a great deal of correspondence and sign official documents. Mostly spent these two years urging the states and their legislatures to support the levies for men, supplies, and money needed to fight the Revolutionary War. His term also saw the ratification of the Articles of Confederation. Resigned in 1781 due to ill health. Yet, he returned to Congress in 1783 to see the success of the Revolution embodied in the Treaty of Paris.

Ultimate Fate: Was elected lieutenant governor in Connecticut in 1785 and became governor the next year, a post he held until his death. Supported the Northwest Ordinance. In 1788, he presided over the Connecticut Convention called to ratify the US Constitution as well as saw Connecticut’s transition to a US state. Resolved the issue of a permanent capital in Hartford and saw the construction of the state house. Died at his home. Buried in the Old Norwichtown Cemetery (behind his mansion) where his tomb underwent extensive restoration and renovation in 2003. Not well known outside of Connecticut.

Trivia: Has a town in Pennsylvania and a county in Indiana named after him.

13. William Williams

Though ordained a deacon as teenager, William Williams would soon have his divinity studies interrupted by his service in the French and Indian War. Soon decided that preaching wasn’t for him and decided to be a merchant. Still, he was a rather prolific supporter in the Revolutionary War effort.

Lived: (1731-1811) He was 45 at the signing and 80 at his death.

Family: Son of Reverend Tom Solomon Williams and Mary Porter. Married Mary Trumbull in 1771 and had 3 children.

State: Connecticut

Occupation: Lay minister, merchant, soldier, businessman, pundit, and shopkeeper

Early Life: Born in Lebanon, Connecticut. Said to profess a religious vocation at an early age and might’ve been ordained a deacon as a teenager. Studied theology and law at Harvard though he took a break to fight in the French and Indian War. Afterwards, opened a store called The Williams Inc. Was a successful merchant and pastor of Lebanon’s First Congregational Church (though he decided that a church career wasn’t for him). Member of the Connecticut Assembly for over 40 years and served as a judge for 35 years. Wrote letters to newspapers on British policies during the lead up to the Revolution and was elected to the Continental Congress in 1776.

Significant Roles: He didn’t technically vote for independence and was basically elected to replace Oliver Wolcott but he signed a formal copy. Signed the Articles of Confederation. Opened his home to American soldiers and their allies. Purchased supplies with his own money and went from door to door raising funds and collecting blankets.

Ultimate Fate: Spent his later years as a county judge. Was a delegate for the ratifying convention in Connecticut for the US Constitution. Buried in Trumbull Cemetery. Home still survives.

Trivia: Father-in-law was a Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Brother-in-law to John Trumbull, best known for his American Revolution paintings. Mostly self-controlled unless he was passionate about something then his language could be described as, “violent.”

14. Oliver Wolcott

Aside from signing the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Oliver Wolcott was also involved in the American Revolution as a commander of 14 regiments at the rank of Major General. Had a town named after him while he was still alive.

Lived: (1726-1797) He was 49 at the signing and 71 at his death.

Family: Son of Roger Wolcott who was a royal governor of Connecticut. Youngest of 14 children. Married Lorraine “Laura” Collins in 1755 and had 5 children.

State: Connecticut

Occupation: Physician, diplomat, and soldier

Early Life: Born in Windsor, Connecticut. Graduated from Yale in 1747. Raised his own militia company to fight in the French and Indian War, serving as Captain on the northern frontier. After the war, he studied medicine with his brother Alexander and was appointed sheriff of the newly created Litchfield County, which he served from 1751-1771. Also represented Litchfield in the Connecticut Assembly as well as Council. In 1775, he served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Northern Department.

Significant Roles: Aside from signing the Declaration of Independence, he commanded 14 regiments and was made at least a Brigadier General in 1777. Attended the Congress in Yorktown in 1778. Was said to be consulted on important military movements and listened to with great confidence and respect.

Ultimate Fate: Said to help make peace with the Six Nations in In 1786, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, a position he’d hold for 10 years. In 1787, he was a member of the Connecticut State Convention to ratify the US Constitution. Elected governor in 1796 but died in office the next year.

Trivia: Had a town in Connecticut named after him while he was still alive when he cast the deciding vote in the state legislature to incorporate it. His town of Litchfield was a site for bullet manufacturing during the American Revolution.

15. William Floyd

Now William Floyd is said to be the ancestor of noted rock legend and lesbian sperm donor David Crosby who was in the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. However, you wouldn’t know it from the expression of his face in this painting. Then again, he probably drank a lot.

Lived: (1734-1821) He was 41 at the signing and 86 at his death.

Family: Born into a family of Welsh origins and had been in New York for 4 generations. Married Hannah Jones and Joanna Strong and had 5 children.

State: New York

Occupation: Farmer, landowner, and soldier

Early Life: Born in Brookhaven, New York on Long Island. Took over the family farm when his father died. Was a delegate in the First Continental Congress in 1774-1776.

