Thomas McKean served two states, and there are at least two ways to speak about his colorful life. Thomas McKean was a lifelong public servant, statesman, and jurist who helped shape early American government. He was born on March 19, 1734, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the son of an innkeeper and farmer. Though a Pennsylvanian …
Philip Livingston, born on January 15, 1716, in Albany, New York, hailed from the wealthy and influential Livingston family. Philip spent his youth in opulent manor houses and townhomes before attending Yale College in the 1730s. After graduating, Philip settled in New York City and soon became one of the town’s most successful merchants. By …
Huntington had a very intriguing life, and accomplishments. Samuel Huntington, born in July 1731 in Windham, Connecticut, was a lifelong public servant devoted to the cause of American independence. Raised on his family’s 180-acre farm, Huntington received his early education in local public schools and grew up in what would now be considered a middle-class …
George Clymer was an orphan who made good. Very good. George Clymer, a grandson of an original settler of the Penn colony, became an orphan at the age of one. He went to live with a wealthy uncle in Philadelphia, where he received an informal education and he grew up working in his uncle’s mercantile …
For this lesser-known signer, I am reproducing two separate takes on his life. The first one is from the White House site where I have been getting my information on the other signers. The second one is from an X post that crossed my feed earlier today. Same guy, two different looks at his life …
I just learned today about Caesar Rodney. It seems that he had his own "Midnight Ride" for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Caesar Rodney was born October 7, 1728 on a sprawling farm in Kent County, Delaware. After losing his father in his youth, Rodney inherited wealth and responsibility that he used for …
Continue reading Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Caesar Rodney of Delaware
This is a different take on the Boston Tea Party. 252 years ago today, the British Empire closed the busiest port in North America to teach one colony a lesson, and accidentally turned thirteen colonies into one country. On December 16, 1773, a few dozen Bostonians had thrown 342 chests of East India Company tea …
Lewis Morris of New York was one of two Morrises who signed the Declaration (stay tuned for the other one). Born in Westchester County, New York, Lewis Morris attended Yale College. He married Mary Walton and they had ten children together. As the eldest son, Morris acquired his father’s estate at Morrisania, New York. Having …
Continue reading Lesser-Known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Lewis Morris of New York
I can honestly say that I have never heard of this Maryland gentleman who signed the Declaration. He was an interesting fellow, see if you don't agree! A respected lawyer, jurist, and public servant, William Paca was known for his quiet, razor-sharp logic and strategy—and his impact on Maryland politics before, during, and after the …
Continue reading Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: William Paca of Maryland
I did a post on Ricochet.com, letting my friends there know that I was doing this series. It made the Main Feed pretty quickly, and I was surprised and pleased. One of the commenters there asked for me to discuss the only Catholic signer of the Declaration, and I am granting his wish here. I …
Calling-all-RushBabes 