Significant Roles: Was a member of the Suffolk County Militia early in the American Revolution and rose to the rank of Major General. Member of the New York State Senate from 1777-1788. When the British were marching on Long Island he had fisherman take his family to Long Island Sound to Middletown Connecticut for safety. When he came home after the 7 year British occupation, he found his home turned into a stable and ruined. He spent a year rebuilding it and getting rid of the horseshit all over the place.

Ultimate Fate: In 1784, he purchased a track of land in central New York near the headwaters of the Mohawk River receiving a grant of 10,000 acres. In 1789, he was elected to the US Congress. Buried in a town in Oneida County that bears his name. His house still stands as part of the Fire Island National Seashore.

Trivia: Is an ancestor of cinematographer Floyd Crosby and rock musician David Crosby (Floyd is also David’s dad by the way). Was listed as largest slaveholder in New York in 1820 who owned 6 while his household also included 2 free blacks.

16. Philip Livingston

Though Philip Livingston’s dad was an English lord with a title, he was the fourth son so he had to work for a living as a merchant. Still, he was a strong supporter of independence even though he didn’t quite survive the Revolution. Was an ancestor of Eleanor Roosevelt.

Lived: (1716-1778) He was 60 at the signing and 62 at his death.

Family: Son of Philip Livingston, 2^nd Lord of the Manor. He was the fourth son so he didn’t get anything and had to work for a living. Mother was a daughter of a Dutch mayor of Albany. Married Christina Ten Broeck in 1740 and had 9 children. Part of the famous American Livingston family.

State: New York

Occupation: Merchant, diplomat, and philanthropist

Early Life: Born in Albany. Graduated from Yale in 1737 and settled in New York City to pursue a mercantile career. Served as alderman 1754-1763. Became a delegate to the Albany Congress in 1754 as well. There, he joined delegates from several other colonies to negotiate with Indians to discuss common plans for dealing with the French and Indian War as well as developed a Plan of Union which was rejected by King George II. He was also an active promoter of efforts to raise funds for this war as well. Served in the New York Assembly from 1759-1769, including a stint as speaker in 1768. Attended the Stamp Act Congress in 1765 and became strongly aligned with the radical block as well as joined New York City’s Committee of Correspondence and Committee of Sixty. Was president of the New York Provincial Congress in 1775 and delegate to the Continental Congress that year.

Significant Roles: Strongly supported separation from Great Britain and used a lot of his assets to assist the Continental Army. Was appointed to the New York State Senate in 1777. Died suddenly during a Continental Congress session in York, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Prospect Hill Cemetery there. Both his homes were seized during the British occupation of New York City which they turned into a military hospital and barracks. Family fled to Kingston.

Ultimate Fate: Livingston didn’t survive the American Revolution.

Trivia: Was an original promoter of what is now Columbia University. Ancestor of Eleanor Roosevelt (on her mother’s side).

For those wondering why I haven’t been posting anything since last Tuesday, you might be pleased to know that I have been working some unique project for a blog series during this 4th of July weekend. Now since the only common traditions on this 4th of July consist mostly of flags, fireworks, and food, I instead decided to do a series on the white and fairly well-off men who signed the Declaration of Independence. I did this because mainly because while Americans all have different ways of celebrating the holiday, we all share a common reason why we celebrate it. I mean these 56 men pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor when they put their name on this document in which thirteen colonies declared themselves independent from the British Empire where all men are created equal, endowed by by their Creator certain inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Of course, these guys weren’t concerned with civil rights, feminism, outlawing slavery, or marriage equality. And contrary to popular belief, July 4th was the day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted, not when it was signed (the delegates added on their signatures later). And let’s just say that the story of the Declaration of Independence is a bit more complicated than what most Americans are accustomed to in their American history class, the media, books, or what not. Still, while Americans tend to have a rather idealized portrait of the Founding Fathers, all guys of noble character who stood for traditional values or noble principles, most of them have no idea of who they actually were. This is mainly the reason why I decided to do a series on the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. We must understand that the Founding Fathers were just as human as we are and lived in a very different time from our own. Sure they may have believed that all men were created equal, but many of them participated in a horrible institution that subjugated black people to a lifetime of involuntary servitude with some of those individuals being their own children (I’m talking to you, Jefferson). Then there’s the fact that while they were big on their property rights except when it came to some sweet Native American owned real estate. Also, many of them tended to believe that working class men are too stupid to participate in the political process and that women were too weak and feeble minded even to vote (Abigail Adams called John out on this). Yes, they might’ve believed in the right to bear arms but they were living at a time that simply didn’t have guns with repeating ammunition (which made firearms technology advance by leaps and bounds since the mid-1800s, explaining why guns are so dangerous today and why we need gun control). And as with marriage? Well, many of these guys didn’t even believe in marrying for love. Well, a lot of them did love their wives, it’s just that when it came to marriage, people in the 1700s weren’t really looking for someone to love than perhaps a hot young trophy wife or a sugar daddy with an abundance of disposable assets. And sometimes your marriage partner was picked for you by your parents and there was nothing you can do about it. Well, there was pregnancy through premarital sex, but sometimes being in the family way meant shame for the woman if her baby daddy wasn’t willing to go through with it, even if her daddy threatened him with a musket.

In this section, I turn my focus on the signers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire. First, you have John Hancock a merchant and probably smuggler who was the President of the Continental Congress at the time. You probably know him for signing his name real big on the document. Second, you have Josiah Bartlett, a New Hampshire doctor whose descendant would eventually become President of the United States. Well, in the Aaron Sorkin universe and played by Martin Sheen. He’s joined by former sea captain William Whipple and Irish born physician Matthew Thornton. Next you have Sam Adams, a revolutionary firebrand who now has a beer brand named after him as well as his cousin John Adams who became a US President as well as subject of a David McCullough book that was made into an HBO miniseries starring Paul Giamatti. Finally, you have Robert Treat Paine or the guy on the Massachusetts delegation you most likely haven’t heard of and Elbridge Gerry, a man who’s name will live in infamy because of the term, “gerrymandering.” And they still made him Madison’s runningmate in the 1812 election despite that. So for your patriotic reading pleasure, I introduce you to the first batch of Founding Fathers who put their old John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence, including John Hancock.

1. John Hancock

John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress during the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Was known for his wealth as a merchant, his notoriety as a smuggler, and his taste in expensive clothes and aristocratic living. Also, loved to party and make it rain. Oh, and he signed flamboyantly big. Still, he was very popular in Boston during his lifetime.

Lived: (1737-1793) He was 39 at the signing and 56 at his death.

Family: Son of Reverend John Hancock Jr. and Mary Hawke Thaxter (later Perkins). Second of 3 children and oldest son. Grandfather John Hancock Sr. was also a minister. Father died when he was 7. Was sent to live with his paternal grandfather and later his uncle Thomas Hancock and his wife Lydia who raised him from the age of 13 (didn’t hurt that Uncle Thomas was one of the richest and well-known men in Boston). Married to Dorothy Quincy (later Scott) in 1776 and had 2 children, neither of whom survived childhood (daughter died in infancy and son died from a fall at 9 while ice skating).

State: Massachusetts

Occupation: Merchant, philanthropist, and smuggler (but we’re not sure to which degree but Hancock’s Uncle Thomas certainly was).

Early Life: Born in Braintree (now Quincy). Graduated from the Boston Latin School in 1750 and from Harvard in 1754. Joined his uncle’s business that same year known as House of Hancock and would soon rise to partner after a year in England. Upon his uncle’s death in 1764, he inherited the business, Hancock Manor estate on Beacon Hill, and thousands of acres of land (he also got a few slaves but they were eventually freed as Thomas specified. However, there’s no evidence that Hancock bought or sold slaves). Was elected one of Boston’s 5 selectmen in 1765, a position his uncle had for many years. Was among the early resisters to the Stamp Act and though he was an advocate for boycotting, he didn’t approve of mob violence as well as hated the presence of the British troops in Boston. In 1766, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. During this time he became a protégé of Samuel Adams who was a clerk and political party leader. In 1768, his crew on his brig the Lydia got in a physical fight with a couple of customs officials on an unwarranted search, which let him off scot free. Later that year, his sloop the Liberty was seized by the HMS Romney after customs officials found 20 barrels of tar and 200 barrels of oil (while it officially carried 25 pipes of Madeira wine a 1/4^th of the ship’s carrying capacity). This, combined with previous impressment of colonists by the Romney’s captain led to a riot breaking out which led the Romney having to flee. Afterwards, British customs would file 2 lawsuits against Hancock and confiscate his Liberty ship, which was later burned by angry Rhode Islanders the following year. He was also charged with smuggling but it was soon dropped after 5 months in a vice admiralty court without explanation. But this led to the colonial secretary ordering 4 British Army regiments to Boston. Following the Boston Massacre in 1770, he led a committee demanding the removal of British troops in Boston and told the new governor that if the redcoats didn’t leave, 10,000 armed colonists were ready to march into the city (this was a bluff though). Was a moderator at the Boston town meeting on the Tea Act in 1773, which would later lead to the Boston Tea Party which he didn’t take part. In 1774, he was elected president of the Provincial Congress and later sent as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress to replace James Bowdoin. In 1775, he and Samuel Adams would leave Concord for his old grandfather’s home in Lexington in order to avoid possible arrest by the British Crown. But they were warned by Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott of British troops so they escaped to Philadelphia.

Significant Roles: In 1775, Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress due to his experience, wealth and distinction, and his association with Boston radicals. But his role was ambiguous and not truly defined other than being the presiding officer and handling a great deal of official correspondence, which led him to personally hire his own clerks. Still, his term would see much of the critical moments of the American Revolution such as appointment of George Washington (of whom he was a great admirer by the way, even named his son after him), the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the driving of Washington to New York, and the British occupation of Philadelphia. Used much of his wealth and influence to support the colonial cause from the 1760s and throughout the war.

Ultimate Fate: In 1777, he would leave the Continental Congress and return to Massachusetts. He would soon become estranged from Samuel Adams due to his vanity and extravagance and the other’s somber Puritanism. Rejoined the Continental Congress in 1778 and signed the Articles of Confederation. Charter member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1780 and was elected Governor of Massachusetts the same year. He would go on to serve 2 nonconsecutive terms. Best known action was pardoning the guys responsible for Shays Rebellion. Was president of the Continental Congress from 1785-1786. Was present of the Massachusetts ratifying convention for the US Constitution in 1788 but had misgivings about the document’s lack of a Bill of Rights but supported ratification anyway with Samuel Adams, which was probably a deciding factor for the state. Died of lingering gout at 56 and was buried at the Granary Burial ground in Boston after a lavish funeral (which would be unmarked until the 1870s). However, despite being hugely popular in his lifetime, he faded from popular memory and his Beacon Hill residence was torn down.

Trivia: Best known for his large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration of Independence (though it kind of describes his personality but he remained popular even though he and Samuel Adams didn’t always get along. But it’s said that he presumably signed first). Still, he left few personal writings and most of what depictions rely on him comes from the voluminous works of his opponents and let’s just say it’s pretty scathingly critical. Was a casual childhood acquaintance of John Adams who lived in the same hometown of Braintree and attended the same church. He’d later be Hancock’s lawyer during the Liberty affair. Wife’s aunt was the subject of an Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. poem called, “Dorothy Q.” Was worth $350,000 at the time of his death which consisted of about 1/714^th of the nation’s GNP at the time. Had a fondness for expensive clothes and extravagant aristocratic living.

2. Josiah Bartlett

Dr. Josiah Bartlett may be best known for being an ancestor to a fictional president played by Martin Sheen. But while his descendant was a fictional creation of Aaron Sorkin, Dr. Bartlett was a real guy who does have real descendants to this day. It’s just that none of them became President, that we know of.

Lived: (1729-1795) He was 46 at the signing and 65 at his death.

Family: Son of Stephen Bartlett and Hannah Mary Webster. Was their fifth child and fourth son. Married his first cousin Mary in 1754 and had 10 children with 8 surviving to adulthood. All three sons and 7 grandsons would follow him into the medical profession.

State: New Hampshire

Occupation: Physician

Early Life: Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts. After learning some Latin and Greek was apprenticed to a Dr. Ordway in medicine and became a doctor at 20. At 21, he moved to Kingston, New Hampshire where he started his medical practice. He would practice medicine for 45 years. In 1754, he helped stave off an epidemic of throat in Kingston after discovering that Peruvian bark would relieve symptoms long enough to allow recovery. Elected to the colonial assembly in 1765. Became militia colonel and justice of the peace in 1767. Joined New Hampshire’s Committee of Correspondence in 1774 and lost his house to a fire that same year (which might’ve been politically motivated arson). Declined his appointment to the First Continental Congress to spend more time with his family (well, wouldn’t you?). After being stripped of his political offices, he was selected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in 1775, which he attended.

Significant Roles: From 1775 to early 1776, he was the only delegate from New Hampshire. And since the most important committees required a delegate from each state, he was on all of them. Was the first New Hampshire delegate to give the affirmative for independence and was the second to sign. Declined to serve in 1777 citing fatigue but served as a physician at the Battle of Bennington. Returned to Congress in 1778 where he helped draft the Articles of Confederation but returned to New Hampshire permanently once they were adopted. This was the last of his federal service.

Ultimate Fate: Returned to his roles as a judge serving in the Court of Common Pleas in 1779 and was appointed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court in 1782 despite not being a lawyer and would soon become Chief Justice in 1788. That year he was selected as delegate to the New Hampshire convention to ratify the US Constitution. Was elected as US Senator but declined the offer. Founded and was first president of the New Hampshire Medical Society in 1790 (guess he had enough of federal politics).  That same year he was elected Governor of New Hampshire where he served a 4 year term. Is buried next to his wife in Plains Cemetery. Relatives still live in his home to this day and give tours throughout the year but it’s said to be up for sale since 2014. Is pretty well known in New Hampshire but nowhere else save for one thing.

Trivia: Best known for being a direct ancestor of a fictional US president from The West Wing (that is outside New Hampshire). Delivered the commencement address at Dartmouth when his son Ezra graduated where they were both awarded MDs.

3. William Whipple

After spending his late teenage years and young adulthood at sea, William Whipple settled down in Portsmouth where he went into the merchant business and married his cousin. Was also a Revolutionary War general who fought at Saratoga.

Lived: (1731-1785) He was 45 at the signing and 55 at his death.

Family: Son of William Whipple and Mary Curtis. Married his first cousin Catherine Moffat in 1767 and had a child who died in infancy.

State: New Hampshire

Occupation: Ship’s captain, soldier, and merchant

Early Life: Born in Kittery in southern Maine (then part of Massachusetts). Was educated at a common school until he went off to sea as a teenager, becoming a ship’s master at 21. Earned his fortune participating in the Triangle Trade dealing cargo such as wood, rum, and slaves (though he totally believed in racial equality, ironically). Settled in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and established himself as a merchant with his brother. Was elected to the colony’s Provincial Congress in 1775 prior to being elected to the Continental Congress where he served through 1779.

Significant Roles: As far as the Declaration of Independence goes, he didn’t really do much. However, in 1777, he was made Brigadier General as well as participated in a successful expedition against Burgoyne in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga. Also led his brigade in the Battle of Rhode Island.

Ultimate Fate: After the Revolution, he became an Associate Justice of New Hampshire’s Superior Court before dying of a heart attack after fainting from atop his horse while traveling his court circuit. He was buried in the Old North Burial Ground in Portsmouth where his headstone was replaced with a memorial by a local historical association in 1976.

Trivia: Freed his closest slave in 1781 because he believed owning one disqualified him as a freedom fighter.

4. Matthew Thornton

Matthew Thornton was an Irish born physician who was head of the 5 man committee that drafted the New Hampshire state constitution, the first of such in the US adopted since the Revolutionary War. Also operated a ferry and spent his retirement writing political articles for newspapers. He was also an older guy around 1776 than this portrait would inquire.

Lived: (1714-1803) He was 62 at the signing and 89 at his death.

Family: Son of James Thornton and Elizabeth Jenkins who were Ulster Scots. Married Hannah Jack in 1760 and had 5 children.

State: New Hampshire

Occupation: Physician, military surgeon, farmer, ferry operator, pundit and political essayist

Early Life: Born in Limerick, Ireland. Family moved to North America in 1716 and settled in Brunswick, Maine. But in 1722, the community was attacked by Native Americans so his family was forced to flee to Worcester, Massachusetts. Completed his medical studies in Leicester and established a practice in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Would be elected selectman as well as representative and president of the Provincial Assembly where he helped draft the state’s new constitution, which was the first adopted after the start of hostilities in England.

Significant Roles: Elected to the Continental Congress only after the debates occurred and arrived so late in Philadelphia that he was granted permission to sign. Served as Associate Justice of the Superior Court of New Hampshire from 1777 to 1784.

Ultimate Fate: Retired from medicine in 1780. Became a New Hampshire state senator from 1784-1786. Spent later years writing for newspapers, farming, and operating a ferry with his family. Died in Massachusetts while visiting his daughter.

Trivia: Grave reads, “An Honest Man.” Nephew was a suspected Loyalist and shared the same name who was tried for treason but “honorably acquitted” (he would later flee to Canada). Has a town and elementary school named after him. Descendants live all over the country and even Paris, France.

5. Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams was one of the most active and controversial figures in the events leading up to the Revolution. However, contrary to his portrayal in Sons of Liberty, the real Sam Adams at the time was middle age, overweight, and a somber Puritan. Not a guy you’d want to sleep with despite what the History Channel implies.

Lived: (1722-1803) He was 54 at the signing and 81 at his death.

Family: Son of Samuel Adams Sr. and Mary Fifield. One of 12 children though only him and 2 of his siblings would only live past their third birthday. Father was a prosperous church deacon and merchant as well as a leading figure in Boston politics that would lead him to become justice of the peace, selectman, and member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives (but he was basically a man almost just like Sam but not as interested in politics). The elder Sam would later get into some banking controversy which led to lawsuits and the younger Sam to defend the family estate for years (even after his dad’s death in 1748). Married Elizabeth Checkley in 1749 (his pastor’s daughter) and had 6 children over the next 7 years but only a son and daughter would survive to adulthood (but his Samuel wouldn’t survive him and die at 37 who was a Revolutionary War surgeon). Elizabeth would die in childbirth in 1757. Married Elizabeth Wells in 1764 but had no children with her.

State: Massachusetts

Occupation: Businessman, maltster, tax collector, newspaperman, activist, and political pundit

Early Life: Born in Boston and was raised in a devout Puritan family (a fact he was most proud of). Attended the Boston Latin School and graduated from Harvard in 1740, though he disappointed his parents for opting for politics over the ministry. But he earned a master’s degree in 1743 leaving a thesis that indicated some of his early political views. Elected to his first political office in 1747 as a clerk in the Boston Market. Launched his own newspaper with friends in 1748. Elected tax collector in 1756 but did his job poorly which had no effect on his popularity with the populace though his opponents took him to court. Was very much against British policy after the French and Indian War and wasn’t afraid to show it. This led to a lot of violence in Massachusetts associated with the Stamp was blamed on him for years (though he was more of an advocate for non-violent resistance and hated mob violence). In 1765, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and wrote instructions for the Boston delegation during the town meeting. He was the primary author of a series of many anti-Stamp Act resolutions there, more radical than those passed by the Stamp Act Congress. He’d also be the first to argue that mankind possessed certain natural rights that governments couldn’t violate (like you know, inalienable rights). Became clerk to the Massachusetts House in 1766 and became a mentor to John Hancock.  Wrote the Massachusetts Circular Letter with James Otis calling the other colonies to join Massachusetts in resisting the Townshend Acts. Though often cited as such, he was more of reformer than an early advocate for independence (though he did say that the colonies would split from the empire if Britain didn’t clean up its act). As soon as the first British troops entered Boston, he wasted no time writing a series of articles known as the Journal of Occurrences (with others) up to 1769, which was probably not entirely accurate but it claimed to be factual since professional journalism didn’t really exist. After the Boston Massacre in 1770, he insisted that the soldiers involved would receive a fair trial and convinced John Adams and Josiah Quincy to defend them (even though he wrote essays condemning the outcome believing they should’ve been convicted of murder). Helped set up the first Committee of Correspondence in 1772, which would lead to similar groups throughout the colonies. Was a leader in the events that led to the Boston Tea Party. Was elected to the First Continental Congress in 1774. In 1775, he and John Hancock would flee from Concord to Lexington where they made their escape thanks to warnings from Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott.

Significant Roles: Said to be a major influence or possible whip in the Second Continental Congress even though his role is unclear since he’s credited for steering them toward independence. But he was a cautious advocate despite his Boston radical image. In 1776, he praised Thomas Paine for Common Sense. Served on military committees during the American Revolution, advocating paying bonuses for Continental soldiers who decided to reenlist as well as harsh state legislation to punish Loyalists in Massachusetts. He was also appointed to the committee to draft the Articles of Confederation.

Ultimate Fate: Returned to Massachusetts in 1779 where he would draft the Massachusetts state constitution with John Adams and James Bowdoin. Would soon have a falling out with John Hancock. In 1781, he retired from the Continental Congress citing ill health. Played a major role in establishing free public education in Boston (for both boys and girls). Was a charter member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1780. Was elected to the Massachusetts ratifying convention for the US Constitution in 1788 where he reconciled with Hancock and became a firmer advocate after the Bill of Rights was issued. Was elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1789 and assumed governor in 1793 where he emerged as leader of the Democratic Republicans. Left office in 1797 due to his long suffering tremors which left him unable to write in the last 10 years of his life. Interred at Granary Burying Ground in Boston. Was and continues to remain a highly controversial figure in American history as his significance and reputation continues to be debated.

Trivia: Was second cousin to John Adams. Has a beer brand named after him. Had little money that friends had to finance his trip to Philadelphia in 1774 as well as buy him a new set of clothes (luckily his strict Puritan upbringing made him a rather frugal man, even after his son died and left him and his second wife with some financial security). Called, “Father of the American Revolution.”

6. John Adams

Despite being a president of the United States, John Adams spent more than a century being one of the most underrated Founding Fathers in American history. Sure he may not be badass like George Washington, brainy like Ben Franklin, or pen a famous document like Thomas Jefferson. Nor could be be considered as charming or likeable as all three since he could be quite the curmudgeon (but he and Abigail had a great American love story). But his contributions and political writings have built this nation and continue to influence American political thought to this day. His HBO miniseries was very much deserved as well as being portrayed by Paul Giamatti.

Lived: (1735-1826) He was 40 at the signing and 90 at his death.

Family: Son of John Adams Sr. and Susanna Boylston. Oldest of 3 sons. Father was a farmer, church deacon, selectman, and militia lieutenant. Was from the sixth generation of his family from Massachusetts and very close to his dad. Mother came from a leading colonial medical family.  Married his third cousin Abigail Smith in 1764 and had 5 children, including future president John Quincy Adams as well as started a famous American dynasty that included politicians, diplomats, and historians.

State: Massachusetts

Occupation: Teacher, author, lawyer, statesman, diplomat, historian, and political theorist

Early Life: Born in Braintree (now Quincy). Began his studies in Harvard at 16 and graduated in 1755 but after a few years teaching in Worcester decided to become a lawyer (though he disappointed his parents who wanted him to be a minister. Not only that, but he rejected his family’s age old Puritanism and became a Unitarian). Earned his law degree in 1758 after studying under lawyer John Putnam. In 1765, in opposition to the Stamp Act, he drafted instructions to Braintree’s representatives which served as a model for other towns as well as contributed anonymous articles to the Boston Gazette. In that, he said that it violated the rights of citizens to be taxed without their consent and by tried by a jury of their peers. Was elected as selectman to Braintree the next year. In 1770, he was recruited by Samuel Adams to represent the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre, which resulted in 6 of their acquittals and 2 convictions to Sam’s dismay. But he was elected to the General Court during the trial preparation. Wrote the Novanglus Essays in 1772 win which he argued the colonists have never been under the sovereignty of Parliament in the first place. Was elected to the First and Second Continental Congress in 1774, 1775, and 1777.

Significant Roles: Had a lot of influence in the Continental Congress and supported independence from Britain almost from the beginning. In June 1775, he nominated George Washington to be commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. In 1776, he wrote Thoughts on Government which would be influential in the writing of state constitutions, defended bicameralism, as well as advocated measures like separation of powers, 3 branches of government, and the concept of enumerated powers. Joined in Richard Henry Lee calling the colonies to set up their own independent governments with their efforts setting the stage for the formal adoption of American independence. Was among the Committee of Five which helped draft the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. He’s said to persuade that the committee choose Jefferson to write the document. In 1779 he helped draft the Massachusetts Constitution with Samuel Adams and James Bowdoin which derived from his Thoughts on Government ideas (but he was the primary author). Served as a diplomat to France, Britain, and the Netherlands from 1777 to well into the 1780s. During this time, he was charged with negotiating a peace treaty with the British, resulting in the 1783 Treaty of Paris.

Ultimate Fate: Was a charter member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1780. Was a strong advocate for the ratification of the US Constitution and published A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States in 1787 which advocated a mixed government of checks and balances. Was elected Vice President under George Washington in 1789 and 1792, but while his role was minor in the administration, he was quite active in the Senate. Was elected President in 1796 as a Federalist. His administration saw the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts which made him rather unpopular (even though he was competent enough to narrowly avoid a war with France, which the US could not afford). Lost out on reelection in 1800 which led him to retreat into private life where he spent his remaining days working on his autobiography, getting back in touch with old friends, defending his reputation, and farming. He and Abigail are now buried in the crypt of the United First Parish Church.

Trivia: Was baptized by the Reverend John Hancock Jr. who was the father of the famous Founding Father. Was Hancock’s lawyer during the Liberty Affair. Was a second cousin of Samuel Adams. From an early age, he kept a diary in which he wrote descriptions of events and impressions of men, particularly cases he observed. Was anti-slavery, owned no slaves, and was proud of it. Had an on-again and off-again friendship with Thomas Jefferson, but he didn’t attend the latter’s inauguration mostly due to the death of his alcoholic son Charles and a desire to rejoin his wife Abigail (they had a very loving relationship. But Adams and Jefferson would reconcile in 1812 and they would correspond for the next 14 years of which 158 letters still survive). Called, “His Rotundity.” Was the first US president to live in the White House. Died on the 50^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as well as on the same day as Thomas Jefferson. Was subject of an HBO miniseries.  First biography was written by son John Quincy and grandson Charles Francis. Was a stubborn and prideful man with an argumentative personality who did not get along well with even his closest allies and it’s these personality traits that hindered him as a leader. Was no fan of Benjamin Franklin whom he thought was a hypocrite. Was not the guy you’d want to talk about the working class. Also, really hated Alexander Hamilton who tried to go to great lengths to discredit him. Described himself as “obnoxious and disliked.”

7. Robert Treat Paine

Other than being a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the first attorney general of Massachusetts, and a justice on its Supreme Court, Robert Treat Paine was also the prosecutor for the trial of the Boston Massacre. He’s not known for much else and is the signer from the Massachusetts delegation you probably don’t know.

Lived: (1731-1814) He was 45 in 1776 and 83 at his death.

Family: Son of the Reverend Thomas Paine and Sarah Treat. Father was also a merchant. Was one of 5 children. Maternal grandfather was the Reverend Samuel Treat who was one of the founders of New Jersey. Mother’s family had been in the New World since the Mayflower. Married Sally Cobb in 1770 and had 8 children.

State: Massachusetts

Occupation: Merchant, whaler, teacher, chaplain, and lawyer

Early Life: Born in Boston. Attended the Boston Latin School and entered Harvard at 14 where he graduated in 1749 at 18. After dabbling in teaching at the Boston Latin School, making merchant journeys to the Azores and Carolinas, and going on a whaling expedition to Greenland, he decided to become a lawyer. So he decided to study law under his mom’s cousin in Lancaster, though he took a break to volunteer as a chaplain during the French and Indian War. In 1756, he returned to his legal studies under Samuel Prat in Boston and was admitted to the bar the next year. In 1770, he and Samuel Quincy served as the prosecutors against the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. Represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1778 and signed the Olive Branch Petition.

Significant Roles: Paine doesn’t seem to do much outside Massachusetts where he returned in 1776. In 1777, he was Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives as well as served as Massachusetts Attorney General from 1777 to 1790. Was on the committee to draft Massachusetts state constitution in 1780.

Ultimate Fate: Was a charter member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1780. Prosecuted the treason trials of Shays’ Rebellion. Served as justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court from 1790-1804. Buried in Boston’s Granary Burial Ground. Still, out of all the signers in the Massachusetts delegation, he’s the least known and the least interesting.

Trivia: Had a cousin who raised a regiment during the French and Indian War.

8. Elbridge Gerry

Elbridge Gerry was a vocal in his opposition toward British colonial policy during the 1760s and active in organizing resistance in the early stages of the American Revolution. Of course, he’s better known for being involved in a major redistricting scandal during his term as governor of Massachusetts in which “gerrymandering” gets its name. And James Madison still chose him as vice president in his 1812 presidential reelection campaign. Then again, he was active in the drafting and passage of the Bill of Rights.

Lived: (1744-1814) He was 31 at the signing and 70 at his death.

Family: Son of Thomas Gerry and Elizabeth Greenleaf. Father was a successful merchant who immigrated from England in 1730 and was active in local politics. Was one of 11 children and the third of 5 who survived to adulthood. Married Anne Thompson in 1786 and had 10 children. Had a grandson and great-grandson who were members of the US House of Representatives as well as a grandson who became a noted lawyer and philanthropist.

State: Massachusetts

Occupation: Merchant, philanthropist, and diplomat

Early Life: Born in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Entered Harvard at 13 where he received his bachelor’s in 1762 and his master’s in 1765. After that, he joined his dad’s merchant business in which he became one of the wealthiest Massachusetts merchants with connections in Spain, the West Indies, and the North American coast. Was vocally opposed to British colonial policy in the 1760s and was part of Marblhead’s resistance efforts such as establishing its Committee of Correspondence but had to resign due to an incident with mob violence the next year. In 1774, he played a major role in ensuring the delivery of supplies from Marblehead to Boston, only interrupting activities just to care for his dying dad. He was elected to the First Continental Congress in 1774 but refused to go, grieving his father’s loss. That year, he was also elected to the Massachusetts Provincial Assembly where he was responsible for assuring that the colony’s limited supplies and weapons remained out of British Army hands. These actions led to the storage of weapons and ammunition Concord where a British raiding expedition helped spark the American Revolution.

Significant Roles: Had a leading role in supplying the Continental Army such as negotiating business contacts with Spain and France as well as dabbling in privateering.  Served in the Second Continental Congress from 1776-1780, where he was very influential in convincing a number of delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence. Believed in limited central government and for the maintenance of civilian control of the military.

Ultimate Fate: Elected as Fellow to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1781. Attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787 but didn’t sign on account that it didn’t include a Bill of Rights but he later recanted after he was predictably defeated by John Hancock in the subsequent governor’s race. Was elected to the US Congress shortly after where he served two terms where he proposed and successfully lobbied for the Bill of Rights he wanted. Supported Alexander Hamilton’s bank and economic system but opposed the creation of a Treasury Department for fear that it might become more powerful than the president. In 1797 he was sent on a special diplomatic commission to France with Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and John Marshall with him where they unsuccessfully tried to engage Talleyrand in formal negotiations and were bribed by his agents resulting in the XYZ Affair. However, while Pinckney and Marshall left, Talleyrand made him stay and threatened war if he left. Of course, such incidents damaged his reputation that he was burned in effigy at his home. But later published correspondence vindicated him but he was so fed up with the Adams Administration that he joined the Democratic-Republicans. Was governor of Massachusetts from 1810 to 1812 which saw a major resdistricting scandal coined the term, “gerrymander” and made him a household name (but not in a good way). He was hated by Federalists so much that they had to get a guy out of retirement to run against him which resulted in his 1812 defeat.  In 1812, he was chosen as James Madison’s running mate in that year’s presidential election (due to being from the North) and was sworn in as vice-president the next year and was a strong proponent for the War of 1812 as well as sought arrest for Federalist printers. Fell ill and died in Washington D. C. two years later. Buried at Congressional Cemetery and is the only signer interred at Washington D.C.

Trivia: Best known for being the namesake of gerrymandering, a process by which electoral districts are drawn with the aim of aiding a party in power. Helped establish a hospital for performing smallpox inoculations on Cat Island, but the facilities were destroyed by a mob. Said to have a couple towns in upstate New York named after him. James Monroe was best man at his wedding. Was a longtime friend of John Adams. Said during the Constitutional Convention: “A standing army is like a standing member. It’s an excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, but a dangerous temptation to foreign adventure.”